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.
Discover the most popular summer shoe styles for men
When it comes to warm-weather shoe styles, it’s all about keeping cool—in every sense of the word. But even though some styles are off the table, options abound.
Emerging logo design trends to look for this year
A trend report by LogoLounge has revealed the some of the biggest visual styles and influences in logo design for 2015. The report also reveals how the advent of new digital devices has changed designers’ approaches to creating stylish, memorable logos.
Gigantic mirrored letters that reflect their surroundings
San Francisco Design Week is the Bay Area’s largest design event, bringing together thousands of people across every discipline of design for a week of events, talks, and open-studios. As part of their Look Closer campaign, branding and design agency Character has created a series of gigantic…
Learn the best ways to photograph a moving object
Do you have problems shooting a moving object with a camera? It’s not just the speed of your subject that counts, it’s where you stand and the angle you shoot from.
The truth about the funny little lies designers tell their clients
Clients, while a necessary evil, are part of a designer’s life. Sure, they make up excuses to try to get cheaper work. And yes, they often make ridiculous demands. But designers don’t always tell their clients the truth either.
Architectural optical illusion makes church disappear
You don’t need to be a religious person to appreciate the architectural designs of churches and mosques. However, the design of this church in Borgloon, Belgium, has baffled locals. The building appears whole from one angle, but appears to dissolve into thin air from another.
Infographic: What does your style of beer says about you?
As we head into Canada Day, with all the celebrations I thought that it would be a good time to talk about beer. Everyone has their own go-to brew. Whether yours is a light lager or a dark ale, your style of beer reveals more than…
The top 10 fonts designers love to hate. Is your on the list?
There are certain fonts that designers love to hate for one reason or another—either due to their overuse or ugliness. Sometimes it’s because of just a few characters; sometimes it’s the whole design.
28 bizarre vending machines from around the world
Vending machines have evolved from the days of old candy and stale coffee; they’re now changing the way we live our lives. But if you think they still only stocked with snacks, think again. These days, vending machines distribute all sorts of goods.
Artist transform famous paintings into Batman-themed pop art
A massive Batman fan, Los Angeles-based artist Vartan Garnikyan has been putting his love of the Caped Crusader on canvas. Vartan’s transformed famous paintings, duplicating their styles and turning them into Batman-themed pop art.
What not to say on your first day at work
It's natural to want to fit in. However, many people end up trying too hard, and talk when they should listen.
The 2 types of email users: Which are you?
All email users have their own unique habits, it seems. I’ve known some who have to read every single email that comes through their inbox. And I’ve known others who have completely opposite habits, only checking what’s at the top… sometimes.
A device that simulates tomorrow’s weather in a box
There are plenty of weather apps that you can download to see tomorrow’s conditions, but where’s the fun in that? Designed by Ken Kawanmoto, this fascinating weather device elegantly simulates tomorrow’s forecast in a small translucent box.
Analyzing the signatures of tech entrepreneurs
Your signature is unique to you. It’s a mark that represents you on important documents; something that allows people to trust that what it represents came from you. But did you know that signatures can indicate over 5,000 personality traits?
Learn how to swear like the British
Once the use of profanities in public was outright appalling to most in general society. Nowadays, swear words like fuck, shit and bollocks are just part of normal conversation. In fact, a recent study in the UK found that people are more comfortable with swearing on television…
The ultimate global hot dog style guide
A summer food staple, hot dogs are cheap, delicious and they can be dressed up or dressed down with little to no effort. And while America has its fair share of variations on the hot dog, there’s an entire world of hot dog style to consider.
What if apps needed pick-up lines?
A lot of time has been spent debating whether pick-up lines are the best way to get someone’s attention or not. But what if your favourite apps and websites needed pick-up lines to get your attention?
Toothpaste campaign shows how a smile changes the story
A simple smile has more power than you might think. No matter where you are in the world, what language you speak, or social status, a smile will always be understood. And this is the focus of a print campaign by toothpaste brand Crest.
Choosing the best careers based on your zodiac sign
For as long as humans have been around, we’ve looked to the stars for answers. And one of the biggest questions continues to be “what do I do with my life?” Well, online psychic reading service Crystal Heart Psychics has come up with a helpful…
Adorable, brutally honest circle of life illustrations
Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, insects and other invertebrates each have their own unique circle of life. And while all animals need to be safe and to reproduce, they also need to eat; one animal feeds off of another to survive—that’s just how it is.
Funny and honest food pyramid for different age groups
Everyone is aware that they should be eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In fact, we learned this in elementary school when we were taught the food pyramid.
Is this billboard obscene by accident or by intent?
Costa Rican drivers are getting an eyeful when passing this billboard for beer brand Republica Parrillera Pilsner. When appearing from the front, it appears like your average billboard. However, when viewed from behind they receive an obscene image.
Plant this eco-friendly tree book to regrow a tree
A small book publisher in Argentina is offering a book that can grow back into a tree after you’re done reading it.
Humorous Pizza Hut parodies selfie stick abuse PSA
There’s probably no point in me asking if you’ve taken a selfie lately. The answer is yes, which means you’re the target audience for this new over-the-top selfie stick parody PSA from Pizza Hut.
Pizza Hut box transforms into a movie projector
Movie nights and pizza are a natural fit. That’s why Pizza Hut created a new cardboard pizza box that turns into a working movie projector powered by your smartphone.
