March has been a funny old month for me, I feel like I’ve packed in a lot. The clocks have changed and I’m so ready for spring. For the first time in a long time, I’m feeling super inspired to learn, absorb, and challenge myself. Part of that has included loving some of the stuff I’ve been reading (and sharing my newsletter), so I hope there’s something that catches your eye in this month’s list.
SHORT READS
Here’s what happens if you let kids design their own targeted ads on google
As Mark Wilson says “the internet is terrible and targeted advertising is largely to blame”. One of the great struggles we face is how do we teach the next generation about how corporations are shaping what they see and trying to influence what they do? A weekly series of workshops at Bushwick Public Library in New York where 11-year-olds design their own targeted ad campaigns is trying to find some of the answers, with some brilliant insights into what it’s like to be 11 as an added bonus.
KFC’s latest ad reminds you it’s not AFC, BFC, or even CFC
I think Londoners, who will pass a Something-Fried-Chicken shop every 5 blocks, in particular are going to love this glossy spot from Mother London for KFC. It’s Nice That analyses the ad which whizzes viewers on an alphabetical tour of 26 chicken shops.
Press Kits to the Moon
How do you market a trip to the moon? That’s a question David Meerman Scott has been researching for decades. In the process he’s amassed “what [he] believe[s] to be the most complete collection of Apollo 11 contractor press kits in the world” and he’s just made them all available online. They’re a fascinating look into what the moon mission meant and a delightful look at some vintage design.
How to Turn Your Vacation into an Artistic Retreat
“Whether you’re going across the world or just a few states away, travel opens us up to new opportunities and experiences that can lead to greater creativity.” We seem to be in the period where everyone is starting to plan holidays. It’s well worth giving this piece from Artsy a quick read before you do, although some of the advice may be out of reach, the idea of carving time out for creativity and personal projects rings true.
Long reads
We need to talk about Instagram: Illustration agency Handsome Frank on algorithm anxiety
This article has been shared infinitely over the last couple of weeks, with good reason. Jon Cockley’s analysis of the impact of instagram on artists is uncannily spot on and his advice really does resonate. If you’ve managed not to give this one a read yet, please please give it a look.
The Problem with Nostalgia
I’m prone to nostalgia but “Michael Musto argues that wearing rose-colored glasses always leads to an unfair distortion — looking back on the best of the past while comparing it to the worst of the present.”
Why designers should take silliness seriously
Harry Grundy makes a case for the absurd and foolish in design work and discusses how to walk and talk the silly/serious paradox.
The deadly truth about a world built for men – from stab vests to car crashes
I am so excited for Caroline Criado Perez’s new book Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. In this edited extract from the Guardian Caroline outlines some of the deadly consequences that designing everything from crash test dummies to stab proof vests with only men in mind. Ahead of international women’s day next friday this is a brilliant read.
A Seat at the Head of the Table
In conversation with Katherine W. Phillips, a professor of organizational management at Columbia University, and Shelley Correll, a sociologist at Stanford, Emily Bazelon investigates some of the reasons women’s progression into the top echelons of business has stalled. This one’s well researched while remaining friendly.
Eye Candy
@dodo_toucan
We’re kicking things off with something 3D for this social recommendation. Dodo Touan’s porcelain animals are full of whimsy and wonder, the make me think of those little farmyard animals we used to have as kids but way waaaay better. Often stood against white backgrounds in herds or solo, they’re beautifully captured and are the perfect escape into another world when you need one.
@moodypng
This pick is something a little bit different, well, at least, just not an illustrator. Moodypng’s collages took me right back to being in school and making up sketchbook pages in art in the very best way.
@rooovie
Rich. That’s the word I would use to describe Fatchurofi’s illustrations. The colours are primary sumptuous and his line work is pattern based but detailed. Plus his animations remind me of zoetropes in the very best way.
If you like this monthly round up, you’ll love my newsletter. Every(ish) Sunday I share 2 articles and a social media favourite as well as a short personal essay and some original, often animated, illustrations. So what are you waiting for, sign up!
