The Design Block
If you're looking for the latest in advertising and marketing, design related technology and lifestyle tips, and art or design highlights then you're in the right place. Find all this and more with the Design Block blog.
Street art that blurs the border between reality & fantasy
Whether it’s in chalk or paint, on walls or the street, these works of art look almost alive.
12 Mother’s Day traditions from around the world
A special day to honour the women who gave birth to us, Mother’s Day is celebrated in several countries around the world. In most countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but in others it’s celebrated at an entirely different time of the…
London studio teams with Coca-Cola to create bottle cap emojis
It’s easy to dismiss emojis; silly faces and undefined symbols that are a language on their own and only for teenagers. However, it’s important to know that many written symbols from today date back to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Emojis transcend borders, languages and technology. And the emoji language is…
Fotojet: An online graphic design tool for non-designers
For people who are serious about content marketing, but are design-challenged, this online graphic design software is up your alley. FotoJet is a popular and useful online tool for photo editing, graphic design and photo collages. So, if you want high-quality graphics but don’t have an Adobe…
How to hide the fact you’re having a bad day at work
No matter how positive of a person you are, or how much you love your job, bad days happen to the best of us. You spilled your coffee, got stuck in traffic, or tear your pants. By the time you sit down to start work, you’re…
Penis seat installed on a Mexico City train to highlight sexual harassment
Have you ever been sexually harassed on public transit before? If you’re in Mexico City, it happens quite a bit. The United Nations and Mexico City‘s government have joined together to launch this campaign against the soaring rates of sexual harassment on the city’s public transit. How? By…
Artist turns old cardboard boxes into incredible sculptures
Cardboard boxes are the packaging material of choice for the majority of products shipped around the world. In fact, because of its popularity, cardboard boxes comprise a whopping 9 percent of the refuse in a typical landfill. But your old cardboard doesn’t lose its usefulness once…
Are you trying to conceal your caffeine addiction? Try the world’s first colourless coffee
Are you one of those people who can’t start their day without a cup of coffee? There are many benefits to enjoying a hot cup of joe every morning, including: lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and MS. However, that constant coffee drinking can lead…
Street artist turns dirty vehicles into four-wheel masterpieces
The snow and slush of early spring are gone, but things are still a bit dirty. And chances are that your car could use a good wash to get off the dirt and grime its accumulated over the past season. Those who should, but don’t…
Japanese Magic Calendar looks like paper but works like an app
How do you remember when you have an important event coming up? With smartphones and smartwatches, there is no longer a need to have a calendar hanging on the wall. However, for the few who still want a physical reminder on their walls, there’s the e-paper Magic Calendar.
Designer explains how to price logo design and other services
In a 30 minute video tutorial, designer Chris Do explains how to price logo designs with real-world examples.
Spring’s new hairstyle trend is the colourful Unicorn Hair
Now that spring is finally here, people are starting to get out of the winter blues and into colourful feel-good design styles. If the hidden rainbow hairstyle wasn’t your thing, perhaps this Unicorn Hair trend will be right up your alley.
Burger King’s new ad tries to force Google Home to advertise the Whopper
Burger King recently unveiled a genius, yet a little infuriating video ad that’s designed to intentionally set off Google Home; the voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant.
Guetzli by Google reduces the size of JPEG files, making image transfers quicker
If you’re into digital photography and hate the wait for transferring JPEG files, this announcement is for you. Google has introduced a new algorithm that will make it possible to reduce the size of JPEG images by about 35%, without reducing the quality.
Discover this student’s amazing freehand architectural sketches
In today’s digital age, it’s nice to see that some people are still using pencil and paper. And that includes architecture student, Adelina Gareeva. She drafts her work by hand, creating extremely detailed architectural sketches without a computer.
Funny and deliciously satisfying divorce cakes to celebrate being single again
You don’t usually celebrate getting a divorce. Well, not in the same way weddings are. However, in recent years, parties have become popular to mark the end of a marriage. And as these divorce parties become more common, celebratory cakes have become the latest trend.
