Thoughts

Thoughts

Symmetry

For most people, symmetry is an occasionally noticed, lightly taken observation.

It almost always involves “mirror image” (horizontally bilateral) symmetry—two matching lamps on either side of a room, or maybe bookends. But, in William Blake’s famous verse

“Tyger, tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

he was surely talking about something deeper than the similarity between the right and left sides of the tiger.

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Taoist Philosophy

Before Angels & Demons became a worldwide best-seller, the Philosophy ambigram was my most popular design. This was appropriate, as the most significant influence that led to my development of ambigrams was the yin/yang symbol, central to the ancient Chinese philosophy Taoism.

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Types of Ambigrams

An overview of Symmetrical and Assymetrical ambigrams. Rotational, Bilateral/Mirror Image, Chain (Rotational), Chain (Bilateral), Totems, Symbiotograms, Figure/Ground Relationships, Oscillations.

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Advice on Ambigrams

My advice on learning to create ambigrams. Have fun, be patient, don’t expect miracles (for a while).

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Criteria for Logo Design

My design career began in the photo-lettering department of a type shop in 1970. My design education consisted of my obsessive study of design annuals. So my most significant influences were the great corporate designers of the day: Lou Dorfsman, Tom Geismar, and Herb Lubalin topped the list; and great lettering artists Ed Benguiat, Tom Carnase, Tony diSpigna and Gerard Huerta inspired me as well.

Continue Reading
Symmetry

For most people, symmetry is an occasionally noticed, lightly taken observation.

It almost always involves “mirror image” (horizontally bilateral) symmetry—two matching lamps on either side of a room, or maybe bookends. But, in William Blake’s famous verse

“Tyger, tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

he was surely talking about something deeper than the similarity between the right and left sides of the tiger.

Continue Reading
Taoist Philosophy

Before Angels & Demons became a worldwide best-seller, the Philosophy ambigram was my most popular design. This was appropriate, as the most significant influence that led to my development of ambigrams was the yin/yang symbol, central to the ancient Chinese philosophy Taoism.

Continue Reading
Types of Ambigrams

An overview of Symmetrical and Assymetrical ambigrams. Rotational, Bilateral/Mirror Image, Chain (Rotational), Chain (Bilateral), Totems, Symbiotograms, Figure/Ground Relationships, Oscillations.

Continue Reading
Advice on Ambigrams

My advice on learning to create ambigrams. Have fun, be patient, don’t expect miracles (for a while).

Continue Reading
Criteria for Logo Design

My design career began in the photo-lettering department of a type shop in 1970. My design education consisted of my obsessive study of design annuals. So my most significant influences were the great corporate designers of the day: Lou Dorfsman, Tom Geismar, and Herb Lubalin topped the list; and great lettering artists Ed Benguiat, Tom Carnase, Tony diSpigna and Gerard Huerta inspired me as well.

Continue Reading