DesignWorkLife

I've flagged up this reference and archive site before - it has some of the best work in the world presented to you in one place, and is easy to use and very inspirational. I spent about 20 mins today working my way through some recent pages and fond work that corresponded in some way to almost everything that FDA1 and 2 have done in the last couple of years.

This post about Penguin Essentials demonstrates how tp achieve really great results in book vover design when you are required to create the text material yourself, rather than 'set' it - just as FDA2 were asked to do, this year and last.

I really like this decorative new display font that corresponds to several briefs and demonstrates how it can be used commercially.

This work from Sam Dallyn is a great reminder that even the most simple task benefits creativity ad a bit of humour.

This card concept is a clever new way to make something fresh from a familiar idea.

I also found quite a few commercial and retail projects - such as the bags, tea towels and a lot of coffee shop projects, some by students, some professionals. It's really important to research thoroughly before you start creative work I've gone on and on about this over the last couple of years and that's why I always insist on presentation of research boards, creative concepts and development. Looking around and seeing what other designers are doing isn't an opportunity to copy, but a chance to see what's possible and raise your own game.