Aaron Szymanski

Pop

2012-02-14T22:34:00.002-05:00

My father died today. One of my favorite memories with him was watching the Sci-Fi classic Blade Runner together in the theatre in 1982. I was 13 and the movie was way over my head but it was just the two of us and I loved it. If you have ever seen it you will know what I mean when I say it was over my head.

Kraken

2012-02-14T19:23:00.002-05:00

Park lounge by Benson

2012-02-13T17:49:00.002-05:00

Saw this in a showroom in Brooklyn today. The proportions and facets work unexpectedly well.

Lego Moai

2012-02-13T17:44:00.002-05:00

13th century carvings translated into lego statues. Really appropriate for Lego to do this since they borrowed so much from Rapa Nui for their Bionicle line.

Blank

2012-02-13T17:41:00.001-05:00

Check out this new restaurant concept on Kickstarter.

Annemarie

2012-02-10T16:41:00.002-05:00

Ok. So a couple people have asked for pictures of Annemarie instead of the flowers she has been getting. So, here she is wearing the pajamas Marlene sent and holding the lung vacuum know to us as the briefcase.

Uhaul

2012-02-09T23:49:00.002-05:00

Awesome reboot of the classic trailer. Too bad the tolerances of the fiber glass aren't better.

Annemarie

2012-02-09T20:27:00.002-05:00

A couple people have asked me so for those looking to send something to Annemarie while she is in the hospital here is the contact info for the place that I have been using. They are very nice, thoughtful and creative. Most importantly Annemarie has been really enjoying everything they have brought. They tell us she will be there at least until Monday.

Zuzu’s Petals Brooklyn
www.zuzuspetalsbrooklyn.com
(718) 638-0918
Ask for Fonda

ZUZU

2012-02-08T23:07:00.004-05:00

My friends at Zuzu's petals in Brooklyn have done it again! This arrangement is amazing and if you want to know what the flowers are let me know and I can find out, Pop.

simple but not easy

2012-02-07T21:36:00.000-05:00

Zeospot

2012-02-06T22:44:00.003-05:00

Saw it on Zeospot, a shipping container turned into a elevated cabin. i bet it gets hot inside.

iphone alarm clock

2012-02-06T22:39:00.003-05:00

interesting idea but a little too big and the proportions look heavy. I think that about 50% of the projects we are working on right now involve the iphone or at least reference it is some way. The only other time I can remember something having that kind of influence across all catagories was when the New Beetle came out.

NYM

2012-02-05T16:59:00.002-05:00

New York Methodist hospital in Brooklyn was started in the late 1800's. The original structure and grounds are really impressive. Too bad the current structure is such an architectural failure. The current campus is inefficient, unremarkable, ugly and difficult to maintain.

More flowers

2012-02-04T15:51:00.001-05:00

These were from zuzu's petals but the ones sent from the Evo team were even nicer. Too bad my iphone 1.0 has such a lame camera.

Annemarie's flowers

2012-02-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

playing cards

2012-01-30T22:25:00.003-05:00

I'd like to design a set at some point. Seems like they are becoming popular again. I think that the white field and the number placement and suits are the only placements.

Umm

2012-01-28T15:11:00.002-05:00

Saw this posted by my friend Kevin on FB. Creative, but also a bit gross.

not sure

2012-01-27T15:14:00.002-05:00

I wish the base related better to the reservoir.

parrot

2012-01-27T14:53:00.002-05:00

I'd like it better if it worked well.

Edison Award

2012-01-27T14:35:00.002-05:00

Found out that we were part of the team that won an Edison Award. Our part was the ID work we did with our friends at Preserve. Anyway, because we won last year I got to be a judge this year. Interesting process. IDSA should take note. This logo is for an award of the same name given out in India but I like it better that the plump and oddly calligraphic lightbulb associated with our award.

Dr. Dre

2012-01-27T13:57:00.002-05:00

Working on a headphone project. Amazing how many different designs are in the catagory.

Rockhouse hotel

2012-01-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

brownie

2012-01-19T15:23:00.003-05:00

Kodak is filing for creditor protection today. Chapter 11 I think. Kind of depressing but from everything I have read it was greed that got them there. It sounds like they sat on digital camera technology (which they invented) rather than being the ones to introduce it because they wanted to continue to rake in the profits from their film and processing business. They got so big and bloated that it is not surprising that even with several successful very divisions they couldn't keep afloat. Imagine the impact this will have on the already beaten-down western NY area? Glad I got out of the stock with a modest profit I bet many did not.

wall mounted fireplace

2012-01-19T14:31:00.001-05:00

rocking chair

2012-01-17T11:15:00.002-05:00

Two person rocking chair night be a little big for most homes but is still interesting. This one is called the sway chair. Nice find Heather.

folding umbrella

2012-01-16T15:05:00.001-05:00

Interesting line of folding umbrella concepts from our friends at XEN.

