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Super Ads 2012

When you spend millions of dollars on one TV spot you better hope it translates into some sales. Here are some ads from this years Super Bowl, some winners some losers. Take a look at the more memorable ads of 2012. The Giants won the game who do you think won the battle of brands?

Zim and Zou : Paper Sculpture

Lucie Thomas teamed up with Thibault Zimmermann to form Zim&Zou, a french studio based in Nancy that explores different fields including paper sculpture, installation, graphic design, illustration. Both aged 25, they studied graphic design during 3 years in an artschool. Rather than composing images on a computer, they prefer creating real objects with paper and taking photos out of them. A number of intricate illustrations actually come from the three-dimensional installations made by Zim&Zou. Their choice of paper is due to the versatility and good quality of the material, especially when it is sculpted and photographed. Zim&Zou's strength is to be a complementary and polyvalent duo.

[VIA ZIM & ZOU]

Limited Edition Prints from Leif Podhajsky

Check out some of these wonderful limited edition prints from Leif Podhajsky. In his own words "Leif's work explores themes of connectedness, the relevance of nature and the psychedelic or altered experience. By utilizing these subjects he attempts to coerce the viewer into a realignment with themselves and their surroundings."

I would really love to have a few of these prints hanging around my apartment. Luckily they go for a reasonable $175.

[VIA Leif Podhajsky]

The Symbology of Good Luck

As a designer, I am always looking for meaning of symbols, and icons. I want to know what do they represent? Why are they significant? What story are they trying to tell?

Just celebrating the Chinese new year this week, and learning that the year of the dragon is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and fortune in 2012. I am fascinated by how different cultures use icons and symbols in different ways to give meaning and support to a way of life.

Those that know me personally, know that I surround myself and seek out good luck symbols for superstitious support in my life. There are many different symbols and icons for good luck around the world. Here are some of my favorites, some may surprise you.

1. A Ladybug - A lady bug is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It gives you patience and mostly lessens your burdens. Don’t kill one, that’s bad luck.

2. An acorn - Am acorn is also brings good fortune. The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning. They believe the acorn was spared by Thor’s wrath. Placing an acorn on your windowsill protect a home from lightning’s wrath.

3. A Turtle - A turtle symbolizes the primal Mother Earth. They symbolize longevity and hope for a long healthy life

4. Elephants - Elephants are a symbol of wisdom, power, loyalty, intelligence, strength and solitude. In my Polish home, an Elephant with it’s trunk facing up facing the door brings good luck to our house.

5. An Axe - An Axe is lucky icon that bring success. Archaelogists have enearthed symbols of axe heads in all parts of the world. Ancient art from the Far East, pre-Columbian America, the Mediterranean, and Africa often depicts a double bladed Axe which indicates power.

More4 Logo Update

I really love when companies take action against outdated designs. Check out this total upgrade from British broadcaster Channel 4, More4 is a digital television channel popular for its range of documentaries, U.S. imports like The Daily Show, reruns from its parent company, and some original programming. Announced back in November and effective this week, More4 will start “focusing more fully on popular factual and features — life enhancing content, helping viewers to get the most out of their everyday lives.” More4 plans to highlight documentaries, arts and current affairs and programming which offers insight and inspiration to the way they live.

MvsM / More4 On-screen GFX from ManvsMachine on Vimeo.