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.
What they didn’t teach you in design school
No matter what path you took in life, when it comes to our careers we all wish I learned ________________ in school. So, inspired by the gaps he perceived in a conventional design education, Professor Phil Cleaver published the very readable What They Didn’t Teach…
Geometric models of animals made entirely out of paper
Artist Wolfram Kampffmeyer—aka PaperWolf—has become renowned for his talent creating stunning 3D geometric models; beautiful polygonal animals made from coloured paper.
Layered glass sculptures that mimic the ocean and waves
These beautiful layered glass sculptures by Sydney-based artist Ben Young are made out of glass. They were painstakingly cut and pieced together to mimic the topography of the ocean and its waves.
What different generations used for wasting time
Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow. With nearly all of us owning some type of smart device, we can spend endless hours wasting time online.
IKEA instructions humorously depict handling real life situations
Are you having trouble figuring out exactly how to behave in certain situations? Have no fear, IKEA is here. Actually, UK-based artist James Chapman is here with a humorous illustrated series of IKEA instructions. They demonstrate the dos and do nots of handling situations in…
Get 750 free icons released by Google
Here’s a freebie for all you designers out there. The Google Design team have released open-sourced icons as part of the Material Design system icons pack.
Unconventional murder weapons that were actually used
Humans seem to have a morbid fascination with death—and with that, ways of killing people. Have you ever thought about murder? If so, how would you do it and what would you use?
Creative alphabet made by cutting, folding and manipulating paper
Berlin-based artist Tony Ziebetzki has created a series of alphabetic paper designs. Using only a scalpel, pieces of paper and a scanner, he wanted to find out how many ways could there be manipulating paper into letters.
Jewellery creates electricity through body movements
Jerusalem-based industrial designer Naomi Kizhner has created a jewellery concept that harnesses the body’s kinetic energy. Her hope is that one day it can be used to create electricity.
Witty uninspiring posters about life’s lows
For most of us, that uninspiring or depressed feeling comes and goes. But when sadness persists it affects your ability to function at work, at home, or in other aspects of your life. So if you’re currently in a funk, you might want to avoid…
Humorous superhero mashup illustrations
The superhero genre has never been more popular. From Batman to the Avengers and X-Men, there’s a story for everyone. But what would happen if they started to crossover with pop culture, comics, or even famous personalities?
What not to say to a photographer
Bing a photographer is a complicated and sometimes challenging job, requiring talent and knowledge. But that doesn’t stop some people from treating them like free photo dispensers.
An alphabet poster series inspired by The Beatles
A fan of The Beatles, Tumblr user Lexi wanted to pay tribute to her favourite band. Using her knowledge of the band, she imagined each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a word that relates to their legendary history, band member’s name, or song title.
Witty, offensive cards that fold out into awesome greetings
Receiving greeting cards from a loved ones makes every holiday or celebration that much more special. But how would you react if that card said Santa Hates You? If you’re sick and tired of those cliché greetings, you’ll just love these!
Beautiful mirror mosaic creates optical illusions
French designer Arnaud Lapierre has created a mesmerizing mirror installation at the Place Vendôme in Paris. Called The Ring Mirror, it plays with the context of this urban space through reflections, light and the interaction of passers-by.
Business cards transform into mini bow and arrow
Businesses can be downright cutthroat at times. That’s why Australian communication design studio Filter has designed these weaponized business cards for digital media production company, Longbow.
Creative astrological star signs made out of paper
There are some wonderful examples of paper art out there. Just because we live in a digital world doesn’t mean our love affair with paper has diminished.
Why owning a PC is like owning a dog
Did you know that PCs and dogs have lots in common? Well, OK, owning PCs and dogs are mostly similar – until you get to the part where you have to consider buying a new one.
Ridiculous requests and things you shouldn’t say to a graphic designer
If you’re a graphic designer (or even an art director like me for that matter), one of the hardest things is trying to accede to your client’s vague, obscure and sometimes ridiculous requests; the ones that don’t clearly state what they want.
3D printed laser cut pasta typography
The possibilities with 3D printing technology are endless – like the 3D printed dress that becomes transparent the more you share online. So, creating an edible typeface laser cut from pasta seemed inevitable.
Brilliant food packaging inspired by its contents
Swedish design studio Tomorrow Machine has come up with a series of clever, beautifully designed, eco-friendly food packaging.
Beautiful fluorescent bodyscapes
Utah-based photographer and artist John Poppleton‘s personal goal was to create something original and to be different. However, fantasy portraits were never part of his plan. Now that’s what he’s known for. John has created a series of fluorescent artworks, painted directly on the human body.
Amazingly detailed sculptures carved out of watermelon
Clay? Paper? Metal? No? Then how about fruit? Vancouver sculptor and extreme pumpkin carver, Clive Cooper has come up with some amazing sculptures carved from watermelon.
Break the bad news with humorous and beautiful calligraphy
How do you break bad news to someone? Do you sugarcoat it or tell the truth? If you’ve ever had to break bad news to someone, but weren’t quite sure how to do it, there’s now a solutions. Seb Lester is a graphic designer from the UK. He has a love or…
These chocolate bars are beautiful, edible pieces of modern art
Mexico-based Unelefante was founded by fine jewellery designer Tatiana Sanchez. It was a response to the mass-produced products flooding Mexico and putting pressure on hand-made traditions. Teaming up with Chef Jorge Llanderal and his family, they created a collection of beautifully designed chocolate bars that look like brightly coloured…
What’s your designer star sign?
According to Creative Director Liza Enebeis, there are 12 types of designers out there. To do this, she consults her inner Zodiac to bring you your designer star sign. Find yours and discover what it has to offer.
Photos that poke fun at silly United States laws
In the United States, there are both federal and state laws; each of the 50 states are allowed to formulate and implement their own laws. Some of these laws are rarely implemented and are even considered weird, controversial and obnoxious. While some are outlandish and…
The history of famous cookies from around the world
Cookies were first made after sugar became available as a baking ingredient about 1400 years ago. And did you know that over half of the cookies baked at home today are chocolate chip? But what about other famous cookies?
What the world looks like, before and after a breakup
Saying goodbye to the person you were once close with after a breakup can be a hard thing to do. Chances are that we’ve all been there or know someone whose been in that situation. When it happens to you, it’s devastating. And while people can relate,…
Humorous comic depicts the styles of writing
No matter what the genre, a good writer needs to set the mood for their readers. Understanding the different styles of writing can give perspective into taking a blank page and figuring out how to mix things up to get the words flowing.