Tonina

2012-01-16T14:43:00.003-05:00

This is an initial image of a piece of scientific equipment we developed with AIS. The entire internal mechanism was invented by Mohan and the photo is the work of Marshall Troy.

body bag

2012-01-12T11:22:00.002-05:00

What is good product design? Classic question. For those who say that good design is simply creating products that people love here is the body bag.

chair made out of straws

2012-01-10T12:24:00.003-05:00

Assembly had to suck.

from dieline

2012-01-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

Cans with utters? Assuming that the bottom cap is a molded part I wonder if it would look good in reality.

landrover evoque

2012-01-08T19:39:00.004-05:00

Great looking new Landrover...but they should have stopped themselves from copying the mini roof color-break.

bistro zinc in Lenox

2012-01-08T19:36:00.002-05:00

This one is made with Absolut wild tea

Barn gallery

2012-01-08T18:46:00.003-05:00

One of the carved pieces in Stonover's collection. I believe this is by Leslie Thompson.

Stonover Farm

2012-01-07T18:02:00.003-05:00

Really interesting place to spend a couple of days. Nice owners with an impressive art collection near an old small berkshires town that has a little bit of a hippie feel but not the sloppy hippie feel. More of the Hippies with BMWs and chubby portfolios feel

Brunelleschi's Dome

2012-01-07T17:33:00.002-05:00

Reading the book of the title above and the author mention's a the coat of arms for the house of Vasconti as being particularly menacing.

From the portfolio of Emily Rickard

2012-01-06T10:50:00.001-05:00

Diesel

2012-01-05T10:57:00.002-05:00

None of their clothes ever seem to fit me but they do have some nice products. This is subtle for them but pulling of these contrasting finishes is not easy.

Corn

2012-01-04T16:03:00.002-05:00

Growbottle

2012-01-04T09:41:00.003-05:00

Nice find Heather. This has been on dieline and a bunch of other sites, I wonder how it is selling. The simple, plain look is interesting but not comfortable in very many homes.

braid

2012-01-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

Recession

2012-01-03T16:08:00.003-05:00

If we are really still in the middle of a recession why are retail numbers up and consumer savings at a 10 year high? Did it feel like a recession at the mall this year? Not to me. I know unemployment is high and under-employment even higher but could it be that both political parties feel it is in their interest to claim a lingering recession?

2012

2012-01-01T20:51:00.001-05:00

Decent example of the evolution of style trends in graphics although the colors are off

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T20:32:00.002-05:00

reproduction

2011-12-29T08:56:00.002-05:00

This is a reproduction of the classic "Womb" chair designed by Saarinen and originally made by Knoll (I think). The reproduction is around $600 and the original is around $4000. Would be interesting to compare them side-by-side and see if the original is worth the extra cost.

Oakley 3

2011-12-29T08:48:00.002-05:00

Another good example. I do not think that it is so much that they have good too far with their Giger-esque alien organic aesthetic. Maybe it just feels extreme because it is so contrary to what everyone else is doing and what their target audience is buying. At least it is distinctive.

over the top

2011-12-26T14:25:00.002-05:00

Of course the "time bomb" style below is better than this over-the-top collage of Tissot + Oakley + Casio + megatron. They seem to be searching for relevance but aren't paying attention their core demographic.

Oakley

2011-12-26T13:24:00.002-05:00

They have been riding this form language for a little bit too long but this is still working. Although for $2700 you can buy a much nicer watch.

Timberland

2011-12-25T20:29:00.001-05:00

Nice to see Timberland testing the elasticity of their brand. Given the rigidity of their retail spaces I thought the whole brand would be on the way out soon

bubble light?

2011-12-25T19:11:00.001-05:00

Looks like bubbles to me but the official name is the balloon lamp

Holiday gift idea #14

2011-12-23T23:56:00.001-05:00

Fun and really easy to get started but deceptively hard to master. You can get a basic set almost anywhere. Perfect for eve eve.

da Vinci

2011-12-21T23:28:00.002-05:00

The name is over referenced but it does fit this break through. This is the medical robot that will be used to remove AM's lung.

Holiday wrapping paper

2011-12-20T23:02:00.002-05:00

This only works well if you are giving a lot of gifts but it is pretty cool. Nice find T-dog

grab bag gift idea #1

2011-12-20T09:39:00.002-05:00

Soap-on-a-rope is a classic grab bag gift and this student concept takes it up a notch

Braun Watch?

