Graphic Design Works

Here comes the sun.

2011-11-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

We recently completed the website design for Soltech, a North County San Diego based company which designs and distributes solar energy systems, modules and related components.
This startup company services the residential, commercial and utility market sectors with premium and customized solar solutions and its seasoned group of PV industry professionals are committed to building the industry's most efficient solar energy systems.
Soltech is out the gate running with an exclusive relationship with a major solar products manufacturer to build joint venture assembly and manufacturing plants now and for the future.
Check them out here.

Decals are cool.

2011-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

As kids when we traveled on vacation as a family we would adorn the back windows with decals from wherever we might had just visited.
"From stickers on guitar cases to emblems of placed visited. Gene Gable contemplates what these adhesive graphics say about our aspirations. In this installment: Gene ponders non-transferable graphics, or how to dress up your Oldsmobile Cruiser."
Check it out here.

Sick Illusion

2011-09-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

In the image above, the “blue” stripes and the “green” stripes are the exact same color. I checked. It's true.

Please VOTE! (VOTING IS CLOSED)

2011-09-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of American Idol and America's Got Talent I have a favor to ask.

If you could take a minute and PLEASE VOTE for my illustration submission to the Talenthouse "McCartney" Art Contest in the next few days. Voting closes Monday (September 12th)

It's pretty easy and this link here will take you there or copy and paste the url below to go to my page.

http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/aac626f7d07301aa87916e1ce5e503fe/237

Choose from either blue buttons (Facebook or Twitter) in the upper right to vote. It will ask permission to access your FB account but be aware you can easily choose to opt out of any future contact with Talenthouse.

Please share your vote on your Facebook wall in the "Spread the word" section below the voting on the right side as well to add exposure.

You can also text a vote (at no cost). Text TH XEEH7G to 75572.

Thanks in advance and I really do appreciate your vote.

ps: to see all the contest submissions click here.

Every picture tells a story.

2011-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design and production of a custom promotional packet for one of Hollywood's most successful TV and Radio voice-over announcers - Bill Ratner.

Bill is joining the growing popularity of the ancient tradition of live storyelling. Bill is a seven-time winner of The Moth Storytelling Slams and has told traditional and personal stories at the National Storytelling Conference and numerous nationwide festivals.

Using our "look & feel" from the recently completed website, the presentation materials includes a custom pocket folder, which carries an informational brochure, custom DVD and CD, letterhead and business card. The packet will be used to highlight Ratner's storytelling and voice-over classes, and it will be sent to festival directors and educational institutions for performance and workshop inquiries.

Bill Ratner says, "I've done lots of major projects with Nexus, and working with them is the most creative time of my work-year. I can't say enough good things about their talent, creativity, through-put, follow-up and support."

Check out Bill's storytelling here .

World Record 80 gigabyte photo! Gotta see it.

2011-07-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is an 80-gigapixel panoramic photo, made from 7886 individual images. This panorama was shot from the top of the Centre Point building in central London, in the summer of 2010. We hope that the varied sights and energy of London have been captured here in a way never done before, so that you can experience one of the world's great cities - wherever you may be right now. See it here.

I Love New York.

2011-06-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

In the bleak light of the Depression.

2011-05-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

It was an era that defined a generation. The Great Depression marked the bitter and abrupt end to the post-World War 1 bubble that left America giddy with promise in the 1920s. Near the end of the 1930s the country was beginning to recover from the crash, but many in small towns and rural areas were still poverty-stricken. These rare photographs are some of the few documenting those iconic years in color.

Read more here.

Life imitates art.

2011-04-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the official NASA poster for the last Shuttle Mission STS-134. Star Trek fans unite! More cool posters here.

What's right is right.

2011-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

86 Year Old Graphic Designer Sues Volkswagen Over Logo

An 86 year old man who apparently was commissioned by the Nazis to design the famous brand VW logo is apparently suing the car manufacturer for its failure to recognise his works. According to reports he is not asking for money.

The graphic designer Nikolai Borg feels that the German company has failed to acknowledge him as the author of the work because it is too embarrassed by its past and its connections with the Nazis.

Borg claims that he was originally commissioned to design the logo shortly before the Second World War. Volkswagen is denying this. Volkswagen is claiming that the designer is unknown. The design which was filed consisted of the letter V above the letter W encompassed within a cog. This was subsequently changed by the British who replaced it with a circle in 1948.

According to reports the Volkswagen which is commonly known as the “people’s car” played a part in the Nazi’s Kraft durch Freude propaganda scheme which was run by the Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF). DAF as part of its logo had the swastika surrounded by a cog. The striking similarities have lead people to conclude that the VW logo derived from this.

Financial compensation is not sought by Borg. However he has asked Volkswagen to make a press statement with him to acknowledge that he was the author of the work.

Perhaps VW would have elected for financial compensation!

Daniel Doherty

Time Travel.

2011-03-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

See them all here.

Only 59K! Where's mine?

2011-03-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Check it out here.

