Design Blog

Pash, aka Matt Pashkow, has interviewed 40 famous designers about what inspires them. The result was this book he titled Inspirability. He sent out cameras to the designers to take self portraits and to capture their workspace. He also called them for phone interviews (I particularly like Erik Spiekermann’s interview the best). The form entries are my favorite part of this book where the designers have handwritten their answers. They are enjoyable to both read and look at.

Taking the time to do your research on any design project is imperative. This endearing title sequence for the film “Thank You for Smoking” came up with a simple concept for the introduction, but went the extra mile to study typographic design through the years of classic and now long-gone cigarette brands. Personally, I love it when text is woven into a scene or in this case, into historic graphic design styles.

This it the third in a series of title sequences. See why we’re mad in part two, or for part one, click here.

See the HD version here.

Another fantasticly conceptual title sequence that I cannot avoid including is the title credits for the television show “Mad Men.” I believe any designer will already understand what I am talking about, but for those of you who don’t, let me explain. This piece is both highly conceptual as well as beautiful. It is graphic in nature, which tends to snag my heartstrings, but that aside, the concept that a world is falling apart and feeling a sense of falling amid a chaos of beauty and glamour is exactly what the show is about. It’s about not knowing oneself, and seeking answers.

This is the second in a series of well-designed title sequences. Check out why we are so thankful for the next one. Otherwise, to jump to part one.