Google – Martha Graham from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

via: ZURB – Google’s Largest Doodle Yet.

Check out some of his impressive work and the interview with the man himself here!

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from and where are you living now?

I’m a 25 yr old dude from a small town in Tennessee called Tullahoma. It’s tiny. Have you ever heard of Jack Daniels Whiskey which is made in Lynchburg, TN? Yea I went to school right beside it. I practiced baseball in cow patties while enhaling the somewhat nasty smell of a mixture between the cows and JD’s distillery or whatever that was. I was an hardcore athelete. I played every sport available baseball, football, basketball, track, golf, hockey you name it. Baseball was my passion though. I always thought I was going to be a professional pitcher so I never really thought about my career as anything else. I even played in the junior olympics.

I went to a design school in Franklin,TN called O’more College of Design which is right outside of Nashville. Google it. A lot of designers don’t go through school these days but I have to say it really helped out. It helped me see how how other students are thinking. How to give presentations and stuff. I wouldn’t say you learn design at those schools though. I think that just comes all natural. Also I was lucky to get a sweet internship at Anode in downtown Nashville through that school. They really pushed my skill sets. I did so much flash work and design work it was crazy. So far my favorite art director was from Anode, Adam Goleniewski.

I’m now living in San Francisco, CA. Talk about a transition right. Growing up in the south is totally different than here. I love it though. It has been nothing but a rad adventure. I always knew I’d move out to California. It just felt right for me. I’m a very driven person. I’m always looking for that next big thing. I fell like I’m working on 100 start-ups of my own right now. I need programmers! If your a programmer let me put you to work haha.

Tell us a little about your work, what do you do? Who have you worked for?

I’m currently doing advertising. So like micro sites and rich media banners, that type of thing. If you want to push your creativity get into advertising. I worked at a e-commerce shop which brought me to SF. It was great that’s where I landed all The North Face and Reebok stuff. But if you look at it there is really not much thought that goes into that kind of design creatively. It’s mainly about structure and easy user experience. There’s no concept behind those sites except for making them look good. One exception is the RBK Maeda stuff I made. I was redesigning the site for that company I was working for an learned a lot about it by doing that. When my boss told me we are not a creative shop but a smart technology shop so we shouldn’t have a cool site I knew I was in the wrong place. I was already getting offers to other places and then my friend offered me one in Sausalito,CA called Butler Shine Stern and Partners and I knew it was time to get started doing some creative thinking. So that’s where I am now. It’s an awesome set up. I really owe a lot to Fluid though for bringing me to the Bay Area. The work they do at Fluid is really smart and incredible. I just needed to be more creative since I’m just beginning my career.

Clients I’ve worked for:

Adobe, Mini Cooper, The North Face, Oakley, Reebok, Epson, Priceline, Lucas Arts, EA Sports, Farmers, Dockers, Columbia Sportswear, Bridgestone Firestone, Red Bull, MTV (damn! Impressive!)

What has been your most interesting/favorite client to work for, why?

Whoa, that’s a tough one. I’d say Adobe. Ya know, because it’s Adobe. We just won their business so I’m really just getting started on the work, but still. It’s Adobe. Think about what we’d be doing right now if it wasn’t for them, wait, probably out shredin some nature haha. NEVERMIND.

Other than that I’d say Lucas Arts. I mean, getting to be around everything that made Star Wars is just wicked ridiculous. I did some really cool advertising for the game they launched a few months ago called Fracture. Nailed it.

(see below!)

What are you working on at the moment?

Just got finsihed working on a pitch for EA Sports. I’m currently tweaking a prototype of my first (out of hundreds) start-ups Im actually going along with. Programmers and investors call me! I’ve got atleast 20 sites ready! Seriously though, I’m constantly designing websites and products that I want to start but unfortunately I have no money for development and don’t know too many willing programmers. At least they look good though right? I’ve always been trying to start something though. I remember when I was younger I was a businessman. I did the lemonade stand, lawn mowing business, car detailing business, I use to show cars, I tried to start a magazine, started a hockey league and just so much more. There was just so much I wanted to do. Actually I really just want to go to sleep.