A moment in time. U2

2011-02-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

This has gotta be one of the biggest VR shots I've seen to date.

Check out here.

Chinese Artist Paints Himself Invisible

2011-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

There is a Chinese man hiding somewhere in this picture ... we swear. The guy in the grocery store is Liu Bolin -- an artist who's made it his "thing" to paint himself like a human chameleon and hide in plain site in photos.
Now you see him, now you don't.

Whats wrong with this picture?

2011-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Check them out here.

For the designer who has everything!

2010-12-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

"What you're looking at above is a real, actual object found in the material world. It's an Etch-a-Sketch so modified, as to look like a glorious leftover from a bygone era that never was. What era, you ask? Oh, the Victorian era -- so named for the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch -- with a great dash of fancy added into the mix. We're talking alternate history, people! A history so wonderful, so beautiful, that a lowly red plastic Etch-a-Sketch could end up both complex and inordinately heavy looking. Made by an industrious youth as a Christmas gift for a chum, we couldn't imagine a better way to make this boring old gadget look so jolly well festive. Hurrah! " Laura June.

Thanks Marty!

UberReview

HaloKitty on Reddit

Sign of the Times.

2010-12-21T09:43:00.001-08:00

4D Projection!

2010-12-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Don't you just [____________] it?

2010-10-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

MySpace unveils new logo. More here.

Who's little pony?

2010-10-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Finnish artist Mari Kasurinen takes something that many of us would never have shown interest in, My Little Pony in this case, and completely transforms the way we see it.

See more here.

Coolest Bikes!

2010-09-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Check out more here.

Cash Makeover?

2010-09-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

The American dollar is in bad need of a makeover. Thanks to the Dollar ReDe$ign Project, we may now have some options.

Organized by creative strategy consultant Richard Smith, the Dollar ReDe$ign Project is soliciting ideas for the dollar bill of the future. "Our great 'rival', the Euro, looks so spanky in comparison it seems the only clear way to revive this global recession is to rebrand and redesign," the project notes on its website. See the entries here.

You mean to tell me...

2010-09-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

You don't have to live in California to know Huell. This is the job everyone wants. Travel around, see things, talk to real people and discover with him that we have more in common with each other than what is different. This guy's the real deal, curious as a kid, infectious, and bigger than life.
Celebrate California's Gold with him on your local California PBS Station or subscribe to his iTunes Podcast here.

A hole in the clouds.

2010-08-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

On the 65th anniversary of American planes dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9) -- killing 120,000 people outright, and tens of thousands more through injury and radiation sickness -- LIFE.com presents never-before-seen pictures from both cities taken in the weeks and months following the bombings. Included, as well, are excerpts from issues of LIFE published after the war that convey the powerful, discordant reactions -- relief, horror, pride, fear -- that the bombings, and the long-sought victory over Japan, unleashed." - Life Magazine

See more here.

Gotta have these Pip-Boy dingbats!

2010-07-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Spice up your email. Politically incorrect dingbats. Thanks Tom.

Download'em here.

Nexus designs for the voice of primetime

2010-07-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design and production of a new media-rich website for Bill Ratner, one of the world's premiere voice-over talents. We have all heard Ratner's voice. Bill's distinctive, versatile voice has been used on major movie trailers, documentaries, radio & TV commercials, cartoon animation and TV promos for all the major networks, affiliates and cable companies.
With an homage to vintage Hollywood, we themed the website as a presentation theater showcasing Bill's rich portfolio of videos and audio clips as well as excerpts from his stories and articles. All "dished up" in an ever constant display screen and media selection bar. We included an area to download his audio reels and a password-protected Client Lounge for easy download of project files.
Bill Ratner wrote us, "I'm sitting here going over my site. It is frikkin' beautiful. You're a genius...I am overjoyed, and my clients are singing its praises."

Bill is now our favorite client.
You gotta check out Bill's new website. Click here.

Big, Bad Drone.

2010-07-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

The TARANIS unmanned, combat aircraft of the future?
Check it out here.

Inflation. What inflation?

2010-07-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

Flying car gets go-ahead by FAA!

2010-06-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ok. Finally. Now we are talkin'. The Terrafugia Transition, a light aircraft that can convert into a road-legal automobile, is to go into production after being given a special weight exemption by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Thanks Chris!

Read more here.

New branding marks direction for interior design firm

2010-06-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design of new branding for Design Moe, a full-service interior design firm located in North County San Diego. Design Moe provides complete design for custom kitchen and bath remodeling and offers custom home interiors featuring bedroom cabinetry and entertainment centers.

The compass used in the logo serves as a metaphor for the remodeling process, which many times can be a traumatic experience for the homeowner. Having a "guide" through the design process takes the guesswork out of the project. We channeled our inner Boy Scout working with neutral greys and khaki and created a retro merit badge of sorts.

Heather Moe said: "As an interior design firm we were nervous about working with another design agency. We found Nexus on the web, enjoyed our initial meeting and gave them some ideas. We appreciated that they were willing to revise the design not once but twice, working with us during the process to clarify our intentions."

