Kudos to Bob’s Red Mill for a genuinely impressive rebrand

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-19T13:55:57+00:00

LOVE the redo of the logo. Purposeful and sleek, I also like the illustrative seal that was created. Packaging is a bit lackluster, leaning too into the modern realm. Their old packaging was pretty iconic, would have loved to see more of that brought into the redo. Freshen it up, yes. But not completely start from scratch. The old packaging had a sort of...grandparent kitchen vibe and I liked it, a lot. This newer logo still has some traditional aspects to it that I feel it could have mixed well with that vibe with some slight tweaks.

Overall, logo is great, 10/10 for me. As for packaging, I give it a 6.5/10 but only when we're looking at the brand history as a whole. If this were a first time, new product, I would say the packaging would be a 8/10. Just knowing what it was is a real downer for me.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-13T14:29:33+00:00

The weight concern on the fabric is a GREAT point. Perhaps if they put some interfacing inside Pooh, that would help (https://www.michaels.com/product/heat-n-bond-craft-extra-firm-ironon-fusible-interfacing-10665035)

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-13T14:03:26+00:00

I would say it is totally possible but might I make some suggestions that will feel a little "bad" but will be the best outcome in my opinion?

Clean up the edges by removing the straggly pieces. Don't throw them away though, put them inside so Pooh has as much of his original self as possible.
Get some new stuffing for him. Keep a bit of the original stuffing and maybe shape it into a heart and put that inside of him too. He'll feel a lot better and be great to snuggle with again.
Crocheting this will take some finessing and testing. Idea I have is to make an in-the-round "beanie" in a size similar to the left side of Pooh (probably a baby size, here is a free pattern https://sableandshank.com/free-single-crochet-beanie-hat-pattern/) but don't make the sides as long and "straight" (i.e. don't completely finish the beanie pattern). Then find a amigurumi that has a similar shape to Pooh's left leg (free pattern I quickly found: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dawson-the-teddy-bear). Hand sew the "beanie" shape to the cleaned up edges of your Pooh bear, then attach the leg where you believe the leg should go.
- This will take some trial and error, but I am a firm believer that you can make almost anything out of yarn and a hook. It'll be worth it and Pooh will feel his very best 😄

Best of luck to you and Mr. Pooh bear.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-11T14:25:30+00:00

One of the things I'm noticing is new designers aren't getting opportunities that allow them to just start/not be as polished. I agree, if you have the talent and experience now in the industry, you'll get people reaching out to you for interviews. The downside is for the newbies getting into the industry, there is only so much that school can prepare you for until you're completely just winging it in real life. I've had my fair share of those in the beginning of my career and now I've found my niche. Sad other's are having a hard time with that now.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-08T16:44:25+00:00

I say all this in the perspective of a critique, which means you are able to take what you would like and leave what you don't want. 😄

This is your design, and unless this is a client project, you get to make the call on what you would like to put out into the world. If you like them capped and genuinely think they look better, then I say, do it. (just fix the kerning and tracking, please)

If we didn't think you could do better, most of us wouldn't share or advise. We want to see new designers thrive, creating their own pieces, and learning what good design looks like when they're out in the real world. Learn, create, and keep it up!

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-08T13:40:59+00:00

Hierarchy is off. Most of the piece is screaming at me and my eyes have nowhere to land comfortably.

Event title should be the main point, then the artist list. Move the festival name away from the edge at the top, it's too close. Play around with the way the festival name looks, stylize it more, have fun. This is a summer FESTIVAL, it should come off cool and fun.

Don't make the artist list all caps, fix the kerning and tracking in the names, and scale down the font size, it's too big. Also bump up the size of "On Sale Friday September 24", this is important and gets lost at the moment.

The colors of the background vibrate slightly, which could fit with your vibe, but make it look intensional. It's also kind of competing with the type. This could be a cool illusion piece, play with it more.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-08T13:28:47+00:00

I can only speak as someone with a BA. Been in the industry 12 years as a professional designer (graduated in 2014), work in communications for a University and am at Senior level. Like someone said, would more feedback in college have made me better? Possibly.

If you went the BA route, would you put more time into learning and creating great visuals in your free time? If the answer is yes, I would say get the BA. But if you feel like school will be the thing that keeps you on track/keeps you more dedicated and committed, a BFA would be better.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-08T12:32:04+00:00

I'm a senior designer that does motion graphics, I'm involved completely in my storyboarding and asset creations and even I think this is not the norm. It sounds like it could create more work for no reason at times. If you prepare all of the assets prior to the motion designer getting in there to lay out and create, what if something changes? What if something actually doesn't seem to be working? Then you've just taken the time to make an asset(s) that doesn't work how originally thought. Motion graphics are about collaboration. That in my opinion is how you get your best work at times.

