Pantone’s Color of 2014

Each year the Pantone Color Institute forecasts the color for the year ahead, 2014 gives us Radiant Orchid (PMS 18-3224). American color specialist, Leatrice Eisemanan, describes the trendy color as an ‘enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones’. Pantone’s predictions influence everything from consumer product manufactures to paint suppliers. The previous year’s colors include Monaco Blue (PMS 19-3964) and Tangerine Tango (PMS 17-1463) 

Léo Caillard

French photographer Léo Caillard decided it was time to modernize some classic sculptures, to trade in loin clothes and leaves for skinny jeans and denim shirts. He began the makeover by photographing hip Parisians in trendy garb, then mapping their clothes onto nude Hellenic sculptures taken from the Louvre.

Thanks to Joe Koufman for today’s fodder.

Neoman Studios

Founded in 2011, Manchester based Neoman Studioes specializes in using visual data to tell a story. To prove their point, they have created an infographic explaining why our brains crave inforgraphics. Using bright colors, symbols and limited copy they are able to provide insights to better design to the human mind.

Thanks to Nick Rieman for today’s fodder.

Heineken Ignite

Heineken is trying to tap into club culture with an interactive bottle design that uses micro sensors and wireless technology to interact with drinkers. The LED lights react when people toast each other and sip from the bottle, and they can be synchronized to music as well.

Thanks to Melissa Hodgdon for today’s fodder.

Tweetping

Web Designer Franck Ernewein has created Tweetping, a stunning visualization of tweets posted from every location around the world.
Representing each tweet with a location-specific lighted pixel on the world map, the app also provides the viewer with information of what is happening on Twitter in real-time—for instance, the last hashtag used on each continent.

Thanks to Bob Rusnak for today’s fodder.

2013 Super Bowl Commercials

Super Bowl XLVII is now one for the record books. The game is over, and will largely be forgotten once the hangovers and food comas have cleared. But water cooler discussions about the blackout and commercials will live on? Well, at least for a while. At $4 million per :30 spot, there were some clear winners and losers–here’s the AdMeter five best and worst spots from last night’s game.
BEST #1
Budweiser: “Clydesdales: Brotherhood”
AdMeter Score: 7.76

Connecting

The 18 minute “Connecting” documentary is an exploration of the future of Interaction Design and User Experience from some of the industry’s thought leaders. As the role of software is catapulting forward, Interaction Design is seen to be not only increasing in importance dramatically, but also expected to play a leading role in shaping the coming “Internet of things.” Ultimately, when the digital and physical worlds become one, humans along with technology are potentially on the path to becoming a “super organism” capable of influencing and enabling a broad spectrum of new behaviors in the world.

Thanks to Bob Rusnak for today’s fodder.

Connecting (Full Film) from Bassett & Partners on Vimeo.

Ugly Models Agency

The world of modeling isn’t just for the slender, trendy and beautiful. London based Ugly Models Agency is seeking the weirdest-looking people they can find, which is all kinds of refreshing. Their website boasts, “We like our women fat and our men geeky, we like the extremely tall and the shockingly small.” The site also initiates an open casting call for the bug-eyed, heavily pierced, mustachioed and any other feature that provides real life character.

Thanks to Dave Bauer for today’s fodder.

WonderRoot

The Atlanta metro area supports many farmers markets and several Community Supported Agriculture programs from local farms such as Love is Love. With that concept in mind, a local Atlanta non-profit organization, WonderRoot, has announced their latest project: Community Supported Art subscriptions. Those who participate in the program are able to buy “shares” with a group of local artists. After purchasing a share, participants will receive nine original works of art over the course of a year. This program not only supports local artists but also benefits the city’s local art culture.

If you are interested in purchasing a share or participating in the program, please contact Engauge’s own Eva Taylor at Etaylor@engauge.com.

Rooftopping

Planking, Owling and Tebowing are so 2012. The new year brings us ‘Rooftopping’, the new and daring photography trend that involves snapping pictures from the terrifying heights that only the edge of skyscrapers can provide. Rooftopping pioneer and mask enthusiast  Tom Ryaboi, braved incredible heights to capture these amazing photographs. Use caution if you decide to take up this hobby.