Monday, December 22, 2008

Book Cover Design

We all know the saying, 'You can't judge a book by it's cover.' 

Unfortunately, I think that may not be as true as it once was. Bookstore shelves are inundated with gaudy compositions of faces, starbursts, large type and a number of other attention-getters. Most of which leave me no choice but to form an opinion about what is written on their pages. 

If you truly want someone to dig deep into your thoughts, say little up front, let them delve into you on their own. Create some intrigue (Hmmm, sounds vaguely familiar of the battle between good and evil. See figure 1.1) and take some hints from the book covers of the past:







Saturday, December 13, 2008

Design Inspiration #2: Mid-Century Modern




As any artist, regardless of medium, I am always seeking external inspiration to direct my design. One that I regularly return to, and one of my great loves, is mid-century modern residential architecture.

The modern architectural movement, gernerally accredited to Walter Gropius, a german architect, was a response to an age when architecture was adorned with intricities and embellishments. And, as we as humans generally do, responded drastically by moving to the other end of the design spectrum.

The world was coming off the great second world war and was seeking definitive change. This manifested itself in the place nearest and dearest to our hearts: the home. Up sprung the simplistic worker housing of Europe, which eventually steamrolled into the movement as it is now known. Architectural attributes of the time period, at their most generic descriptions, generally include open floor plans, horizontal movement, minimalist layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a paradoxical combination or natural and man-made building materials (metal, leather, slate, etc.)






Critics of the design often argue that these spaces lack the warmth and comfortability a home should exude. Arguments were, and are, that the structures we cold, sterile skeletons. Granted, much of the furniture of this time period was based on form over function. But, I tend to disagree. To me, these homes follow a natural aesthetic and, more often than not, actually hold a warmth that homes of past and post eras can not attain.

As I stated before, these homes made use of a natural beauty. Floors of slate met up with walls made of granite, each with their own natural patterns and textures. Simple wood grains with smooth faces covered walls, cabinets and furniture. The ultimate goal of these designers was not to create a sterile space. More, to blur the line between outside and in. The focus was being pulled away from hulling up in dark, den-like sanctums, and drawing the eye outward toward natural light, and natural color and texture. Walls now became windows. Overhead lighting turned to sunlight. Some architects even went so far as to move the structural aspect of the house outside the home, as an exoskeleton. These are not the attributes of cold and sterile homes, but homes that exude life and, ultimately, speak to the glory of Creation.



The purpose of the home (just as is the christian life) is to manifest the Gospel to the world.

While I do believe that much of the debate for/against post-war modern design falls more in the lines of aesthetic taste and function, there is an aspect of its minimalist characteristic that does reach to the level of our Christian responsibilities.

We, as humans, are forgetful people. In response, we all cling to tangible reminders of the important facets of our lives. The Church has done it for thousands of years. Iconography and symbolism are crucial parts of the Church and our own personal relationships with God. The Cross is our reminder of the love God has for us, and the grace that He has extended.

However, in our homes, as sinners, we often pile up our symbols and sentiments, creating clutter. I Corinthians 14:33 says, 'For God is not a God of disorder, but a God of peace.' As is the case with everything we do, by creating a home that steers away from the potential for clutter on a spacial and foundational level, we make a statement about what we believe about Christ. No different than the idea that looking at a man's checkbook will tell you what he worships. The 'sterility' of a modern home places an emphasis on the foretelling of eternal life after death. Not necessarily in the sense of self-deprivation. 'God has given us all things richly to enjoy.' (I Timothy 6:17) But through the bold statement of the lack of priority on possession. Arguably, this does create potential for an unwelcoming home, which is in contrast to the Biblical charge of hospitality.

In no way do I mean to take away from the traditional country home and say that it is poorly designed/decorated or in contrast to what the homes of Christians should look like. On the contrary, many of the traditional homes, of families that have so graciously had us in, are full of character, life, and warmth.

To borrow an excerpt from the blog of one of the most hospitable homemakers I have ever met:
We are clearly taught in Scripture that we are to present an open door to other people, as Christian families--"to show hospitality with murmuring" (I Peter 4:9) and to be a "lover of hospitality" (Titus 1:8).

