VerveCast

In the age of not only 100,000 fonts on every designer’s computer, but 100,000 free fonts (of sometimes questionable quality) available on the Internet, it’s lovely to see that some people still see lettering as an art form.

Jessica Hische is one of those people, as are the people who hire her. If you’ve ever had even a passing fancy for “type as art” take a look at some of her work.

This one stood out to me because it looks like a typical Photoshop illustration, but the lettering was actually laser-cut into 3D art and then covered in chocolate for a TV commercial. No 3D rendered CGI needed!

She even worked with Wes Anderson on Moonrise Kingdom, so she’s probably earned like 100 Internet points for that alone… She’s also quoted as saying “The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life.”

(For more fun from Jessica, check out another project she did, dailydropcap.com)

I’ve heard a lot of people refer to Pinterest with snide remarks about “imaginary brides planning imaginary weddings” and as it being “just another place to post photos of your dog.” Yes, there a lot of unengaged 20-somethings on the site pinning to their “When I Get Married/For My Wedding… Someday/Dream Wedding” boards, but there are also a lot real brides—and non-brides—using the site for real things.

I’m not one of the Pinterest-obsessed, pinning all day and night. Most of the time, I don’t actually pin anything online—I guess I consider myself to mentally pin ideas. I maybe visit the site a couple times a week. That’s enough for me to glean some inspiration and then do something with it. The way I see it, you can pin all you want, but if you don’t actually create something in the end, it’s all just a waste of time (or, I suppose, it could be considered a form of entertainment).

The reason I like Pinterest is because it has actually inspired me to be more creative. Most of the projects I’ve made since joining the site have not been exact ideas I copied from someone else. Instead, they have been a direct result of thinking about everyday things differently, and knowing that if all these other people in the world can create, so can I. Pre-Pinterest, I’m 99% sure I would have never picked up a bucket of old saw blades at a garage sale and made them into a coffee table art piece.

And yes, I have also gotten some wedding ideas from the site. But, there’s so much more to Pinterest than copying other people’s good ideas. It’s all about inspiration.

From a marketing perspective, the Pinterest possibilities are endless. As a Pinterest user, however, I fear us marketers. To be successful, companies will need to learn to use the system discreetly, as to not corrupt the beauty of the site.

Co.Design has a nice article about The 8 Worst Fonts In The World.

They also talk about the top fonts, as used by designers, but if you’re a type snob, you’ll enjoy the article. Here’s a taste:

If, during the 1940s, you were ever persuaded by government posters to bathe with a friend or dig for victory, the persuading was probably done in Brush Script. If, during the 1960s or ’70s, you worked on a college or community magazine, then Brush Script screamed, Use me, I look like handwriting. If, during the 1990s, you ever perused the menu of a local restaurant (the sort of restaurant opened by people who on a starlit evening thought, “I’m a pretty good cook–I think I’ll open a restaurant!”), then that menu had a good chance of featuring Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad on a Bed of Brush Script. And if, in the twenty-first century, you ever even momentarily considered putting Brush Script on any document at all, even in an ironic way, then you should immediately relinquish all claims to taste.

Enjoy!

When’s the last time you read a blog post about manually setting type?

Can’t remember? Then set your browser towards Canada and check out this blog post from Peter Rukavina.

It’s probably the only blog post you’ll see all summer with the phrase “letterpress hack” used appropriately.

It’s time once again to share another great Z2 photo challenge! This challenge took place during our annual Z2 retreat at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, and the goal was to capture something that represented “Z2 Inspired.” Here’s what the team came up with.

Sunlight reflecting in indoor swimming pool inspires me to keep on swimming. Photo by April.

Z2 makes magic for its clients every day. Photo by Beth.

Inspired by nature. Photo by Cory.

Landscaping and gardening as a creative outlet. Photo by Dawn.

Started with two chairs. Extra one represents expanding business. Photo by Deb.

Glass half full with plenty of space to keep on filling. Photo by Heidi.

Inspired by teammates. Photo by JMac.

Each person has a skill set and expertise. Takes us all to get to the goal. Photo by Karyn.

A team who can have fun together and makes us want to come to work each day. Photo by Katie.

The foundation of Z2. Photo by KB.

Inspired by co-workers. Photo by Nicole.

Inspired to work late–and love it. Photo by Pete.

When one door closes, another one opens. Photo by Tracy.

Inspired by a great team. Photo by Mario.

And here’s the photo challenge winner! Inspired by the road ahead. Photo by JJ.

Which ones are your favorites?