In the beginning of the 1960′s a new fad began to emerge in the suburbs of America. Much like it’s 50′s predecessor, hula hooping, it came and went in the night leaving those who participated with just a vague memory of its occurrence. What is this elusive fad? Trampoline Pits. Around 1960, parks full of trampoline pits began popping up all over the county. These parks were contracted in abandoned lots and full of pits with trampolines fitted across the tops. Those wanting to play on the trampolines could pay a quarter or two for a half hour of bouncing bliss. Kids would line up after school for their chance at the action and some parents would even take their kids there for parties. [Read more...]
Graphic Quote #5: Orange County
A Visual News original series for lovers of infographics and cult movies. [Read more...]
Bent Objects: Wire Makes Everyday Items Come to Life
In 2006 Terry Border started his Bent Objects blog as a way to make some extra coffee money. His thought was to grab some everyday objects, stick wire into them at strategic places to construct phenomenal characters reenacting daily life situations. Border states his reasons for making these creations was rather simple in design structure: “Basically, wire is very cheap, and ordinary objects are very cheap. Combining those two things together in a way that amuses me is fun and isn’t stressful like some other creative endeavors which cost lots of money for materials.” DIY creativity is a favorite for many people looking to spruce up their living area or fix up the yard… but creating hilarious DIY characters is a whole different form of creative genius. [Read more...]
Startup Ecosystem: A Fishy Look at Predator vs. Prey
When it comes to startups, it’s a dog eat dog world… or is that a fish eat fish ocean? This funny graphic looks at the delicate balance of predator vs. prey in the “Startup Ecosystem,” with a ocean themed and cleverly illustrated aesthetic. The CEO whale with a rolex and a coffee mug, and the seahorse designer with a scarf… perfect! [Read more...]
What If Company Logos Were Honest?
What would happen if large corporations actually ran their companies with our best interests in mind? Their logos might look a bit more like these new editions in design wiz Viktor Hertz’s ongoing series: Honest Logos. Each design remixes the original, replacing their name with something more closely representing a stereotype behind what the company really brings to the world. The results are as refreshing as a grande caramel-mocha Frappuccino with whipped-cream and caramel drizzle… but a whole lot less fattening. [Read more...]
Kim Jong-illin’ and Dropping the Bass!
Who knew the late Kim Jong-il was such a party animal?? Here he is dropping top dance tunes, drinking booze and generally being the life of the party with the likes of Daft Punk, David Guetta and Skrillex. With the way he and his devoted followers claim he’s invented, improved and generally done everything (he’s the genius who wrote 6 full operas in 2 years and invented the modern cinema) is it really any surprise he also mixes some epic vinyl grooves? Wait… he probably invented vinyl! [Read more...]
Pathetone Weekly’s Clothing of the Future
Apparently, back in the 1930s, there were high expectations for our current fashion trends. Pathetone Weekly, the British cinemagazine, ran semi-news blurbs featuring obscure topics that aired from 1930 to 1941. This episode in particular was quite amusing, as it displayed concept clothing created by American fashion designers detailing what they believed clothing would look like in the year 2000. The ideas ranged from women wearing cantilever heels and electric belts to men wearing telephones on their chest and pockets to give “candies to cuties.” [Read more...]
Now Classic: Errol Morris Lives the High Life
Roger Ebert once said, “After twenty years of reviewing films, I haven’t found another filmmaker who intrigues me more… Errol Morris is like a magician, and as great a filmmaker as Hitchcock or Fellini.” Perhaps best known for his documentary films such as The Fog of War and The Thin Blue Line, Morris has been honored with shelves worth of awards, including an Oscar. He has also directed a large collection of advertisements: here we bring you a sampling of what he considers his most impressive television achievement: over 100 retro-themed commercials for Miller Hi-Life. It’s a tribute to the classic American man [Read more...]
Graphic: The (Very Funny) Anatomy of an Agency
Whether painfully hilarious or painfully true, for anyone that’s worked in an agency, this graphic will hit some meaningful stereotypes squarely on the head! What do accountants, art directors, copywriters, developers and the finance department use as their favorite pickup line? What do they have in their top desk drawer? This graphic at The Big Orange Slide, the blog of Grip Limited has those answers and more [Read more...]
Show Me Your Money Face!
Proving that money can buy happiness, these money/face mashups are stacking up quick around the web. The visual trick has been around for a while now, but not until this week when Reddit user MadSon11 posted his head matched with Alexander Hamiltons jaw (above) did the meme really get some legs. Redditors the world over have posted images using both U.S. bills and their own currency. Want to see MadSon11′s lower half? See the bottom of this post [Read more...]















