MASCULINE FEATURES Available in blue, green or orange, ManCards cost $12.95 for 10 cards and envelopes. (A variety pack is available for the same price.) Each set of the attractive blank cards is contained in a sleek embossed sliding tin.

GOING STAG A special-edition note card set ($14.95) featuring the image of a stag also is available.

W

!

I

N

it

Man Up

Have a heartfelt message for your macho manager or brawny brother-in-law? Skip the dainty flower illustrations, and write your note on a ManCard. These simple yet masculine note card designs from Thoughtful Gent ( www.thoughtfulgent.com) are 100% dude-approved. WIN! 3 readers will each win 1 set of ManCards.

Risky Business?

If you feel that your organization plays it too safe, you’re in good company. In a recent survey by The Creative Group ( www.creativegroup.com), 65% of marketing executives and 45% of advertising leaders say their firms don’t take enough creative risks with projects.

The Creative Group’s executive director Megan
Slabinski notes that “good ideas perish when there’s
no one to effectively champion them.” Here are TCG’s
tips for building support for bold design solutions:
Give evidence. If possible, provide specific examples of
firms that have achieved success by using strate-
gies similar to the one you’re presenting.

Let go of ego. Before going to bat for an idea,

consider whether it’s merely a pet project or an initiative that could genuinely move your company forward.

Pay attention to details. Minor errors, such as a typo in a presentation or e-mail, can quickly erode your credibility. Double-check all information for accuracy before you present it or push send.

Talk the talk. When pitching ideas, use the same terminology that your audience does and avoid creative jargon that non-designers might not understand.

Step into their shoes. Understanding the challenges that decision-makers face and the pressures that they’re under will help you present the most relevant facts.

 

OOPS!

In the article “For Display Only” (February 2009), the full name of the typeface cited as Swing is Studio Lettering Swing. Also, the “Swing Sable Slant” specimen on page 102 should not be letterspaced, and the three fonts are part of the Studio Lettering collection.

In the article “For Display Only” (February 2009), the typeface Bree was cited as having five weights. Bree now offers 10 weights total including Obliques. Bree can be purchased at www.type-together.com.

CALENDAR

APRIL 15

HOW’s In-HOWse Design Awards

This competition is just for in-house designers, allowing you to compete within your specific industry. Best of Show wins a package that includes three registrations to the 2010 HOW Design Conference.

FEES

$50 per single entry; $75 per campaign entry

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(513)531-2690, ext. 11402; HOW-competition@fwmedia. com; HOWdesign.com

MAY JUNE

THROUGH MAY 18 JUNE 1 JUNE 5

A Shimmer of Possibility: Communication Arts 2009 Adobe Design Photographs by Paul Design Annual Achievement Awards Graham The Design Annual features The 2009 Adobe Design In August of 2004, Paul the best posters, brochures, Achievement Awards gives Graham set out on the first packaging, trademarks, higher education students of many trips around the corporate identity, annual from around the world the U.S. to see and photograph reports, catalogs, letter- opportunity to propel their the country for himself. This head and signage, and is careers into the future. Enter exhibition has been selected fully indexed for reference. in 12 categories in three from the resulting series of Winning entries will be pub- media areas. Cash prizes will photographic works, which lished in Communication be awarded in Beijing during Graham published in 12 Arts magazine. the Icograda World Design volumes as “a shimmer of FEES From $35 to $180 Congress. possibility.” FOR MORE INFORMATION FEES None

WHERE Museum of Modern competition@commarts.com; FOR MORE INFORMATION Art, New York City www.commarts.com www.adaaentry.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(212)708-9400; info@moma. org; www.moma.org

JUNE 24–27

HOW Design Conference

This year’s event covers sessions about creativity and inspiration, technology and production tips, career development, business strategies, in-house advice and more.

WHERE

Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX

FEES

$1,395 for full registration, two workshops, conference MP3s and conference webinars; $1, 135 for full registration; student and group discounts, and other combination packages, available

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(800)436-8700; HOWconference.com