Here is your freshly squeezed design inspiration for the week of April 17 2023.
- SOMETHING GORGEOUS: The Surreal Work of Joe Pease
- PORTFOLIO OF THE WEEK: We Think Elastic
- Branding Concept for Slims Pizza
- Nordstrom Rack Rebrand
- Donald Glover Launches Gilga
- ONE TOK: Letter Apartment Floor plans
- Be Nice and Make Good Work
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Resource of the Week
Webflow
Webflow is my tried and trusted tool when it comes to building amazing websites for my design clients. I use it for pretty much everything, even my own personal site. When designers and creatives ask me about Webflow though, I always recommend it as a tool they should have in their kit. It has allowed me to charge more for my clients while also being able to build full interactive and engaging websites. This month Webflow has officially announced their new Webflow 101 course that is completely free to enroll.
In this course you will cover the basics of HTML and CSS, how to build responsive websites, and much more!
I cannot recommend learning Webflow enough if you have the time. It will be a super helpful tool as you grow in the creative industry!
Get Started with Webflow Today
Something Gorgeous
The Surreal Work of Joe Pease
I hadn't heard of Joe Pease before but through the ways of social media and following Ethan, I found his meticulous and surreal video pieces.
Joe Pease collages dozens if not hundreds of videos together to create familiar yet reality bending video environments. Taking the time to mask many layers together, the result are loops that make you feel are witnessing a glitch in the system of life.
Let's not forget to mention that all of Joe's video loops are wrapped in this wonderful VHS-like quality that just brings me back to the days of watching those big glass TVs from the 90s.
Absolutely gorgeous.
Portfolio Of The Week
We Think Elastic
This week's portfolio of the week comes from Parisian agency We Think Elastic. While I try not to share too many agency or big company portfolio websites because it can definitely be a different approach for us solo/freelance creatives. I thought the way their homepage was laid out was perfect and something I could easily see myself employing if I ever decide to update mine.
I specifically love how they break up their homepage sections with moments of scroll interactions to let the viewer know, "here is something new coming". The "Expertise" animation is a perfect example followed only by 3 blocks of what they offer as an agency and quite frankly that's all you need. Their project pages also use just the right amount of negative space to again, slow a visitor from scrolling past and acknowledge the description they've written. Something I often mention during our portfolio reviews.
View We Think Elastic's portfolio here.
Creative Finds
Branding Concept for Slims Pizza
Blake Scott is a talented designer from Auckland, New Zealand while I could've easily shared his portfolio for POW, I thought this concept project he created was even better. This is a great example of a self-initiated project that was masterfully done and I'm sure will get him plenty of future opportunities. Make sure to notice his wonderful use of quality mocks.
Nordstrom Rack Rebrand
BAMF New York agency Jones Knowles Ritchie has recently rebranded Nordstrom Rack referencing a logo used by the company in the 70s and 80s. To me it feels cool and fresh and this idea of referencing company archives is a trend I predict we will continue to see through the rest of 2023.
Donald Glover Launches Gilga
Donald Glover is a creative genius and the fact that he is opening his own creative studio is just so cool. Gilga currently has a bunch of open roles so if you're available take a look, sounds like an awesome opportunity and one I would definitely take advantage of.
ONE TOK
Letter Apartment Floor plans
Have you ever wondered what a home or apartment may look like if it was constructed using a letter? Me too...
Reeves did just that and I don't know about you but I am really considering using an E for my future home. Which letter would you use?
One Thing I Learned
Be Nice and Make Good Work
A variation of sort from the famous "Work Hard & Be Nice to People" from Anthony Burrill.
I mentioned this in a recent portfolio review, but I like to believe that graphic design is very much a relationship based business. How you make your client feel while working with them can sometimes be more valuable and important than the final outcome. This idea is also applicable if you work in a full-time role with others.
I wanted to share this because this week turned out to be quite busy for me connecting with previous clients, creative directors, and coworkers who are looking to either work together again or if I knew someone that I could recommend (btw if you haven't already joined our slack group you should because I share these opportunities whenever they pop up).
I 100% attribute this to making sure that everyone that I work with always has a pleasant experience, whether I work with them directly or point them in the right direction. Of course it goes without saying that if I do work with someone, I always make sure to design the best possible solution but I also make sure that I am kind and helpful at the end of the day.
Remember, Be Nice and Make Good Work.
PS. Have a great week, and if you ever have any questions or a struggling with a thought in your head related to design and the creative industry. You can always reply to me here.
PPS. Also! Shoutout to one of Creative Juice's readers for sending me this note (you know who you are):
"I just have to say, I have never consistently wanted to open and actually read a newsletter before, but yours is great - thanks for finding cool stuff!"
It is very much appreciated 🙏
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