Wow…Letercult’s top lettering of 2010. Lots of amazing samples here, with links to artists’ portfolios chock-full of more fine work. I’d start listing faves but would be here all day. Looks like I have a bunch of new typographer crushes.

Bibliodyssey posted a special valentine for lovers of ornamental typography: Title pages, headings and letterforms from maps issued between 1880 and 1920. Overwhelmingly beautiful stuff.

Jessica Hische nails it again.

My take: I’ve been a professional designer for 20 years. I’ve been approached to “help out” with many projects over that time, and agreed to a lot of them.

I’ve never gained measurable exposure.

I’ve never gotten more (ie, paid) work from the “client.”

I’ve almost never received money or merchandise promised to me when the person or company became profitable.

I’ve rarely received proper credit or even thanks.

Friendships have ended when I’ve pressured for any of these things.

I still get calls out of the blue from people who took advantage of me years ago and don’t get the hint when I repeatedly turn down their “free”lance projects. There have been times when I was glad to help out a friend or cause, but I can count those on one hand.

Creative types of all ages and skill levels, take my advice: Just Say No!

(Jessica’s infographic found via fastcodesign.)

My next cat will be Japanese.

My original post title was eight words. See what I did there? See what Antrepo does here with a refreshing design exercise. Though reactions are overwhelmingly positive, the few critical comments are valid. A true test would be to see these minimalist products in proper context: crammed together in endless supermarket shelves. But I suspect it would make the shopping experience much less panic-inducing (for me anyway) to be presented with such relatively soothing visual stimuli.

Looking forward to a creative year, and already awash in inspiration. Also enjoying the work of several artists that are new to me. Two notable collage artists working in very different styles are Ramona Szczerba and Health Killen.

I’m making a dozen little paper houses for the 12 days of Christmas. A new one will be added to the gallery every day through December 25th.

Loving Jarrett Heather’s typographic & brand-tastic music video for a Jonathan Coulton song. Not to mention his kickin’ Tron-themed website.

Big thanks to Diane P. and Jason Dragon for clueing me in to the wonderful work of Nick Bertke, aka Pogo. His video remixes are amazing and delightful, in particular his take on Disney’s Snow White. Not surprisingly he’s had to deal with some scary legal threats from high-profile companies. What’s surprising is that he’s able to show this stuff with their blessing — at least in the form of looking the other way — probably due to the outcry of a very vocal online community. I see it as a big step forward in legitimizing the art of remixing popular culture. Oh, and great logo too!

Very few people may remember a mini-zine I once produced simply titled “the.” They will appreciate the special feeling I got stumbling across this nifty project. Robb Ogle recreates and rescues that cipherous word from vintage pulp book covers and movie title screens. The results are exquisite — not only for the typography but also for sharing a new way of seeing and celebrating the wonderful ephemeral source materials.