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Record sleeve designs of the week from Creative Review.

Josiah Cole has an excellent rant over what NOT to do when building a website. He’s bang-on for the most part, though I’ll contest no. 6 in that, rather than print designers specifically, he should really be having a go at people who blatantly don’t know what they’re doing but think that they do. While everyone has to start somewhere, and “winging it” a little is part of life, were the individuals he describes to show some humility and admit to not knowing it all, they’d go a long way to convincing people that they’re not assholes.

I’ll add a couple (of tongue-in-cheek digs) to his list:

• Don’t require users to log in to post comments. If they’re first time visitors and have something to say, any barriers to them saying it will mean they stay silent. And if you do insist on logins, implementing OpenID is as good a compromise as any.
• Following up on the “you’re vs. your” common misspellings point, don’t mix up “here and hear”. (See the copy in point 6.)

Some stunning laser-etched designs on skateboards via Creative Review.

Creative Review point out the recent redesign of German magazine PC Professionell by Spiekermann Partners. (The name may seem familiar because of famous typographer Erik Spiekermann.) It looks fantastic, eschewing the usual gaudy stock art-laden cover for a gorgeous type-driven approach. Here’s hoping it lasts!

Fascinating interview on banknote design with Ootje Oxenaar, a Dutch graphic designer. I love the way he managed to sneak some personal touches into the notes, such as a fingerprint and his name.

Record sleeve designs of the week from Creative Review.

One of my photographs has been used by design agency the fifth kingdom for the latest set of adverts pushing the Isle of Man .im domain. Which is nice… Read more…

The Art of Business: Catch Those Errors Before They Catch You. As someone who’s worked in the print industry, I think this article on proofreading gives some excellent tips. Like it or not, if there are errors in the copy text the client will blame you, regardless of whose fault it actually is.

Are green magazine covers cursed? Interesting article on the superstition that a green-coloured magazine cover will kill your sales.