Basis Design

Natural Design

Wes — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:38:57 +0000

When brainstorming about blogging and what cool designs I could discuss next, I had an Oprah-esque “AHA!” moment. We don’t give The Earth/Mother Nature/Spiritual Higher Power enough credit for the natural designs found in the landscape of this planet we call home. So here’s a look at some of the absolutely fantastic designs that were naturally created.

Painted Cliffs, Tasmania

Garden of the Gods, Colorado, USA

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Taughannock Falls, Finger Lakes Region, New York

Eye Catchers

Wes — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:02 +0000

Packaging. It can make or break your product. I find that packaging is important in many products, but particularly wine bottles. Most people would not consider themselves wine connoisseurs, just people who want a nice adult beverage to accompany their meal. For these people, packaging can be everything. Packaging means your product stays off the shelves. Here are some of my favorites –

This bottle was designed by Emily Hale as a tribute to the late Harvey Milk. The half full milk bottle is a representation of Harvey’s persistent positive outlook and attitude towards life. The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon.

This bottle was designed by Rethink and is part of a series of Cabernet labels created by them. The other labels feature all different kinds of tables including ping pong, poker, pool, and more.

Matsu wine designed by Maruba.

Sweet Ride

Wes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:31:28 +0000

The Oregon Manifest held a contest in September of 2011 to find the “Ultimate Utility Bike for Modern Living”. They sought to find a bike that would meet the needs of Americans who want to live a healthier and more sustainable life.

The judges panel was made up of leaders in the bicycle industry including the President of the United Bicycle Institute and the VP of Innovation Design and Special Products at Nike. Tony Pereira of Pereira Cycles came up with a truly innovative, exciting, and winning design, and got a $3,000.00 prize for his effort!

Although this bike is impressive, I think the true winner has to be the ‘People’s Choice’ winners, IDEO and Rock Lobster Cycles. In a contest where you’re designing a product to be used by people, this award is a big deal. I have to agree with the voters, this bike is pretty cool.

Let me introduce you to Faraday…

ACTM: 12 Desperate Straight Lines, by Telekinesis

Wes — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:38:41 +0000

The latest in our continuing series is a new release from a band that’s not getting enough recognition: Telekinesis. They play kind of a harder-rocking and less whimsical Shins type music. I love the mix of retro and modern in this cover.

New Years Eve Style

Wes — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:38:33 +0000

It’s that time of year again where it feels like you need a New Years Eve Party Dress. Here are a few styles to help inspire your holiday wardrobe!

Platinum Paiette by Scala

Golden Samantha Sequin Dress by French Connection

Tried and Blue Dress by ModCloth

60′s Green Party Dress from La Vintage

The Perfect Evergreen

Wes — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:26:12 +0000

The Christmas season is one that is full of joy, laughter, and happiness as well as stress, hustle, and sky-rocketing gas prices. In the midst of all the Christmas commotion, there’s nothing better than coming home to the scent of a freshly cut and decorated fir tree. These days it seems Americans lean towards the pre-lit, store bought, perfectly symmetrical, mass produced Christmas trees. In my own home there was talk of ending the tradition of a live tree after this year! Blasphemy. So for all the Christmas traditionalists out there, here are the best trees to buy for your home!

Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir’s are known for their wonderful scent. They are very similar to Frasier Firs and are not very expensive. They hold their needles very well so they are perfect for a tidy home.

Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce trees are also a great choice. Many consumers consider Blue Spruce trees to be the most attractive you can buy. The down side is they are notorious for shedding their needles endlessly! But, if you don’t mind a little extra vacuuming they can add the perfect touch to your family room.

Scotch Pine

Scotch Pines are known for their fantastic bright green coloring. They hold their needles well, but aren’t great if you have an overdecorated tree or lots of very heavy ornaments.

Happy hunting!

Lynch’s Silencio

Wes — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:37:41 +0000

Finding yourself in one of David Lynch’s films will either be your greatest dream come true … or your worst nightmare. Lynch’s films are eerie, striking, and mysterious. One of the greatest scenes of any Lynch films comes from 2001′s Mulholland Dr. and is set in night club Silencio.

So, when I heard that Lynch was opening his own club in Paris named after the thrilling Silencio, the hairs on my arms definitely pricked up a bit. Raphael Navot and Lynch headed a large team that designed the space from the ground up, creating a Lynchian dream world.

ACM: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Wes — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:46 +0000

In just seven days…I can make you a great album cover!

House Envy: A Deadly Sin?

Wes — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:56:16 +0000

Here’s a look at some houses and house designs that I would kill to have. See? I told you envy was deadly.

This over the top tree house looks like way more fun than the makeshift one we scraped together as children. Of course, I’ve always been told it’s the thought that counts.

I wonder what the inside looks like….

Should we take the speed boat or the cruiser into town today, dear?

The grass is always greener, the grass is always greener, the grass is always greener…

Nike Pro Combat Fail

Wes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:55:10 +0000

Nike created nine ‘pro combat’ uniforms for nine college football teams this fall. Michigan State, Boise State, Stanford, Oregon, LSU, Army, Navy, Ohio State, and Georgia were chosen to don these original uniforms for what was determined to be one of their most important games of the season. Unfortunately, the uniforms just made them look stupid.

First of all, what’s up with the weird gloves? Is it really necessary for these college athletes to transform their hands into puzzles pieces that form some aspect of their team’s logo? I say no.

I suppose it’s possible that I’m part of a minority. Do people really like these new transformer outfits?