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.
Do designers need post-secondary education?
Gaining a post-secondary education can be an incredibly valuable experience for your design skills. The popular perception of needing education to be successful is getting a college or university degree and working for a company which pays you per your education level. However, it doesn’t…
Useless plastic NoPhone curbs smartphone addiction
According to Occam’s razor, the simplest solutions are oft the best. And when trying to ease smartphone addiction, it couldn’t possibly get simpler than the NoPhone. This 100% water resistant phone-shaped device is essentially a rectangular plastic slab. What does it do? Absolutely nothing save act as surrogate…
A handy guide to keeping your beard well-groomed
As someone who has had facial hair for nearly twenty years, I can tell you it takes a lot of work to grow out a great beard. Good grooming habits are essential, no matter if it’s for a cause like Movember or just because you want…
Cross-stitch street art adds colorful blooms to Spanish streets
Cross-stitching is not just for your grandmother anymore. Spanish artist Raquel Rodrigo is taking the decorative embroidery to the next level with gorgeous floral patterns that blanket forgotten urban spaces. Raquel decided to mix cross-stitch and street art, creating some beautiful embroidered floral compositions on the walls of…
How to help avoid a hangover
Ask any expert, and they’ll tell you that the best way to avoid a hangover is to lay off the booze. Or just stay drunk, your call. To fend off the nausea, headache, dizziness, and general misery that often follows an intense night of drinking, check out this infographic…
Artist leaves humorous signs around the city
In parks, streets, and industrial zones across Sydney, Australia, you’re likely to encounter quite a few signs and placards. However, you should take a closer look at some of these signs. Michael Pederson‘s quirky street art is so subtle that it’s easy to walk past it…
10 lesser-known facts about creative thinkers
Creativity and ingenuity are what drive humanity forward. But did you know that creative thinkers tend to have more complex and intricate minds than most people? We perceive the world differently. Our unconventional natures make us seem a little crazy, intriguing, and even make us admired by our…
Powerful ads feature animals tied up like garbage bags
An argument can be made that in order to deserve respect from other humans, you need to be human. However, with peoples deep love for animals, it raises fundamental questions about the basis of moral rights.
Monochrome stencil illustrations brought to life with graffiti
Fighting back against the mundane, artist Martin Whatson uses colour to bring urban scenes to life. He accomplishes this by interrupting these monochrome urban settings with explosions of vibrantly painted graffiti.
BMW unveils futuristic, self-balancing concept motorcycle
Bavarian motor company, BMW, claims motorcycle riders will soon be able to get all the thrills with none of the spills. As BMW celebrates 100 years, they’ve begun pushing forth their Vision Next series. This series is a collection of futuristic concept vehicles from Rolls-Royce, Mini and BMW.
These beautiful backpack will give you wings
The dream of flight started a very long time ago. Many people have wondered what it’s like to have wings, but people are not angels or birds. So do you simply strap on a pair of fake wings and go to work? You’d seem a little odd…
Best travel photos from Siena International Photo Awards
Although the Siena International Photo Awards was only conceived last year, it’s already regarded as a prestigious award. Photographers from over 100 countries around the world have submitted their images for the 2016 awards. Results for this years submission of over 15,000 photos have just been announced.…
Cute offensive animal greeting cards
Are you one of those people who love to hand out greeting cards? Well, I’m not. There’s nothing as impersonal and insincere that you can receive on a special occasion. If you’re going to give a greeting card, make sure it says how you really feel. So…
Limited edition art supplies created by Karl Lagerfeld
Adult colouring books are currently one of the top trending items, and rightfully so. Colouring books for adults are touted as a therapeutic activity to de-stress and increase mindfulness. They’re dominating best-seller lists and compelling countless grown-ups to find art supplies to colour with.
Burger King becomes McDonald’s ghost for Halloween
Talk about being burned. A Burger King location in Queens, New York, has taken a jab at McDonald’s for Halloween. In the amusing prank, a BK restaurant was transformed into the ghost of its famous rival. The entire building was draped in white sheets, accompanied by a sign that…
Puzzle book requires solving each page before reading
The downside to finding a really good book is that it’s over before you want it to be. But that won’t be the case with this five page book. That’s because you’ll need to solve a complex mechanical puzzle on each page before you can turn to the…
Ride in style with hologram-like display for bicycle wheels
Do enjoy riding your bicycle? I’ve previously done a few posts on bike technology that you should check out; like Poland’s glow-in-the-dark bicycle path or even the world’s first spokeless smart bike. But if you want to stay safe when biking at night or in the evening and want…
Instagram’s latest lip art trend brings us crystallized lips
Instagram has a tremendous influence over the beauty industry. If something starts catching on via the social media platform, it’s sure to make waves with fashionistas everywhere. The newest beauty rage amongst these make-up addicts is now crystallized lips.
