:: ( CRIT ) :: DESIGN BLOG ::

Open your eyes and dream.

Two semesters ago in Milton Glaser's class "Design and Intentions" the last assignment we were given was to envision where we see ourselves in 5 years time. I've given thought to similar questions before, but usually I was thinking so far into the future that it became easier to imagine. I found the 5 year timeframe to be very challenging, because it is so much closer to me and therefore that much more real. What I'm doing, the choices I'm making, the life I am choosing to live now, have much more of a direct affect on me... from what I can tell at least. And in the grand scheme of things... well, just what is my grand scheme of things???

Lightning Doodle

This is a really beautiful movie done using single-frames with long-exposure shots of people drawing with flashlights in the dark. This is really well done, and worth watching. Check it out!

The Humanizing of Machines - helpful or just plain annoying?

Anyone who lives in New York City probably has a tale about his or her experience with the L train. This train line in particular has undergone many, many service outages for the past few years in an effort to test new technologies to help the everyday rider. One of the most noticeable changes to come out of all this work is the set of displays to help riders know how long they must wait for the next train to arrive. Along with these displays, came the dreaded announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, the next...Manhattan bound...L...train...will depart in approximately...five...minutes. The following...Manhattan bound...L...train...will depart in approximately...twelve...minutes."

Holy Hand Job, and More!

Mike Perry is living the designer dream. At twenty-five he has his own studio and just finished his first book, Hand Job: A Catalog of Type. The book is a collection of fifty-five typographers who are not only good at what they do, but believe in hand done type. 

During a busy afternoon at his studio, Mike graciously fielded some of the questions I asked him concerning his new book (He even let me take a sneak peak at the entire thing.) and what it feels like to have his own studio in Brooklyn. On my way out, he even gave me some goodies to take with me.

Serious Fun Podcasts

We are pleased to announce a new set of podcasts covering work from the SVA MFA Design class of 2008. These podcasts include video interviews with students discussing (and showing!) their exhibit and product design work for the "Serious Fun" show. Currently, there are two available, with more being added weekly. Check them out!

Silas H. Rhodes, 1915-2007

Silas H. Rhodes, Chairman and Founder of School of Visual Arts, passed away last week at the age of 91. Rhodes founded SVA in 1947 (originally named the Cartoonists and Illustrators School). David Rhodes, President of SVA, announced this week that Milton Glaser has agreed to be the Acting Chairman of the Board. We wish to share our deep gratitude and appreciation for a lifetime dedicated to education and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

“Education is a moral affair, and the ultimate concern of the school is with moral values, while society is concerned with such matters indirectly and only occasionally.” (NY Times)