Inky Tales

The history, the value, and the future of logos
The history, the value, and the future of logos
Logo design has a rich history that dates back centuries. However, for the past decade or so and even more so currently, people's perception about the value of logos has devolved to impersonal graphics that can be bought on Fiverr or created with AI. Is there any value left in professional logo design? Any reason for small business owners to pay for the experience of a professional designer?
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Colour perception and accuracy in design
Colour perception and accuracy in design
Colour testing is a crucial aspect of design, especially when working with clients who have specific colour preferences or requirements. Colour evokes emotion in people, and more often than not that emotion is tied up indelibly in the clients' decision making process when it comes to design.  The problem is, we don't all see the same thing. 
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Pantone Colour of the Year
Pantone Colour of the Year
Each year, Pantone’s colour experts at the Pantone Colour Institute™ comb the world looking for new colour influences. These can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. 
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Beautiful Manhole Covers in Japan
Beautiful Manhole Covers in Japan
Have you ever considered the beauty that lies beneath your feet? In Japan, even the humble manhole cover is transformed into a work of art, reflecting the country's rich culture and history in a way that is both unexpected and delightful. What Makes Japanese Manhole Covers Unique? Unlike their plain and utilitarian counterparts in other countries, Japanese manhole covers are intricately designed with colorful patterns and intricate details. Each cover is a unique piece of art, showcasing local landmarks, flora, fauna, and traditional symbols. Why Are Manhole Covers in Japan So Special? These artistic manhole covers serve as a form of public art, inviting pedestrians to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. They are a testament to the Japanese dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail, even in the most unexpected places. Exploring the World of Japanese Manhole Covers Walking through the streets of Japan, one can embark on a treasure hunt of sorts, seeking out these hidden gems scattered throughout the cities and towns. Each manhole cover tells a story, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Next time you find yourself strolling through the charming streets of Japan, don't forget to look down. You may just discover a piece of art beneath your feet that will leave you in awe of the beauty and creativity that surrounds you. Manhole covers can be objects of beauty and I have been long fascinated with them. Have a look at these works of art - and then head over to Art Underfoot: Japan’s Top 12 Designer Manhole Covers to see even more examples of this beautiful art form. 
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Lions of Europe
Lions of Europe
I spent most of May and a good part of June travelling Europe with my husband – it was a wonderful, wonderful vacation: we ate our way through loads of good food; we drank too much and walked 10-12 hours a day. We visited Paris, London, Florence, Rome and finally my city of birth, Bucharest. We came back thin, exhausted, enthralled and with some 3000+ photographs, which I’ll now have to sort out. Only fair, I took most of them. New camera. Couldn’t help myself. Anyways, while making full use of my new zoom lens I took more than 100 photos of lions, all around Europe. I don’t think I ever appreciated how important the lion is in the art and heraldry of Europe until I started noticing it everywhere. It became a game of “spot the lion” wherever we went (and spot the cool type, and spot the urban art – the results of those in future posts), from the famous Medici lions, to Florence’s Marzocco , the three lions of the British royal family and countless apparitions in paintings, ornamentation and sculptures everywhere. Including on a XVth century map. As a side note, the cartographers of the Middle Ages used “Hic sunt leones” (latin for “Here be lions”) to mark unexplored territories). There are loads of photos after the jump, please be patient while they load. Florence Paris London
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Diamine Inkvent Calendar 2022
Diamine Inkvent Calendar 2022
So, I've finished swatching the Diamine inkvent calendar - buckle up because you're in for a colourful ride! If you're a stationery enthusiast, you know that Diamine inks announces their Inkvent calendar every year around August, and all of us ink maniacs order it in advance and then sit on our hands until the first of December. Or at least try ahem. To me, the Inkvent calendar is like a treasure hunt, I can't wait to open each bottle and see what sparkly / shimmery / fabulous surprise awaits. It's like unwrapping a present from my colour-loving fairy godmother. From deep, velvety greens to shimmering golds, each shade has its own personality. You can almost hear them whispering, "Pick me! Pick me!" Anyway, here are some photos of my swatches for this year, I hope they bring a burst of joy to your day! Diamine Inkvent 2022 Swatches