The world’s most expensive potato chips
I’ve previously brought you some of the world’s most expensive food items; like the Glamburger, Juuni Ban hot dog, a $900 cupcake, and Krispy Kreme doughnut. Now, Swedish beer-makers, St. Erik’s Brewery, has created what is the world’s most expensive potato chips to go with…
Driftwood sculptures that represent the spirit of nature
Once nature has created the canvas, Debra Bernier begins her work using natural materials such as driftwood.
From the creators of ‘Exploding Kittens’ comes ‘Bears VS Babies’
Matthew Inman may not be a household name, but you might know The Oatmeal, a webcomic that he created. Last year, he teamed up with game designer Elan Lee to create Exploding Kittens; a card game that became the most backed Kickstarter campaign ever. Well, they’re back with a brand new…
Vintage travel posters celebrate world’s lost wildlife
You can still visit Costa Rica, but you’ll never find a golden toad there. At least not any more. That’s because the species no longer exists. When thinking about your next vacation, it’s standard practice to flick through a guidebook or travel website to find out more…
The essential guide to easily writing a catchy headline
Do you want to know how to quickly write an attractive and catchy headline for your blog post? It’s one thing to write great content, but it’s another thing to get it read and ranked.
Mesmerizing kinetic sand drawing tables
Condemned to roll a boulder up a mountain for all eternity, Sisyphus was a legend from Greek mythology. However, in these mesmerizing tables, Sisyphus is a kinetic sculpture that rolls a ball through sand. Under the glass top of the tables are a thin layer of sand. Beneath…
Hair crown looks like butterflies flying around your head
Butterflies happen to be a popular motif in the visual arts and design. Based in Ukraine, designer Iryna Osinchuk-Chajka of Eten-Iren Handmade Jewely has taken this motif and released a series of unique hair accessories.
Beautifully designed cakes look straight out of fairytales
Kings and Queens, elves, fairies, giants and gnomes. Imagine beautifully designed cakes made especially for people in fairytales. That’s certainly what you get when you take a look at Julián Ángel’s baked beauties.
Poland unveils glow-in-the-dark bicycle path
In a world where cities are looking for eco-friendly infrastructure solutions, new bicycle lanes are constantly being added. Seeking to make the bicycle path safer and more accessible in the evening and at night, urban planners in Lidzbark Warminski, Poland just unveiled a new glow-in-the-dark bicycle…
Earpiece with app can translate languages instantly
The language barrier is the most common thing that many travellers can relate to. English may be an international language, but communicating with those who don’t speak it requires some skill. So when travelling to a country where your native language isn’t spoken, don’t expect to become fluent…
Website brings kids’ drawings to life in animated movies
Most kids’ drawings are normally stuck to the wall or proudly pinned to the fridge. But thanks to an Australian TV show called Doodles, your kids’ drawings can become hilarious animated micro-movies.
Life in an ad agency shown through stock photos
Stock photos get a lot of hate. And most of time, the annoyance makes sense. We’ve all seen our share of cliché images, and there are lots of weird, creepy ones that leave you wondering who would want to use them. Then you see them thrown in…
Laceless running shoes designed by BMW and PUMA
Amidst the hype surrounding the recent re-release of the Nike Mag self-tying shoes, BMW and PUMA have partnered up to create a pair of laceless shoes. These running shoes incorporate technology from BMW’s GINA Light Visionary Model concept car.
Everything designers need to know about the golden ratio
Good designers are always on the hunt for the latest tools to help them step up their game—whether it’s a new app or the latest Adobe update. Yet some of the best design tools are actually those that have been around the longest.
Have you seen the dip dye wedding dress trend?
Here comes the bride, all dressed in white… and blue, pink and yellow. If you’re tired of the traditional white gown, then an airbrushed or dip dye wedding dress might be for you.
