Blogs about design are prevalent on the internet. The subject lends itself to blogging, as any article written will contain vibrant images that illustrate the topic. Design blogs are easily the best looking sites on the internet, given the author's obvious interest in making things look nice and neat.
When I considered this assignment, the first site that came to mind is one titles "we make money not art". (http://we-make-money-not-art.com/). I began following this blog back in 2006, and I glance at it at least every few months. Most of the articles posted are focused on the collision of art and technology and their effects on developing nations. Features will center on a new gadget which is changing the way people see the world, or perhaps a new approach to an old piece of tech. The title of the blog may seem cynical, but it addresses a fundamental misunderstanding of what art and design can be. Art for the sake of art has its place, but design applies artistic skill to the world and improves lives in exchange for money. Greed is still a vice, but payment is validation that you are doing something useful. This website highlights clever design innovations and poignant impactful art projects all centered on the social issues of the tech-centric 21st century.
The DieLine (http://www.thedieline.com/) is a page that features mostly packaging design. I enjoy perusing the extreme and experimental approaches to commonplace consumables. I find that many of the designs featured are a little too creative and clever for their own good. The packages are beautiful and idyllic, but I find it hard to believe they will ever be brought to market. It is a bit like a runway fashion show of boxes. No one is ever going to see these products, but they indicate the direction design is heading.
http://abduzeedo.com/ Is a now famous design blog originating in Brazil. I have a fondness for South America, having visited there years ago. The site began in 2006 and has slowly grown into one of the most linked-to design blogs on the internet. The articles tend to center on subjects that are relevant to the heavily urbanized centers of Brazil where 1st world and 3rd world live together in close proximity. I personally enjoy the gadgets and accessories features, which seem both cutting edge, and durably built to last.
Blogs such as these can inspire ideas. Colors used in an interesting handbag might inspire you to make a teakettle with the same palette. A well curated blog can offer news and insight into the art world.