by Signify. Location: Cinque Terre, Italy

Because it’s a wintery day and I am already wishing for warmer weather, I thought I’d share a bright, cheery photo with you. And here are my finds for this week!

• A unique and cheery pop can that correlates nicely with my photo. (and yes, being from the Midwest I do say “pop”). This one is interesting, too.
• I love this chair art piece. Great statement piece for the modern house.
• Fun postcard reminders that technology should take the back burner to relationships and non-digital experiences.
• Don’t underestimate cups made from Styrofoam – espeically ones with artwork on them.
• Um, Deuce Creative has an amazing work space.
• Best door hanger ever – make sure to scroll over the images for the full effect.
• A great type evolution diagram by the oh-so talented, Jessica Hische.

Links are fun…please share!

- Laura

by Signify. Location: Gimmelwald, Switzerland

From the ever insightful, creative Frank Chimero:

“There are no recipes.”

Stop looking for a recipe for success. You want it? So far as I can tell, it is to relentlessly do what you’re best at, keep at it, and to keep moving and take advantage of opportunities.

Stop looking for recipes about how to find work. You want it? Do what you’re best at, tell people about it, make incredible work and every once in a while remind people you exist in a way that best represents you. There’s no one true way to promote.

My take: Don’t worry about the right way to be a better entrepreneur/creative/person…just be yourself, nobody can do that better. So while there is no one recipe, the key ingredients are to be smart, be persistent, be proactive and be unique. And success will follow in some form or another.

- Laura

ps. in case you didn’t realize, my photo represents a “kick in the pants” for those of us who need it.

by Signify. Location: Venice, Italy

Well it’s nearing Valentine’s Day, so I thought I’d showcase a photo from one of the most romantic places on earth – Venice. And normally I don’t recognize the holiday because it just seems to have the opposite effect of what’s being celebrated. Something just feels so unromantic to me when every other couple is celebrating their love on the same day. So Ryan and I like to cheat the system and go against the norm by celebrating on the 13th – our dating anniversary. It works for us!

Anyway, for the special day I wanted to share some links reflecting my favorite kind of design in honor of love – packaging design. So of course thanks to thedieline.com, here are the finds for this week!

• To kick things off, these printable love coupon matchbooks, chocolate wrappers and tea bag cosies are super pretty and appropriate for the special day, or any other romantic time.
• San Fran beer packaging – love the city, love the look. Did I say love yet?
• Minimalistic design and economic, too.
• Speaking of economic, check out these cool school supplies.
• Perfect – ABC paper cups for the typography lover and party planner.
• Tea packaging is among the most interesting and beautiful design, and same goes for alcohol.
• Lovely letterpress wedding invitations.
• Not necessarily packaging, but I think this set of collages is very romantical.
• Okay, and I could not resist sharing this link even though it’s not packaging design or romantic, but it is another one of my favorite things – a delightful type mobile.

Happy day of love!

- Laura

by Signify. Location: Venice, Italy

We’re now already in February (dang, time flies), and it just so happens to be Ryan’s birthday today! So I’d like to dedicate this post to him on this very special day. However, since he didn’t provide me with any of his favorite links, I’ve selected a few I know he’d enjoy.

• It’s making a comeback in an unlikely, unique way – the mullet, social media style.
• The art history poster cheat sheet. Ryan’s favorite is: “Duchamp owns everything” – well, it’s true. And I especially like this one: “Calder owns mobiles” – he does and they are amazing.
• Our friend is a pilot and we like design, so this airplane rebranding blends the two professions together quite nicely, as well as adds a punch of humor.
• Liking these hand-painted ceramic bowls, and I’m sure Ryan could replicate them.
• We like beer and we like graphics – if these taste as good as they look, this beer would be on our list of beverages. And give me a weizen with this fun label design.

That’s all we’ve got for you this week. Cheers!

- Laura