Tag Archives: art

What is Bauhaus Design Style: The Significance of Art United Under One Haus

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Staatliches Bauhaus originated as a German school of arts in the early 20th century and transformed into one of the most influential art schools in the history of the world. Bauhaus, meaning ‘building a house in German,’ was established six months after the First World War in 1919 and aimed to build a new society after the ravages and destruction of the war. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Bauhaus art marked a new period of history and found its presence in paintings, graphics, architecture, and interior design. It celebrates the fusion of individual artistry and vision, emphasizing mass production and function. Additionally, it formed the catalyst and paved the way for modern architecture and furniture design.

Designer: Walter Gropius

Founded by German architect Walter Gropius, he combined two schools, the Weimar Academy of Arts and the Weimar School of Arts and Crafts, into what he called the Bauhaus. The whole idea of the Bauhaus was to produce a functional and aesthetically pleasing object for the mass society instead of individual items for the wealthy. With a utopian aim to create a new form of design by combining fine arts, crafts, design, architecture, and technology, the Bauhaus promoted rational and functional design that embraced the principles of form following function and the less is more ethos. Despite being in existence for only 14 years, it has been the most impactful movement where the teachers and students worked in tandem with each other.

What is the history of Bauhaus?

Before the Bauhaus movement, fine arts such as architecture and design were highly esteemed concerning other art streams like painting and woodworking. Gropius asserted that all the crafts could be brought together and ensured that performing arts, design, and applied arts were given equal status as he tried to unite all branches of art. He envisioned bridging the gap between art and the industry by crafting pieces that combine aesthetics and beauty with function and utility. As a result, notable teachers Marianne Brandt and Marcel Breuer replaced the traditional pupil-teacher relationship with the idea of a community of artists working together.

Artist: Angel Estevez

Where were the Bauhaus art institutes located?

Bauhaus existed in three cities, functioning through a tough time of social and political upheaval. Nevertheless, it left one of the most significant stamps on art, architecture, and design in the 20th century.

Weimar -1919-1925

Gropius laid the foundation of Bauhaus in Weimar, which aimed to serve a social role with no division of craft-based disciplines.

Dessau- 1925-1932

Dessau was selected after the close of Weimer due to political reasons. However, it was the most fruitful period of activity when Gropius designed the famous Bauhaus building – a landmark of modern, sculptural architecture that was dissolved on 30 September 1932. Currently, it is a UNESCO world heritage site that attracts many tourists.

Berlin-1932-1933

Little work was done during this period due to pressure from the Nazis regime and lack of funding. Unfortunately, it was permanently closed in July 1933 under immense political pressure and threat.

Who were the creative artists behind the Bauhaus movement?

Well-known artists like Josef Albers, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee offered their expertise as instructors. In addition, the Bauhaus flourished under three different architect-directors: Walter Gropius from 1919 to 1928, Hannes Meyer from 1928 to 1930, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from 1930 until 1933.

What was the purpose of the Bauhaus Design style?

Since the modern manufacturing method can result in the loss of art, Bauhaus wanted a design style that could merge art and functional design alongside practical everyday objects with the soul of artwork. In addition, there was an emphasis on experiment and problem-solving, which shaped Bauhaus’s teaching approach and greatly influenced contemporary art education.

Wassily chair

Designer: Marcel Breuer (Knoll)

What are the key elements of Bauhaus Architecture?

Designer: archetival

With a holistic approach towards design, mid-century modern homes were inspired by clean lines and functional design. At the same time, the interiors were known for their simplicity and sense of openness. The school played a crucial role in developing modernist architecture and significantly impacted mid-century modern art and design and Scandinavian minimalism. The Bauhaus buildings can be angular and linear or feature curved balconies and round corners, but here are some essential common characteristics:

  • The Bauhaus design style is straightforward; it believes in simplicity, clarity of design, optimum functionality, abstract shapes, the use of primary colors, and balanced visual composition. Therefore, there was no need for additional ornamentation to make things more beautiful as it was allowed only if it followed function.
  • Instead of floral and curvilinear shapes, the Bauhaus focused on minimalism with linear and geometric forms like triangles, squares, and circles. Asymmetry is favored over symmetry alongside a simple, rational, and functional design.

