CapsuleBlog

Oops! I Did it Again.

The jack o'lantern of Britney Spears won't be winning any design awards. But, we'll give it high marks on creativity. Not to mention, it's quite scary when you think about it. Happy Halloween.

America the Agoraphobic

Is it just me, or is the man trying to push us indoors and widen the space between us? A cocktail dispensing machine, really? If found at a bar, is there need to tip the trying-too-hard barkeep? If found at home, will the socialization hour we all know, need, and love be discarded as we speed home to catch Seinfeld and sip our Sidecars? Just a thought.

Poo Paper?

Capsule is always looking for what's new in sustainability and what's better for the environment. As a design firm, we are no strangers to the impact paper manufacturing has on both our energy supply and our environment. Here's a interesting solution from Creative Paper Wales - the only craft paper mill in Wales, UK. Enjoy! Link.

Lost In Translation

Muji, a Japanese company with its roots in generic super market items, has a reputation as a discount retailer in a country that is hyper-brand and design conscious. Muji’s line has grown to include clothing, lighting and housewares and has become a well-recognized brand in Europe and the United States selling in MoMA.

The irony is, Muji mean brandless quality goods. Read more in the New York Times blog. Link.

Mommy, I'm scared

I know high design is supposed to push the limits, but this is seriously freaky. Forget monsters living in closets and underneath beds, this one lives in your window treatment. Sleep tight.

Colorstrology

Having trouble picking a palette for redecorating? Can't decide between that navy or ruby sweater? Sage or pumpkin towels? Perhaps Colorstrology can help guide you. It provides you with Pantones that correspond to your innermost being based on your birthday. Our friend Lee Tran at VooDoo told us to check it out.

Just think, you can control your family's mood simply by painting their bedrooms the right colors.

I am a "Gifted Independent Communicator" and apparently, I need more lavender herb in my life for balance. Lavender herb? Sure, why not? Link.

Sales Shebang

Capsule is committed to bringing you ideas and strategies to grow your business. That's why we'd like to tell you about the Sales Shebang - a conference for women in sales hosted by expert Jill Konrath and sponsored by Capsule. (Yes, we designed the logo!)

Have your staff learn new ways to master the art of selling, expand their potential, and connect with and be inspired by like-minded women from across the country. The event is November 5th - 6th at the Sheraton Bloomington in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Find out more. Link.

Don't Take Our Word For It

We could go on and on about how great Design Matters//Logos 01 is, but what really matters is what others are saying about it. We appreciate all of the great reviews from leading business and design blogs.

Kate, from GraphicDesignBar Forum said, "almost every chapter brings a fresh perspective . . . "Link.

Jill Konrath, bestselling author of Selling to Big Companies and thought leader in B2B sales, said, "It's a well-designed piece of art with extraordinary visual impact - and it even feels good to the touch. If you're thinking about updating your firm's "look", you need to get Design Matters//Logos 01." Link.

The Industrial Design Supersite Core 77 gave the book an extensive review. Robert Blinn wrote, "Since we're inundated with logos and branding on a daily basis, a book filled with more of them may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I felt that upon reading Capsule's book I had been provided with an insider's view of the thinking that goes into the iconography we see on a day to day basis." Link.

Alex Walker of Sitepoint expressed his enthusiasm by writing, "it's not too often I get excited enough by a new book to want to talk about it. But this month is an exception . . ." Link.

Chris Garrett, the expert on blogging and new media from the UK, wrote "This book has taught me more about logos than 10 years working for marketing agencies." Link.

The Brand Builder's Olivier Blanchard titled his review, "Buy This Book." Link.

Several others have commented on Amazon and so far, all 5 star reviews. Link.

Everyone at Capsule is thankful for the book's success. We are in the process of finishing our second book on packaging and are hoping for an equally amazing launch.

Book Launch Party a SMASH

The September 12th "Books + Booze" book launch celebration was a huge success. The food, refreshments and venue were excellent, but the attendees are what really made the party a smash. Capsule was thrilled to celebrate Design Matters//Logos 01 with so many great friends and colleagues. Pictures serve as evidence that fun was had by all. Take a minute and enjoy the photos. Photo Album.

Colorgenics

Here's a great time killer. Add it to your list of things that distract from work including checking your daily horoscope, your MySpace account and BoingBoing. I was left wondering, however, what happened to brown? I love brown.Link.