From the International Herald Tribune, a slideshow about how designers have been uniquely poised for opportunity during previous economic slumps. From the piece:

Designers will be called upon to advise recession-struck companies on how to cut costs without impeding efficiency. They will also be asked to exploit the entrepreneurial opportunities offered by the recession by developing austerity-friendly products and services. An example is the Virtual Wallet online banking service developed for the young, tech-savvy customers of the American bank, PNC, by the IDEO design group.

In fact, sources we've spoken to indicate that small design firms, if they're well-focused and disciplined, can actually thrive during a down economy. For more info:

Video: Surviving a Tough Economy

Article: Turn Slow Time into Go Time

The Obama logo was a ubiquitous as it was successful, but who created the iconic mark that helped propel our President Elect into his new position? The AIGA/Philadelphia is hosting a lecture by the logo's designer, Sol Sender, on November 20.

Sol Sender and his team at Sender LLC have turned the letter "O" in Barack Obama's name into an iconic logo like the swoosh from the Nike. The innovative approach toward branding the Obama campaign has helped set it apart from what has come before. Obama's brand has sparked many conversations about the importance of design in political campaigns. When Michael Bierut from Pentagram was asked where Obama's brand stands against the best commercial brand design, he answered "I think it's just as good or better." Sol Sender will share his insight and his experience of working on one of the most recognized political brands. Register for this event ahead of time since it'll fill up fast.

Posted by Megan

Modofly partners with artists to create and sell laser-etched moleskine notebooks in a variety of sizes and papers. You can also hire them to etch your original design onto notebooks, which would make a great holiday gift for clients.

Posted by Megan

I mean, they're just pencils. But they're pencils imprinted with famous mustaches like Salvador Dali's and Zorro's. What is with this mustache trend? I don't get it, but I like it.

Posted by Megan

Designer Claudean Wheeler (who works on the occasional HOW book) just got back from a trip to Tennessee that included a stop at Hatch Show Print. She offers a great behind-the-scenes look at this classic print shop here.

Posted by Megan

Because a certain member of my household covets a scooter, the press release from VespaUSA announcing their brand-new website caught my eye. In addition to the product information and lovely photography you'd expect, the site includes a community section where riders can login to share their favorite routes and learn about group rides in their towns. London/NYC firm Last Exit handled the site design.

I'll take a red one, thanks.

The creative geniuses at Aesthetic Apparatus recently released a series of posters inspired by OPEN/CLOSED signs. Hang one of these in your window and see what happens.

What began as a never-produced poster idea has propagated itself into a series of 9 mock OPEN/CLOSED signs. Double-sided yet possibly commercially-useless, these signs will relay to passers-by and potential customers that you're not really into categorizing your availability in such limited definitions like "open" or "closed."

via Draplin Design Co.

Posted by Megan

Here's the perfect gift for that special design guy in your life: PANTONE Cuff Links.

PANTONE cufflinks designed to resemble the iconic PANTONE chip are made from stainless steel for everlasting wear and feature coloured enamel in seasonal PANTONE colors. Each set of PANTONE cufflinks comes in a high gloss beautiful black signature box with white leather interior and a PANTONE leaflet showing the colors in that seasonal collection.

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Packaging Engineer
Staples

• Work with various teams to create new structural packaging designs for Staples Brands Group (SBG) categories.
• Work with the Brand and Product Development teams to solve challenging packaging
problems and create new and exciting solutions for all global affiliates.
• Prepares and maintains specifications for internal and external services.
• Collaborate with the various teams to develop innovative structural packaging designs that enhance product features and are cost effective.
• Develop 2D dimensional drawings for paperboard and corrugated packaging and 3D CAD drawings for plastic –based packaging as needed.
• Involvement in all aspects of design from concept ideation and sketching to sampling and prototyping to manufacturing specifications.
• Manage categories and projects as needed. Manage projects to meet established time goals for product launch dates based on product briefs.
• Create die lines of components used for customer approval regarding packaging style and material specifications.
• Investigate new vendors and packaging innovation (materials, graphics, safety, etc.).
• Participates in defining the policy for the projects and prepares and maintains the relevant documentation.
• Must be able to manage a network of 3rd party designers on specialized projects. Interacts with designers and contract suppliers to jointly develop new and existing structures.

Posted by Megan

Create an online profile picture like a police composite with Veer's amusing Unusual Suspects tool. This sort of looks like me:


But this is what I would look like if my face matched my personality:

Posted by Megan