Designer: Adrian Olabuenaga

  • The buildings are designed with flat roofs and glass curtain walls. The popular use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete that have become an integral component of contemporary architecture and interior design.
  • The buildings, furniture, and fonts often feature rounded corners and sometimes rounded walls.
  • The Bauhaus design style is true to materials and ensures that the material is used in its most natural and honest form. Hence, Bauhaus architects did not hide brutal and rough materials. Instead, using basic utilitarian materials like steel, concrete, and glass in an unmodified and exposed form emphasizes the beauty of their functionality.
  • The ideology of Bauhaus was to make optimum use of time and smart use of the available resources. With an economical way of thinking, the representatives wanted to achieve controlled finance, increase the productivity of time-consuming projects, and precisely use the available materials.
  • Bauhaus workshops emphasized and embraced technology to merge art and design with mass production and were skillfully used for developing prototypes.
  • According to Walter Gropius, form follows function. Hence the form or elegant geometric shapes of any object or building should be based on its intended function or purpose.

Designer: Rockin Cushions

  • The focus was on design productivity and a strong understanding of basic design principles of composition, color theory, and craftsmanship in various disciplines. In addition, it believed in the oneness of the artist and the craftsman — an excellent design that is durable, economical, beautiful, and accessible to all.
  • Their commitment to finding solutions that were simple, rational, and functional is an approach that is still taught to artists and designers today.
  • The final lesson is that the Bauhaus advocated for a “new guild of craftsmen,” abolishing the elite lines between artist and designer to build a new future.
  • Bauhaus is all about new techniques, new materials, new ways of construction, and new attitudes. Hence, architects, designers, and artists must invent something new using modern technologies and materials. It also led to the emergence of new forms of interior design.

What countries have the most examples of Bauhaus architecture?

96 HaYarkon, Tel Aviv

Designer: Bar Orian

One of the largest collections of Bauhaus-style architecture is in Tel Aviv, Israel. Its city center is a UNESCO-recognized site thanks to more than 4,000 buildings designed by German Jews who fled the Nazis in the 1930s.

Designer: Adobe x Bauhaus

Almost 100 years later, we exist in the future that the Bauhaus imagined and can see the connection and fusion between good artistry and good design.

The post What is Bauhaus Design Style: The Significance of Art United Under One Haus first appeared on Yanko Design.

AI-generated photos put a poetic twist on the relationship between man and machine

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Humans today have become dependent on machines in more ways than one, whether they realize it or not. From the vehicles that get us to work and back to the smartphones in our pockets to the contentious AI that’s making headlines, our daily lives are affected and influenced by machines in all shapes and sizes, even those we can’t see. While humans created machines as tools of convenience, our relationship with them hasn’t always been sunshine and roses. Some people have even taken an antagonistic outlook on these man-made objects, especially when those machines threaten our way of life or our very lives. At the same time, however, man’s innate curiosity also gives way to awe, wonder, and sometimes even joy, expressions that are conveyed in these images that were aptly generated using the help of a machine.

Designer: Emilio Alarcón

Of all the modern technologies that are generating debates in all walks of life around the world, AI is probably right at the top. Although the concept has been around for decades, recent developments that have made the technology more amazing but also more concerning because of the implications of the misuse of highly advanced AI. Hollywood and popular media further exacerbate the situation, causing an almost negative bias against new machines in general.

“Machines that listen to human conversations” is a collection of images that try to turn the narrative around on its head in a poetic and almost subtle way. It is also poetic, but perhaps also a bit controversial, that the realistic-looking photos were generated using the popular AI platform MidJourney. Of course, it is just a tool like any other, and the iterative art process was still initiated, guided, and judged by human creativity.

The photo set revolves around scenarios where steampunk-like machines are literally inserted into the midst of human life. Sometimes they’d be in the middle of streets or sidewalks, while there are times when they’re attached to human heads. In some cases, the machines are left alone, but most of the scenes show humans interacting with the objects. Although the theme is explained as machines observing, listening, and accompanying humans, it is also as much about humans interacting with the machines with curiosity, wonder, and even delight, a stark contrast to the emotions generated whenever AI gets mentioned in the news.

There is also some poetic irony in how these images are the very examples of why AI is getting such negative publicity. If not for the artist’s own explanation, few would have realized that these are AI-generated images. These programs have come so far to the point that only very discerning people will be able to notice the difference. At the same time, however, the photos also express the reasons why machines can also bring us joy, piquing our curiosities and giving us more ways to interact and experience our world.