She adds, "In the end we are so happy with our logo. Thanks for all of your help."

Redesign the BP Logo

2010-06-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

At the risk of making light of a very serious catastrophe I bring you the "BP (Logo Redesign) Contest."

Check out the entries here.

Guess what that is being loaded into the airplane.

2010-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Give up? It's a hard disk drive back in 1956... With 5 MB of storage.

In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a 'whopping' 5 MB of data.

Do you appreciate your 8 GB memory stick a little bit more now?

Thanks Larry!

Get in the Game with Tony Hawk!

2010-05-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Nexus brands A Sporting Life - a Health & Fitness Festival

We recently completed the design of the branding and all marketing materials for A Sporting Life event. Sponsored by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, AT&T and Clear Channel the event features a day packed with athletes, health & fitness activities, entertainment and music.

Legendary, home town boy, skateboarder Tony Hawk and other skateboarding greats will be performing and over 30 world-class champion athletes will be on hand.

We set out to design a really strong logo using bold colors and graphics depicting the excitement and vibrance of this sporting event. The graphic theme was integrated into all advertisements, flyers, on-site banners, posters as well as web banner ads and online graphics.

Marilyn Phenow, Public Relations & Chamber Development Director said,"Thanks so much to Nexus for the time, effort, and amazing work they provided for all the graphics and marketing materials for A Sporting Life event. It's a huge undertaking and Nexus was with us every step of the way."

Get in the Game!

Frank Frazetta, Master illustrator dies at 82

2010-05-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

As an illustration student in the late '70s and '80s no one conjured up more inspiration and admiration than Frank Frazetta. An American, fantasy illustrator, his moody work was not only imaginative and brilliantly conceived but artistically flawless.
In the 1940s and 50s, he drew for comic strips like Al Capp’s “Lil’ Abner” and comic books like “Famous Funnies,” for which he contributed a series of covers depicting the futuristic adventurer Buck Rogers. He also had his own newspaper strip that ran from 1952 to 1953, called “Johnny Comet” (later retitled “Ace McCoy”).
He went on to draw movie posters, pulp heroes like Conan the Barbarian for comic magazines and books. He also illustrated many popular heavy metal band album jackets such as Molly Hatchett and Nazareth. He recenly sold a Conan paperback original cover painting for a for $1 million. He will be missed.
See more here.

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

2010-05-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

But where ya gonna park it?

2010-04-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

See more here.

Full Circle!

2010-04-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

August 1964 Jess Boucher's mom took a bunch of us ten year olds to see The Beatles first Hollywood Bowl appearance. It was her excuse to see them and now...45 years later I got to see McCartney's last performance at the Bowl last week. Thank you June!

One shot at a good impression

2010-04-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design of a double page print ad for THK Photo Products, the Huntington Beach based U.S. distributor of Tokina camera lenses, Hoya filters, Slick tripods and accessories.

Weddings have become big business and the wedding location photography and portrait segment has grown along with the demand for more creative uses of cameral lenses and filters.

Our message was to emphasize the importance of quality and reliability in todays wedding photographers equipment arsenal. Sometimes having only a split second to get that "moment" captured for posterity puts the pressure on ... and THK is the insurance.

The spread was featured in the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International show book for the WPPI 29th annual Convention this last month. THK's Booth number was featured in the ad as a gift tag with bright ribbon. The event drew over 12,000 attendees and 365 exhibitors to the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Every barcode tells a story...

2010-04-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know the first 3 digits of a barcode tells you country of origin?
If the first 3 digits are:
690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA
00 - 09 ...   USA   &   CANADA
30 - 37 ...   FRANCE
40 - 44 ...   GERMANY
47  ...   TAIWAN
49 ... JAPAN
50 ...   UK

X Planes.

2010-03-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Since I was little kid I've always loved jet planes. Don't know why. Just do. Used to marvel at the concept, run around dressed up like a jet pilot, and endless hours building them up as plastic models. Growing up near a major international airport (LAX) probably contributed to it.
And when you start talking experimental jet planes it takes it to another level. Check out this great collection of x-plane photos. New and old.

Go there.

A Star is Born!

2010-03-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

We recently completed the design and production of marketing materials for the Performing Arts Center in Rancho Santa Fe Underwriting Campaign.

Nexus started from the ground up with the design of the Center's underwriting logo, a sponsors participation brochure, posters and several print ads to support the fundraising effort.

The 400-seat, state-of-the-art performance facility will be part of the R. Roger Rowe School renovation for shared use between students and the North County community. Among the planned uses for the facility are concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, education seminars, performances and private functions.

Marketing Director Leslie DeGoler said, "The materials that Nexus created for the Performing Arts Center at RSF's underwriting campaign did a fabulous job of illustrating how wonderful the facility will be when built, while creating a sense of energy and excitement for the cause - all of which have been instrumental to our fundraising efforts."

Sizing up your boxes.

2010-03-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

Using your webcam and their simulator you pick the right box for your Priority shipment. If it fits. It ships!