"Christian homes manifest the Gospel. The gospel isn't just a spiritual reality. The Word became flesh and bone, and the gospel becomes our porch, dining room, and kitchen. The driving desire of the gospel is "my life for yours." Our desire should be to have this love transform everything we do, room by room, examining each part of our homes in light of Scripture. The claims of God are always total, and this is evident on the doorposts and in a sink full of dishes. Self-centeredness destroys in monotonously similar ways. Giving up life for another produces a harvest of kindness and mercy. Hospitality and household questions should always begin with, "is this my life for yours?"
~ from the back cover of My Life For Yours, Douglas Wilson


Whatever aesthetic may be your preference, create a home that reflects your love for family, for hospitality and for God.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Design Inspiration

In an age of design when anything and everything is possible, when filters and pixels create a mishmash of 'art' to persuade society to purchase, this is so pleasing to me. Simple, clean, concise. Only 2 colors necessary.



I hope that design will harken back to a simpler time.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Sneak Peek

The new face of UD+M is coming soon...stay tuned.

A Very Myers Christmas


Well, after a brief posting hiatus, I am back. I've been blessed with a busy month, and my blog activity (or lack thereof) is a direct reflection of that. But, to make up for it, and to offer a bit of holiday cheer, you'll receive not one, but two posts today! So don't say I never did anything for you.

As is tradition in the Myers house, the moments following the Thanksgiving meal mark the beginning of the Christmas season. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my strong stance against the overlap of the 2 seasons, reaching to the point of acceptable date ranges for a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (November 1-Thanksgiving Day, and Peppermint Mochas (Thanksgiving day, post-turkey-January 1 (see footnote). In order to properly celebrate the seasons, I believe everyone should adopt this protocol. I'm also thinking of requesting it be incorporated into the church calendar. But, I digress...

To mark the official changing of the guards of the holidays, post-turkey ceremonies in the Myers home include the playing of the annual compilation of the Myers Christmas CD. 5 years running, this collection has added to the ambience of the Myers Christmas home. And, as the creator of the cd, it is also my responsibility to design the cover. While most past years' designs have been lost, 2007 is shown below. 2008's design is being unveiled above.




2008's playlist is as follows:

There's no place like home for the holidays - Perry Como
Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Little Drummer Boy - The Ray Conniff Singers
It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Perry Como
Jingle Bells/Sleigh Ride - Henry Mancini Orchestra
What child is this? (Greensleeves) - Sarah Mclachlan
O Holy Night - Perry Como
Here we come a-caroling - The Ray Conniff Singers
I wonder as I wander - Choir of New College Oxford
Silent Night - Enya
Please come home for christmas - Harry Connick, jr.
The Holly and the Ivy - Cambridge Choir
We need a little christmas - The Ray Conniff Singers
A Holly jolly christmas - Burl Ives
Auld Lang Syne - Mairi Campbell
-----------------------------------------------------------------

UD+M and the Myers family wish you a wonderful christmas season. We hope that you embrace all that is this season. Take some time to indulge each of your senses over the next few weeks. Drink mulled wine, listen to christmas music (oh, see second footnote...), enjoy the scent of freshly baked cookies, watch a Christmas classic, and hug your family. But most importantly, embrace this season every day as a reminder of the wonderful Gospel story. 






footnote: The ending date for Peppermint Mocha season is a little more flexible, since it marks the default back to the standard Tall Mocha. The end date is more dependent on weather and seasonal activity than the actual holiday itself, but never, ever, reaching into February.

another footnote: Like I said, don't say I never gave you anything... Click here, here, and here. Merry Christmas

Friday, October 24, 2008

UD+M earns LogoPond Honors


The work of UBER DESIGN+MARKETING has been showcased on logo design site, logopond.com.

The logo, a concept for Austin, TX southern-eclectic restaurant, Beau's Hideaway, is currently being featured on the main page of LogoPond's website and has been added to the All-Time Top Designs under the October 2008 archive.