The post AI-generated photos put a poetic twist on the relationship between man and machine first appeared on Yanko Design.

What to buy if you want to start producing music at home

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These days it’s not necessary to go to a giant studio with overpriced, pro-grade gear to record a Grammy-winning record. You can do it right from the comfort of your own bedroom in fact, using tools priced for even the most casual of hobbyists. It's not news that the tools of creation or the avenues for distributing art are accessible to more people than ever. But the cultural institutions that have dominated popular music for so long can no longer ignore the bedroom producer or budding Soundcloud star.

Maybe you've been inspired to build your own home recording studio. And maybe, you're not quite sure where to start. Well, an audio interface, a good mic and a decent set of headphones will get you pretty far. But the first thing you'll need is probably staring you right in the face: a computer.

Computer and a DAW

An overhead view of Ableton Live 10 on a laptop surrounded by home studio gear.
Ableton

Justin DeLay, Director of Product and Category Marketing at Reverb, drives home just how important the computer is: "You can strip away everything else and as long as you have a computer you can still create music," he told me. He suggests you "spend the money on a good computer and get other gear — such as audio interfaces, mics, headphones, etc. — used or at reasonable price points."

But, truthfully, you can do quite a lot with whatever computer you have on hand. Joe Pecora, the engineer and producer at Red Room Studio, says your set up "could be as simple as an iPhone/iPad with Garage band." (I know someone who recorded an entire album this way.) While he agrees that the most important part is your computer, he argues it doesn't have to be super powerful. It doesn't even have to be a desktop. JDilla famously created many of his beats on a Roland SP303, and you can basically recreate that experience with an iPad and the $4 Koala Sampler for iOS. And don't forget that Gorillaz recorded an entire album on an iPad.

Which leads us to the next thing you'll need: a DAW, or digital audio workstation. If you're a Mac user, then you're lucky enough to have access to Garage Band, a surprisingly capable free option. And upgrading to Logic Pro X is only a $200 investment. If you're on Windows (or just don't like Logic), I often recommend Ableton Live (starting at $99). But honestly there are plenty of great options out there, like FL Studio, BitWig and Cubase all of which start at $99. And often, stripped down versions come free as part of a software bundle when you buy music-making hardware like MIDI controllers and audio interfaces.

Assuming you already have a computer and you just need the accessories to get recording, you can pick up everything you need for under $500 new. But, if you’re patient, you could build a well equipped bedroom studio with used gear for as little as $250.

MIDI controller

An overhead view of four different midi keyboards on a wooden desktop.
Engadget

Speaking of which, one of the first additions to your studio should be a MIDI controller. DeLay says this is a piece of gear often overlooked by beginners. "It's not just for playing keyboard sounds," he explained, "it can be used to write drums and percussion, to control mixes and more. It's the creative interface of music production, and you don't have to play the piano in order to harness its power."

We've covered plenty of affordable and portable options before. But if you don't plan to make music on the go, I can't recommend the Arturia MiniLab 3 enough. It punches well above its weight, and even the pros love this thing. And if you have the space, it's not much more to upgrade to something like the Keylab Essential 49 ($269) or Novation Launchkey 49 ($229), which will give you a lot more controls to play with.

Microphone

An Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic is on a stand above a coffee table with a laptop, with a leather couch in the background.
Audio-Technica

Unfortunately there's no gear that will magically turn you into a breathy pop goddess, but a decent mic and audio interface can at least help you sound your best. Now, you could get a USB microphone, like Blue Microphones’ $130 Yeti, and it will certainly get the job done. Heck, that album I mentioned earlier was recorded using the wired headset that came with the iPhone.

But, honestly, your better bet is to get a regular XLR mic and an audio interface. Pecora specifically warns against splurging too much here. "People will look at their favorite artist and see that they use a certain mic or preamp or plugin and want to use the same thing thinking it will get them the same sound." On early singles like "Ocean Eyes" Billie Eilish used an Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic, which costs just $100. And I’ve stuck almost exclusively with cheap Shure SM58s and 57s ($100 new, $50-$75 used) whether I was recording demos with my band in college or voice over for review videos at Engadget.