2011-12-19T11:33:00.003-05:00

Braun used to be something special. Clearly they were a part of the design inspiration for most of the current Apple products starting with the original ipod. However, $680 for this chunker is a bit hefty. Especially with the heavy handed logo.

sprite

2011-12-19T09:28:00.001-05:00

Partial evolution of the sprite can.

snow shovel

2011-12-17T22:45:00.002-05:00

Looks cool but the push handle and the shovel surface are more aesthetic than functional. Colors look good though.

Holiday gift idea #13

2011-12-17T22:28:00.002-05:00

Ebay is getting a little stale but there are still some good buys like these old scissors.

Holiday gift idea #12

2011-12-17T22:22:00.003-05:00

Not just for kids the Disney App named water has a very well thought out structure, smooth expansion through the levels and is intuitive. The graphics might be a bit flat but the colors make up for it.

holiday gift idea #11

2011-12-15T22:35:00.003-05:00

For under $20 this classic stanley flask is hard to beat. The enameled finish, texture and color are classic.

Wood iphone cover?

2011-12-15T13:43:00.001-05:00

Prestige cordless kettle

2011-12-12T15:44:00.002-05:00

Love the way the handle follows the form. Not sure I like the way the spout terminates. Appears to be a bit cut-off.

holiday gift idea #10

2011-12-12T14:06:00.003-05:00

Wolverine 1000 mile boots. Simple, comfortable perhaps over-priced but then again how long will it take you to walk a thousand miles and need to buy another pair.

Holiday gift idea #9

2011-12-08T11:13:00.003-05:00

Chicco racecar

Holiday gift idea #8

2011-12-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

Try Mario Kart 7. Especially with Nintendo's lead game designer Miyamoto retiring after the launch of Mario Kart 7 and the new Zelda, now is the time to get one of his last big games. The boys have it for their 3DS and seem to love it but they play it on 2D mode most of the time.

holiday gift idea #7

2011-12-07T21:47:00.002-05:00

Beefeater is not the best gin. I'd say it goes Karoon (sp?), Plymouth, bombay sapphire, tanguarey ten, tanguarey, bombay dry, then beefeater. But, with the holiday package it does make a nice gift.

More from the game

2011-12-05T11:35:00.003-05:00

Here is Ian making confetti and enjoying his ear warmer hat (he had the hand warming packs held against his ear).

Buffalo Bills

2011-12-05T11:32:00.003-05:00

Another horribly disappointing showing for the Buffalo Bills. But, it was the boys first game and they had a fantastic time cheering the Bills for a full four quarters, enduring the elements and of course the loud and colorful Buffalo faithful.

Barnum museum

2011-11-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

You can see a piece of this gem from I-95. Hard to believe that Bridgeport has been beaten down for so long.

Fiskars

2011-11-29T11:29:00.003-05:00

Design concepts by HEIBERG, Interesting handle form and evolution of the brand. Also a great example of the role of color and material in making a brand identity.

method

2011-11-28T12:55:00.002-05:00

Very nicely sculpted bottle form from our friends at Method. Not sure that the "Bowl Patrol" part is necessary.

Armstrong

2011-11-27T17:38:00.000-05:00

Or maybe this one, also at Morrison

Holiday gift idea #6

2011-11-27T16:36:00.002-05:00

For those who have a lot more money to spend maybe an oil painting on aluminum by Chris Armstrong (at the Morrison Gallery).

Puma

2011-11-27T16:26:00.002-05:00

Most times the giant mark does not work (like the current Polo application) but this one works.

Miami kettle

2011-11-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

The mami kettle by stefano giovannoni, for alessi 2003. made of 18/10 stainless steel, this kettle is a beautiful addition to the mami series. designed with a magnetic stainless steel heat diffusing bottom, the handle and whistle are black polymide. use medium heat on this kettle due to the smaller base. dimensions: 10.25"h x 3.5"w x 9.5"d

holiday gift idea #5

2011-11-24T21:08:00.003-05:00

Most of what Core77 has to say is bloated and muddled self-promotion mixed with overly-complicated self-importance but the comments on this hatchet from Estwing are right on.

