Trim A Home and GE Christmas Lights

Just in time for Christmas...

Pr*tty

While I dislike the name, Kmart’s Trim A Home, store brand line of Christmas necessities is surprisingly lovely, and sophisticated. You’ve made the Baby Jesus proud Big K.

Sh*tty

Christmas Day is in our grasp, despite this box that looks like ass! Right, Whoville?

Who Wore It Better: Alterations & Repairs

I don’t know much about fashion, which is why you never see me commenting on it here. But maybe it’s time I did. I think it might even become a regular feature:

Miller and Denyo Generators

Pr*tty

Hardly a unique treatment of an M logomark. But it speaks sufficiently to the construction trade they service, and the precision they offer. Additionally, the size and lockup of the logotype are spot on. It’s a thing of Modernist beauty.

Sh*tty

Beyond the bizarre, mismatched type and abysmal kerning of the Denyo logotype, the real culprit here is the multiple personality disorder. See, Denyo makes these things. But the MQ (i.e. Multiquip) guys distribute them. And they have a few product segments, one of which is Power solutions, hence the bottom-most part of the logo.

So here’s the lesson: if all you have in the fridge is mustard, strawberry jam, and Cheez Whiz, don’t draw a bold, red rectangle around all three and expect it to make a tasty sandwich.

Medford Pears and Nature's Reward Lettuce

Pr*tty

Does this typography say nice, round, smooth pears? Absolutely not. Do I care? Do you even need to ask?

Sh*tty

Thanks for everything Nature. Your reward is Hobo.

Cap'n Crunch

Pr*tty

Here’s another fine example of the vintage design trend I wrote about more than a year ago. Simple, flat graphics that are hauling truckloads of charm and making it look easy.

Sh*tty

By contrast, this has all the genuine and wholesome charm of a creep in a van parked near a playground at dusk. Do I need to point out that he’s... ahem... saluting?

Another huge thank you to P*S* Reader and iPhone user Brent Morris for the submissions.

Go here to learn more about contributing to the cause. And here to get the P*S* App.

Pur and Brita

Pr*tty

This new identity and packaging for Pur isn’t perfect, but it’s a step up from where they were, and it easily sets them apart (and above) their biggest competition...

Sh*tty

It is a bitter irony that a product that filters out impurities should have a package design that is deceptively clean, but is actually riddled with schmutz. And boring schmutz at that.

Wednesday Waffler: Derman and Vitacilina

With the exception of the footprints, I’m pretty sure I love these. They’re both made by Mexican pharmaceutical company KSK, which likely accounts for their kitschy, understated, not-typically-in-your-face-American design.

At the same time, I can’t help but acknowledge that these designs don’t exactly exude that “rub me on your bits and bobs ’cause I’ll fix ya right up” quality that one looks for in a box of salve.

Bausch + Lomb Biotrue and Opti-Free Replenish

Pr*tty

It cannot be overstated how much this design stands out among its competition on the shelf. A master class by the great Paula Scher in how less can be so much more. More info here.

Sh*tty

Close your eyes. Now, try to imagine how this box front could be any worse. (If you’re still reading, your eyes are supposed to be closed.) Now, open them. That’s right, this is still worse. Don’t feel bad, it means your imagination isn’t evil.

Thanks to P*S* Reader and iPhone user Mat Dubord for the Biotrue submission.

Go here to learn more about contributing to the cause. And here to get the P*S* App.