If you fancy yourself a future pop sensation and want to make sure your vocals are the star of the show, you could consider using a significant chunk of your budget on something like the Rode NT1-A ($229) or Shure SM7B ($390). You will get better results with more flexibility for post production, but you can clearly get excellent results with more affordable options.

Audio interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Scarlett

As for the interface, there are tons of great options out there. Companies like Focusrite, Arturia and Tascam make excellent ones. But our new favorites in the budget interface space are Universal Audio’s Volt series. If your budget allows for it we strongly recommend the $299 Volt 276. Though, the $189 Volt 2 is also excellent, it just doesn’t standout from the crowd quite as much.

If you’re trying to save a few bucks, it's hard to beat the Scarlett series from Focusrite (just make sure to get the second- or third-gen models). You can get the latest Scarlett 2i2 for around $130 used, but it's just $180 new (and includes a huge bundle of very useful software).

The reason to opt for an audio interface instead of a simple USB mic is because it offers you a lot more flexibility and room to grow. For one, it offloads a lot of the audio processing from the CPU. Second, it will allow you to connect not just mics (and swap in different ones for different purposes), but also instruments, turntables or anything with an audio-out jack. An audio interface is also necessary if you plan to connect a pair of studio monitors.

Studio monitors and headphones

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones suspended in the air in front of a dark background dotted with bright light spots.
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget

This is an area that DeLay advises caution. While a good set of studio monitors will obviously be better than the speakers on your laptop and will result in a better mix, it's too easy to get caught up in what he calls monitor envy. "The reality is that monitors at a $300 price point are going to work just fine in most spaces," he says. Plus, your bedroom probably doesn't have the space to really make the most of large, powerful monitors. So, save your money.

And if you're just starting out, you're probably better off getting a decent set of headphones. There're tons of amazing and affordable studio quality headphones out there for under $200, like the $179 Beyerdynamic DT990PRO (currently down to just $179 on Amazon). But one of our favorites is an old workhorse from Sony, the MDR-7506. They're well under $100 and actual pros have used them for decades to mix music.

One tip DeLay offers for novices: Double check your mixes in the real world. Headphones can over emphasize bass, while smaller studio monitors can have trouble delivering accurate bass response. So make sure to listen to your track on laptop speakers or in a car to get a sense of how it will sound in the wild.

And that's really the key — have the patience to develop your skills and make the most of the gear you have. It's really easy to catch a bad case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when you're first starting out — trust me, I know. But there's no need to shell out thousands of dollars for high-end gear to start making music. You don't even need to buy new gear. Pecora suggests the only thing you absolutely should buy new are headphones. And, presumably, that's just because you don't want to be wearing years worth of someone else's sweat on your ears.

What to buy if you want to start producing music at home

Posted on by

These days it’s not necessary to go to a giant studio with overpriced, pro-grade gear to record a Grammy-winning record. You can do it right from the comfort of your own bedroom in fact, using tools priced for even the most casual of hobbyists. It's not news that the tools of creation or the avenues for distributing art are accessible to more people than ever. But the cultural institutions that have dominated popular music for so long can no longer ignore the bedroom producer or budding Soundcloud star.

Maybe you've been inspired to build your own home recording studio. And maybe, you're not quite sure where to start. Well, an audio interface, a good mic and a decent set of headphones will get you pretty far. But the first thing you'll need is probably staring you right in the face: a computer.

Computer and a DAW

An overhead view of Ableton Live 10 on a laptop surrounded by home studio gear.
Ableton

Justin DeLay, Director of Product and Category Marketing at Reverb, drives home just how important the computer is: "You can strip away everything else and as long as you have a computer you can still create music," he told me. He suggests you "spend the money on a good computer and get other gear — such as audio interfaces, mics, headphones, etc. — used or at reasonable price points."

But, truthfully, you can do quite a lot with whatever computer you have on hand. Joe Pecora, the engineer and producer at Red Room Studio, says your set up "could be as simple as an iPhone/iPad with Garage band." (I know someone who recorded an entire album this way.) While he agrees that the most important part is your computer, he argues it doesn't have to be super powerful. It doesn't even have to be a desktop. JDilla famously created many of his beats on a Roland SP303, and you can basically recreate that experience with an iPad and the $4 Koala Sampler for iOS. And don't forget that Gorillaz recorded an entire album on an iPad.