The top 5 free infographic makers available online
When you have over a billion websites to choose from, along with the distractions of day-to-day life, getting consumers attention, and keeping it, is hard. With a staggering amount of information generated daily, people don’t have time to read an endless page of online content. In fact, most users will leave…
Geometric animal sculptures made from folded paper
The Forest Collection contains cute animals crafted out of coloured paper.
Real estate agency In hot water for objectifying women in sexist ad
A transit poster popped up recently in the London Underground that’s turning heads for the wrong reasons. Real estate agency Marsh and Parsons has received severe criticism following the release of an advertisement objectifying women.
The top 10 winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2017
The Sony World Photography Awards is an annual competition hosted by the World Photography Organization. Recently, the largest photo competition in the world announced the winners for 2017.
Designer builds a gun that transforms tears into bullets
After an altercation with her tutor, this design student built a gun that fires her tears.
Humorous illustration uses pirates to depict terrible clients
You can’t blame your clients for not knowing what is and isn’t good design – that’s your job to show them. You can’t, however, forgive them for assuming that your time is free.
How to spot a cheap logo design and improve it
Whether you know it or not, consumers are able to tell the difference between a good and bad logo. And having a cheap logo design not only reflects badly on your skills as a designer, but on the brand it was created for. Your logo…
Keep your mouth ‘Whopper Fresh’ with Burger King toothpaste
Do you enjoy the taste of a flame broiled Whopper? What if you could keep that taste in your mouth when you brush your teeth? Burger King France has cooked up a new ‘Whopper Toothpaste‘ with its agency Buzzman. Or at least, that’s what they’d…
What are the work habits of Millennials that form the majority of the workforce?
As more and more Millennials entering the workforce and assume management positions, you may notice changes in workplace culture. Why? Because there are distinct differences between generational work styles, expectations, and career perspectives.
Infographic: The 10 basic elements of design
Need to refresh your memory on the basic elements of design? These elements can be isolated and defined in any visual. They are the structure of the work, and can carry a wide variety of messages. So, before tackling any design, Creative Market has created an…
Zara’s ‘Love Your Curves’ ad draws harsh criticism and humorous responses
You should always be weary of what you say or post online—especially on Twitter. Clothing brand Zara certainly learned that after posting an ad showing two models with the tagline, “Love your curves.”
Beautiful tattoos that look like watercolour art
Instagram and Pinterest are great sources of inspiration when it comes to ideas for tattoos. This is especially true now, given how contemporary tattoo artists are getting more creative than ever with the medium.
Why you should become a graphic designer
Some people are destined to become a graphic designer. They have a knack for aesthetics, notice the finer details and love to learn new things. So, if you’ve always been deeply interested in graphic design, but are not currently working in the field, this may…
Minimalist cassette player aims to bring back glory days of physical media
It was the musical medium of choice through much of the 1980s and ‘90s. And while cassette tape sales are still tiny compared to vinyl, they’re up. It’s one of the fastest-growing musical formats in terms of sales and record labels have been quick to jump…
Photoshop cheatsheet for novice graphic designers
While there are plenty of online tutorials available, it’s often difficult for novice graphic designers to know where to start. When opening Photoshop for the first time, it’s easy to look at all the confusing features and buttons. If only there was a Photoshop cheatsheet that could help…
Beauty and the Beast inspired roses that live forever
Few things embody the magic of Disney films quite like the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast. With the live-action release of this classic tale opening today, what better way to gift fans than with a magical rose in a glass dome?
PANTONE unveils new magazine that explores seasonal colour trends
Last month the PANTONE Color Institiute debuted its new bi-annual magazine. VIEWPOINT COLOUR is an inspirational lifestyle magazine that explores seasonal colour trends and insights across all design disciplines. Colour plays a crucial part in branding, logo design, and how products are perceived by consumers. And because of…
New Burger King ad campaign has its restaurants up in flames
Burger King is serious about flame grilling its burgers. So much so that its new print ad campaign has the photos to prove it. Literally burning the house down, Burger King’s latest ads shows its restaurants up in flames; a consequence, according to the ads, of the…
22 Deadly sins of graphic design
Starting any graphic design project requires preparation. There are briefs to follow, theories to consider, and deadly sins to avoid. So if you’re thinking about using Comic Sans or flattening your Photoshop file, think again.
