minimalsites.com - Minimal Web Design Gallery and Minimalist Community

Drawing a Blank — CJ Chilvers:

patrickrhone:

Do yourself a favor and buy some great blank business card paper stock and keep a pen handy. When you meet someone, make them feel a little special by taking the time to write out exactly what they need to know. It’s unique. It stands out. It’s powerful.

Great idea. Now, to find just the right cards.

So, I was sitting around my local co-working space today, when someone asked me what I thought about offsite backup services and what I would recommend. Without missing a beat, I said, “The one I offer.” I then proceeded to give the elevator pitch and explained the benefits.

“Great!”, the other person exclaimed. Then, a few minutes later he stated his desire to sign up and asked when we could set up a time.

“You have your laptop sitting there so how about right now?”, I asked.

To his amazement, and appreciation, I took my wallet out of my pocket, removed the tiny USB 8GB drive I keep within. I plugged it in, launched the installer for the backup client software, entered the settings, and began the backup.

“So, how will I pay you? Do you need me to send you a check? PayPal?”, he asked.

“I can take a credit card right now, on the spot, if you prefer.”, which he agreed to.

I took out my Square reader, plugged it into my iPhone, swiped the card, charged it, and sent him the receipt via email. The entire process from decision to completion took about 5 minutes.

The future is now.

Six Architects is a series of minimalist posters showing the major architects and main principles of modern architecture. Conceived and created by artist Andrea Gallo.

Check the posters of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto and Walter Gropius. Which one do you prefer?

FileShuttle, an easy file sharing app.:

finermac:

This is pretty neat. FileShuttle is one of these ultrasimple file sharing apps like CloudApp, but you host the files yourself.

I gave it a go by creating a directory called “shared” on one of my sites. Files are uploaded via FTP or SFTP when you drag them onto the FileShuttle icon in the Dock. It does a few things that CloudApp doesn’t like zipping up files before uploading them (could be good or bad) and creating txt files for any text that is dropped on the icon, making it a personal pasteboard. After uploading, a short link from bit.ly or the unfortunately named sht.tl is copied to the clipboard.

There are a few features that are going to prevent me from using this app despite the limits of the free CloudApp plan. First, there is no menubar icon, which I prefer over a Dock based application. Second, I can’t use the awesome “save screenshot to clipboard” trick I learned recently. Lastly, I can’t delete uploads or access recent links from within the app. It’s very likely that these features are planned for future releases, so I’m going to keep on eye on this one.

I just downloaded this and set it up in about two minutes. Works as advertised. If you care at all about, well, owning the stuff you want to share, and have the FTP space to support it, this is the way to go. It’s like a little slice of awesome between fresh bread.

“Whatever we are, whatever we make of ourselves, is all we will ever have – and that, in its profound simplicity, is the meaning of life.”

- Philip Appleman (via givemeaquote)

Kobold SMG-1 Tactical.

I am a sucker for tactical watches….

The Fall 2011 RTW collection by Damir Doma exemplifies beautiful forms and terrific applications of fabric. Although infrequently used, the shade of orange used in this collection is striking, and perhaps ties to Doma’s spiritualist concerns.

I adore the choice of black lipstick, which is also striking. Compositionally, it ties in well with the hard line of the hairnet worn by the models, which is employed to establish uniformity and anonymity.