Which leads us to the next thing you'll need: a DAW, or digital audio workstation. If you're a Mac user, then you're lucky enough to have access to Garage Band, a surprisingly capable free option. And upgrading to Logic Pro X is only a $200 investment. If you're on Windows (or just don't like Logic), I often recommend Ableton Live (starting at $99). But honestly there are plenty of great options out there, like FL Studio, BitWig and Cubase all of which start at $99. And often, stripped down versions come free as part of a software bundle when you buy music-making hardware like MIDI controllers and audio interfaces.

Assuming you already have a computer and you just need the accessories to get recording, you can pick up everything you need for under $500 new. But, if you’re patient, you could build a well equipped bedroom studio with used gear for as little as $250.

MIDI controller

An overhead view of four different midi keyboards on a wooden desktop.
Engadget

Speaking of which, one of the first additions to your studio should be a MIDI controller. DeLay says this is a piece of gear often overlooked by beginners. "It's not just for playing keyboard sounds," he explained, "it can be used to write drums and percussion, to control mixes and more. It's the creative interface of music production, and you don't have to play the piano in order to harness its power."

We've covered plenty of affordable and portable options before. But if you don't plan to make music on the go, I can't recommend the Arturia MiniLab 3 enough. It punches well above its weight, and even the pros love this thing. And if you have the space, it's not much more to upgrade to something like the Keylab Essential 49 ($269) or Novation Launchkey 49 ($229), which will give you a lot more controls to play with.

Microphone

An Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic is on a stand above a coffee table with a laptop, with a leather couch in the background.
Audio-Technica

Unfortunately there's no gear that will magically turn you into a breathy pop goddess, but a decent mic and audio interface can at least help you sound your best. Now, you could get a USB microphone, like Blue Microphones’ $130 Yeti, and it will certainly get the job done. Heck, that album I mentioned earlier was recorded using the wired headset that came with the iPhone.

But, honestly, your better bet is to get a regular XLR mic and an audio interface. Pecora specifically warns against splurging too much here. "People will look at their favorite artist and see that they use a certain mic or preamp or plugin and want to use the same thing thinking it will get them the same sound." On early singles like "Ocean Eyes" Billie Eilish used an Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic, which costs just $100. And I’ve stuck almost exclusively with cheap Shure SM58s and 57s ($100 new, $50-$75 used) whether I was recording demos with my band in college or voice over for review videos at Engadget.

If you fancy yourself a future pop sensation and want to make sure your vocals are the star of the show, you could consider using a significant chunk of your budget on something like the Rode NT1-A ($229) or Shure SM7B ($390). You will get better results with more flexibility for post production, but you can clearly get excellent results with more affordable options.

Audio interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Scarlett

As for the interface, there are tons of great options out there. Companies like Focusrite, Arturia and Tascam make excellent ones. But our new favorites in the budget interface space are Universal Audio’s Volt series. If your budget allows for it we strongly recommend the $299 Volt 276. Though, the $189 Volt 2 is also excellent, it just doesn’t standout from the crowd quite as much.

If you’re trying to save a few bucks, it's hard to beat the Scarlett series from Focusrite (just make sure to get the second- or third-gen models). You can get the latest Scarlett 2i2 for around $130 used, but it's just $180 new (and includes a huge bundle of very useful software).

The reason to opt for an audio interface instead of a simple USB mic is because it offers you a lot more flexibility and room to grow. For one, it offloads a lot of the audio processing from the CPU. Second, it will allow you to connect not just mics (and swap in different ones for different purposes), but also instruments, turntables or anything with an audio-out jack. An audio interface is also necessary if you plan to connect a pair of studio monitors.

Studio monitors and headphones

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones suspended in the air in front of a dark background dotted with bright light spots.
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget

This is an area that DeLay advises caution. While a good set of studio monitors will obviously be better than the speakers on your laptop and will result in a better mix, it's too easy to get caught up in what he calls monitor envy. "The reality is that monitors at a $300 price point are going to work just fine in most spaces," he says. Plus, your bedroom probably doesn't have the space to really make the most of large, powerful monitors. So, save your money.

And if you're just starting out, you're probably better off getting a decent set of headphones. There're tons of amazing and affordable studio quality headphones out there for under $200, like the $179 Beyerdynamic DT990PRO (currently down to just $179 on Amazon). But one of our favorites is an old workhorse from Sony, the MDR-7506. They're well under $100 and actual pros have used them for decades to mix music.