Try it here.

The randomness of accuracy.

2010-02-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

LEGO Photo

2010-02-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

From Danish toy company LEGO comes a cool new app for your iPhone. It transforms your photos into a mosaic reproduction of colored tiles. And..it's free!

Get it here.

My new favorite car

2010-01-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line.

Check it out here.

Letterheads

2010-01-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

We used to design a lot of stationery packages but with the proliferation of email, online correspondence and the trend away from print it's fast becoming a "lost art".

Letterheady has put together a great overview and retrospective. Thanks Marty!
Check it out here.

FFFFOUND!

2010-01-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

FFFFOUND! is a web service that not only allows the users to post and share their favorite images found on the web, but also dynamically recommends each user's tastes and interests for an inspirational image-bookmarking experience!

Go there.

Safe and Sound

2010-01-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

2010: Year of the Tablet

2009-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Mag+ from Bonnier on Vimeo.

With Apple expected to release their tablet PC early this year publications are gearing up to develop the paradigm for what could save their very existence. Stay tuned!

Gotta have it. Can't live without it!

2009-12-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

As each holiday comes and goes I think back to simpler times and the gifts that you really remember giving and the favorite gifts you received. Always a standard in both those lists were gifts with wheels and my first Schwinn Sting Ray is at the top of that list. I know I am dating myself but the re-issue of the Sting Ray recently lends some credence to my fascination.

Thanks to Gene Gable of CreativePro.com for the inspiration. He has put together a great visual retrospective of that "certain feeling". Check it out here.

Merry Christmas.

Directed installs new service mark

2009-12-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

We recently completed a branding assignment from Directed Electronics located in Vista, California. Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart® and other brand names).

Directed Electronics commissioned Nexus to design a logo for a new service division, the Professional Installation Network. This proposed nationwide network of over 7000 certified professionals will specialize in installing mobile electronic products after equipment purchase.

The logo depicts graphically the collaboration between Directed and the certified network of hand-picked service providers to insure a professional and hassle-free experience for its customers. The mark will be applied to packaging, point-of-purchase, on-site display as well as service employee badges .

Directed Electronic's Allen Phillips, Director, Art & Creative, states, "I've collaborated with Nexus on new creative several times. When I need fresh, out-of-the-box approaches for new brand development, I don't hesitate to call them. Numerous, fast, and thorough concepts support my tight deadlines and the execution of the final artwork is flawless."

issuu.com - Virtual Newstand

2009-12-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Named in the Time Magazine Top 5o Websites 2009. Go here.

"When magazine lovers get nostalgic about print, they cite the feel of flipping pages, the shock of seeing an amazing layout and the physicality of being able to hold something in your hands. Maybe a gadget like Amazon's Kindle can compete with the old-fashioned ink-on-paper experience, but for our money — which, in this instance, is zero dollars — we'll take Issuu, an online newsstand with infinite shelf space, hundreds of interesting micro-publishing projects and a slick online reader."

By ADAM FISHER for TIME MAGAZINE Monday, Aug. 24, 2009

2009-11-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

The NO!SPEC campaign: Serves as a vehicle to unite those who support the notion that spec work devalues the potential of design and ultimately does a disservice to the client.
Our mission: To educate the public about speculative, or 'spec' work.
Our target: Those who use creative services, as well as creative professionals (designers, photographers, illustrators, typographers, writers and those in marketing, branding and advertising).
What you can do: Read NO!SPEC's Protocols. Place a "NO!SPEC" logo on your site. Sign the NO!SPEC petition. Distribute the "NO!SPEC" posters. Contact us with your thoughts, comments, articles and insights.
Requirements: The only requirement for participation is putting the appropriate value on your profession.

Nexus designs Happenings quarterly

2009-11-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

We recently completed the redesign of Seacrest Village Communities quarterly publication, "Happenings."

Seacrest commissioned Nexus to redesign its magazine to better update its residents and donors with current articles of interest, activities and foundation events. It was mailed to Seacrest's subscription base and is available as a downloadable .pdf file from their website.

Craig Calsbeek states "Starting with a new masthead, we set out to visually open up the regular columns for better legibility and allow for creative presentation of editorial articles. Each issue will be seasonally themed."

Seacrest Village Communities are located in Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo, California.

Play it big & loud!

2009-10-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

The new DVD from ANIMUSIC is an extraordinary artistic and technological achievement. Virtual instruments spring to life and perform eight musical pieces on this video album. In a world where thousands of DVDs are released each year, this one is unquestionably unique.

On apple.com. (Quicktime required)

On YouTube.

One man's trash...

2009-10-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Take a bunch of junk, pile it up, and shine a light on it.
Incredible shadow art created from junk. Go here.

Art imitates art.

2009-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Jailbreak Toys. Click here.

Aston-Martin Batmobile?

2009-10-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

The thesis project developed by the final year students of the post-diploma Transportation Design Course at IED Turin, academic year 2008-2009. The brief was to create an Aston Martin concept car for the year 2025.
Check it out here.

