China's 60th

These are some of the pictures showing China at it's best. Here they are celebrating their 60th anniversary. The moment I saw this it didn't surprise me how amazing their spectacle was. After seeing the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing, I wouldn't expect anything less. But still, you can't not be impressed by this. As you can see, the design of the parade was flawless, not even a foot out of line. I know that we like to celebrate in style, but this really is something else.

Harry Potter

Having been so fond of the Harry Potter series (books) I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to publish this post. The thing that is truly great about Harry Potter is that it's a book for everyone, but for those who do feel embarrassed reading it, Bloomsbury very kindly produced what I call the adult versions. It just gives the book a more grown up feel. I don't particularly mind the 'childish' covers, but I can imagine by boyfriend wouldn't be seen with it. They provide an alternative, which is great. Also I think the artwork on the adult covers is quite impressive. The artist has selected the main most important details from each book and made it it's focal point. I don't mind abstract, but I think this works better as it has more of a connection with the story. On the whole though, it's just a great way to attract more people, and create a more diverse following, not that the Harry Potter books need it.

Computer Arts Projects' Cover (Aug Issue)

I love every front cover of Arts Projects that comes through my door, but I was particularly inspired by this one. From this view you would probably think it's been hand rendered somehow, but no, it's been carefully constructed out of paper and then shot with a camera. If there's one thing I can say about the creator of this piece, they definately have patience. If you look at the rest of Yulia Brodskaya's work then you'll realise this isn't just a one off either.

This particular design has actually been made from previous issues of the magazine, as you will notice from the writing on the cubed pieces. I like how she cleverly ties Arts Projects in this way. I also like the way she cut holes into the sides of the letters to create the light reflections inside, it gives the design more depth. There is also the paper gradients she uses, which sets the tone quite nicely.

Orange Bright Top Ups

The new orange advert...simple yet hilarious.

Help Remedies

Again like the vitamin boxes I found this packaging on www.dieline.com. The reason I chose this as an example is because I loved the concept behind it. If you're not feeling very well, you describe your symptoms and here is the remedies. I like how they're all a different colour, with the simple symbols to connote the product inside. You'll find what you're looking for straight away rather than faffing around, which is what usually happens with me. So these would be much appreciated.

Vitamin boxes

This is awful, but I can't even remember who designed these. I found them on www.dieline.com which is a great site if you're into packaging design. It's full of new and innovative packaging which is being produced all over the world. The reason I was drawn to these vitamin boxes was because I found them so clever. Say you require a vitamin C tablet, where do you look? Non other than the C vitamin box. It's a way of keeping your vitamins organised if you tend to take a lot, I can imagine it being helpful. Plus I think they look pretty aesthetically pleasing also.