Día de Muertos, Mexico’s early November celebration of the deceased, is a feast for the senses. From cemeteries filled with bright orange marigolds and red cockscomb, to the sounds of trumpets from comparsa parades, to the smells of street food stands, the celebration draws you in fully. What struck me most about witnessing the celebration […]
A royal cypher is, simply, the personal symbol of a monarch. Modern British royal cyphers typically consist of the monarch’s first initial, the letter “R” for “Rex” or “Regina”, the Latin words for “King” or “Queen”, their number if applicable, and a crown.
It’s late evening in a deli in Midtown New York City. Just as I’m about to refuse a plastic bag for a few small items, I reverse course. There it is! A white plastic bag with purple flowers and a large purple “Thank You” written on the bottom. I had only seen this bag in […]
You’ve definitely seen the Anthora. A small, disposable blue and white coffee cup with Greek motifs and sharp ochre letters spelling “We Are Happy To Serve You”. If this sounds vaguely familiar, it’s either because you spent time in New York City from the 60s to the 90s, or have seen virtually any movie or […]
Earlier this year, Canadian graphic designer and illustrator Paul Twa completed a 36 Days of Type project on which he took us on a trip through art history. Day by day, Paul travelled back to an art movement or era by illustrating each letter and number in that era’s style. From cave paintings to Art […]
One of the most striking aspects of Mexican culture is its deep tradition of folk art. The custom of making things by hand is so deeply rooted that art and colour practically seep into every aspect of life. Artistic traditions are everywhere: from market stalls to ordinary homes, in everyday cooking utensils and street murals, […]
Happy Valentine’s Day, and welcome to the inaugural post of Design Dives! Valentine’s Day: what comes up for you when you think about this day? You’d be forgiven for dismissing it as a commercial holiday. Luckily, exchanging cards on February 14th goes beyond crass consumerism—it’s partaking in a 600-year-old tradition, joining the likes of medieval […]