Life....real time.

2009-10-07T19:43:00.001-07:00

PingWire is an almost live feed of images being published to twitter using twitpic, yfrog, and twitgoo. PingWire was created by Allan Grinshtein and sponsored by Zontik Games.

Be patient it loads slowly but you are in for a treat as it gets going. Click here to go there.

Apple Tablet Rumors. Yikes! Newton 2.0

2009-09-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Apple is expected to launch its highly-anticipated touchscreen Tablet by early 2010 and new information suggests the gadget could revolutionize print publishing by bringing book, newspaper, and magazine content onto the high-tech reader.

...or when pigs fly away!

2009-09-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

.

Only $15.00 here. Thanks zazzle.

What if a major corporation designed the stop sign?

2009-09-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Really!

2009-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Holy Guacamole

2009-09-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Our very own Craig Calsbeek, president of Nexus, has been selected as the 2009 California Avocado Festival poster designer.

The 23rd festival runs October 2 - 4 in Carpinteria, California, an annual tradition which began in 1986. His artwork will be replicated on posters, T-shirts, advertising and other promotional materials.

Taking a modern twist on the produce crate labels of the past, the final design was selected for its nostalgic feel and its emphasis on the avocado industry's importance in California, especially the Santa Barbara area.

Calsbeek states, "I have always been attracted to California's vintage produce crate art and I wanted this year's poster to be a salute to this art form. By using distinctive typefaces, warm, contrasting colors combined with hand-tinted grove scenes from the era, I hoped to project the flavor of this true California tradition."

Put everything in perspective.

2009-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

In honor of 2009, the International Year of Astronomy here is a link to a web page that has a wealth of info and visuals. Click here.

Thanks Matt's Astronomy Site for the visuals. Click here.

It's really all about the Logo.

2009-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

The decision on the location for the 2016 Summer Olympics is still a month away but the battle of the logos has begun.

The International Olympic Committee has narrowed the field to Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo.

Go Chicago!

Nexus rolls out Qualcomm Brochure

2009-08-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design and production of a Qualcomm Division partnering brochure. Qualcomm is a wireless telecommunications research and development company, as well as the largest fabless chip supplier in the world, based in San Diego, California.

The Zephyr Portfolio brochure features a global theme for emerging markets with a concentration on wireless technologies.

We used a geo-focused graphic header of the earth and relied on icons to highlight the showcased developer and their applications which are featured throughout this international brochure.

Nexus Design president, Craig Calsbeek, states, "We went for a clean universal look utilizing the simplicity of descriptive, recognizable icons and photos to communicate the information at multiple levels. We also had to be very conscious of the reaction to color choices in the target countries."

I'll just have my secretary whip something up.

2009-08-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

As with everything I don't think people realize how much work goes into what we do for a living.

Photographer Peter Belanger says "After working on the latest cover for Macworld Magazine I wanted to show what is involved in making a cover. I focused on the three main areas: the photography, photoshop and design. I chose a time lapse format to convey lots of information in a small amount of time. The only drawback of time lapse is that since half a day goes by in 30 seconds, the whole process seam so easy! Lots of details were left out of the design process (like the cover meetings and rounds of layout options). I began to photograph the design process after the layouts had already been narrowed down to just three cover designs."

Who's my new hero?

2009-08-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

One for "Our Matchless Friends"

2009-07-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Match books are all but gone but their memory lives on as the "social media" of its time.

Lest we forget...check out James Lileks Matchbook Museum to see what used to be a hot advertising medium.

Strike right here.

Branding the new Ronald McDonald House

2009-07-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

We recently completed the design and production of branding materials for the Grand Opening of the new San Diego Ronald McDonald House.

The new 65,000 square foot building will be a home away from home for families with sick children undergoing medical treatment in local hospitals. The sprawling complex has 47 bedrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities as well as outdoor play areas, playrooms, a computer lab, basketball court, teen center and all the amenities of home.

Nexus designed the Grand Opening mark, Save the Date card, event invitation, advertising, email blasts and promotional banners.

Magic "Analog" Cameras.

2009-07-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Pin hole cameras never looked and acted so cool.

I have always been fascinated with pin hole photography. As a kid I accidentally (on purpose) punched a really small hole in the roof of our garage and the sunlight came in, hit an adjacent wall and projected a realistic image of the view outside. Ok, upside down but crystal clear. If your'e ever in Santa Monica check out the "Camera Obscura" in Palisades Park. Google it.

Magic! This guy glorifies the magic with his pin-hole camera creations. Boy of Blue states "With pinhole what you get is an unmanipulated true representation of a segment of light and time, a pure reflection of what is at that moment. With some exposure times getting close to 2 hours, it’s an unsegmented movie from a movie camera with only one frame."

Check out "Boy of Blue" here.

So basically you want me to work for free?

2009-06-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Take Five!