One tip DeLay offers for novices: Double check your mixes in the real world. Headphones can over emphasize bass, while smaller studio monitors can have trouble delivering accurate bass response. So make sure to listen to your track on laptop speakers or in a car to get a sense of how it will sound in the wild.

And that's really the key — have the patience to develop your skills and make the most of the gear you have. It's really easy to catch a bad case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when you're first starting out — trust me, I know. But there's no need to shell out thousands of dollars for high-end gear to start making music. You don't even need to buy new gear. Pecora suggests the only thing you absolutely should buy new are headphones. And, presumably, that's just because you don't want to be wearing years worth of someone else's sweat on your ears.

This beautiful wireless speaker comes in two parts for outdoor and indoor use

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Bluetooth and wireless speakers are all the rage these days, coming in all sorts of designs, sizes, and prices. While there is a great variety among them in terms of aesthetics, it seems that most of them fall into one of two categories. There are gorgeous speakers that improve the ambiance of your house but would probably die when used outside. And then there are those that are born to be used outdoors but don’t exactly mesh well with your interior decor with their rugged and rough aesthetic. There are, of course, a few that straddle the line between these two worlds, like this speaker design concept that is a work of art indoors and a handy portable speaker outdoors.

Designer: Tyrion Ma

There seem to be two separate and almost mutually exclusive sets of requirements for outdoor and indoor wireless speakers. Those that are meant to stay inside are often big, eye-catching, and sometimes even imposing, while portable speakers, by necessity, are smaller and designed to be more durable. Some properties, like omnidirectional speakers, can apply to both types, though blasting audio at 360 degrees might make less sense outdoors where there are no walls to bounce the waves off.

It is difficult for a single speaker to have all these traits, not to mention that it is expensive to implement and manufacture. The AUREOLA wireless speaker concept design sort of sidesteps this problem by actually having two parts, each designed for a different environment. The portable outdoor speaker part is barely bigger than a smartphone and sits on the larger part’s base, which also serves as a wireless charging pad for both the speaker and other devices.

While the portable part of the speaker is almost negligible in size and appearance, the indoor part is undoubtedly the main attraction. A large ring rises from the base, providing the omnidirectional sound source as well as the AUREOLA’s source of character. It is clearly a speaker that was designed to grab people’s attention through its sheer size and artistic form. In different colors, it can easily blend with your room’s design, becoming the visual and aural focus of the space.

While the speaker’s design is elegant and its concept intriguing, the concept still leaves plenty of questions unanswered. The most important is how the two parts can actually be considered a whole when they’re together. It seems as if the two are only related by design and operate independently of each other, making them just members of a set rather than two parts of a whole. Then again, it might not be that hard to think of ways to make it happen, like how the smaller speaker is actually the brains behind the AUREOLA’s functions. It’s definitely an avenue worth pursuing, if only for the sake of seeing such a striking speaker become a reality.

The post This beautiful wireless speaker comes in two parts for outdoor and indoor use first appeared on Yanko Design.

This quirky iPhone case embraces architectural art to improve its usability

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Common smartphone cases provide the bare minimum protection possible without bulking up the device. Some go beyond the call of duty at the expense of making otherwise thin and slick phones look like miniature tanks. Other provide additional functionality, like batteries, card slots, or even rings for holding the phone more securely. That last one is a bit divisive among smartphone users because while it does offer a more secure grip, it also makes the phone look a bit awkward. That, however, has nothing on this weird-looking protective case for an iPhone that brings an extra grip and a stand in a manner that can only really be considered to be a form of art.

Designer: Bailey Hikawa

At first glance, you might not even recognize this object as a smartphone case, nor would you be able to immediately see the iPhone it snugly cradles inside. It looks more like a tiny shelf for tiny people that turns the iPhone into something like an art project. Although there will be little doubt that this can protect the phone since it manages to keep everything away from its body, some might have reservations about how it actually makes the phone more usable.

The shape of the Geta case wasn’t just plucked out of thin air. Its very name bears the source of its inspiration, that of traditional Japanese sandals that elevate their wearers with “teeth” that protrude from the bottom. In the case of this smartphone case, those teeth also hold the phone up like an angled stand. They also give places for people to insert their fingers when holding the phone.

