David Downton - A master craftsman

"In order to leave something out, first you have to put it in..."

You know those images that tell you everything, even though the artist has used the smallest amount of ink to convey it? An almost nonchalant line that suggests a face, a hip, a smile, a frown.

This man is a master: David Downton, UK fashion illustrator. If you've ever wanted to understand the concept of negative space, look at his breathtaking work in fashion and portraiture.

Ah, beauty is a wonderful thing!

Click here to view his website & full portfolio

3 DONTs For Mobile Site Development

Top tips from our resident guru Teresa Sperti of Digital Marketing Lab:

According to Morgan Stanley, the mobile internet is expected to be twice the size of the desktop internet within the next 5 years and all because of 5 major forces including 3G + social networking + video + VoIP + impressive mobile devices._In the local market mobile internet usage is growing fast. In fact according to the AIMIA general web browsing via a mobile is on the rise, with 21 per cent of respondents visiting websites from their mobile phones at least once a day._The level of usage has meant in many respects, that Australian companies are behind the times. Organisations are waiting for the year of the mobile, however with 1 in 5 users browsing daily the time has come to get serious about mobile strategy.

As the site is core to any mobile strategy, this article explores the 6 DONT's to help you to deliver a successful and usable mobile site.

1. Don't just mirror your existing site: Building a mobile site is not just about replicating your mobile presence to be suitable for a mobile device. Users will of course be looking to perform core functions that they can do on your site via a desktop however planning a mobile site should begin with defining a user's needs on the move. By doing so organisations are more likely to provide consumers with a useful mobile experience that meets their audience's needs.

2. Don't just build for iPhone: Many marketers make the mistake of assuming that building a mobile site fit for iPhone is enough. Whilst mobile internet penetration is high on the iPhone, it is not the only device that your audience is potentially using.

3. Don't engage a traditional web development company: There are so many challenges with mobile; lots of different handsets, many operating systems, and numerous browser types, which makes the process of site development vary different to web design for PCs. Many web development companies are looking to expand into the mobile space, however they do not have enough knowledge of the complexities to be able to build an effective mobile site.

For more on tips on mobile site development & online marketing visit Digital Marketing Lab

Image above Mark Jenkins street installation "Meaning is overrated"

Architecture envy...and admiration

We're often inspired by architecture and the way three-dimensional space can be transformed by creative minds. Here's three of our current faves. The Graceful Taylor would like to live in all of them!

First, the Japanese modernist master: Kisho Kurokawa

Kurokawa Nakagin Capsule Hotel

Can you believe this is in danger from the wrecking ball? Built in 1972, this masterpiece is a stunning example of the Metabolist Movement, large-scale, flexible structures that could grow almost organically. Do you think we could put a pod in the back yard?

Images and more info via grainedit

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Closer to home: Billy Kavellaris' Perforated House by Kavellaris Urban Design

The possibilities of modern materials sing in this award-nominated inner-city 'terrace house'. We love it.

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And for a bit of fun: Wilhelmson Arkitekter

Oh, that new apartment blocks in Melbourne could be designed with the same sense of whimsy!Imagine looking at something like this from your train window in the mornings...

Why I love Iris Barrel Apfel

It could be her outrageousness:

It could be her shoes:


Or it could be her philosophy:

"...I look at a piece of fabric and listen to the threads.
It tells me a story. It sings me a song."

How can you resist such panache? She's turned a lifelong love of fashion into an artform, a business (Old World Weavers - makers of antique textile reproductions) and way of life. A true pioneer who's influenced a generation, Iris wore a pair of boy's jeans in the 40s before jeans were even made for women! But wait till you see the rest of her wardrobe... Go Iris - here's to an authentic, passionate life!

For more about Iris click here.

A collection of her outfits are on display at the Peabody Essex Museum from 17 October through 7 February, 2010.

Images above, with thanks from here




Images above, with thanks from here

Happy new year!

Another year, another opportunity to build your brand. So to get your creative synapses singing, here's a cute and clever outdoor billboard campaign from Saatchi and Saatchi Indonesia showing that even nose hair can be funny. Yep, nose hair. Check out the images: that's real electrical cable, on the streets of Indonesia. Eew! Makes us want to buy a pair of those nose hair trimmers and chop them off on the spot!
Thanks to Toxel for the images.