The Green Grocery Store Project

I recently read about the most amazing design project that challenged students to envision ways to raise consumer awareness concerning the actual recyclability (I don't think this is a word) of product packaging in the typical grocery store. The goal was to educate without condemnation, yet to influence consumer habits through clever and compelling design. KT Meaney at North Carolina State University did a fantastic job conceptualizing and implementing this project. For more images, check out the recycling awareness site that students created for the project.

AIGA: Designing Water's Future

It's global. It's interesting. It's needed. It might even make students think. It's AIGA's Aspen Design Challenge, "a call to students worldwide, to use their creative talent and strategic design skills to address a crucial global problem." The goal of the project is to raise awareness for the global water crisis in visually innovative ways that inspire people to act. This sounds like such a great design project for students, particularly my California kids, many of whom hail from SoCal: a desert turned unnaturally green through fastidious and ecologically irresponsible use of the sprinkler. I'm so inspired by this project that I'm actually contemplating ways to fit it in during my fall maternity leave. Plus, I want to go to the World Summit on Climate Change in 2009. It's Copenhagen or bust. The larger question is: are my students actually in possession of "creative talent and strategic design skills"? Hmm. I'll try to be an optimist here.

Halleluiah: California Does Something Right

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of California, in a move both bold and sensible, overturned the ridiculous, discriminatory ban on gay marriage. Even the Governator said he "will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." The conservative wackos are already waging the usual campaign of bigotry, ignorance, intolerance, fear, and hatred. Let's pray (yes, I said pray) that the ruling stands and our lovely, but flawed state, can at least get this thing right.

And, if you know any happy couples who plan to tie the knot, check out Handsome Devil Press's fabulous line of cards for just such an occasion.

The Original Design Gangsta

Apparently, I'm the last person to hear about Kyle T. Webster's hilarious Design Gangsta video (at least according to my students). Of course, my students would do just about anything to avoid working on actual class projects, but they are well versed in design a la pop culture. At least they get the humor. But, Kyle, man, did you vertically stretch the Rosewood that rolls past the Mini? Shamies, you crazy gangsta.

Democratic National Convention Goes Green

Evidently, the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be "the most environmentally-sustainable Democratic Convention in history," with delegates challenged to purchase carbon offsets in order to feel good and compete for a "green" prize. Although, I think that carbon offsets are a bit of a boondoggle, I am encouraged that the Dems are at least taking some sort of environmental stand. And, kudos, to Denver-based graphic designer Kristi King for specing 100 percent post-consumer recycled chlorine-free paper for all DNCC printed materials.

A Simply Perfect Design

I just read Michael Bierut's lovely essay on the Brannock Foot Measuring Device. What a glorious example of artfully packaged functionality: it's sleek, modern and contains type on a curve that is entirely appropriate. Plus, isn't there something highly charged and seductive about having someone remove your shoe and cradling your foot in the Brannock Foot Measuring Device? I have vague memories of getting my feet properly measured as a child/young adult; it made the whole shoe shopping experience so personal and special. But, then again, I cannot tell a lie: I do have a slight shoe fetish.

Recipe for a Perfect Mother's Day

1. Have yummy tea cake for breakfast (make night before). I made this very simple carrot tea cake (courtesy of Martha). I did make one small alteration: just couldn't resist doing a drizzle of orange cream cheese glaze (mix a little softened cream cheese, some confectioner's sugar and fresh squeezed o.j. until drizzle-able).

2. Spend some quality beauty of nature time with the family. A day at the beach is even better if it's chilly and overcast, because it will be more serene.

3. Have a professional make you a really lovely coffee drink. If you are on the Central Coast where great coffee is not exactly in abundance, you can try Joe Mama's at Avila Beach: fantastic view and a fabulous latte.

4. Don't try to accomplish anything other than a manicure for the rest of day. Yee ha, now that's what I call a perfect day.

I hope all you moms out there had a great day. And, Mom, I hope you had your very own delicious latte in the sky (a life of faithful mass attendance should guarantee a heavenly barista).