UBER DESIGN+MARKETING prides itself in individual solutions for individual clients. Each company has it's own vision and direction and it is our goal to meet those needs. If you are thinking about rebranding your current business, or need a first look for your new venture, e-mail us today at ryan@uberclothing.com.

For more work from UD+M, visit uberclothing.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

designing for the boring



I've always been amazed at the design and packaging of indifferent items. How does one toilet paper company set themselves from the next? I mean, when it comes down to it, it does the same thing.

As is the case with bottled water. Each and every one of those bottles serves exact same purpose: To quench my thirst. So, how do companies push consumers to establish brand loyalty? Generally, they appeal to one following: perceived social status, perceived economic value, quality, or user experience.

In the case of Evian, they've gone the route of social status. Their goal is to give their consumers the feeling of the elite, raising the bar on the water they drink. For years Evian has pressed home that somehow their water is better than the next! Amazing, to say the least.

In an effort to raise their glass to the next level, Evian has partnered with select couture fashion designers to design limited edition holiday bottles. French designers Christian Lacriox and Jean-Paul Gaultier have each conceptualized their own signature bottles for the past 3 years. James Carswell, VP of Evian N.A.'s marketing department says,
"Evian has always been favored by the trendsetting crowd, those that appreciate the finest things in life," said Caswell. "We are now excited to provide our loyal drinkers with not only the most premium water on the planet, but also to allow them the experience of a high-fashion designer without the high-fashion cost."

I'll never forget traveling through a small neighboring town near my childhood home and seeing the natural spring fountain near the side of the road. The concrete stand was stained reddish-brown from the years of mineral-tainted water cascading down the sides. Yet, people flocked from quite a distance to fill their gallon jugs with this sweet nectar. 'It's just so crisp and fresh!', they would say.  My dad would smile, knowing that our home was pumping the same crisp refreshment from our well, through our pipes, and out our faucets. I always thought it strange that they never seemed to take note of the iron-red discoloration of the fountain or question the purity of the spring.

Perception is our own reality.

But, whether you scoff at the high-priced beverage or believe it's better than the rest, you'll both agree that these are some pretty nice looking bottles.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Who's Shoes? TOMS



I may be a little late on the pitch on this one, but I got to try on a new pair of shoes last night at, of all places, Whole Foods Market.

So, what do these shoes have to do with Whole Foods? Well, TOMS are the driving force behind Blake Mycoskie's dream of covering the feet of poverty-stricken children all over the world. For every shoe purchased, a child in need will also receive their own pair of TOMS.

Since it's inception in May 2006, TOMS has given over 60,000 shoes to children throughout South America and Africa. 

The design of the shoe is rather simple. Based on a traditional Argentine shoe, TOMS consist of a single-pice sole, and a piece of fabric wrapped and sewn over the top of the foot. I found them incredibly comfortable and novel. Easy on, easy off....much like a certain other shoe alternative, but way more fashionable!

They come in a wide range of colors and patterns for both men and women. But, the coolest ones are the TINY TOMS!!! So adorable! To think that while my beautiful, blonde son plays in the lush grass of Franklin, Tennessee, a little boy is kicking a soccer ball in the dirt and gravel of South America, it's the least I can do to cover his bare feet.

I haven't purchased any yet, but plan to get a pair very soon. I encourage you to visit their website, www.tomsshoes.com, enjoy the coolness of their design, and impact the feet of children all over the world.



Monday, October 20, 2008

Joys of Fatherhood


One of the great benefits a father reaps is that he gets to relive his own childhood through his children, especially sons.

Oliver just celebrated his 2nd birthday last week. There was a party with cake and food and everything that goes along with a party....including presents. 

I had my eye on a certain something at the toy store leading up to the celebration. So when a friend inquired as to what they should get for him, I took the opportunity to put in his order. Maybe a little selfish on my part, I suppose. But surely he appreciates good design just as much as his dad, right?

So, Oliver received two new Automoblox from our dear friends. And though I said it may have been a little selfish on my part, he and his new cars have been nearly inseparable ever since. I can't really blame him!

These cool little cars are made of almost all wood, minus the wheels and windshields. And besides the wonderful paradox between modern and vintage the wood offers, they just feel so good in your hand.