What’s the difference between a font and a typeface?
In today’s digital world, the words font and typeface are often treated similarly. In most instances when people refer to fonts, they really mean typefaces. However, they’re not the same thing.
The visually impaired can now tell time with the world’s first Braille smartwatch
Did you know that there are over 285 million visually impaired people in the world? This month, some of these lives are about to get better. South Korean developer Dot has produced the world’s first Braille smartwatch. And its features are just what you’d expect from…
39 things you didn’t know about the world’s favourite brands
Some we like, others we hate, but do you know the whole story behind the world’s favourite brands? Brands and the stories behind them are the stories that both fascinate and intrigue.
Amazing sculptures made out of recycled tires
One way to cultivate creativity is to make art from things that others believe is trash. While most artists spend their money on materials like clay, paper, or paints, Blake McFarland doesn’t have this problem. Not just a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, Blake creates…
Where do you fall in the 7 circles of developer Hell?
Unfortunately, like most jobs, the work of a developer isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. It’s filled with unique frustrations that only other developers would be able to relate to.
Innovative levitating timepiece counts by minutes, hours, or even years
Swedish innovation and design company FLYTE works to create levitating art and design products to inspire people all over the world. And now they’ve unveiled a unique levitating timepiece that seeks bring the idea of time back to its physical routes.
Bottle designs inspired by masked Mexican wrestlers
If you’re into wrestling, then you probably like the masked luchadores from Mexico. A spectacular sight to behold, these ring warriors are commonly included as motifs on tequila bottles. However, Mucha Liga Tequila takes this concept to new heights with its packaging.
The destruction of wildlife illustrated in clever double exposure ads
“Destroying Nature is Destroying Life”. This is the slogan of a beautiful and powerful new awareness campaign against the destruction caused by uncontrolled industrialization. Using double exposure ads, the campaign reminds us that the destruction of nature inevitably leads to the destruction of wildlife.
Grope Sans: A quirky and risqué private parts themed typeface
Apparently, Valentine’s Day wasn’t all chocolates and roses. Food design and research studio Bompas & Parr, out of Liverpool, has created a new risqué typeface called Grope Sans. Created for Valentine’s Day, this racy typeface by graphic designer Flo Fairweather, is adorned with nipples, vaginas and penises.
Lego fan opens brick burger restaurant
Lego is a toy that has lasted more than 60 years and is still going strong. Go in to any toy shop and you’ll find a whole section dedicated to the stuff. There are theme parks almost literally built out of it and there’s even a…
Spectacular paper pop-up sculptures
While studying graphic design in college, German artist Peter Dahmen was given an assignment to create a 3D object out of paper. Though he loved the task and the opportunity to work with his favourite medium, there was one problem: he didn’t have a safe way of transporting the…
Snapchat Spectacles may soon play a big role in recruiting talent
If you’ve been avoiding Snapchat, whether personally or professionally, it’s time to start paying attention. It’s a mobile phenomenon which enjoys 100 million users daily, watching 10 billion videos each day. When Snapchat Spectacles were first released, they only seemed to be a playful extension of the…
Unleash your inner Cookie Monster at cookie dough café
Although many experts now say that eating raw cookie dough is bad for you, most of us still do. And who can blame us, it tastes so damn good – before and after you bake it. And so we rejoice at news that finally, someone is…
Airbnb and PANTONE create green wonderland to help fight the winter blues
Airbnb and PANTONE have joined up to create a one-of-a-kind nature-filled space that brings the outdoors, inside. Inspired by the Pantone’s 2017 Colour of the Year, Greenery, the Outside In house in the heart of London, is designed to encourage visitors to embrace 2017 with fresh optimism.
Futura-inspired font magically adjusts to look its best as you type
Five years ago, design studio Høly created Futuracha, which started as an experimental font. Based on the Futura typeface, but with an extravagant art deco style, it was published to give creative people the chance to explore and create. The response was overwhelming.