Check out this infographic from Kiplinger displaying the difference between various jobs in the U.S. government versus the private sector. Surprised by any of these? Interesting how some of the lower-paying private jobs are significantly more lucrative in the government…
Salaries in the gov't vs. private sector (click for larger view)
Focus.com puts together the best jobs in America (click for full view)
Is social media just a fad? The Huffington Post breaks down the stats and claims behind a video based on Erik Qualman’s book Socialnomics. When your mom and dad are playing FarmVille on Facebook, you know this social media thing is the real deal.
45 Rules for Creating a Logo (click picture for link to entire list)
Design is a bit like fashion, going through cycles where a particular style or ethos dominates for a time.
Check out Scott Hansen’s work as ISO50 for retro-organic, combining warmth with modernism (Hansen also records music as Tycho, which sound like the audio equivalent of his design — it’s worth a listen).
Hansen's work as ISO50.
Then there’s corporate America. Here are some logos from the 80′s and 90′s:
Notice any similarities? Do these adhere to the 45 rules?
Compare those to corporate logos of today:
Is it more important to stand out or fit in?
When it comes to rules for good design, it can helpful for guiding the process and making logo use effective and efficient (especially for the many uses of a logo in digital form). But, do rules for design kill innovation? And aren’t they fluid? 20-30 year-olds probably recognize the AT&T logo circa the 80′s and 90′s as distinct from the current one. Same goes for UPS.
AT&T and UPS: Old vs. New
Goodlogo.com is, well, a good logo site for comparing corporate design trends. Check it out. What do you think about logo design and these 45 rules (or should we say: suggestions)?
Good Creative Habits: Solitude or Idolization?
Zenhabits' great post on getting creative; inspired
Looking for advice on how to maintain a productive and creative streak? We previously shared some of Hemingway’s Hacks with you, but here, ZenHabits focuses more on consistently sparking your own creativity.
Gleaning some creativity tips from Felicia Day, Chase Jarvis and some historical icons as well, there’s some good insight into how successful creative types keep the ideas coming.
Whether it’s photography, design (web or graphic), writing, music or even business, there’s a fine line between staying sharp and just going through the motions.
What the ZenHabits post inadvertently shows is that often, creativity and inspiration can come from others. The post talks about the importance of solitude, but a lot of times one can simply ponder what creative or professional idols are up to…it’s a good way to rev up the engines!
What do you think? Are you at your best when you have some time alone with your thoughts, or do you get fired up by those you admire?