2009-06-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

CAREER TIPS FROM THE CREATIVE GROUP. WHAT’s IN AND OUT ON THE JOB

Fashion from the ‘80s might be making a comeback in terms of ripped jeans and shoulder pads, but many job-hunting techniques from previous eras should be permanently retired. Following are five tactics that have passed their prime and their replacements:

1. Resumes. Out: Overly detailed resumes. In: Streamlined resumes that list relevant accomplishments.

2. Language. Out: Stilted language in application materials (e.g., “Please find my resume attached in response to the job posting ...”) In: More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality (e.g., “When I learned about the position, I was excited by the ...”)

3. Interviewing. Out: “Canned” responses to interview questions (e.g., “My weakness is that I work too hard ...”) In: Authentic responses that provide insight into your thought processes and how you can contribute to the company.

4. References. Out: A set reference list. In: A customized reference list for each opportunity.

5. Networking. Out: Networking occasionally. In: Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person.

The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals on a project basis.

Find more information at www.creativegroup.com

Speaking of typography.

2009-06-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Check out more like this here. Thanks Marty!

Real. Exciting. Dramatic.

2009-05-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

This a great ad campaign for Court TV dubbed "RED. Real. Exciting. Dramatic." a name given to it's non-fiction programming lineup using an exciting soundtrack illustrated using only typography and special effects. I say only typography but in no way am I way minimizing it's impact. This is strong stuff.

The action-oriented block, which includes over 150 hours of new series, helped the network jump from No. 19 in 2006 to No. 11 for adults 18-49 and to No. 10 for adults 25-54 among all ad-supported cable networks for the first quarter of 2007, which was also the most watched quarter in the network's 15-year history.

"Not when pigs fly away... not ever!"

2009-04-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

FreeInternet.com Advertising: Talking Baby Bob - For more of the funniest videos, click here

Who would think that nostalgia in advertising would be a talking baby hawking free internet service. No one does it with more conviction and enthusiasm than Baby Bob. But then they grow up... he is missed.

Who's got time on their hands?

2009-04-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

What better way to recycle those old vinyl record & cd covers. Calling all "Sleeveheads". Gotta love this.

Find it all here.

Evolution of the Bat

2009-04-05T11:51:00.001-07:00

Plastered on a bottle

2009-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

We all love Jones Soda. Now bring on that custom touch and add any photo or artwork to your own 12 pack of your favorite flavor.

Check it out here.

Jimmy Jams with Elvis

2009-03-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

Reflecting the true luxury of Capricorne

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Brochure design kicks off new branding push.

We recently completed a branding brochure for Capricorne Villas, a vacation specialist dedicated to providing private luxury villas in some of the world's most desirable locations. Its spacious villas combines the privacy and space of a large, exclusive home with the comfort and services of a five-star hotel.

Keeping with the impeccable standards set forth by Capricorne we designed a clean, elegant brochure dedicated to showing the benefits of villa vacations and in sharing the experience with loved ones. We highlighted the exterior and interior appointments of the villas along with the many exclusive property amenities.

Leslie DeGoler, Capricorne Villa's VP of Marketing, states, "Nexus did an outstanding job of not only presenting our company's product beautifully, but communicating our brand message so strongly that our CEO refers to the brochure time and again in sales meetings, saying "That's it, right there, that's who we are." Naturally, it's working wonders with customers too."

The Inauguration. The Big Picture.

2009-02-26T15:40:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States in a ceremony on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

David Bergman made a panoramic image showing the nearly 2 million people who watched President Obama's Inaugural Address.

He clamped a Gigapan Imager to the railing on the north media platform about six feet from his photo position. The Gigapan is a robotic camera mount that allows him to take multiple images and stitch them together, creating a massive image file.

The final photo is made up of 220 Canon G10 images and the file is 59,783 X 24,658 pixels or 1,474 megapixels. It took more than six and a half hours for the Gigapan software to put together all of the images on his Macbook Pro and the completed TIF file is almost 2 gigabytes.

Go to his website here and use the controls to zoom and pan around the photo. You can also double click to zoom in and double click again to get even closer. Too cool!

Obamicon Me!

2009-02-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Shepard Fairey's now-famous artwork for the Obama Presidential campaign poster checkout this very cool interactive website.

Take a picture and upload it, choose your message and submit it to the gallery or create cool Obamicon stuff.

Click here to go there.

Nexus stages Studio Forma's new website

2009-01-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hospitality Design firm gets online facelift.

We recently completed the website design for Studio Forma, a specialized interior design firm located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Studio Forma specializes in all areas of hospitality design, including casinos, hotel, retail, restaurants and bars, spa facilities, guest rooms and high-roller suites. Their client list includes many of the major Nevada restaurants and casinos.

To compliment their work we used dark, rich colors in the design and bright, playful icons for navigation symbols. A portfolio section was created to frame the impressive portfolio of photos for each of the firm's interior design categories.

Click here to check them out.

www.studioformalv.com

2009-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.

Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good."

excerpt: January 20, 2009 President Barack Obama, Inauguration Speech Transcript.

