Big-Ass Message

The backstory of digital designer Björn Johansson's giant shout-out generator

As an inspiration to all creative types toiling in anonymity, Björn Johansson serves as a beacon of hope. Creator of Internet sensation Big-Ass Message, Johansson attributes his success as a graphic designer to this project and other impassioned (though seemingly dead-end) side projects. Now he freelances full-time for Ogilvy & Mather, one of eight largest advertising networks in the world. Johansson got the gig after …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Live insect jewelry, edible spray paint, seasonal bitters, and more

1. Benjamin Graindorge The work of charmingly shy designer Benjamin Graindorge graces the screen of Sight Unseen, who offer a brief but insightful profile on the Frenchman who’s a former Bouroullec brothers intern and rising talent. 2. Live Insect Jewelry Berlin’s Nerdcore highlighted Brooklyn-based designer Mike Kelberman’s creepy live insect jewelry. Dubbed “Putrefashion,” the laser-cut bracelets enclose and display favorite insects, sandwiched between plastic and …

Made Labs

The Threadless of furniture

The brainchild of young entrepreneur Ning Li, Made is a new website that crowdsources chairs, tables, shelves and other furniture designs. In the Made Labs section, viewers can vote on their favorite designs. Made then puts the winning design into production, and then sells it online at a reasonable price—connecting buyers and passionate designers without the need for a brand to act as middleman. By …