Community Profiles

Individual Profile:

Brandman

United States

(Design / Creative Director)

Comments:

• Bottle opener and fire magic

  BIC Lighters

  15 January 2006

  The versatility of the Bic Lighter - bottle opener and fire magic - make it a natural for this list. The real difference maker for me is the way the company resolved the child safety design. The pressure sensitive piece of metal is an excellent design. Far surpassing the push-in and up release, or other concepts.

• When I buy jazz, I buy Bluenote

  Blue Note Records

  16 January 2006

  Yes! Bluenote's commitment to excellent music and concept-rich graphic design makes it a true standout label. When I buy jazz, I buy Bluenote. Thank you Bluenote for rereleasing such excellent albums on CD!

• Bob was and is magic

  Bob Marley

  16 January 2006

  Easily the most influential musician the world has seen. Bob Marley's short, but amazingly prolific, career left an indelible mark on music history. He is recognized on every continent and has a devoted following a quarter of a century after his death. From hard-edged political agitation, to brooding romantic love songs, Bob was and is magic.

• Basta!

  Chipotle Mexican Grill

  16 January 2006

  Real burritos are made at family taquerias in the Mission district. Anything else is bland immitation. And a chain restaurant no less? Basta!

• A welcome addition to my love of excellent liquor

  El Tesoro

  16 January 2006

  The growing popularity of premium tequilas is both a welcome addition to my love of excellent liquor and a boon to small distilleries in Mexico. El Tesoro is a standout. The reposado and añejo are exquisite and the ultra-premium, Paradiso is one of the best I've tasted. The complexity and unique flavor are a long way from the golds most people think of when they hear the word "tequila."

• A taste of authentic love

  Cowgirl Creamery

  16 January 2006

  A taste of authentic love. A small company run by locals in Point Reyes, California, the Cowgirl Creamery puts out some of the best cheeses in the world, including the perrenial favorite, Humbolt Fog. The commitment to delicious products and organic ranching and farming makes this a standout lovemark.

• Unimpeded by an overbearing personality of its own

  Helvetica

  09 November 2006

  I too love this typeface, especially the Neue family. I frequently use it in my work because it allows ideas to be expressed unimpeded by an overbearing personality of its own.

• Refreshing

  Negra Modelo

  13 March 2008

  The usual knock against Mexican beer - that it's too watery - doesn't apply to Negra Modelo. It's one of the few that really tastes great without a lime. And it is refreshing in a way that many dark beers are not.

• I have to say lose it

  Frey Vineyards

  13 March 2008

  Even though I love their ethics, attitude and approach, I have had hit-or-miss wines from Frey. I REALLY want to love it, but I have to say lose it.