Custom Kicks

Marketers sometimes rely on the reinvention of products, attempting to find a new way to sell the same old stuff. What they really love ride trends stemming from underground youth culture that is motivated by self expression and realized through artistic talent. Self expression is an essential part of any trend. Hip hop culture was born out of expression and customization of a look and evolving style that represented an urban sub group. Realizing a new trend that sneakers are a vehicle of self expression, why not give the creative consumer full creative freedom make his/ her dream shoe? Customization of products is where marketers can provide the canvas and put the work/ creation under the consumers direction. The canvas usually in the form of the Nike Air Force One or classic three stripe Adidas became popular through hip hop culture (Run DMC). They've been around for many years, but always find a new way of reinventing themselves while staying classic. You can find limited edition customs by designers in your local shoe boutique in Chicago. I recommend St. Alfred on Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park.

Here is a catalog that celebrates just that, Custom Kicks by Maki:

repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat...

Patterns. I love em.

And here is a whole book devoted to hand drawn patterns, called Over & Over by Mike Perry.

Love the way some patterns develop and explore themes with each piece contributing to the overall concept just like pieces to a puzzle. Some just look cool. But whichever the case, they are badass and are so versatile in application.

Heres a look inside the book:

and be sure to check out this how-to in April's Computer Arts

Fashion

I bought this book a while back and realize it was really one of my first purchases in the design book category. It is an eclectic reference of illustration and design used in fashion. The artwork is incredible and always offers some form of inspiration or visual to sketch out when bored. From flat tones to vibrant color use and post modern work, the work is eye candy for upcoming designers.

Here is a peak inside:

The New Basics

It's Graphic Design One + Typography One + Design Media Principles all in one compact 200+ page, good looking book (text book I guess you could label it)!

Ellen Lupton, Maryland Institute College of Art MFA Graphic Design Program Director (who I just recently saw speak at UIUC via Design Matters in Feb.) is kicking out books left and right. This one is created with the specific focus "a concise, visually inspiring guide to two-dimensional design," believing it to be "a great source for students and young designers who can dig deeper into how form works, and build richness and complexity around simple relationships."

Well, I agree. Best place for this other than the bookshelf is the bathroom. Great to just pick up and get a few pages and lessons in here and there. Go pick it up.

Heres a taste of the ingredients: