An invisible bike helmet is in the works.

An interesting looking bicycle lamp that projects grids to show terrain. (Very Tron.)

The title pretty much says it all, but look how thoroughly detailed this thing is:

Use it as reference throughout the new season (which is all on Netflix now). I’m a few episodes in and love it, but feel free to use the comments for this post to tell me and others your thoughts. I’ll be arguing with anyone that doesn’t think it’s awesome. COME AT ME, BROTHER.

Find The Chart Here »

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 »

As discussed many times in the past, I like me some Mad Men. It’s a few things:

• It’s a show which is about as close as TV has ever come to showing graphic design (though admittedly design and advertising are related but not the same)
• It’s a sophisticated and interesting drama to watch unfold
• I have a soft spot for 60’s culture when it comes to style, music, culture, etc.
• Jon Hamm, *unf*

And with the show back on there’s more cool Mad Men stuff to share!

Mad Men As Muppets

This is just one of the full set that I found on Laughing Squid. They’re all pretty great both for how absurd the images are as well as how amazing the comparisons are. CHECK IT »

Mod Men

Some interesting visual comparisons between how these characters existed in the 60’s versus their current-day technological counterparts. Again, a whole set with interesting comparisons. Also again via Laughing Squid. DO IT »

My friend (and fan of the comic and more importantly cancer survivor) Sam has a crowd-funded project to help those dealing with cancer by providing them with better nutrition. All of the artwork rewards are pretty great and drawn by many of the Super Art Fight crew. Anyway, I want to help her make this happen so if you have a few bucks, even only $1, send it her way.

Unless you LIKE cancer. Then don’t support her. Otherwise, here’s the project page.

Systemic Marty linked me to an Onion article that really really made me sad:

Find The Thing You’re Most Passionate About, Then Do It On Nights And Weekends For The Rest Of Your Life

This is pretty much what you’re reading right now, the thing I do on nights and weekends. Anyway, ouch. But I figured you guys would want to read it. My favorite bit:

It could be anything—music, writing, drawing, acting, teaching—it really doesn’t matter. All that matters is that once you know what you want to do, you dive in a full 10 percent and spend the other 90 torturing yourself because you know damn well that it’s far too late to make a drastic career change, and that you’re stuck on this mind-numbing path for the rest of your life.

Is there any other way to live?

This comic, Super Art Fight, freelance, it has all fit around a “day job” of some sort for me. I’m honestly not sure if I could do these things full time, as all my ideas come from my experiences in said day jobs. Some people (like Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist) will tell you this is fine, and that a job gives you stability and money and insurance, therefore the freedom to do what you want the way you want to do it. Others would clearly say that this is bullshit, and you should be doing what you want with your time.

I think you need to have things you do outside of your job. Hobbies, or more likely in this day and age a hobby that seems more like a side business in some way, help give you something else to think about and help hone the skills that employers wish you had but aren’t willing to pay for, or at the least help keep you sane while meanwhile driving you insane.

What do you think? Should you be basically serving more mistresses? Should we all be doing exactly what we love? Is it ever this simple? What do you do when you aren’t fulfilling your tons of commitments? Seriously, I’m asking.

Go read the whole thing and be sad »

Last week Geoff (my Friendly Design Bro) introduced me to a game called Ridiculous Fishing, which I wholeheartedly recommend to you all. Here’s the highlights:

• You try and avoid fish while your lure attempts to make its way further downward to the bottom of the lake/sea/ocean.
• You have a chainsaw.
• Once you snag a fish, you try and grab as many as you can on your way back up.
• When you get to the surface, they all shoot into the air!
• THEN YOU SHOOT THEM WITH A GUN.

If you like funny songs about bikes (and already listen to Motherfucking Bike as your anthem) here’s the alternative, “Performance” by Robin Moore.

Thanks to Systemic @innerspaeth for sending it my way!

PUTTING OUT THE CALL. I’m back to posting fun shit more of the time, so send it over to systemcomic@gmail.com. If you think it belongs on this site (general awesomeness, hilarity, design, bikes, coffee, etc.), send it over. No guarantees it’ll make the cut but hey, give it a shot!