11/07/2009

Opinionated Typefaces

Quick! Take a look at this word in three different typefaces:

modern

It’s the word Modern. It’s set in three different typefaces. As you look at the three different treatments, you can see the word in three different ways. You get a different emotional response from each.

If you’re reading this, I can assume you have a computer. If you have a computer, I can assume you have some publishing tools. Maybe all you have is a word processor, but you have the tools you need to select a font, and set some text.

A word to the wise: There are appropriate times to use a typeface. Every typeface has its own personality, its own beliefs, its own attitude. There is no neutral typeface. There is no such thing. All typefaces are highly opinionated. Some of them hate, hate, hate your business. Some of them hate, hate, hate your political flyer. All typefaces are talking. They are expressing themselves. They are quietly holding up your words and making your words be known. But they are not neutral. Typefaces (not just the words you are writing) are actually influencing what you are communicating.

Be very careful in choosing a typeface. It is saying something.


11/04/2009

That One Scene from Harvey

Movies about alcoholics are a dime a dozen. But then there’s Harvey. A movie released in 1950 concerning a fellow who sees a giant invisible rabbit named Harvey. It’s a silly movie, it’s corny and funny. Of course, the major question is are Elwood’s hallucinations booze induced or is he simply crazy.

“No one brings anything small into a bar.” In all of the silliness, there is this scene.


11/01/2009

Hill of Truth Photos

I was course marshal for the eleventh annual Hill of Truth 12 hour race. My intention was to take a lot of photos of much the festivities, however my battery died in the first hour. So instead I am posting the photos that I did get, before my equipment failed.


10/31/2009

One Hundred Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do

This is the first 50 of the list. Many of these, I think, are not restaurant-specific. Meaning, everyone should follow most of these all of the time.

For example:
7. Do not announce your name. No jokes, no flirting, no cuteness.
35. Do not eat or drink in plain view of guests.
38.Do not call a guy a “dude.”
39. Do not call a woman “lady.”

One Hundred Things.


10/28/2009

Pictorial Webster’s

Holy Crap. A man finds an 19th century Pictorial Dictionary, then painstakingly recreates it. And… where can I get one?

Pictorial Webster’s: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.


Building the Golden Gate Bridge

The bridge pioneered the use of a moveable safety net that saved the lives of 19 construction workers over the course of the bridge’s manufacture. These 19 went on to become members of the unofficial “Halfway to Hell” Club.

A series of photos of the building of the Golden Gate Bridge


This is the website of Mike Purdy, a graphic designer living in Knoxville, Tennessee. PikeMurdy.com is home to a collection of photos, drawings, writing and links to other sites. More...