These little cars are great tactile toys. The car can be completely disassembled, all the way down to the rubber tire circling the wheels. The assemblages for each care are exactly the same, so they can be interchanged and customized to create your own ultimate speed machine or futuristic, dual-cab pickup truck.

There's currently 16 different cars in the product line and it appears that they will continue to update each year, each car with it's own registerable VIN number.

I've found myself a bit protective of these little works of art. We've already established strict guidelines regarding chewing, throwing, stepping on, repeated assemble/diasassmble, etc. But, I have full intention of adding to the collection...purely for my son's sake, of course.

Thursday, October 16, 2008


Proof that much can be said without saying much at all.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tough economy may not be so bad for the one-man shop

The past week has proven quite eventful for the U.S. economy and probably the blood pressures of many business owners, as well. But while many look on at a bleak short-term future, this change in financial strength may bode well for the freelancers of America.

In most scenarios, the one-man shops generally struggle to gain their footing among the established boutique shops or larger agencies. Their bids may get overlooked by companies in need of full campaigns, websites, or even one-off projects.

But I come bringing hope! Those of us working from our homes don't have the clout of the larger companies, but there is one thing we DO have going for us: overhead. Or should I say...the lack thereof.

The average hourly design rate in America for advertising agencies and design studios reaches over $100 per hour. Projects are handled by a team of professionals ranging from creative directors, to copywriters, to account executives. Salaries, utilities, business loans and office rentals raise the bar for what HAS to be made.

But in a time when cost is getting cut and pennies being pinched in every category, it is the freelancer that may benefit from this financial plunge. Advertisers will need to find alternative solutions market their products ans services. And who will be there to save the day? Us. For example, U D+M's hourly design rate is at least 30% lower than our larger competitors. The work may not be spread over a team of employees on salary, but you will still receive the same finished product at a fraction of the price. 

So, fear not, fellow freelancers. The free market will ALWAYS need to market. It may just be that it has to come to us instead of the 'major leagues'. And as the market rebuilds, we will grow with it, catapulting us into the next level.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Fight or Flight?

Statistics show that 90% of every new business that is started will fail and fold within 2 years of it's inception. 

So what's the cause?

In nature, it's called the Fight or Flight Response: The innate reaction to acute stress within a situation. A zebra's physical response to pouncing lion is no different than that of a house cat cornered by a dog (increased heartrate, release of endorphins, muscular response) The difference shows up in their mental reaction. The zebra flees, looking for a way out, while the cat hisses and spits, arches it's back and prepares for a clawing and biting battle.

Entrepreneurs are faced with the same issue when posed with the risk of new business. Sure, financial investment, proper market, and supply and demand can all make or break a business. But is it possible that its an innate reaction to stress that causes so many businesses to fail? Stress in not pleasant. We don't choose 'hard'. We choose 'comfy' and 'easy'.  So, when the going gets tough, we'd rather give up a dream/investment in order to avoid the hard stuff.

Freelance work lends itself so well to the flight response that I have to set up restrictions for myself to keep me off the full-time job posting sites. Raechel and I have realized that I  have adopted a bit of a cycle. Every month, about the time the checks stop coming in, I start to get stressed and scared. I immediately start looking for jobs as a backup plan, fearing that I won't be able to provide for my family. I spend many hours looking for work and interviewing for jobs only to return to the same conclusion: I LOVE working for myself! I love the freedom, the time with my family, the creative work I get to do, everything. Upon analysis, the time spent fleeing from the hard part could be intensely applied to looking for more freelance clients and one-off projects.

Running away feels so safe and secure. It's so easy to flee what is hard a return to the comfort of the 'known'

Instead, one should puff up their chest, arch their back, and prepare for a fight. The 'dog' of stress, fear, and business failure will only learn it's lesson if it faced head on. 



This is a great clip called 'The Battle at Kruger.' It's a little long, but one of the most amazing clips I have ever seen. In the plains of Africa, a pack of lions is on the hunt. It drags on a bit in the middle but, trust me, there is redemption worth sticking around for.)