Nexus presents Panodia with the focus on style

2009-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

We recently completed the design and production of this product catalog for the 2008/2009 Panodia Collection.

Panodia is a European designer and manufacturer of high quality photo and presentation portfolios for visual artists and photographers. Its products combine contemporary European styling with old-world craftsmanship. We set out to highlight the special features of the albums and how each album can be customized to fit each customer's needs. With the focus on style we kept a clean, open design to the catalog while showcasing the unique features of the company's photo storage and display solutions.

10 Advertising Words to Avoid in 2009

2009-01-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Shun meaningless words like "a lot" and "guarantee" in your copy. It'll help you out a lot--we guarantee it.

By Susan Gunelius

The economy, unemployment, companies folding, people losing their homes--2008 has left consumers wary of businesses. And that lack of consumer confidence requires straightforward, honest advertising messages to regain marketplace security. In 2009, perhaps more than ever, the words you use in your copywriting can determine whether you make a sale or lose a customer.

Here are 10 words to avoid in your 2009 copywriting.

Free
Ads that include messages about a free product or service promotions can work well during an economic downturn, but consumers need to see the products perform well. E-mail spam filters are tough on messages that include "free" in the subject line. While it might be tempting to use a subject line that says, "Open now to get your free widget," that's an e-mail spam filter red flag that will send your message to most recipients' spam boxes. When the economy is tough, you can't risk having your e-mails not make it to the intended recipients. Replace "free" with "complimentary" or "gratis" to sneak by spam filters without compromising the effectiveness of your message.
Guarantee
Few people believe in guarantees these days. Unless you can prove your guarantee is real, use the valuable real estate space in your ad for a more effective message that consumers are likely to believe and act on.

Really
If you want to waste space in your ads, include "really" in your copy. This word does nothing to help your messages. Instead, it slows consumers down, and they are not likely to wait around for the complete message. Don't risk losing them by loading your copy with useless filler words. Make sure every word in your copy is there for a reason.

Very
Does a message sound more compelling with "very" in it? Is "When you need very fresh flowers, call ABC Florist," more effective than "When you need fresh flowers, call ABC Florist"? If you answered, yes, reread the last paragraph.

That
Once you finish writing copy for your ad or marketing piece, reread it and make note of every time you use "that" in your copy. Chances are, you can delete 90 percent of them because "that" is a filler word that doesn't advance the consumer through the message. Instead, it slows down time-strapped consumers. Deliver the messages your audience is likely to respond to, and deliver them quickly.

A Lot
Don't use vague copy with words like "a lot" that do nothing to differentiate your business from your competitors. Instead, quantify your messages. If you offer 20 varieties of roses in your flower shop, say so. If you respond to customer service calls within five minutes, tell people. Which is more compelling: "You can choose from a lot of shoe styles at Sally's Shoe Boutique" or "You can choose from more than 100 shoe styles at Sally's Shoe Boutique"? No doubt, "100 shoe styles" is more intriguing than "a lot of shoe styles." A lot can mean different things to different people. Don't leave room for guesswork in your copy. Make your messages extremely clear with no room for confusion.

Opportunity
You're not helping anyone when you offer "opportunities" in your copy. Consumers don't want opportunities. They want to feel confident handing over their hard-earned money. They want to know they'll get the results they want and need, not the opportunity to perhaps get those results. Don't let them wonder what they'll get when they pull out their wallets.

Tell them.

To Be (or Not To Be, For That Matter)
Write your advertising and marketing messages in the active voice, not the passive voice. If any form of "to be," "has been" or anything similar appears in your copy, rewrite it. Writing in the passive voice doesn't command action. Writing in the active voice does.

Synergy
This overused piece of jargon has had a long life, but it's time to move on. Leave jargon and 10-dollar words out of your advertising messages. There's no room in copywriting for buzz words and words that consumers need a dictionary to understand. Consumers don't care about your "unique value proposition." They care that when they pay for your product or service, it will deliver the results they expect. Naturally, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as B2B copywriting, where jargon might be expected. In most copywriting, however, keep it simple.

Drinkability
Budweiser is already using "drinkability" in its ads. Seriously though, the point is valid--don't copy your competition. Instead, differentiate your product and business with unique copy and messages that your target audience is likely to respond to.
The rules of successful copywriting don't change from one year to the next, but as the marketplace and environment change, so must your messages. Use the list above as a guideline to writing great advertising copy in 2009.

Susan Gunelius has more than 15 years of marketing and copywriting experience working for some of the largest companies in the world. Gunelius is the president and CEO of KeySplash Creative Inc., a marketing communications company offering writing and copywriting services, and marketing and branding consulting. She is also a published author, and her latest book, Kick-Ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps, is now available from Entrepreneur Press.

2008-11-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

Leaders are born not made.

2008-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's as simple as Bottles & Cans.

2008-11-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Every now and then you come across an effort that needs to be spread around. That's how I feel about www.bottlesandcans.com. This very simple, clean web site put out by The California Department of Conservation will help you start a recycling program where you live, work and play.

