One part cultural investor, one part groundbreaking experiment, Creative Capital blends traditional philanthropy with venture capital concepts. Creative Capital is a funding partner for artists. And not just groups or established organizations, but individual artists. Artists who need help support in becoming creative enterpreneurs. Here’s their official statement:

“Creative Capital was founded in 1999 to support artists pursuing adventurous and imaginative ideas, drawing on venture capital concepts to provide funding, counsel and career development services. It is the only national grantmaking and artist service organization for individual artists with an open application process, supporting projects in five disciplines: Emerging Fields, Film/Video, Innovative Literature, Performing and Visual Arts.”

And they have a great website to go along with their organization. This site was created by Area17, also responsible for the GOOD website. Very important when speaking to the artistic community, and when working with finances. There are times where I found a great cause but was thrown off because they didn’t have a professional appearance. That’s very scary to someone who wants to support and donate to your effort (aka, throw money your way!).

They also hold workshops (listed in the Professional Development section) from Professional Development Workshop for Spanish Speaking Artists to Internet for Artists Weekend Workshop to Verbal Communications (one that I wouldn’t mind attending) to Fundraising from Individuals, they have a nice range of offerings. I’m going to keep an eye on them, very interested!

Lettering is my weakness, and it is Camila Drozd’s strength! Take a look at the fantastic design work that has come from her hands. Well done!

While many of you may already be interested in modern graphic design, this will definitely pique your interest. Display Collection is a digital graphic collection curated and maintained by Kind Company. Browse the collection, or visit the Bookstore to purchase your own work of modern graphic design.

Students are always inspiring, and Rachel Dangerfield is definitely in the inspiring category. I found her only because she left a comment on one of my posts here at Faye + Co, and once looking around her blog called Quail Creative I wanted more. She has her own Etsy store, Little Aviary and features much her work being created at Columbus College of Art & Design which she is graduating from in May. Today is her last first day at the college, good luck Rachel. Keep up the good work!

Just found this gem and it’s in my area, hooray! The Society of Design is a non-profit dedicated to design education and community service. They are located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and have a great line-up for upcoming events including Pennsylvania-native Chip Kidd, Seattle’s Modern Dog, and this Friday, November 19 visiting will be Design Army founders from Washington DC. The event is being held at the Penn State Harrisburg Campus, for more details visit The Society of Design website.

It’s probably best to become a member and they also have a Travel event coming up in April to visit Falling Water and the Warhol Museum. Loving it already.

I just found the work of Doctor Pizzoli thanks to the Continuing Education site at The University of Arts in Philadelphia, where Greg is teaching a course titled The Screen Printed Poster.

Introducting The Typographic Desk Reference. I have to admit, you probably can’t have too many typographic books around when you need one. Any one will do but this looks like the have-all for typography nuts like me. The foreword is by Ellen Lupton, and if you wanted information on typography she is the go-to gal for it. She calls it the “Ultimate tool for the type geek.”

I won’t fill you up with details because you can get all of the information you need from the website, right here.

Yes, that Darwing. The APS Museum (or the American Philosophical Society) in Philadelphia is featuring Darwin’s original manuscript of Origin of Species. Is Darwin one of the first information designers? He very well could be with this manuscript.

I always wondered if these were illustrated by Darwin himself or if he outsourced the work to local artists. I guess the only real way to find out is to go visit the exhibit. Any one else want to go? Visit the APS Museum on Twitter.

When it comes to being creative, it is a great thing. But one of the downfalls can be the need to protect your ideas by looking at it as intellectual property. Make Your Mark by Design Victoria is intended to “to help strengthen the local design sector focused on helping graphic and industrial designers understand the inherent value of their intellectual property (IP).” They developed a series of booklets or “How To” kits explaining the complex issues that come along with being a creative person wanting to protect their ideas or IP (Intellectual Property). Download your copy here.

And this is not just an issue for designers in Australia, it’s an issue for all creatives. Protect what’s yours and then share it with the world. Booklet design by Round.

“In selecting a grade, consider whether more than one grade might be useful: if so, the font’s Complete package offers the best value, since it includes all four grades for less than the price of two.”

There’s a useful article over on Hoefler & Frere-Jones called Mastering Grades that is a guide for picking the right grade for your project.

“Letterpress

Most letterpress printers who print from photopolymer plates favor a deep impression. To compensate for ink squeeze, use Grade One, especially when printing on heavier stocks, such as those used for business cards and invitations. If you must reverse out of a solid color, use Grade Four.”