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A few months ago we talked about some branding we did for a home decor company called Örling & Wu.

At Örling and Wu you will find decorative fabrics and objects from Europe and around the world. The branding strategy was to reflect a fresh mix of contemporary, vintage and classic European styles.

You’ll be happy to know that you can now head down to Gastown at 28 Water Street and check out their newly opened store.

I’ve come across a recent design trend. It’s a very clean, simple, modern banner graphic. There’s a beautiful shop in Gastown using this in their logo. (Old Faithful Shop)

Have you discovered more of these banners? If so, comment below with some links! Or send us a tweet @cowieandfox

I recently watched a short documentary about the dying art of hand painted billboards. It was created by Stella Artois (yes….a big corporation, but it’s a really inventive way to promote your company!), and it featured colossal paintings completed during a 28-day period on a 20- by 50-foot wall in SoHo.

According to some people the technique of hand painted advertising is making a come back, but it’s hard to believe it when we live in such a fast paced society where a 20 foot billboard can be printed off and hung within a few hours.

Apparently the larger companies are willing to fork out the big bucks because it’s authentic and it creates a spectical in the city or a “buzz.” I can definately understand that, since you can actually watch the image appear over a period of time, while the guys are dangling above the city in their rigging.

I am blown away by the skills they have. Unfortunately I don’t think those skills will be passed on to too many more people in the future if their industry really does die.

So next time you think of designing a billboard, why not think of the artists and get it hand painted for a change!

Check out the documentary here:

Yes it’s really true, fluorescent colours, like Pantone Plus Neons, are found in nature! Check out the photo below of fluorescent minerals by Hannes Grobe.

Bowling score screens, boring design right? Well someone has to do it even though it isn’t really that glamourous, it’s one hell of a challenge.

I couldn’t help but realize just how functional and practical it all is, and just how many variations are out there!

It’s always challenging designing something that is functional for the general public.

Check out this large collection of bowling score screens i’ve discovered.
Click the image below to see the full collection.

Okay so we all know that moustache are super over done these days, they’re pretty much everywhere, along with beards, but I just had to share these with you since I thought these were absolutely brilliant.

via BeardRevue

If you’re from Vancouver or if you’ve visited Vancouver, i’m sure you’ve noticed the art installations all around the city from  Vancouver Biennale.

I wanted to share one of the latest additions that i’ve noticed. It’s right here near the Cowie and Fox offices in Yaletown. Just down on Nelson street there’s a “concrete park” where this giant sculptural head rests.

It’s called Eros Bendato Scrippolato and is created by Igor Mitoraj from Poland/Italy.

On February 27th I checked out a sweet art show on Granville street. You walk in, purchase a $5 pack of mystery cards created by various artists, then you open them up and start trading with people in the gallery. It’s the most socially fun art show i’ve ever been too. I’m totally looking forward to checking out their other event Hot One Inch Action.

If you want to submit art or just check it out sometime, go here: http://www.hotartcard.com

$15 bucks later and some awesome trading, this is what I settled with:
(Top right corner: designed by awesome CF creative director David Manzl)

Cheeky Durex ads designed by Andrej Krahne

Although I think the type choice could be better (Hobo definitely isn’t one of my favorites) and the copy writing tweaked, I think the overall concept is pretty great.

Valentine’s Day is almost here, even if you haven’t got that special someone, i’ve got something special just for you!

I’ve discovered some brilliant vintage Valentine’s cards, some may be slightly offensive so cover your eyes if you can’t bare with it.