Thursday, September 25, 2008


A follow up to one of my favorite documentaries, Helvetica, Gary Hustwit in working on a new film, Objectified. Per the film's website:

Objectified is a feature-length independent documentary about industrial design. It's look at the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets. It's about the people who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily bases. It's about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability. It's about our relationship to mass-produced objects and, by extension, the people who design them.
Through vérité footage and in=depth conversation, the film documents the creative processes of some of the world's most influential designers, and looks at how the things they make inpact our lives. What can we learn about who we are, and who we want to be, from the objects with which we surround ourselves?"
After browsing the site, I saw some notable faces including my personal fave, Jonathon Ive, Senior Industrial Designer for Apple. The film is due out early 2009.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Technology inspired by God


Humans are driven to advance.

Over the last 100 years (a relatively short period in history) we've learned to fly, drive, save inconceivable amounts of information on a single disc, and the list goes on.

Truth of the matter is, we are merely innovators. God's done it all already. We wanted to fly because we saw the birds soaring through the air....

The iPod, while quite impressive in design, capacity, and functionality, is still unequal to it's creator, the human brain.

It's always refreshing to see human advancement give a shout out to it's organic predecessor. In fact, there's a name for it. Biomimetics: The young science of adapting designs from nature to solve modern problems. National Geographic has compiled a small photo gallery on the subject. You can view it here.

There's nothing more exciting to me than subconscious worship of our Creator, even by those who don't have a clue that they're doing it.

Viral Marketing to the next level



It used to be that youtube was the ultimate in viral marketing. With the recent addition of viral avenues like twitter and facebook, the bar was set to be raised....Nintendo just did it. The image above will take you to the link.

The deal with the chair...

Oh, the list of questions I'm sure are circling in your head...

'What? What the heck does 'UBER' mean? The website is uberclothing.com? is it a clothing company? and that chair on the blog header...do they design furniture? I don't need furniture..'

Yeah, I know....Let me explain. Where to begin...

The prefix 'uber' is a german word that essentially means 'above all else' or 'supreme'. That's kinda where I strive to be in the design
community. And, ultimately, where I hope to find my clients after
working with them.

Clothing???
Well, actually, the answer to this is 'yes'. Uber started as a
fundraiser for a church youth group. With the youth pastor,
I unveiled a new t-shirt design every month during the
campaign. It completely took off in our community. Not only
were we raising money for the youth mission trip,
but non-church teens were coming to meet so they could pick
up the newest tee!

When the fundraising ended, the youth pastor approached me
about taking this to the next level as a for-profit venture.
I designed a single line and sold them at youth conferences
and music festivals.

After a brief hiatus, I have revisited my dream with a new
collection and hope to have it in stores this fall.

Does UBER design furniture?
Unfortunately, no. If I only had the talent! The chairs are
merely a reflection of my biggest design inspiration.
I absolutely love postwar modern industrial and architectural
design. Clean lines and open spaces make me warm
and fuzzy inside!


That should explain it.


Fall 2006 Line


Fall 2008 Collection

Free Design Giveaway?!? Are you crazy???

Nope.

We've decided to give away a FREE DESIGN SERVICE* to one lucky, local small business.

In an age of constant large-scale growth, it is important to remember to 'think small-scale' and build up those around you. That is offering you the opportunity to build up your business, free of charge.

What's the catch?
Honestly, there isn't one. The only this it requires of you is your best campaign as to why you deserve to win more than John's Alteration Service down the street!

Here are the full details:

1. Each submission must include the following: Your Name, name of business, contact information, what type of design you wish to receive, and why it is exactly you deserve it!

2. Submissions must be received by October 1, 2008.

3. Winner will be chosen by an elite panel of judges....ok, so not really...I'm picking the winner. But trust that I will be as unbiased as humanly possible.

4. Winner will be notified by e-mail as well an gaudy announcement on the UD+M blog.

That's pretty much it! Good luck to all!

Cheers,
Ryan

*Free services include basic corporate projects like logo design, business cards, postcards, flyers, packaging, web design, etc. Free services do not include production costs for the project and the winner is responsible for all additional cost incurred. For questions, please contact Ryan at ryan@uberclothing.com