What are your other interests besides graphic design?

Surfing, snowboarding, cars, golf. Anything rad that gets me away from design. I’m kidding I love designing. I can’t stop. I really wish I could get outdoors more. I live so close to Tahoe and can’t ever get out there. Anyone want to give me a ride? Also I’m surrounded by water and never do I get wet. I’m an entrepuneur at heart. I get that from my Dad. What else, riding my bike. You might find me on the golf course. You know but really I don’t feel like I ever stop designing. The work really never quits but it’s fun. There is nothing better than be creative all day. It’s like being back in school when I was drawing instead of paying attention in class.

What does your typical day involve?

It’s madness. Man I wish I had a typical day haha. Well lately this has been my rutuine. Go to bed about 2am. Wake up at 7am. Take a cold shower (we never know when we get hot water) hop on the bicycle and head across the Golden Gate Bridge. Work about 9-7. Get home about 830ish, eat some Whole Foods, watch some Hulu, design, play some Urban Terror, design, iTunes, then around 2am I’m back in bed. That’s been my routine lately since I’m only getting to see my amazing girlfriend on the weekends. Which is a bummer. My day pretty much revolves around the computer. Phew, if I had a PC I’d go nuts.

Any advice to up coming artists and designers?

Get inspired. Have fun. Keep it current. Get a Mac. Go probono. I can’t preach this any louder. Young designers get so mad when you tell them you gotta start doing some freebies. Do it because you love it. They all think their work is worth so much money already haha. I started emailing people if I could do a site for them for free. I just loved designing and growing my skills. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a good designer. Also have lots of resources. I had a teacher (who was once the creative director for MTV) tell me that you are only as good as your resources. Pretty much sums that up.

What is your site or blog URL?

My site is dannpetty.com. It hasn’t really been updated since I graduated college. It was made for a senior project which really just means I did it last minute just for the grade. I’ve been working on a new one since I moved to SF but it involves a lot of After Effects on Actionscript which is a big learning curve for me so it’s taking longer. It’s coming. I might have a easy version up by the time you read this. For some more frequently updated work just check out my behance page

A huge thanks to Dann! It’s really great of you to share some of your unique talent and experience!

All the best for the future!

I should have done this a while ago, but today I finally went out of my way to create my blogroll and links page and I thought it would be worth while sharing it with you!

Before I begin, If you don’t already use a reader, I’m personally using google reader which is pretty solid.

Why would I want to use Google Reader?

The amount of information on the web is rapidly increasing. Google Reader helps you keep up with it all by organizing and managing all the content you’re interested in. Instead of continuously checking your favorite sites for updates, you can let Google Reader do it for you. From news sites to your friends’ blogs, Google Reader helps you keep up-to-date with all the online information that matters most to you.

All you need is a google account, and away you go…!

… I have developed my own little DesignTavern built Directory – It is comprised of a list of blogs and sites that I regularly visit! and certainly think are worth while checking!

Keeping up to date with the latest news is important and it’s amazing what you pick up even if you scan through a few articles every day – these are the blogs and sites that inspire my design thinking..

(image via DeclanTM on Flickr)

Design Blogs And Communities directory list #1 – 21/12/2008
(all screenshots were taken at this date)

2modern design Talk

“We provide a wide-range of views and commentary focused on contemporary design. Contributors to the blog are designers, manufacturers, editors, retailers, architects and consumers. Some contributors enjoy a large spectrum of the modern lifestyle, others are focused on specific niches or topics like: modern lighting, contemporary art, innovative architecture, etc. Some of us spend most of their time at tradeshows, viewing the latest designs, others spend their time in a studio in overalls and paint. The common denominator is that this carefully selected group of individuals weave a special fabric we call the 2Modern Design Talk blog.”

A great starting point, 2modern Design Talk has a wide range of design products in their store and also on their blog – It has everything you might think of from storage units to fashion, books to outdoor music. 2modern has a bit of everything.

Apartment Therapy

“Saving the world, one room at a time”
A home and interior design site – Dedicated to decking out your home with the latest furnishings and products – A great place for inspiration if you’re thinking of re-decorating or just looking to jazz up your nest.

