Trailblazer in space...

Now, I don't like chimps or apes. I just want to clarify that before you watch the video below. This was still a creative way to make people care more about our planet—sorry, our home.

Space Monkey from Leo Burnett on Vimeo.

Thursday Traffic | 29 April

It is Thursday again, readers, and I like my traffic shaken, not stirred. However, today was surprisingly smooth sailing. Have you ever experienced a day when you are suddenly ahead of schedule? It's a wonderful feeling. Not only was traffic moving faster than other days this week, I got to work early enough to get a head start on today's tasks.

You might wonder what I was pondering while zooming through the unclogged streets. Well, I have realized that although the computer is a great tool for creating materials, I miss the more manual side of design. Something about cranking a press and seeing that tiny impression from the plate feels good. Printmaking helped me understand the entire printing process better and I feel that I benefited from it. I was never able to try letterpress, but I do want to set type at least once so I have a greater appreciation and understanding of the digital tools available now. Why do that? you might ask. Well, in the same way that people pursue manual photography over digital photography, I pursue "manual" graphic design. Drawing by hand, measuring with a ruler, printing materials myself—this is something that I value. In the words of A. J. Liebling, "Freedom of the press is only guaranteed to those who own one."

Image via TheCity Fix DC

Artist Spotlight | Alex Andreyev

My illustration teacher used to stress that we create our own style. As a graphic designer, I was often afraid of developing a single style so I could remain flexible and open to new ideas. Alex Andreyev has discovered how to marry both together during his 20 year artistic career. He is a graphic designer and painter living in Russia. He expresses a great interest in concept art, surrealism and graphic novels and I am really loving the results. You can purchase high-resolution files of his images from his website or purchase prints. He is currently working on the concept art for the animated film Kin-Dza-Dza. A few more works that I enjoyed can be found after the jump.

Images via Designers Couch and Alex Andreyev's website

Dreams of Loondon

While searching through some of the interactive art at JayisGames, I stumbled upon Flip-N-Tale's Loondon. I don't want to spoil anything about the piece for you, so my details will be brief. You will noticed that I referred to this particular selection as a "piece." The reason behind that is that this is not so much as a game as a work of art. You are required to click a few things to move the story along, but overall you simply marvel at the illustrations involved with this work. The grammar and spelling is not the best, but the story is quite strong. Give it a try and see for yourself.

Dvein

I first discovered Dvein on Behance. Their work is exceptionally well-executed and usually accompanied by excellent music. Their clients include National Geographic and Diesel Jeans. If you have some extra time, I recommend looking at some of their work. They are located in Barcelona, Spain, so much of their work is used to promote motion and animation overseas.

Image via a screenshot of Dvein's website

Game Review | Wii Sports Resort

Because I have been trying to be frugal over the past few months, I haven't devoted much money to buying video games. However, I was finally able to purchase Wii Sports Resort. I thought I would give anyone on the fence about purchasing it a bit of a nudge in one direction. The idea of Wii Sports Resort is simple: get up and play.

If you have the Wii, you will already be familiar with the look and feel of Wii Sports Resort from Wii Sports. Combine that with bits and pieces of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic games and *voila* Wii Sports Resort. You are not able to play all levels of the games immediately as you must earn that right through game accomplishments. However, with so many choices of games to play, you will be busy for a while.

As an incentive to increase the playing time of the game, you are able to earn stamps for each game if you achieve specific criteria. This game is fun with a crowd or alone—good considering that most Wii games are one or the other. You can challenge yourself to become a pro at the mini-games or just relax and have fun. Either way, you will definitely enjoy Wii Sports Resort. Wait, am I pulling you to the "go-out-and-buy-this-immediately" side of the fence? Yes, I am. You'll have a great time playing and it will introduce you to the Wii Motion Plus accessory. The game comes with one and all additional pieces cost $20 each. You decide whether those are worth the money (I bought one extra to be even) or not.

Bottoms up!

"Underage" drinking is one of many taboo subjects in the United States. The legal drinking age is twenty-one and it is strictly enforced in the purchase of alcohol. However, like anything illegal, there are always ways to get liquored up including raiding your family's stash, having an older friend purchase for you or just stealing from a store. According to a recent CNN article, they are debating about whether to change the drinking age.

I have seen enough videos and photographs of drunk driving to last my lifetime, but it is a real issue when approaching the topic. Alcohol poisoning and death resulting in drunk driving are the major consequences when teenagers engage in underage drinking. Let's not forget that drinking impairs judgment, so teen pregnancy, fights, rape, suicide and more can also occur while under the influence. Knowing this, most teens still drink because of the rush of doing something that is not allowed. Breaking the rules is often exhilarating for teens.

Is that the message that we should send to the young people? Let them think that drinking is something special and important for "grown ups"? The same consequences result when adults drink. The difference is that they are considered responsible for their actions. So how should this be addressed? In other countries, the drinking age is significantly lower ranging from 16–18 years of age.

You will probably disagree with me, but I believe that the drinking age should be lowered to 18. I think that since most teens become legal adults when they turn 18, they should be allowed to drink legally. If a person can die for their country at 18, why not allow them a drink while they are living? Before you tear apart my reasoning, listen further. Drinking is something that should be done in moderation and that should be stressed in advertisements and considered by bartenders. I think that if teens have a bit of experience drinking proper amounts of alcohol and understanding its effects, they might be more responsible in its consumption. At least if they are still under mom and dad's roof, they can ask questions in safety without going wild on their 21st birthday and possibly partying for their last time.

However, that is just my opinion. I would love to hear yours.

Image via Audarshia