Simple. Request their FREE Starter kit and you'll receive a package consisting of a very cool, "one-step assembled" recyclable container, flyers, and info. Plus downloadable posters and guides! Find recycling centers near you then add up your refund value (CRV) with the online calculator.

Check out here. Take the pledge.

How much he was kneaded.

2008-10-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Dough boy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Dough boy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butter worth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Dough boy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Dough boy rose quickly in show-business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Dough boy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

(Source: forwarded email)

Rock 'n Roll will never die!

2008-09-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen it or rented it, put Young@Heart at the top of your Netflix list. Winner of the Los Angeles Film Festival "Audience Award" Best International Feature.

Coldplay, the Clash and Jimi Hendrix will never sound the same once you've heard the this chorus, a group of Massachusetts senior citizens who thrill audiences worldwide with their unusually poignant -- covers of rock songs.

Stephen Walker's humane and heartwarming documentary, which premiered at Sundance in 2008, candidly follows this remarkable ensemble as they prepare a new show.

Watch it with someone you love. Forever young.

Good design makes choices clear

2008-09-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Get out the Vote! AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) efforts to encourage voter turnout in 2008 has moved hundred of graphic designers to submit poster designs to motivate citizens to vote.

A juried set of 24 posters are being printed and distributed nationwide and can be seen, downloaded and printed from the AIGA site.

Check it out here.

And... if you not already you can register to vote securely right here.

Conveying the sense of family at Seacrest Village

2008-09-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a full-page print ad for Seacrest Village Retirement Community located in Encinitas, California. The beautiful resort-style retirement community offers housing and healthcare options designed for each individual's needs.

The goal was to convey the sense of 'family' at Seacrest Village. To show the importance of being comfortable in choosing a retirement community for a loved one. The ad will run in targeted southern California publications.

Carolyn Brooking, Seacrest Village Corporate Marketing Director states, "Working with Nexus Design was a pleasure throughout the project. Their professionalism, creativity and follow-through gave us a finished product on time and within budget that really represents our company. I look forward to working with them again on other projects."

Do the Dew!

2008-09-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Checkout Mountain Dew's Round 2 of their artist personalized aluminum bottles collectible packaging. These very cool bottles feature "shrink-labels" with full color graphics produced in collaboration with select artists and is entitled "Green Label Art". (Chuck Anderson shown)

You can go here to see more. Select Target stores are carrying them.

Meet Emily

2008-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Click here for more.

'08 Olympic Stadium design, fast forward.

2008-08-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Beijing National 2008 Olympic Stadium
Location: Olympic Green;
Total land surface (10,000 sq. m.): 25.8;
Seats: 91,000;
Functions during the Games: Athletics, Football;
Post-Games use: The Stadium is to stage sports events at national and international levels, as well as cultural and entertainment activities;
Groundbreaking date: Dec. 2003;
Designer: Herzog & DeMeuron (Swiss) and China Architecture Design Institute;

Beijing National 2008 Olympic Stadium Aquatics Center
Location: Olympic Green;
Total land surface (sq. m.): 65,000-80,000;
Seats: 6,000 permanent and 11,000 temporary;
Functions during the Games: Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, and Synchronized Swimming;
Groundbreaking date: Dec. 24, 2003;

It's not TV. It's Birth Control!

2008-08-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Something worth catching if it comes back on as reruns or another season was the NBC show "Baby Borrowers." With all the misrepresentation of today's teenagers as "imagined" through the eyes of MTV executives (i.e. "Sweet Sixteen") it was refreshing to see this intelligent take on Generation Y. Imagine a lifetime in fast forward.

Originally The Baby Borrowers was a reality TV show produced by Love Productions for BBC Three. It was then ported over and redone in the U.S. on NBC. The show features five couples aged 18+. Over three weeks they are assigned to look after a baby for three days, before moving on to toddlers, pre-teens, teenagers and finally an elderly person.

The initial season is over but you can catch certain episodes on hulu.com. www.hulu.com/the-baby-borrowers. Must see T.V.

Trademark it!

2008-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

A trademark or trade mark (represented by the symbol ™ or ® or mark is a distinctive sign or indicator of some kind which is used by an individual, business organization or other legal entity to identify uniquely the source of its products and/or services to consumers, and to distinguish its products or services from those of other entities.

A trademark is a type of intellectual property, and typically a name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image, or a combination of these elements. There is also a range of non-conventional trademarks comprising marks which do not fall into these standard categories.

The owner of a registered trademark may commence legal proceedings for trademark infringement to prevent unauthorized use of that trademark.

You can register here: http://www.uspto.gov/teas/ However, registration is not required. The owner of a common law trademark may also file suit, but an unregistered mark may be protectable only within the geographical area within which it has been used or in geographical areas into which it may be reasonably expected to expand.

The term trademark is also used informally to refer to any distinguishing attribute by which an individual is readily identified, such as the well known characteristics of celebrities. When a trademark is used in relation to services rather than products, it may sometimes be called a service mark, particularly in the United States.

Source: Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark