Just check out Nippl.es.

A while back I did an explanation on wheelchair icons, and some information on a new icon that was starting to appear across the US. (Check it out below the comic here.) TLDR: The old icon implies a level of inactivity in the handicapped that isn’t that great, a new icon that is more “active” is a much better idea.

A group of academics are looking to change the handicapped icon on a grander scale, working to get New York City to adopt the new symbol you see above. The story starts as a guerilla marketing campaign and grows into a full-blown movement. An interesting read.

READ HERE »

Don’t worry. I saw it.

Today’s Google Doodle (when they change the main image on Google.com?) is in honor of Saul Bass’ 93rd birthday. Saul Bass was an amazing graphic designer who also worked on movie title sequences (as well as posters for) many films, including many Alfred Hitchcock films. Or, to put it another way, you know that poster behind Wilson’s desk in House?

Saul Bass.

If you want to read more about Saul Bass’ career start with his Wikipedia page. And you may also want to check out this listing of all the Google Doodles and their history, it’s an interesting read.

This is like a real-life cheese that I would have written.

Systemic Rebecca sent me news of undies for the designer in us all. Underpants by Pantone color matching system. But what happens when you wash them a ton and the color fades, do they go from 382C to 382U?

This also may be a great time to encourage designers to hook up with each other, just so someone around you appreciates the reference. There’s a “color bridge” joke in there somewhere.

Source »

I’m still deciding if I’m really going to make the next comic about “procrasturbation”. Also, thanks to Systemics Marty and Grace for help figuring out how to write this one. I can’t say it took the whole month but I was a little stuck.

Super Art Fight at the Black Cat on February 22nd!

In an ongoing effort to pretend to be a rock star, the Super Art Fight crew (including myself) is playing a show in Washington, DC at the legendary Black Cat rock club! I couldn’t be more excited. February 22nd, 9:30pm doors, $12 tickets, all ages. More details and info on preorders here.

I’m talking about comics and stuff in Baltimore!

I’m giving a talk called “How Comics Can Make Us Better Designers” to the web/design/development community in Baltimore as part of “Refresh Baltimore” on February 26th. It’ll be based upon but a revised and awesomer version of the talk I gave at Refresh last fall. It’s free. You should come! Here’s the EventBrite. Here’s the other details.

I’d love to see some Systemics in the crowd, and I’ll have time to answer all the questions people have on design and comics and stuff. Let me know if you can make it!

…in which my stunt double explains the deal with Comic Sans. I’m down with it.

This seems like the logical evolution of the iTunes logo. Soon, the interface will be so glossy it’s entirely white.

Be sure to check out the other iTunes and logo posts. That’s what those big yellow words below this text is for!

Still raising money for #Movember. There’s still time! I’m $15 away from a shiny round number!!! http://mobro.co/rossnover

I guess I should put a psot here. Fine.

It’s amazing how your perspective can change.

When I was in school, I thought what made a good design was merely one thing: a good designer. Now I realize the truth is much larger than that. Projects are a collaboration between all those involved, and cannot succeed without everyone doing their part, or one person being the Incredible Hulk and doing everyone’s part (or at least scaring them off with the green and the gamma rays and all). Sure, a great designer can make the best of a bad situation and turn it into a great result, but even that isn’t a skill of a “talented designer”, it’s the skill of a talented Designer (capital D).

What’s the difference between a designer and a Designer? You earn a capital “D” when you can see the bigger picture and work within it. When you learn not just how to create something that you were taught in school, but to work in the professional role of a Designer. Create something that’s not just interesting-looking or functional, but that works for the client and meets the project’s goals. Can design the amazing within scope and budget. Tracks their time and keeps other members of the team in mind. Fills in the gaps when others come up short. Can sell the client on good ideas. Only suggests things that they can make happen. AND, can balance all of these things with other projects. Sounds boring, but it’s not. It’s what makes you successful.

Sure, it helps to be a good designer to be a good Designer, but it’s time to start looking at the bigger picture.

Oh, and don’t use Papyrus or Impact. Ever.