Build Conference identity by Jez Burrows. Stellar lineup too.
Barcelona-based Dvein created these titles for the F5 festival in NYC on April 16 and 17, 2009. Each of the presenters was asked for a list of objects that inspired them, and the results became a starting point for the visuals. (via Motionographer)
Think more, design less. Many desperate acts of design (including gradients, drop shadows, and the gratuitous use of transparency) are perpetrated in the absence of a strong concept. A good idea provides a framework for design decisions, guiding the work.
— This quote from Ellen Lupton is dead on, although when used with the right degree of subtlety, the gradients and shadows she mentions will enhance rather than hinder your design. Dan Rubin advocated this same approach in his keynote at Web09: dial back such effects until they almost disappear, until they present the feel of a real-world object instead of the look of an applied filter. (via Frank Chimero)
Working from the Tumblr offices today. There is a huge Orwellian plasma TV with David Karp’s face on it. Not a joke.
— Andrew Wilkinson on Twitter, probably referring to this. Uh guys, at least down here in New Zealand, the time displayed on that thing is slow by exactly eight hours. And David says hi, he’s having a great time despite spending too long in the sun.
John Ballinger has been tinkering all weekend and here’s the result: a great wee promo video for his upcoming Web09 conference in Auckland on April 17-18. I’m super excited to hear Steve Smith and Dan Rubin talk, but perhaps best of all, Tumblr’s creator David Karp will be delivering the closing keynote address at the two-day event. The cut-off for buying tickets is in two weeks, don’t miss out!
Talking about meeting people who speak in sentences and have complicated lives and make great things and care about a lot of the same stuff you do. That’s the thing.
— Merlin Mann on the importance of getting face to face with one’s heroes.
Webstock 2008 videos
Most of Webstock’s sessions are now available as MP4 downloads. Unfortunately the thoroughly entertaining hour-and-a-half epic from Damian Conway was not recorded (at the presenter’s request). See him in the flesh if you ever get the chance. Jason Santa Maria’s presentation on the problems with presenting content in a strictly templated environment was a highlight also.
