Publication design for the larger titles has enjoyed a long stretch of conservative design. Designs are often hemmed in by a careful set of typeface choices, robust grids and photographic art direction. Some titles play with the type, image and space, yet much of this play feels like it has rigorous constraints.

Many directors and designers find inspiration from titles and designs far-a-way, such as Italian Vogue, or Elle magazines from the 1980s, titles from Belgium, or obscure titles that have Anthony and the Johnsons on the front cover, or the suggestion of ‘homosexuality’, birds, or ‘is not’ built into the title.

Catherine Martin, world famous cinematic art director, was invited by the Vogue team to guest art direct the current issue. Romantic colours and rustic type choices litter the carefully designed spreads, distressed image making do its best to wrangle with an all encompassing grid.

The most interesting outcome was pushing the notion of what a mainstream magazines is, and four collector cover variations of a design was developed and released into news stands. Maybe this be the beginning of magazines exploring the value of the design in print process? You will also note that Ms Martin love a little drop shadowed type as well.

Regular contributor Simeon King found this Live question in the UTS (University of Technology, Sydney, Building 6, Design Architecture Building building, level 3, Ultimo) lift lobby with attached pen, seeking responses. Read more

The complete posted package

Email, landlines, twitter, text, web logs, mass communication have contributed to the demise of letter writing. Read more

Design and communications is one of the first sectors to feel the brunt of change in the community — for the good, for bad, for conservative, for playful, for anarchy, for peace, etcetera. One would argue that change in the way the community consumes has been in air long since the financial market collapse in October 08, and many of our client‘s and subsequent work flow has been carefully monitored for some time — which we don‘t mind in that our client‘s sense of care rubs off on us as a studio and the work we produce.

Alex Tyers, information designer and studio friend sent this article for review. There is much to be gained from being akin with history — the urgency of today‘s happenings are not new happenings in context with times past. Alex dedicated this post with — Here’s a positive start to the year. Thanks again Alex.

Read ‘Design loves a depression…‘. NY Times article here

There is commercial naming projects and there are the naming projects that have soul —  the names of our community precincts — St John‘s Wood, Seven Dials, Mrs Macquarie‘s Chair, Five Ways, Crouch End, Land‘s End.

The Unnamed Precinct project is an initiative of residents, businesses and institutions in the area of Sydney bound by the part of Oxford Street from Taylor Square to Greens Road, including the neighbouring cross streets and surrounds. The five-way intersection of Oxford Street, South Dowling Street, Victoria Street and Barcom Avenue marks the centre of the precinct. The project team work and live in a place that they feel needs to have a name, they are seeking ideas and feedback from the community to clarify this idea.

Having lived and work there, we put aside some time and submitted the following naming options:

In light of the rich local history of artists and artisans one may suggest some of the area‘s most prolific artists under the theme — celebrating local creative people

Brett Whiteley AO (7 April 1939 — 15 June 1992) was an Australian artist. One of the best-known Australian painters of the 20th century, he is collected in most Australian galleries. He had many shows in his career, and travelled extensively around the world.

Whiteley suggestions:

• Whiteley
• Whiteley‘s Corner
• Brett‘s Way
• Endlessism

John Coburn (1925 – 7 November 2006) was an Australian painter. He is also known for his tapestries.
He won the Blake Prize for Religious Art twice.
All the major galleries in Australia have displayed his works. Two of his tapestries hang in the Sydney Opera House and seven hang in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. His works are also displayed in the Vatican Museum, Rome.

John Coburn also was a lecturer at the nearby, National Art School, Sydney which was at Coburn‘s time in the Old Darlinghurst Gaol which was converted to the East Sydney Technical College.

Coburn suggestions:

• Coburn
• John‘s Corner
• John‘s Way

Thanks to Simeon King from Anagram for sending this project our way

Have a go all you naming people.

Visit The Unnamed Precinct here