The CBS Eye
A brief history of the CBS Eye Logo.
Secret confession: I’ve actually never been crazy about this symbol. I know, blasphemy.
Thoughts on Phone Size
John Gruber recently compared big screened cell phones to the Pepsi Challenge:
The thing with the Pepsi Challenge was that most people preferred (and prefer today) the taste of Coke over Pepsi, when drinking a full serving. But, when you only take a sip or two of each, people tend to prefer whichever is sweeter, and that was Pepsi.
With the release of the Google Nexus, I thought it timely to post my own analogy:
I compare the big versus small screen preference to Bicycle Seats.
When you hop on a hard bike saddle, it’s uncomfortable. If you hop on soft, cushy bicycle seat it feels comparatively great. However, if you ride for 20 miles on a soft saddle, you rub your hind quarters raw. Stiffer saddles are more comfortable in the long run. But who would think that just feeling of one in the store?
Oct 19, 2011
More stuff about Technology
Vincent van Gogh, His Death and His Mental State
There is oddly several stories about van Gogh in the news the last week. I would like to summarize my feelings about van Gogh here:
- He was not insane.
- He was not a madman.
- He probably had epilepsy.
- He drank absinthe, which exaggerated his negative traits, as does all alcohol for most alcoholics.
I think the rest is speculation.
But here are some great articles from people who probably know what they’re talking about:
The Illness of Vincent van Gogh
As I Lay Dying Book
A re-imagined interpretation of William Faulkner’s 1930 novel As I Lay Dying. The novel centers around the death of Addie Bundren, and her family’s quest to honor her wish to be buried in her hometown. Each chapter is a stream-of-consciousness narrative that switches from fifteen different characters over the course of ninety-six chapters.
Tony Lee, Jr has created a produced what looks to be a beautiful version of one of my favorite books. More photos at his website.
Steve Jobs Dies
A slew of tributes all over the internet. Most are very nicely done. A couple here are at the top domain level (so will be temporary).
Also of note: Commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs to Stanford
There are many more out there.
UPDATE: The Onion’s Take
Oct 06, 2011
More stuff about Society Technology
Drawings from Fantasia
Animation roughs don’t get any more beautiful than this.
Having seen this sequence, one thing that strikes me upon seeing these drawings is how primitive the tools with which they are created actually are. Notice that Bill Tytla seems to be using packing tape to reinforce the holes in his paper.
These are roughs and “clean up” drawings from Fantasia’s Night On Bald Mountain sequence.
Oct 03, 2011
More stuff about ArtIllustrationMovies
John K Animates The Simpsons’ Couch Gag
In case you missed it because you were watching Ken Burns’ prohibition celebration, John K (of Ren and Stimpy fame) did something far more interesting. He animated the couch gag on The Simpsons. The gag appeared on last night’s episode.
(John K’s work starts at 0:50)
Oct 03, 2011
More stuff about IllustrationSociety
We Find Wildness
Fantastic resource for finding contemporary art. Especially young artists.
Sep 30, 2011
More stuff about
Weeping Glass
Stop motion + Quay Brothers + Medical Oddities = It will be linked on my site.
The notion of “beauty” can mean many different things to artists. For the Brothers Quay — identical-twin filmmakers — it often means dimly lit black and white images of animated dolls, screws, cogs — any manner of inanimate object brought to life. They’re so good at it that fellow filmmaker Terry Gilliam called the Quays’ Street of Crocodiles one of the best animated films of all time.
