You may or may not have noticed that things have kind of slowed down here on CONVOKE for the last few months, and if you’ve seen our latest project, you might have guessed why.  Not only was the video a massive undertaking, but it also represents a shift in focus here at CONVOKE.  We’re not going to flat-out stop posting cool tech and design finds, but we’re going to try and start producing our own unique content.

And, as far as first tries go, Get Lich or Die Tryin’ has been an astronomical success, so far.  With over 40,000 (and climbing) views in just two days, it has definitely caught people’s attention.  The video has been popping up all over the internet, so we cataloged the best of the best right here for you.

Here’s the press wrapup:

wow.com – My interview with Lisa Poisso gives you a peek behind the scenes, as well as some hints at what’s next for us.  Don’t forget to post a comment in the t-shirt giveaway thread for your shot at a free shirt.

kotaku.com – Mike Fahey saw it fit to put the video up on Kotaku, as well as share in our hatred for a certain sparkly bloodsucker…

Digg.com – We managed to make it onto the digg frontpage for a brief time today, which is a first for one of our ventures.

YouTube.com -I don’t know exactly how YouTube ranks videos, but we were on the “most viewed” page for a while today.  Here’s proof! Then I, foolishly, edited our video info, which apparently causes YouTube to yank you out of the running for a bit.  Epic fail.

And last, but not least, I received an email today from a Blizzard employee who shall remain nameless.  It’s short, but sweet.

Subject: Nice work

We loved the video over here

I will take this as an unofficial sanction, and go forth bathed in a Blue Blessing.

But we aren’t finished.  We’ve got behind the scenes photos and footage on the way, and potentially even a remix.  Thanks again to the cast and crew, and everyone who’s been watching the video.

No Comments | Games, Original, Zombies

Fontshop.com is celebrating their 20th birthday.  To mark the occasion, they’ve released a slew of beautiful infographics that compile some interesting font statistics.  Typo-centric infographics about fonts?  This is some seriously meta stuff.

No Comments | Typography

Glass Shop is bringing local coffee back to Brooklyn.  While I’m sure their espresso is top notch, I’m mostly interested in the branding and promotional material by designer Michael Freimuth.  Freimuth’s work is elegant and consistent, covering the obvious, like signage and take away cups, but also things that typically only employees would interact with, like mixing glasses and the point-of-sale screen.  It’s this kind of commitment to detail, by both the designer and Glass Shop, that really impresses me.

No Comments | Design, Food

A very nice poster by designer Martin Ansin.  There’s no doubting that his monochrome illustration is top notch, but I’m particularly drawn to the header and title block.  It’s a really nice blend of classic and modern type.  For contrast, you can look at the original poster here.

Not surprisingly, although not intentionally on my part, this is another one of the Alamo Drafthouse’s productions.

No Comments | Art, Movies

Historically, it’s always been possible to separate society into two groups: the haves and the have-nots.  There is something comforting, almost wholesome, about the simplicity of this fundamental distinction.  Though the composition and breadth of the division varies dramatically from place to place and time to time, there is almost universally a strong feeling of resentment towards people of privilege.

For some, a genetic roll of the dice is to blame.  While being born into an affluent family or nation is based on chance alone, it is not without its own distinct advantages.  For others, the rewards they reap are a direct manifestation of their hard work and learned ability.  The corporate jet, the corner office: these are the hallmarks of a man who has payed his dues.

And others still, usually as conferred by their academic or professional capacity, have  access to CNC laser cutters.  It is toward this upper echelon of le Beau Monde that we should direct our jealous ire, even those who may be members of other groups of privilege, for they are truly the luckiest of us all.

No Comments | Art

Okay.  April 2007.  So it’s not exactly breaking news, but it’s not often that I am, at the same time, humbled, saddened, and reassured of the fact that some designers are so much smarter than me.  Something needed to be said.

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No Comments | Art, Design, Typography

Some interesting work from Ben Turnbull.  Apparently, Ben has a hate on for America, guns, organized religion, and pretty much all things Republican.  That means that this sculpture is probably supposed to comment on the ubiquity of firearms, or something like that.  While I’m usually not one for art with a heavy-handed political message, I just think these look cool.  I guess means I’m missing the point.

These sculptures can stand alone on their technique and detail, but something about displaying them in such a casual surrounding makes them even more impressive.  I can half imagine finding one of these whittled into a table at the campus bar, framed delicately with expletives and anarchy symbols.

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No Comments | Art

Unless you’re an accomplished cuber like Dave or I, you can probably relate to the feeling of futility conjured up by Daniel Stolle’s cube illustrations.  Heck, even the most experienced cuber can appreciate CMYK goodness on water-stained cardboard.  Daniel’s portfolio is full of simple, form-driven illustrations, any of which would make for a pretty snappy print.

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No Comments | Design, Games

It’s no secret that Craigslist is one of the ugliest sites out there.  I understand the bare-bones approach; it’s a no frills website designed explicitly to connect buyers and sellers.  They don’t need to be eye pleasing.  But, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be.  Inspired by a Wired article, P41 Studios has proposed their own makeover of the ubiquitous online classifieds.  It’s elegant, crisp, and retains the classic Craigslist vibe without being a strain on the eyes.  I’m especially fond of the bold, blue, sans city title.

[via]

No Comments | Design

One of my favourite things about the internet is not only the scope, but the detail of what you can find.  Like Tapedeck and the Book Cover Archive before it, the Movie Title Stills Collection has compiled hundreds of title (and end!) blocks from movies over the last 90 years.  These sites are not only stimulating to look at, but they’re a great resource for designers looking to recreate the aesthetic of a certain period.  It’s by no means a complete collection, but it’s pretty awesome to be able to see everything from Kurasawa’s Yojimbo (pictured) to Back to the Future all in one place.

Right now, it’s a private project of designer Christian Annyas, but this could really take off if the internet at large could contribute.

No Comments | Design, Movies