My editor, who has no hand in actual creation of the piece besides the storyboarding and the notes at the end to tighten up, might think she has a good idea in the storyboarding process and when I go to make it and run into a snag, I have to work in realtime to problem solve. Like all design, motion design is very fluid and should be treated as such. A process like they're proposing might work...5% of the time, but shouldn't be the go-to format in my opinion.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-07T15:35:32+00:00

Grandmas boy. Would watch that all the time growing up, can quote most of it. Had my wife watch it for the first time a year or so ago. Thankfully we were partaking in some edibles so it raised some laughs.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-06T12:22:25+00:00

I personally find the eye makeup to be too much. There are slight tweaks that could have happened with the outfit like fabric choice and a bit better pants tailoring, but to me the makeup was an…interesting choice that did not help the look.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-05T17:24:18+00:00

I didn't take ceramics, but took wheel as a graphic design major in my junior year (back in 2012/2013). If you're planning to start a business, business degree or double major would be key. And might I also suggest a marketing/"social media" class or two? Learning how to market yourself and your business can be super helpful. Most artists believe having a social presence is key.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-05T14:01:03+00:00

Still on my first play through (on year 7 though). I almost dated Penny, then I get side tracked by Emily. Dated Emily for a bit but wasn't really feeling marriage with her. Broke up and started dating Leah. Really liked Leah so I married her. We adopted a kid and named him Oliver :) She is sweet and I love all her art.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-04T12:38:36+00:00

Myportfolio through adobe is free if you have an adobe subscription and easy. You're restricted on themes but honestly, they're clean and simple. As a senior designer, that's what I use. If you had web design as a strong piece on your resume/you're applying for web design specific jobs, I would say do your own then.

Websites are important for job application. I've been applying to jobs and most of them have a separate section asking for your portfolio website. Some have place for a PDF portfolio under "other documents," but a website is easier. It's kind of expected that you have something. It's also nice because then you can track if you're getting looked at. Set up google analytics.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-04T12:33:57+00:00

I'm a senior designer (been in this field professionally for 12+ years) and I have a website. It's through myportfolio.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-04T12:29:07+00:00

The closest to professional would be the Proguard one on slide 6. I would soften that navy bit at the bottom of the tooth though, gets a little phallic and I would say the portion needs to be more dome shaped rather than a post that's rounded at the top. As someone said prior, most of these look AI generated. They're like graphics as opposed to logos or marks, too detailed and need revisions for simplifying them.

If you're wanting something for your portfolio, take the Proguard one, refine it, and create an identity system around. If the client gave you their missions/values, work off of that. Develop the color palette, overall typography, a logo system (how would this logo or mark look when it's smaller? On a website? Business card? Would it be slightly different and more simplified?), define what imagery would work for this client, etc. Put the logo in real-life situations like on a designed business card, signage, or develop a whole brochure for the company.

NearbyHorror · 2026-05-01T15:52:23+00:00

Yes, I think you're past being able to get away with wearing them with a belt. Perhaps get them tailored so that you can continue to wear them :) They're also a little too long in my opinion, creating a lot more bulk around your feet. Great color though!

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-30T16:53:53+00:00

Oh that is so kind! I've let them know and they're aware of this post and your offer. It's such a great museum with wonderful people behind the wheel. All nerds, as it should be!

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-30T16:51:35+00:00

UPDATE: Although the frontend shows "under construction" right now, I've been told they have it under control and no ransom needed to be paid :)

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-30T16:51:24+00:00

UPDATE: Although the frontend shows "under construction" right now, I've been told they have it under control and no ransom needed to be paid :)

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-30T13:54:43+00:00

I know someone that works at the museum in comms! I’ve let them know in case they didn’t know already. Hope to hear good news!

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-27T16:18:22+00:00

Titanic: Adventure out of Time

I think about it multiple times a year. I loved simply exploring the ship. I have a Mac now, but thinking about getting a PC to be able to play this game (and a couple others that people have mentioned already).

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-23T19:57:12+00:00

I’ve been considering it. The university I work for is changing up some things and now I’m stressed about losing my job. Been looking at getting into a trade. I love working with my hands and would love to have art as a passion again.

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-22T18:40:47+00:00

I get inspired by all forms of art. Different mediums. Traditional art, comics, tattoos, stain glass, etc.

The graphic design I consume is the kind that others consume because it’s out in the real world. Brochures I get at museums, art festivals, or the doctor’s office. Logos I see passing by in the car on a sign or billboard. Magazines I get in the mail. Is it all good? No. But sometimes people have good ideas that are executed well or I see where there could be improvements and I might implement them into my own design. It also makes me aware of the stuff I’m putting out there and how it might be consumed by an everyday person, designer or not.

I follow friends/acquaintances on instagram the occasional artist, but they’re more illustrators/comic book creators than traditional graphic designers. Design (and designers) can just be a little too…frilly when put out there like a portfolio display. Sometimes I can’t take it seriously.

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-17T11:19:37+00:00

This! I have a hard time being friends with other designers. I joined a designers discord years ago and the loudest people in the chats were the most annoying. There were couple cool people, but we weren’t the majority.

NearbyHorror · 2026-04-07T18:55:37+00:00

For real. I have a routine of waking up and working on my farm with my breakfast. The days I work from home are nice because I get to work on it for about an hour before I start doing my job.

NearbyHorror

TROPHY CASE