Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

So, this video by Jesse Rosten is kind of perfect. Thought I’d share. I’ve always been interested in how american media portrays women—Ad agency 72 and Sunny constantly takes the easy way out with sexy or sexist ad campaigns (like Kim Kardashian for Hardees or Carls Junior or whatever, Men vs. Women for nike running, and ‘Dress Irresponsibly’ for PacSun)*. Dr Pepper 10 “It’s not for women” campaign is lame and bogus. And even Dennis Rodman is backing a topless basketball team for fuck’s sake—but I somehow haven’t always been sold on the ‘photoshopping affects a woman’s body image’ debate. Anyone who thinks the eyelashes in any CoverGirl mascara commercial are actually real CAN NOT be taken seriously. If only these ladies knew how easy it would be to photoshop their Facebook profile pictures. Maybe I should teach a class.

Also if you’re interested in media and society’s affects on american women’s self image, I suggest you watch the documentary Miss Representation. It made me cry.

---

* You should know that anything on this blog is my own personal opinion and doesn’t reflect the opinion of my employer, HUGE. Though in HUGE’s history I’m pretty sure there’s never been a sexy/sexist/stupid project that’s ever been launched—and that’s part of the reason why I love working there.

So the internet has been a-buzz with the news that IKEA has switched from their modified version of Futura to Verdana—citing a need for a typeface they can use globe-wide, even in Asian countries, and on the web.

A lot of designers are getting heated over the whole thing, but my opinions on the matter can be summed up by Connecticut-based designer Matt Hunsberger’s post on the subject.

“Verdana actually makes sense. Aside from IKEA’s probably-bullshit reasoning about wanting one font for both web and print, Verdana is an accurate reflection of their brand. Think about it, Verdana is a utilitarian typeface that is kind of crappy but everyone has it on their websites. IKEA is utilitarian furniture that is kind of crappy but everyone has it in their houses. See, it makes perfect sense.”

 

So there you have it, the first cover of LOVE — the magazine the blogosphere has been abuzz about since October.  My thoughts?

The thought of boobs without nipples is weird!
Doesn’t the L seem really far away from OVE?
I’m digging the hand-drawn headlines but not the lack of breathing space.
I love her manicure.
Love the color.
I can’t wait to read what other people say!
I can’t wait to see the inside!

Hey LOVE, will you send me a copy, please?

“But those times were fleeting like the summer days.
We were bodies of water, destined to flow our separate ways”

I don’t write much about music but friends of friends, Make Do and Mend’s new album “Bodies of Water” is now available for free via download from their website.  With musical influences such as Hot Water Music, Jawbreaker, and Lucero it’s easily one of the best albums to come out of Connecticut in a long while.  Brimming with heartfelt lyrics about nostalgia, friendship, and feeling uninspired  by what confines us; Bodies of Water has been a great backdrop to my feelings of restlessness while at home for another New England winter break.

Photo: Luc Rioual of Hot Air Press

“…and i hate when things that actually matter get too ‘IN’ with scene kids…like global warming and the presidential election.”

-Jill Sandrey, Friend