The space between the extruded fins lets you hold the phone with a lot more confidence than a ring since you can use multiple fingers to keep it in place. Those fins are also angled at the sides so that the phone can rest on them, propping up the display for hands-free viewing. One side is cut differently, though, so it gives a different and lower angle. The fins also let you stand the phone upright in portrait orientation, which is better for video calls.

The Geta case is a rather clever way of using structure and architectural forms to provide these functions, though it admittedly won’t appeal to the majority of smartphone users. Seeing it more as a somewhat outlandish piece of art that also delivers some functionality might make it more palatable. There is even one variant made of clear silicone with fake eyelashes randomly embedded in it. It won’t, however, do anything to help make it fit inside some small bags, not to mention in your pockets.

The post This quirky iPhone case embraces architectural art to improve its usability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unique embroidery mixed-media art get contribution from actual bees

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You’ve probably seen those cute videos of humans and their furry pets collaborating on paintings and other artwork. Even though I’m not much of an animal lover, I do find myself saying “aaaww” whenever I come across one of those videos or stories. Usually we see dogs, cats, maybe even a bird or two that is able to contribute to their owners’ artwork. It can be something they’re trained to do or something that is instinctive as well, if you believe that animals can have creative genes as well.

Designer: Ava Roth

But have you ever seen a human and bees collaborate? This is what Canada-based artist Ava Roth has been doing as she creates embroidery using natural materials and then she allows the bees to add their own natural flair with their honeycombs. The final result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will definitely look unique in your living room wall. You can have bragging rights that real-life bees actually contributed to this mixed-media collage and that not one piece is the same.

The artist first has to hand-stitch different geometric patterns onto Japanese rice paper and then adds some found materials like leaves, rocks, porcupine quills, etc. She then installs them into maple frames that actually resemble bee hives in order to attract the bees to it. Once she’s finished with her part, it’s the bees’ turn to do their magic as they add their unique golden honeycombs. There are pieces of art where the embroidery are in rows and the space for the honeycombs are in the other rows.

If you’re interested in art that mixes creativity with nature, this mixed-media art will look pretty cool in your space. You can purchase some pieces through her website. If you suffer from trypophobia or honeycombs make you feel uncomfortable, then best stay away from this. If you’re allergic to bees, maybe you also shouldn’t have these hanging on your walls just to be safe.

The post Unique embroidery mixed-media art get contribution from actual bees first appeared on Yanko Design.

This sleek CD player lets you display cover art like a picture frame

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Vinyl records have been revived in the past years, but ironically, the younger CDs seem to have fallen out of fashion almost completely. Not only have streaming services and digital collections (legally acquired, of course) made the limited capacity of audio CDs pointless, the physical medium doesn’t offer any distinct audio flavor as old-school records do. That said, CDs continue to be made and sold, and there are people that still hold onto their library of collected albums in this disc format dearly. It’s definitely possible to still listen to them, but most CD players these days come in large boxes that stay at home or peripherals that connect to computers. This minimalist CD player, however, offers the freedom to listen to that kind of music anywhere you go and also gives you the opportunity to flaunt that CD’s cover, just like album art in music apps.

Designer: km5

Click Here to Buy Now: $127 $149 ($22 off at checkout). Hurry, Post-Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

Digital music created the concept of album art as a digital counterpart to the CD cover jackets of old. It’s a visual experience that you lose when you listen to CDs unless you have the jacket in front of you all the time. You definitely can’t display it on the device you’re using to play the CD, especially if it’s a portable CD player that covers everything up to create a compact form fit for traveling.

The CP1 CD Player breaks away from the mold with a device that in itself is a work of minimalist art. The plain, boxy shape of the player looks like a picture frame or an enlarged Polaroid-style photo. The middle of the device is transparent, showing the bed where the CD would lie and spin. As it is, it is already quite striking in its bold transparency, but it is also the perfect place to insert the CD’s cover jacket. In essence, the player lets you create the experience of album art in physical form.

More than just a CD player, this device also becomes a piece of decor, especially when you hang it on walls. It has its own built-in rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about ugly wires until it’s time to recharge it. Of course, that same battery lets you carry it anywhere so that you can listen to your favorite CDs anytime you want. There is a 3.5mm jack to plug in headphones and speakers, but you can also enjoy the music through wireless audio equipment thanks to its built-in Bluetooth support.