Better Living Through Design

“Better Living Through Design is an online resource for people interested in great design.”
Better Living Through Design is a great place to check out if you’re looking for gifts for friends, family (and YOURSELF!) All that is featured on the site is for sale – a bit of a one stop shop for the design orientated!

Cool Hunting

“Cool Hunting is a daily update on ideas and products in the intersection of art, design, culture and technology, and features weekly videos that get an inside look at the people who create them..” a collection of “stuff we like” from writers and users – great for finding the fun and quirky stuff that lurks the internet.

Core 77

“Since 1995 Core77.com has served a devoted global audience of industrial designers ranging from students through seasoned professionals. Core77 publishes articles, discussion forums, an extensive event calendar, hosts portfolios, job listings, a database of design firms, schools, vendors and services. Core77 provides a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts alike by producing design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibits.”

Core 77 has it all going on, on top of being a blog they also have their own little community – They are involved in everything you might think of revolving around design – It was my first port of call when looking for blogging inspiration. They have their own in house competitions, a job seeker page and all you could think of!

Daily Serving

“DailyServing was conceived as a central site for art lovers to visit daily to find resources and updates on happenings within the Contemporary Arts. Designed to be a dynamic source of information sharing, directly leading to countless sources of exciting information about our daily features, DS is revolutionizing how art lovers interact with and receive arts information.”

Daily Serving Is my source for keeping up to date with contemporary art (and design) they have all the goings on in the art world along with interviews, articles and reviews.

Design Addict

“..your resource for modern, post-modern and contemporary design of the 20th-21st centuries where you’ll find information on designers and producers, on furniture, lighting, dinnerware and accessories.

Design Addict is the leading design portal online, targeting the international community of design professionals and private consumers. Founded in 1998, Design Addict has witnessed brilliant rise during the past years. Thanks to its permanent wish to respond in the best possible way to users’ expectations, Design Addict has succeeded in imposing itself as the undeniable international leader of information websites in the field of product design.”

Another well established, big fish, design blog – The team over at design addict can boast forums, blog, shop and not to mention a huge readership.

Design Milk

“Design Milk is not a retail shop, nor do we sell anything from this website. We try to direct you to a website with every post, so that you can inquire directly.”

On top of the blog-front (which brings readers great art and design products from around the world) Design Milk also have an extensive Design Directory which is chockers with links for artists, designers and everything you can think of in the creative field.

Design Mind

“..Design Mind; Our mission is to share the best in form and function that the design world has to offer. We believe that in this mass production society, providing alternative ways to express oneself contributes to an aesthetically oriented culture. We encourage you to always look closely and critically with an eye toward the uncommon.”

The gang over at Design Mind has a lot of great content on display; but one would particularly hit Design Mind when looking for unique gifts, specifically jewelry! (A jewelry designer is behind the scenes) check it out!

Design Verb

“Designverb covers elements in design that excite, inspire, captivate, and rattle our goofy creative minds through curious and refreshing finds in art, design, technology, food, culture, experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, and all the other mind-provoking ideas that come with it!”

Aaron from Design Verb always has a bit of fun on display – Usually some interesting videos he’s found via youtube.

Dezeen

Time says of Dezeen: “This online magazine provides an in-depth look at the latest news from top designers and architects around the world.” Not only “top” designers and architects, we’d like to add.

A real mover and shaker, Dezeen is one of the leading sites when it comes to design, it’s rapid growth is a good indication of the quality of products shown – dezeen.com is now pushing 1.75 million viewers since late 2006!

Inhabitat

Inhabitat.com is a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

The hippies of the design world; the Inhabitat team are big on eco design; they’re a great source for green thinking and ideas. They also have a shop worth visiting for all your tree hugging needs!

Mochatini

“Mochatini is an eco-friendly design blog about interior and exterior spaces. Spaces that are contemporary, creative, handmade, budget conscious and personalized. Mochatini supports green, eco-friendly, sustainable design and living practices.”

Mochatini is compiled by the lovely Manvi, “a creative entrepreneur and blogger dedicated to improving the human quality of life through good design.” Manvi’s site has a great collection of home knick knacks – and some great interior design news, opinion and she also runs some fun competitions!