When an architect bakes desserts, this is what you get
Dinara Kasko isn’t your everyday pastry chef. In fact, she’s actually an architectural designer. So what happens when an architect likes to bake? Apparently, incredible things. She creates pastries by approaching them as if they were buildings.
17 signs your colleague hates you
Your coworkers can make or break your work experience. Hence, friendly, collaborative coworkers create a great team environment. Conversely, an argumentative and generally unpleasant colleague makes your life way more difficult.
Artist uses water drops to create dress designs
Plenty of fashion designers have a muse, so it’s no surprise that illustrator JaeSuk Kim employs the same idea in his stylish paintings. JaeSuk enjoys experimenting with watercolour and water drops.
What web designers can learn from the fashion industry
Buying clothes online is a risky venture, since much of shopping is knowing how the apparel feels and fits your body. One of the best ways to persuade people to buy clothes online is by being very meticulous. That’s why fashion industry websites are on top of…
College student’s photo series protests rapists release
In June of this year, Brock Turner, a former student at Stanford University in California, was sentenced for rape. He received only six months for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster at a campus party. As you can probably imagine, many people were understandably…
Artist creates monsters next to subway passengers
If commute on the subway, you either stare at your phone, the floor, or enjoy the pleasures of people watching. It can be interesting to observe people’s emotions and expressions. And the New York subway can be a pretty strange place, even at the best of times. Sometimes the expressions of these strange…
Hidden rainbow hair is the newest fashion trend
There have always been different hairstyles that have trended; including PANTONE Colour of the Year styles. Some of us are just too shy or have a conservative job for these bold hairstyles. If you’re one of those people, you’ll love this hidden rainbow hair trend.
Cyclotron is the world’s first spokeless smart bicycle
Decades after the original Tron hit cinemas, it’s still influencing futuristic designs. The design of this smart bicycle is unmistakably based on Tron’s Light Cycle – namely its two illuminated, spokeless wheels. And if you’re riding the Cyclotron, you’ll probably feel like you’re cruising through a futuristic landscape.
Diet Coke prints millions of unique labels for new campaign
Diet Coke sales keep falling, but the marketing investment behind the struggling soda keeps flowing in the US this year. Coca-Cola put significant media support behind the launch of a new Diet Coke packaging design program. Diet Coke’s fun new packaging stunt uses HP Indigo digital printing technology to create…
Make reading magical with glow-in-the-dark bookmarks
Want to find your book in the dark? These bookmarks glow in the dark after briefly being exposed to light.
Ice cream cone floating in a cotton candy cloud
Today’s weather is cloudy with a chance of soft-serve ice cream. Ice cream cones are already wonderful treats, but one genius ice cream shop has made it more heavenly by surrounding the cone with cotton candy. The result is a gorgeously dreamy dessert that makes it look like it’s…
10 workplace incentives top designers want
If you’re anything like most people, you’ve fantasized about the perfect workplace. Maybe you imagined eating prime rib at your desk while surrounded by brilliant colleagues. Or you dreamed of working at home office instead of being stuck in rush hour traffic with the other poor saps.
Spectacular triangle mountain cabin sits the edge of a cliff
Are you looking to unplug and find a cabin in the mountains to relax? Based in Hamburg, Germany, architect Matthias Arndt has created a stunning concept named the Triangle Cliff House that rests on the edge of a fictional cliff.
Everyday Backpack surpasses Kickstarter goal by 1200%
With comfort and functionality as priorities, lots of people now use backpacks for their everyday commute. Just throw it over the shoulders and go. You probably think that there’s not a lot of room to improve here. Well, that’s where you’d be wrong. These new Kickstater backpack is designed…
3D chalk art playfully interacts with street objects
Sidewalks are boring. If you live in the city, you’ll walk a lot of them and it’s usually not very interesting to look down. Usually. For nearly thirty years, Michigan-based artist David Zinn has created temporary illustrations with chalk and charcoal.
Ad agency immortalizes funny quotes from a client
Have you had a client that said funny things or asked stupid questions over the course of a project? For example, there are things clients say when wanting cheaper work and their ridiculous demands. A project team at ad agency Strategy Creative in New Zealand has definitely heard some humorous things. While working…
The 10 best Google Fonts for your designs
As a web designer, you’re probably well aware of the importance of typeface. With the growing amount of businesses engaging in content marketing, font selection is becoming all the more crucial.