Dan Rubin's SuperfluousBanter

Author: dhilhorst

  • FAST: Porsche Carrera GT

    FAST Issue no.2

    Introduction

    If you ask a random kid on the street to mention some sportscar brands, sure
    enough, Porsche will be named more than once. However Porsche never really had
    a sportscar that was over the top, so to speak. Sure, we have the 911 —
    add GT3 to the name and you’ve got a pretty neat machine. But, compared
    to a McLaren F1, Ferarri Enzo or other asphalt ripping machines Porsche was missing
    something. Well, the Germans filled the gap and introduced a supercar extraordinaire:
    the Porsche Carrera GT.

    (more…)

  • Guru on Paper: Jakob Nielsen

    A reader of this blog suggested I take on Jakob
    Nielsen     to practice my drawing skills. Instead of waiting another two years
    before using a pencil again I decided it’s a good thing to draw more frequently
    (additionally, it really proves relaxing). Besides, Nielsen really is a joy
    for any cartoonist — the man is almost a caricature in real life.

    dr. jakob nielsen

    As opposed to last time I had enough material to work with. Nielsen’s
    assortment of pressphoto’s
    was definitively useful in this case (or should I say usable?) This illustration is a reply to Herasimchuk — seems like he has a new fan. I depicted Nielsen
    as I would like to see him — and I’m sure many designers will agree. Show
    the love brother, show the love… Do not be afraid, we will not bite. Back to work kids!

  • Guru on Paper: Andrei Herasimchuk

    This afternoon I needed a brake from all things university. I decided to leave
    the digital world for what it is, momentarily, of course. The last time I seriously
    used a pencil and a sheet of paper must have been more than two years ago —
    shame on me! So today I decided it was time to pick up that pencil again and
    what better than to immortalize my new found favorite guru: Andrei
    Herasimchuk    .

    andrei herasimchuk

    I’ve never actually met Andrei in person, and all I had were the
    photographs on his website    . Apart from the limited resources I really need
    some more practice drawing. Yes, I know his head is huge — that’s
    the whole point, from a stylistic point of view that is, of course. I’m
    not much of a “one stroke” cartoonist (if I can call myself one),
    as you can probably see. So, are there going to be any future editions? Well,
    that’s not sure. First I need to seriously practice! But I had fun either
    way.

  • To Hell with Color Coding

    By color coding I usually mean assigning a specific color to a section or sub-section
    of a web site (I realize that may be a bit of a narrow definition, but bear with
    me here.) Mention color coding and I will, unsurprisingly, reply amazon. Now
    before I go on let me state that color coding has both positive and negative
    implications, but from this posts title it’s pretty obvious I think there’s
    more wrong to color coding than good.

    Good?

    Color in general is an important facet of any web site. Different colors have
    different connotations: red for warning, green for okay (simple example.) To seek attention designers
    might use vibrant and bright colors, while for subtle communication more mid-toned
    and pastel colors would be preferred. Colors are known to work subconsciously.
    The thoughtful use of color can increase the speed of comprehension for the
    user and produce instantaneous associations that are most easily recalled.

    (more…)

  • FAST: Lamborghini Murciélago

    FAST Issue no.1

    Introduction

    Before I go on with this first post let me quickly introduce you to this new
    weekly section on SB entitled FAST. I have a passion for cars, especially fast
    cars. Nevertheless it’s not all about facts and figures — I especially
    value the design of a car. FAST will present you with an exotic car every week (price and exclusivity are not the only criteria). The good thing: you can contact
    me     and make suggestions, or send in your own short review.

    You can be sure to find the stylish Italians, the classic British, the big
    Americans, the powerful Germans and the fast Japanese, but there’s also
    those rare and unique vehicles from all over the world. FAST will mainly review
    the design of the car, with a quick overview of the most important facts and
    figures related to performance. Without further ado, let me introduce you to
    our first candidate: the Lamborghini Murciélago.

    (more…)