The Design Files

“The Design Files is a collection of creative people, places and products from Melbourne and beyond. I update daily, and interview some of Australia’s most talented designers, artists and creative professionals every week.”

I love to check in at the Design Files often, although Melbourne specific it also has some great interviews and articles worth checking out. It’s also got a nice personal touch as Lucy the author will often go out and take her own photos rather than recycling what is already on the net.

I think that’s enough to keep you going a little while and hopefully widen your design reading – over the next few weeks I hope to expand the list and am I looking to put together my own little Design Directory – Where artists, designers, architects, bloggers and all creative professionals can submit their site and services. This is just a portion of the blogs I have in my google reader (I read a lot of articles..!)

If you would like your blog to get a mention or you know a site worth sharing, please flick me an email ! and ill look to including it in the next directory post! remember, I’m at admin@designtavern.com!

Can you imagine a window..? A window that you could carry with you in your pocket and could give you the power to search for anything and everything you see, when you see it?

Well so did Mac Funamizu Born and bred Tokyo Japan, in-house web/graphic and industrial designer.
“This is what I wish the internet search will be able to do with a mobile device in the NEAR future. Touch screen, built in camera, scanner, WiFi, google map (hopefully google earth), google search, image search… all in one device. Like this way, when you can see a building through it, it gives you the image search result right on the spot.”

“You can even see flowers that are not actually blooming.”

I was so excited when I saw this, it’s an amazing concept and I cant believe that It hadn’t been though of earlier..!
…and Mac has presented it amazingly well. Though if you read his blog, Mac is quite modest when it comes to his own designs, considering himself to be mediocre compared to the other designers out there.
It’s just not true!

 Although just a prototype, Mac hopes for the mobile search device to one day become a reality, but accepts that “it’ will take some years… I just draw the things I’d like to one day see in the future”
The possibilities for this device are endless, and Mac has only began to uncover its potential.

“Getting data of a weather forecast.”

Mac’s inspiration comes from all around him, and freely admits that he’s “easily inspired,” it is when he feels an inconvenience in his everyday life that he works to find a solution. Not to mention the likes of other designers such as Naoto Fukasawa, Jonathan I’ve and Josef-Muller Brockmann

“When you wonder what the scene you’re looking at was like in the past, you can see it.”

(an interesting read is this! Mac’s approach to problem solving and design!)

“Choose a building and touch a floor and it tells you more details of the building.
Well, it doesn’t have to be a building, but it can be any object you see. You can use it when you want to know a car model, an insect name, what kind of food is served at a restaurant and how much, who built a bridge, etc. etc. But as a designer myself, I hope it’s able to tell me a name of a font of the type I see, the size, color (in RGB), and so on.”

“It’s got a scanner built in, so you can use it this way when you want to check the meaning of a word in the newspaper, book, magazine, etc. It would be much easier to read a real book. You can use the dictionary, wikipedia, thesaurus and anything else available on the web.”

Mainly because I don’t usually care about nutrition when I eat, this kind of function would be helpful for people like me.

What Mac loves most about his job is when his clients are “blown away” by his ideas.. and his ideas are big! At the moment he is “designing something fun again.” One is a desktop gadget and the other is a browser extension.
If his previous designs are anything to go off we won’t be disappointed! and stay tuned for “the most popular items, re-rendered” in a “best of 2008″

Indoor guide: Works in a building, airport, station, hospital, etch.

Mac also has his own full throttle approach, to up and coming designers he offers this -
If you have an ace up your sleeve, just don’t keep it long. If you keep it for too long, it’ll go rotten. Just show everything you have to people, listen to what they say. You’ll be able to create something much better, to learn how to show your ideas to people, and to make your community.

“This might be off-topic, but it would be nice if it could work in sync with Google Maps like this.”

Mac Funamizu
http://petitinvention.wordpress.com/
http://www.behance.net/mac_fun

A personal thanks to Mac for supplying us with this interview and allowing me to share your amazing ideas.
From the whole Design Tavern, Cheers!