Inspired by TyPE. Inspired me.

Aaron built a small very uninteresting shelving unit for our studio, and all i could think of was 'yeah another carpenter' (sarcastic as ever). It wasn't until he pulled out his porti, i was gobsmacked. My mother's words never judge a book came running back into my head. I had underestimated the man. I was inspired.

Craftsman, designer and full on talent. Aaron studied in Ireland and is inspired by his travelling. Since being in South Africa, he has designed the exhibition stand for Heath Nash, for the annual Design Indaba Expo. And is currently working on a range of lighting for an established Art Gallery.

Now have a look at his work...Done in collaboration with Selina Swayne, studying at the RCA, the chair is inspired by elements of Baskerville font.

The inspiration: "An interest in the basic terms of typography led to research concerning the different parts of a letter and the elements that make up the alphabet. Aiming to bring the details of type normally reserved for letterpress and typography into everyday life, the shapes were developed into 3D, with the ‘legs’ and ‘arms’ of the letters naturally lending themselves to the form of a chair."

Here's where you can find him... www.aaronkearneydesign.com
or on +27 (0) 719 001 201

The {B} word

B-Word Worldwide, doing business as Bitch Media, is the nonprofit organization best known for publishing the magazine Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture. Bitch Media’s mission is to provide a feminist critique and analysis of pop culture, to encourage discussion about how the media influences us, and to promote the connection between cultural critique and social-justice activism.

It's not only for the girl's i promise, there is a lot boys will enjoy too. Bitch has a diverse audience, which keeps the dialogue and the movement dynamic and strong. Bitch not only plays a role in exploring a diverse range of topics, it also provides a toolkit for engaging in analysis that promotes activism and impels social change. The blogs are great, and there are some interesting and exciting creative women. However, i'm not convinced that you need to have an intire sight to promote your sexual orientation, what about promoting your skills as a woman... but each one to themselves, check it out anyway.. http://bitchmagazine.org/issues

Shoes, the perfect shoes for your boyfriend jacket..

There is definitely a move in fashion towards a look that i would call .. boys are looking more like girls and the girls could be mistaken for boys. And although reading this it sounds horrific, the fashion has got a sophisticated edge, the jackets although boyfriend style with rolled sleeves. I like the move away from dirty to chic. The Fall 2009 boyfriend jacket craze has provided the perfect excuse to make that one-time boring staple - the black blazer - an integral part of your everyday wardrobe. Whether you’re going casual or dressy, “office chic” has suddenly become “always chic” with the boyfriend jacket.

So here are the perfect shoes to go with that jacket...


Bespoke shoe maker, Sue Engles established her shoe making studio in Observatory, Cape Town. The workshop is small and designed to cater for exclusive lines of beautifully crafted contemporary shoes. Sue uses traditional methods of shoe making, which date back centuries, are used together with modern twists in the design of the shoe. The shoe designs are influenced by current trends blended with a historical reference.


Bespoke shoes are made in such a way that components may be renewed or repaired if and when necessary.
 The full leather linings and leather insoles allow for breath ability. Dress shoes and boots are soled with premium quality vegetable tanned leather. The casual range has air cushioned rubber soles that are light and durable.

Her shoes definitely complement what is new and trendy in fashion whilst the quality is of supreme importance to her. These are a must have in your closet check out... www.zasu.co.za

typographically fun and green

Alphabot, a typographically built robot, which is creatively introduces the alphabet to kids. And maybe, i'm not a kid anymore but i want one for my bookshelf.

I would the equally like the bright Birds A-Z (below), who’s sharply illustrated alphabet is cushioned in red and blue.

The fresh, distinct design of Bold and Noble’s lively prints exude a playful energy that is at once appealing to adults and kids, making them something of a special addition to home decor.

Which also are 'green', i should have guessed this as most forward thinking designs are started by the most forward thinking individuals. There are a dozen striking designs to spoil the senses, each available in two colour options, that are silk screen printed onto recycled card and delivered in eco cardboard tubes.

Make sure you check out their delightful Little Acorns Height Chart; measure yourself and the little ones.. depending on who wants to be the kid today.

handing written type

Hand written although often the over used cheesy option, i did some research and found some big brands that have successfully used this option. Ford, Davidoff and Harrods, hou sehold names are examples of making hand writing less cheese. The key element is the simplicity of these logo's and their us e of white space as part of the branding.

negative space

Its hard to be really creative these days. But here are some old and new logos that will keep you inspired.. and hopefully get that pencil back in your hand. It’s hard to beat a clever use of negative space in a logo design. Here are some logos I enjoy that use white space well, along with the designers and agencies who created them.

And of course here are the references.
Top from left to right: Ryan Biggs Associates logo, The Waterways Trust logo By Pentagram, American Institute of Architects Center logo By Pentagram
Bottom from left to right: Guild of Food Writers logo By 300million , New Bedford Whaling Museum logo By Malcolm Grear Designers, Nexcite logo By Amore Via Blair Thomson

Mr Poulter... indie artist

Justin Poulter is a young illustrator, who is changing the scene of Cape Town, as we know it. His great use of line, negative space and contrasts makes one think of traditional line drawings only found in encyclopedia's today. Now i know that sounds like a insult, but it really is not. The skill and detail found in these illustrations, is the foundation needed to be able to bend the rules.

His subject matter is always fresh, slightly indie and cool but i gotta say there is not one piece that i don't want. I am definitely not the all knowing voice.. but what i do know, is that i can't help but not say a quiet 'oooohhhh' while glancing around the room, in hopes i could maybe throw it in my handbag. He's rough around the edges and slightly off center, but creativity often requires these 2 very things.

There is so much more that is going to happen in this space.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1horsetown/