Holiday gift idea #4

2011-11-24T20:54:00.001-05:00

The Patrick Starr key chain

new sides are hard to find

2011-11-24T20:30:00.002-05:00

Poblano, ham and corn pudding from Epicurious

2 large poblano chiles*
2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 large ears) or frozen, thawed, divided
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, slightly cooled
1 teaspoon salt
Large pinch of baking powder
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup instant corn masa mix (Maseca)**
4 ounces 1/4-inch-thick slices Serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
1 cup coarsely grated Manchego cheese (about 4 1/2 ounces)

CBD

2011-11-23T10:09:00.001-05:00

Another example oft he the very refined, smooth technique

car body design

2011-11-23T10:07:00.003-05:00

Cool technique made more compelling by the controlled palette. Not sure the exaggerated perspective is helping.

holiday gift idea #3

2011-11-22T15:10:00.002-05:00

For all the tea in China by Sarah Rose is the story of Robert Fortune, the Scottish botanist hired by the brits to sneak into China and steal tea plants to be grown in India so that they could have better tea at a cheaper price in England.

Enzo at his best

2011-11-22T15:07:00.001-05:00

I believe that this was done for Gerber and is called the gator.

smith black

2011-11-22T15:04:00.003-05:00

A close up of one product mentioned in the previous entry this is a good example of the inspired vision and interesting intellectual ambition that falls short of creating a product that is actually desirable to own and hold.

zani and zani

2011-11-22T14:58:00.002-05:00

Enzo is the man, no doubt about it. And I can see what he was going for with this new line for Zani & Zani. As good as the vision and inspiration are someone should have told him that the end result is just not working.

Holiday gift idea #2

2011-11-22T10:36:00.001-05:00

Too stark to be a primary but any Muji makes a nice casual second watch just don't expect them to hold up to very much abuse.

packaging

2011-11-21T22:46:00.002-05:00

Seen on die-line. The style of this is clean and simple but also has a unique feel.

Granite Hall

2011-11-21T22:42:00.003-05:00

One of the boys favorite stops in Maine, the Granite Hall store in Round Pond. They like the candy assortment and the inexpensive toys but mostly they like being able to buys a bunch of stuff for $20.

little dipper

2011-11-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

boardwalk

2011-11-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

Evo Solo

2011-11-14T08:52:00.002-05:00

Interesting form with a classic designer color choice. I believe that it comes with an additional part that covers the fork. Although they are known for their restraint when it comes to color, on this product they should have challenged themselves to step outside of the designer default and pick a color that is more appetizing and clean. This just comes off looking boring and dirty.

Holiday gift idea #1

2011-11-14T08:33:00.002-05:00

Nintendo 3DS. The games are the same but the graphics are a bit better and the controls more nimble. This is a concept (much more slabby than and angular than the real thing. In the next gen they need to work on bringing the display close to the edges to keep up with what the ipad and iphone offer. They also need to do a better job of picking colors and deco.

Thomaston opera house

2011-11-10T15:55:00.002-05:00

The proportions sort of remind me of the opera house right down the road from my house...or maybe it is just the postcard style faded printing.

saginaw

2011-11-10T15:50:00.002-05:00

Postcard of the Saginaw post office. The detail is amazing. Construction started on the Saginaw Post Office on May 11, 1897 and dedication ceremonies took place on July 4, 1898. Originally established as EAST SAGINAW on September 15, 1851 the name changed to SAGINAW EAST SIDE on March 17, 1892. Then the name changed to SAGINAW on June 24, 1898. In the 1970's the county acquired the post office and rehabilitated it as the Castle Museum, and is owned and operated by the Historical Society of Saginaw County. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It is worth seeing if you are ever in the area.

sailcloth

2011-11-06T20:21:00.003-05:00

Recycled sail cloth bags are everywhere. The texture of the material and the visual of the over-stitching is compelling but the patterns and forms are usually standard nylon bag forms. Would be interesting to see some new forms made just for the material.

Pop

2011-11-01T22:20:00.001-04:00

I know that you always enjoy a study in negative space.

Heinz Field

2011-11-01T22:14:00.002-04:00

The Steelers have a really great stadium and interesting fans (they seem to turn on their team faster than the other stadiums I have been to). The giant ketchup bottles that open, tilt and pour every time they get into the red zone are interesting brand marketing but the best element I saw there is the use of yellow and black. Maybe that is second best, number one has to be them beating the ever annoying Patriots.

Another

2011-11-01T22:09:00.001-04:00

DiTullo inspired?

2011-11-01T22:05:00.002-04:00

They look a little bit like Mike designed them...except for the branding. But according to the site I found these on it was Porsche Design.

rotunda

2011-11-01T11:01:00.001-04:00

Union Station also called Penn Station

2011-11-01T10:57:00.002-04:00

The station building was designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and built 1898–1903. The materials were a grayish-brown terra cotta that looked like brownstone, and brick. The most distinctive feature is the entry rotunda.

coke

2011-10-27T15:38:00.002-04:00

Another concept. This one is by Jerome Olivet. Original form work, nicely rendered and presented but maybe a bit overworked.