DUBLIN 1980 - As requested we have uploaded more images from our “Time Gone By” series. As we scan in the negatives we are discovering a lost world. I remember taking most of the images and some of the comments or at least the mood as I captured the image. People were always friendly, many joked about being photographed while some told a joke, others were unaware and the kids were always curious and wide-eyed at becoming part of something. This Dublin could be grey and overcast but it overflowed with color from the people that called it home. See more here.

Shown here is a recent book cover we designed for Paul Dry Books in Philadelphia. “Style an Anti-Textbook,” by Richard Lanham is a book that regards writing as “pleasure rather than duty.” It’s basically an antidote to your typical, boring classroom book on how to write “well.” We thought that this “revolutionary” approach to writing lent itself to this typographic treatment inspired, of course, by Russian Constructivism. But I guess, having the title and this typographic, constructivist inspired cover, could also mean that it’s meaning and the book’s content, could also be read in different ways, depending on your perspective. And so it was that the esteemed San Francisco Museum of Modern Art snapped up 60 copies of the book for their in-house museum store, figuring that the book was of course about design, not writing. However, on closer inspection of the cover, they were surprised to see that that book had nothing to do with design, or constructivism, but rather writing and the teaching of writing. Maybe the old axiom of not judging a book by its cover remains true but it also makes me wonder how much text people actually read on a cover?

Sadly, SFMOMA returned all the copies. I suppose it goes to show, that you truly cannot judge a book by its cover, especially if you don’t read all the copy.

We have been looking through our archives and found a lost world - a selection of images taken in the early 80’s in Dublin. These pictures give a glimpse into the character of an old area of the city that has been forever changed by time and the impact of world social-economic changes. If you would like to see more of these images let us know. See more images here.

Don’t miss your chance to see The Brothers Quay! Their exhibition is up at the University of the Arts through April 9th, with a closing reception tomorrow night (April 3rd) from 5-7:30pm.

They also have a couple of works showing through the Philadelphia Film Festival, at the Prince Theater in Center City. Both films will be followed by short lectures. You can even buy your tickets in advance [click here]

We were inspired last night by the AIGA Philly Typography lecture with Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich, President of de Vicq Design and Matteo Bologna, Founder of Mucca Design.

So inspired that we just ordered Roberto’s book.

Click the book to order your own.

One of our Designers highly recommends you visit NetDiver.net, they gather the best of interactive, illustration and graphic design from all over the web. They are celebrating their 10 year anniversary with a big bash. Everyone is invited.

This weekend only!

Opening Reception: Friday, February 20th, 7-10pm
Postal Themed Exhibition on view for 2 more days: Sat Feb 21st, Sun Feb 22nd (1-8pm each day)

who is he?


This morning on my desk I found the sweetest little drawing. I’m sure it was not left there on purpose, but since it was, I thought I would share it.

In honor of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, The New York Times posted a photo album generated by readers.

Some pretty inspirational images, starting with the photo on the left, submitted Monday 8:22am ET, by Rachel Cromidas at Fiske Elementary School, in Chicago.

Many more at the website, Click here.

A Digital Documentary Project

There is a free screening (tonight) January 15, 2009 at 6:00PM at the Bossone Center, 3141 Chestnut Street.

The film, Freedom on the Fence is a documentary about Polish poster artists. If you miss the screening, the exhibit runs through February 6, 2009 at the Pearlstein Gallery, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market Street at Drexel University.

For more information, visit www.drexel.edu/westphal