Scientifically proven ways to flirt better
Are you looking to flirt someone special? Exactly how do we signal our sexual interest and intent in each other? It may seem trivialized, but the coquettish behaviour indulged in by men and women alike is actually vital for our general health and reproductive fitness.
Bloomberg reveals the deadliest jobs in America
What do you think are the deadliest jobs where you are? Since America introduced the Occupational Safety and Health Act back in 1970, workplace standards have improved. However, while job fatalities have declined by more than 60 percent since then, some jobs remain far more…
Phone etiquette rules every professional should follow
Presenting a professional image, both on the phone and in person, is very important.
Amazing 3D anamorphic graffiti that appears to be floating
Portuguese street artist Sergio Odeith can create stunning 3D graffiti optical illusions that evoke the feeling of spatial depth. However, these two-dimensional artworks uses clever perspective and shading techniques to create anamorphic masterpieces.
Watch what happens when Facebook removes everything people complain about
Facebook has over a billion users and people still find things about to complain about. And I’m not just talking about trolls sharing their personal opinions; I’m talking about the user interface for the social media platform.
How different generations consume content online
When marketers think about online behaviours, Millennials typically receive more attention than other generations. While Millennials are the social media generation, you shouldn’t rule out other generations—like Gen X—when marketing online.
Learn how to make BBQ bacon sushi
Does everything taste better with bacon? If you’re a meat lover who also happens to enjoy sushi, then you might want to take a look at this video. Created by food website COOK WITH ME.AT, it shows viewers how to make awesome-sounding BBQ Bacon Sushi.
The cheat sheet for bossing your interview
By bossing your interview, you'll show your future employer that you’re smart and ready for anything.
How to share your personal opinions on Facebook
Sharing your personal opinions on Facebook can be a great way to meet new people who disagree with you. It’s also a way for you to test your blood pressure limits and your faith in humanity.
Watch how to survive in a free falling elevator
For millions of people, riding in an elevator is an everyday occurrence. And if you’ve ever watched a disaster movie or nervously glanced at a maximum load capacity, you’ve probably wondered what how you’d survive being trapped in a falling elevator.
Microsoft introduces the Middle Finger emoji for Windows 10
Emojipedia has recently announced a host of new emojis for Windows 10. Most notably is that of the Middle Finger emoji. Also referred to as the Reversed Hand With Middle Finger Extended emoji, it comes in a range of diverse skin tones for users to choose from.
BMW shows us real helmet hair in humorous ads
You can buy a sweet new motorcycle and you can purchase stylish gear to go with it; but there isn’t much that can save you from the epidemic known as helmet hair.
10 humorous confessions of a guilty designer
Even if you're a diligent designer, you've probably committed at least one or two design sins.
How to impress your partner in the bedroom
Whether you’re in a relationship or a bit of a player, everyone wants to impress their partner in the bedroom. That’s why Carvaka has created an infographic that lists 10 different methods to impress both women and men.
8 time-saving templates for creatives
It doesn’t matter if you’re a freelance designer or work at an agency; with countless publications, briefs, other print pieces and so little time on hands, here are 10 useful time-saving templates to help.
Infographic: Men’s popular hairstyles
If you’re looking to spruce up your look with a new dew, it’s best to look at the current trends. That is, unless you’re looking to bring back the mullet.
A satirical look at the real meaning of words
You know there are words that sound the same but have different meanings; like their, they’re, and there. But what about words that have another meaning when in different context.
21 things worth the price of a Gold Apple Watch
Apple products are overpriced; iPhones are marked up 300%, but people still line up the day before to get their hands on one. And by now you’ve heard the outrageous price tag of the Gold Apple Watch which ranges from CDN$13,000 to $22,000.
Infographic: How to win any argument
One of life’s more difficult emotional situations is an argument. Whether it’s with someone you love, despise, or don’t even know, conflict can get your blood boiling. Some people go to great lengths to avoid conflict of any kind, while others are just itching to give…
Infographic: 50 important rules of document design
For non-designers, graphic design can appear a difficult task to master. There are multiple styles, typefaces, colour choices, layout options and more. However, when it comes to document design, you can narrow things down to a few basic principles. Master those and you’ll be able…
Things clients say when wanting cheaper work
There’s no doubt that you’ll come across clients who make ridiculous demands. And sure, designers might tell little lies to avoid having to deal with those demands. But what do you do when a client comes to you wanting cheaper work?
Realistic glass sculptures inspired by ocean waves
Inspired by their love for nature, ocean waves and the underwater environment, Californian-based Paul DeSomma and Marsha Blaker create stunning glass sculptures and vases.
This humorous ad mocks the Apple Watch with simplicity
Sometimes “smart” is simple. Created to promote Detroit-based Shinola’s Runwell watch, they’ve unveiled a humorous print ad that mercilessly skewers the technological capabilities of the Apple Watch.
Find out how you can appear smart in meetings
Not everyone enjoys meetings. Some see it as a waste of time—where they could be completing their work—while others find it a necessity to keep on top of current projects. However, it can be pretty nerve-racking if you don’t know what’s going on in the…
These walls splash pee back onto public urinators
To tackle the annoying stench and mess left behind by visitors relieving themselves on random walls in the St. Pauli neighbourhood in Hamburg, Germany, a group of residents have recently started a Peeback Project that hopes to deter public urinators.