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Logo Inspiration: Steven Noble
Logo Inspiration: Steven Noble
If you haven’t heard of Steven Noble before, you most certainly have heard of some of his work: he illustrated the back of the one dollar bill; he is the illustrator who was hired to redraw the White House for its most recent logo refresh; he is the artist behind American Express’ centurion/gladiator illustration, famously used on the company’s initial cards and nowadays on the mythical Centurion Card (unlimited balance, invitation only it seems). His highly disciplined and complex line work is using X-Acto precision knives carved into pre-inked clay boards which generate very fine line strokes which allow a versatility in the detail from bold woodcuts to very fine traditional 19 century steel engravings. The resulting logos are complex and stunningly detailed, works of art in a world that more and more bows to convenience. His work spans way more than logo design – annual reports, illustrations, engravings, etc. Some of them can be bought off his website. But for now, here are some beautiful logos for your inspiration (go buy those X-Actos!) SLS Hotel White House Read more about the White House logo redesign process. American Express Centurion Elephant Conservation Movement Eleven Restaurant Gulf of Maine Hill Investment Group Janet Moyer Scarlet Developments Spice Islands Travelers Lodge Inn Wally Label California Conservation Properties
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Free Printable Mason Jar Labels
Free Printable Mason Jar Labels
So lately I find myself drawn again to jars (old obsession). And since I have bought quite a few of them recently, a revamping of the pantry was quite in order, complete with colourful labels and pretty patterns. Which I now offer to you for free download, should you feel the spring clean itch.If you use them, send us a pic, it’s always nice to see designs put to good use. And if you can, a link back is always much appreciated :) These designs are copyright of Limeshot Design. Needless to say, please don’t use these for commercial purposes, don’t alter the designs and don’t offer them for download on your own site – link to this page instead. Thank you! Download Label images (zip archive containing PDF labels – 7.4Mb) Band images (zip archive containing PDF bands – 12.8Mb) Blank band images (zip archive containing PDF bands – 5.2Mb) INSTRUCTIONSI have included a whole lot of pantry items, but if you have some stuff I have not provided a label for, no worries: there’s quite a few blanks in there as well. There are two types of printables:Labels (circular, they fit the wide mouth mason jars but they can also be applied on the side of most jars or Tupperware containers)Bands (they will fit most jars, unless they are very large in diameter)mason jar labelsI used both the labels and the bands for the 500ml jars, and only the labels for the 250ml jars. HOW TO APPLY LABELSPrint the required designs on a nice thick stock. I used a semi-gloss photo paper.Using a rounded cuticles scissors for the labels and a straight craft scissors for the bands cut out the shapes.Apply glue to the entire back of the label and on the ends of the band (you probably don’t want to glue it all over, it will be difficult to remove when you need to wash the jar)Apply the label or the band and fill the jar with the pantry item of your choice!The download links are at the bottom of the page, after the jar images. Have fun!TERMS AND CONDITIONSThese designs are copyright of Catinah (formerly Limeshot Design). Needless to say, please don’t use these for commercial purposes, don’t alter the designs and don’t offer them for download on your own site – link to this page instead. Thank you!
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Kitsch And Cool Restaurant Branding
Kitsch And Cool Restaurant Branding
Lactobar Retro-Bistro is a new and very popular restaurant in Oradea, Romania (Lactobar means milk bar, in Romanian). Obviously, the drink of choice is not milk, but bear, however what’s interesting about this joint is the outlandish, crazy, cool and perfectly kitsch decor. From an old Romanian car embedded into the wall to doilies, old newspapers, tapes, dolls and vacuum cleaners, this place reuses all the odds and ends one usually finds in one’s attic or grandmother’s house – and mashes them into a highly polished, friendly collage. Sheer genius, it reminds me a bit of the Kitsch Museum, opened in Bucharest sometime during the early 00s. Anyway, lots of images after the jump!  
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