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When Editorial Design Pulls No Punches
This striking cover design for OBJEKTIV magazine, published by the Slovenian newspaper Dnevnik, is a masterclass in how graphic design can communicate complex ideas with absolute clarity. The image is immediately arresting, relying on a single visual intervention to carry layers of political and cultural subtext. Created and designed by Tomato Košir, the concept stands out for its restraint. There is no clutter, no explanatory copy competing for attention, and no ambiguity ab
Tom at KAPOW Creative
2 days ago1 min read


What Yourself?
At first glance, this headline looks harmless. But when the word “Suit” is reflected in the water below, it creates an unintended and very different four letter word. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it. This is a classic example of how typography, reflections, distortions, and layout interactions can completely change the meaning of a message. The designer likely focused on visual cleverness, but missed how the mirrored effect altered readability and tone. Design does not l
Tom at KAPOW Creative
6 days ago1 min read


Do You See Change?
This logo for the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Change program is a great reminder that good design isn’t always about perfection, it’s about perspective. I debated whether to share this one. At first glance, it almost reads like a handful of simple, clip-art-style sea creatures arranged beside a wordmark. It’s not overly polished, and yes, there are a few areas that could be refined to strengthen the execution. But then something interesting happens: once you really look, the des
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Jan 51 min read


Vehicle Wraps Gone Wrong
When it comes to vehicle advertising, the smallest overlooked detail can turn a polished design into an unintended fail. Air vents, door seams, lights, and handles can land in exactly the wrong place. Covering contact information, distorting faces, or adding accidental “features” like strange expressions, misplaced dots, or unfortunate moustaches. These examples are a reminder that vehicle templates only go so far. Designers should carefully review all vehicle specs, map out
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Dec 18, 20251 min read


The Subtle ‘20’ That Changed How I Think About Anniversary Branding
In July 2025, Apple unveiled a striking visual to mark 20 years of podcasts on iTunes - a design that’s both minimalistic and deeply considered. By using the simple geometry of classic broadcast microphones and positioning the lighting to naturally form the number “20,” Apple achieves a clever balance of concept and craft. The rich, moody palette and subtle contrasts not only set the tone but also clearly define the anniversary mark without relying on overt illustration. What
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Dec 8, 20251 min read


When Icons Go Rogue: A Cautionary Tale in Instruction Design
Good iconography should make assembly instructions clearer—not unintentionally alarming. In this example, the designer appears to have reached for a simple cordless drill icon but accidentally selected something… far more dramatic. The result? A symbol that looks unmistakably like an Uzi sub machine gun. The mix-up creates a humorous moment, but it’s also a perfect reminder of why visual accuracy matters. A single misplaced icon can completely shift the tone of a design—from
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Nov 13, 20251 min read


Beak design!
I stumbled across this clever juice carton design and couldn’t resist sharing it. Sadly I don't know anything more about it. The spout is perfectly integrated into a bird’s beak, turning an everyday moment—pouring your morning juice—into something fun and unexpected. It’s a brilliant example of how thoughtful, playful design can elevate even the simplest experience.
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Nov 12, 20251 min read


Messages Crossed
Design Fail! Here’s a perfect example of how placement and layout can completely change the message. In both of these church signs, the use of the cross — meant as a powerful and sacred symbol — accidentally alters the intended meaning. For the TWA Church , the cross unfortunately stands in for the letter “T,” but when combined with the rest of the wordmark, it creates a whole new (and unfortunate) word. Meanwhile, the Jesus Cares sign accidentally turns into Jesus Scares
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Nov 6, 20251 min read


Tearable but far from Terrible design
Clever, simple, and unforgettable — this business card for Dubai-based fitness trainer Zohra Mouhetta nails its message with humor and impact. Designed by Leo Burnett Dubai in 2008, the card features a perforated edge right at the belly, inviting you to literally “lose the fat” by tearing it off. It’s a perfect example of concept-driven design where form and message align seamlessly — a small piece of paper that delivers a big punch. Proof that when creativity meets clarity,
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Nov 4, 20251 min read


Take a What?
Designers know that people read visuals as much as words — and sometimes, that can lead to unexpected (and hilarious) results. In this basketball game sign, the designer cleverly replaced the “O” in SHOT with a basketball going through a hoop. Conceptually solid! But visually, the hoop and ball form the shape of an “i,” accidentally turning the word into something quite different (and definitely not family-friendly). It’s a great reminder that legibility and interpretation
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Oct 23, 20251 min read


A Masterpiece of Movie Poster Design
James Jean ’s poster for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein absolutely stopped me in my tracks. It’s breathtaking—lush, haunting, and layered with meaning and beauty. In a design landscape long dominated by minimalism, this piece celebrates the richness of detail and storytelling through ornate, intricate composition. Every glance reveals something new. As someone who loves elaborate, narrative-driven design, this is everything I adore—romantic, mysterious, and deeply crafte
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Oct 22, 20251 min read


When “Wine” Turns Into “Urine” – The Importance of Testing Your Typography
Always check your sign design from a distance! At first glance, this sign has a great font choice—classy, on trend, and full of...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Sep 18, 20251 min read


When “Before & After” Goes Wrong
Sometimes a simple design slip can completely undermine a company’s message. Take this brick repair ad, for example. Instead of showing...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Sep 11, 20251 min read


McDonalds Fries Umbrella Stand
Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. This McDonald’s display takes everyday yellow umbrellas and turns them into a...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Sep 9, 20251 min read


Spartan Golf Club Logo – A Masterclass in Hidden Meaning
Some logos are so clever in their simplicity that they continue to be celebrated years after their creation. The Spartan Golf Club logo,...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Baking Up Brilliant: How Caribou Coffee Turned a Bus Shelter into a Giant Oven
In the dead of a Minnesota winter, this bus shelter turns up the heat—literally. Designed to resemble a giant oven, the shelter wraps...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Aug 11, 20251 min read


Why Side-by-Side Text Can Ruin Your Message
Today’s design fails are brought to you by… side-by-side text layouts. Remember: in English, we read left to right. When words and...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Jul 17, 20251 min read


Logo Spotlight: KOI Thé
Some of the best logos are the simplest ones — easy to read, directly connected to the product or service, and memorable. The KOI Thé...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Jul 14, 20251 min read


When F + Art = FART: A Typographic Cautionary Tale
Typography is powerful—but it also has the potential to backfire hilariously when not handled carefully. Here are three real-world design...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Jun 26, 20251 min read


Kingfish Logo
We love a logo that nails simplicity while packing a clever punch. This design for Kingfish , created by Emil Hartwig, brilliantly...
Tom at KAPOW Creative
Jun 24, 20251 min read
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