This photographic CD player doesn’t really add any advanced features for playing this physical medium. In fact, it even takes a small step back by making you manually insert cover jackets to get the same effect as album art on music apps. It does, however, hone in on how appreciating music also comes with other treats for the senses, and it does so in a very elegant way that puts a CD’s art proudly on display.

Click Here to Buy Now: $127 $149 ($22 off at checkout). Hurry, Post-Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

The post This sleek CD player lets you display cover art like a picture frame first appeared on Yanko Design.

Realistic Eyeball Toenail Art: Toeballs

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Because this is the internet and the internet is full of unholy abominations, nail artist Tahvya of Nailedbytav created this realistic eyeball toenail art. I don’t know about you, but that’s probably the last thing I’d want to see when taking my wife’s socks off. Although, knowing her, she’ll probably get them anyways just to scare me. And that will be the last time I ever take off her socks when she asks.

Tav painted each nail by hand and says the whole ten-toeball pedicure took about three hours. I only hope a telemarketer called during that time, and Tav told them she can’t talk now; she’s painting eyeballs on toenails. Because in my mind, that happened, and it was glorious.

So was this part of an elaborate Halloween costume or what? I hope so, but it looks like Tav posted the toe eyeballs in May, so I don’t think that’s the case. And I don’t know about you, but the thought of somebody walking around in sandals with toeballs in May instead of October gives me the heebie-jeebies.

This smartphone app is bringing art galleries and interactive experiences from the metaverse to your fingertips

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Created to bridge the gap between artists and patrons, a Korean smartphone app named ArtzMe is trying to disrupt the art world by giving artists as well as consumers the tools they need to create, experience, and enjoy art across the globe, right in the metaverse!

Available for both iOS and Android, ArtzMe wants to democratize art by breaking the barriers to entry for young, budding artists, allowing their work to be appreciated by a larger group of people without the standard roadblocks of professional reach, gallery red-tape, and broker fees. The way ArtzMe does this is by relying on three core features that make art accessible to everyone.

Designers: GraceJo and Shazwina Zaky

Click Here to Download for App Store
Click Here to Download for Google Play

The ArtzMe App can be separated into its three features, all accessible right through the home screen. The first feature, dubbed the Artz Filter, brings artistic filters to the real world through the power of mixed reality. The different filters are accessible right within the app, giving users the ability to superimpose artistic sculptures and elements in their videos and photos, quite like the AR tools seen on social media apps, but with a bigger artistic focus.

The second feature, codenamed Artz Frame, lets you bring art into your own space. While the filters helped superimpose art in regular videos, Artz Frame lets you decorate the walls of your house with art that pleases you. The app scans your surroundings, letting you add AR art to walls that you can go back and look at whenever you want. This feature helps reduce an artist’s dependence on galleries for getting their work showcased and viewed by patrons. Instead, patrons can browse the ArtzMe app and directly approach the artists they like to buy their art. Unlike brokers who take large commissions (as much as 50%) from artists for sales, this feature doesn’t exploit artists. Instead, it lets them freely share their work with a global audience.

The third feature is ArtzMe’s most ambitious yet. Named Artz Scan, the filter helps turn art into a more immersive experience by allowing it to transcend just the flat 2D plane it’s on. Art can sometimes get lost in translation. You really don’t know what an artist was trying to convey simply by staring at their work. A lot of it is conjecture, and projecting your own feelings onto the artwork… but what if the art could speak to you?? With the Artz Scan feature, the artwork can be brought to life simply by holding up the camera and scanning the 2D artpiece to reveal the 3D immersive multisensorial experience associated with it. Artists can use this feature to add layers of experiences to their art, either through animations, text, audio interpretations, or holograms where the artist talks to the observer. This experience empowers both the artist as well as the viewer, helping the former produce art and the latter consume art in a way that traditional galleries have never been able to replicate!

The ArtzMe app is currently available on Android and iOS devices and is free to install. The app is in Korean for now, but ArtzMe hopes to unroll English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Spanish languages in the second half of 2023.

Click Here to Download for App Store
Click Here to Download for Google Play

The post This smartphone app is bringing art galleries and interactive experiences from the metaverse to your fingertips first appeared on Yanko Design.