The third annual Design the Modern Board competition is underway, sponsored by K2 Snowboards and benefiting SOS Outreach.  Graphic designers in the Pacific Northwest regions are encouraged to submit graphics for a modern snowboard design.  Intent to submit is due March 6th, then entries will be displayed at the events on March 27 and will be judged by attendees. The winning graphics from both Denver and Seattle will be produced by K2 Snowboards.

This friday February 27th, the Vancouver Art Gallery transforms into FUSE – where art, music and live perfomance intertwine. Highlights are the current exhibit “How Soon Is Now” and live music by Call The City. I wish I could be there for this, it’s going to be huge!

Zach Johnsen has his newest series of large 60 inch illustrations up on his Zenvironments site. I like the mix of black and white graphite drawings with the watercolor explosion.

Colby Nichols has compiled a 2-color, 24 page zine that features an assortment of his drawings and typefaces. Each copy of the limited edition run of 100 is signed and numbered.

The Davidson Gallery is featuring “Ten Years“, a look at the first decade of Ben Beres printmaking. Hanging on the walls are twenty-five etchings, each covered with his tiny handwritten letters and images.

Lincoln Leopard Films just finished the new video for Seattle rhyme-rockers, The Saturday Knights. The video is for the song “Count it Off” and has a cool Electric Company/Sesame Street vibe throughout.

“Count It Off” – The Saturday Knights from Lincoln Leopard Films on Vimeo.

I have been using What The Font whenever I need to identify a new typeface. Now their font recognition software and database are available for use on the iPhone. The App allows you to take a photo with the iPhone camera, crop it around the type and upload it. It then identifies the typeface and gives you a link to purchase or emails you the info. Super simple and super handy.

The Art Institute of Seattle is presenting a diverse gallery show representing student work from the design, photography & fashion programs. The Student Show is open to the public in the Burnley Gallery through February 28th.

Lawrence Yang came up with this hilarious image of what the new Pepsi logo symbolizes:

The new logo really doesn’t look that much different from the old logo. The leaked “Breathtaking Brand Strategy” shows the con job the Arnell Group did to get Pepsi to spend Billions on a redesign. Page 23 of that PDF features the smiling emotions the new Pepsi logo is supposed to portray. Brand redesign is the new gold rush!