Jobs you wish you had

As first seen listed on the How Design Blog... Fast Company has released it's picks for top ten jobs in 2008. These include Sleep Coaches and Brew Masters! But the one that I found most relevant was "Interaction Designer." Not, mind you, Interactive Designer. That is a very different job. Here's a brief description:

Interaction designers don't just design. They work with executives to define goals for the products and systems they help develop. And they mix reporting, psychology, and anthropology to see how people actually use what they design. By creating "personas" -- hypothetical users with constructed life stories -- interaction designers predict how people might approach a product. With a healthy dose of fiction and regular hat changing, this job provides constant stimulation.

It's interesting. I think a lot of designers and marketing professionals do offer some of these services. But this is the first time I've seen it given a title. Well, it sounds great to me. I always say that you can have the most beautiful design ever, but if nobody responds to it, or it doesn't hit the right market, then it's a wasted design.

Click here to see the full list.

Amy Sol

Amy Sol's illustrations are just wonderful. They're fanciful, and serene. I love the muted color palette. From her website: "Amongst the expressions of each character are notions of peaceful reflection and a sense of companionship." I think I should just let the work speak for itself.

You can see more of Amy's work, and info on exhibition on her website. Click here.

Shout Out

I had planned to write a completely different post today, until I received and email from a friend at LMS Design. When the Johnson & Johnson Global Strategic Design Group undertook the redesign of their iconic baby products line, they asked LMS Design to be an integral partner in the process.

The line was definitely overdue for a face lift, especially considering the strong growth in the category over the last few years. The new bottle and graphics really create a contemporary look, while still paying homage to the iconic teardrop label. It's like a breath of fresh air. Nice work guys!

(Originally posted on thedieline.com)

YumiYumi

Well, first of all, the name of Aline *Yumi* Yamada's illustration business could not be any cuter. Luckily, her prints back it up. They are delicious eye-candy.

You can pick up prints of your own from YumiYumi's Etsy shop here.
And read her blog here.

Below is a highlight of some of her gorgeous work.

Postal preview

The United States Postal Service has revealed the new stamps for 2008. While not normally the first place one looks for inspiration, they've had some great designs over the years. And just because they're tiny and and don't get a lot of respect, doesn't make them any less of a work of art. Take a look at some of the more interesting ones coming out this year.

Click here to see the entire list.

A celebration of Vintage Black Cinema, with stamps based on 5 vintage movie posters. (I LOVE vintage movie posters.)

Charles and Ray Eames are also honored! These 16 stamps were designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC.

Pretty Kitty

Happy New Year! Sorry for the posting hiatus. I was sick with a lovely winter cold for a while, and then trying to dig out from client work. Anyhow, I'm back. I found this lovely illustrator courtesy of a post on the Dieline, and I just had to share her work here as well. Here name is Márta Windeisen, and her website is called KittenChops. She creates beautiful illustrations, organic logos, and pretty cool packaging. Originally from Hungary, she moved to Seattle and is influenced by Japanese art. Quite and eclectic mix, but it works.

You may recognize her style, as she worked for a little coffee company you might have heard of... Starbucks (ring any bells?). Do you think she gets free coffee for life? I would have totally negotiated that deal.

Click here for her site. Some of my picks are below. Enjoy.