Welcome to the Liv Design blog, an eclectic mix of great design and quirky finds

We keep telling people how important it is not to cut back on graphic design and advertising in the current climate, so it's nice to see an article on the Design Council website that agrees with our philosophy. Design and advertising is vital for the survival of any company, more so in tough economic times. For the full article visit www.designcouncil.org.uk/en/Case-Studies/All-Case-Studies/Design-in-a-downturn "When times are tough and revenues are falling there may be a temptation for business to cut ‘discretionary’ budgets - money allocated to activities such as design, perhaps. But design is a powerful tool in a downturn. Our research shows that more than half of the UK’s businesses: ...are looking to design their way out of downturn Over half (54%) of the firms in our survey thought design would contribute to a large or great extent in helping maintain their competitive edge in the current economic climate. ...think design is more important now Similarly, 53% thought that

The Royal Mail focuses again on the design industry, this time focusing on the world’s most iconic British design work of the 20th Century. The stamps were 'carefully seleced' by a panel of experts from the world of design. There are 10 special stamps: the spitfire, mini skirt, mini car, anglepoise lamp, concorde, phone box, Robin Day polyprop chair, Penguin paperback, London Underground map and the Routemaster. Looking at the ones that didn't make the final cut, it makes you proud to be involved in the UK design industry – the harrier, Britain is still a formidable force in the design industry, especially when you consider how small we are compared to the size and might of other countries. Britain still manages to create design classics today in just about every industry, from fashion to food, advertising to automotive, textiles to telecoms. Get those flags flying!

Manchester United is to run an advertising campaign in February to encourage fans and tourists to visit Old Trafford's attractions such as grounds tour and museum. The new 'follow in the footsteps of greatness' ads feature supporters in different situations next to the club’s team members in and around Old Trafford. One fan is pictured sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout, another is running out of the tunnel on to the pitch alongside the United team. Sharon Burns, venue marketing manager for Manchester United, commented: “We understand that some fans appetite for the club is insatiable. The campaign offers an opportunity to ‘access all areas’ and reminds fans that they can immerse themselves in the rich history of the world’s most famous club."

Liv Design are now members of Mansfield 2020. Liv Design share a similar outlook and attitude as the partnership and are strong believers in working with and supporting both local businesses and the region as a whole. Mansfield 2020 is a partnership between the public and private sectors, and inlcudes organisations such as Mansfield District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Business Link, EMDA, Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership, Mansfield Town Centre Partnership, West Notts College and businesses of all sectors and sizes. They have a vested interest in seeing the North Nottinghamshire region thrive and grow, as does Liv Design. Mansfield 2020 promote innovation, support and nurture investment and create a platform for dialogue between all agencies in the private and public sectors. They drive forward regeneration in our local communities and help guide initiatives for everyone to benefit from.

This is our tip for one of the best films of 2009, and possibly one of the best ever animated films ever. Directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride) and Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Day Watch, Wanted) this is a real visual masterpiece. It's based Shane Acker's award winning 2005 short film (of the same name) which was nominated for an Oscar in 2006. Dark, moving and incredibly detailed, it follows the story of '9', a sack cloth doll (aren't all cool characters lately?) who discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam a post-human, post-apocalyptic earth intent on their extinction. Should they hide, or fight for their survival? Truely beautiful and stunning. See the trailer at www.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/9/

If you're as old as us then you'll remember Spirograph, the ingenius 70s 'game' consisting of a set of pens and plastic shapes that allowed you to create geometric patterns. Well how about this then. The site is called bomomo.com and if you spend a bit of time getting used to it you can create some pretty cool patterns. It is fairly basic but it is a free web app and you can save your work, and it is highly addictive. Not likely to threaten Adobe's Photoshop though...