Tom’s Graphic Design Journal

So to follow up to my previous post which was taken the wrong way by some...I guess you'd have to be on the same page as me (or be talking/following my theories and thinking) to understand that the right way...

I wanted to post some examples of quality. Some sites that are more positive and hopeful. See, I'm not always negative =)

My point was more to the affect of how things in general are falling apart. It's just the way of the world. I mean again, I don't mean to be negative. So...check out some of these great sites for inspiration if you also are feeling like things are looking gloomy.

Phirebrush - A great site that features wonderful work done by artists/designers/photographers/writers/etc. (also linked on the left of my blog because I really support this site, and have for years).

Deviantart - Always that classic site.

CSS Beauty - A great site that showcases some good design with CSS. 

FWA - Of course, as mentioned by some angry fellow on my other post. Shows off a lot of Flash stuff.

The Webby Awards - Been around for a while, good contest. 

Some non web things:

SPD - Publication diesgn annuals...available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. If you're into magazines, LOOK at these. Been around for a long time.

Of course there's also other really good design annuals, shows, competitions, etc. that come out from the ADC, AIGA, TDC, etc. Also great magazines that show off great talent like HOW, Print, eye, I.D., and more.

So there is good stuff out there. REAL good stuff...I wasn't trying to be too negative, but we do have to accept the fact and realize that there is this infiltration of poor quality going around. Is it from people who want to hop on the bandwagon of design? Is it from the increasing number of tools that make it easier? I can't imagine how designers felt when computers first started to be used in the design industry. Who knows. I just hope it goes away. It's just this attitude I guess. It goes right along with Apple. Sure there's nothing wrong with Apple, good products...sure I think overpriced, but that's beside the point...my point is the few people who buy these products and then declare themselves special. If you own a Mac laptop...it doesn't mean you know how to design. It's that misconception. It's that fake image. 

   

So to follow up to my previous post which was taken the wrong way by some...I guess you'd have to be on the same page as me (or be talking/following my theories and thinking) to understand that the right way...

I wanted to post some examples of quality. Some sites that are more positive and hopeful. See, I'm not always negative =)

My point was more to the affect of how things in general are falling apart. It's just the way of the world. I mean again, I don't mean to be negative. So...check out some of these great sites for inspiration if you also are feeling like things are looking gloomy.

Phirebrush - A great site that features wonderful work done by artists/designers/photographers/writers/etc. (also linked on the left of my blog because I really support this site, and have for years).

Deviantart - Always that classic site.

CSS Beauty - A great site that showcases some good design with CSS. 

FWA - Of course, as mentioned by some angry fellow on my other post. Shows off a lot of Flash stuff.

The Webby Awards - Been around for a while, good contest. 

Some non web things:

SPD - Publication diesgn annuals...available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. If you're into magazines, LOOK at these. Been around for a long time.

Of course there's also other really good design annuals, shows, competitions, etc. that come out from the ADC, AIGA, TDC, etc. Also great magazines that show off great talent like HOW, Print, eye, I.D., and more.

So there is good stuff out there. REAL good stuff...I wasn't trying to be too negative, but we do have to accept the fact and realize that there is this infiltration of poor quality going around. Is it from people who want to hop on the bandwagon of design? Is it from the increasing number of tools that make it easier? I can't imagine how designers felt when computers first started to be used in the design industry. Who knows. I just hope it goes away. It's just this attitude I guess. It goes right along with Apple. Sure there's nothing wrong with Apple, good products...sure I think overpriced, but that's beside the point...my point is the few people who buy these products and then declare themselves special. If you own a Mac laptop...it doesn't mean you know how to design. It's that misconception. It's that fake image.