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The Super Bowl is nearly here, and this year is extra exciting in terms of colour, because it's the first time that two primarily red teams are going head to head. And to celebrate this potentially quite confusing colour clash, colour experts Pantone are even getting involved. The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are only one official Pantone hue apart, with the Kansas team represented by a slightly lighter tone – Pantone 186 C to be exact – and the San Francisco 49ers playing in Pantone 187 C. This is the first time such colour synergy has happened in Super Bowl history, and Pantone is so excited that it's decided to live tweet the game. Learn how you can live-stream the Super Bowl, wherever you are in the world, and brush up on colour theory with our dedicated post. And of course, almost identical team colours also means almost identical branding colours across the board. Check out the teams' logos below: We quite like the idea of having a Super Bowl commentary that solely consists of comments on colour (not colourful comments, you understand). It'll definitely be worth following Pantone on Twitter to see what it comes up with. What shade is the ball exactly? And will the account be analysing any bloody noses in terms of their Pantone hue? We hope not. For more colour geekery, see our posts on the colour trends to watch in 2020, and our essential guide to colour correction. And as for the Super Bowl, the phrase 'Come on you reds!' has never been more appropriate. May the best team win, or at least the best colour (we prefer the scarlet tones of 187 C, sorry Kansas City Chiefs). Read more: New Super Bowl LV logo leaked, and it's not good The best Super Bowl commercials ever, and what creatives can learn from them McDonald's ditches its brand in new type-only ads View the full article

Email marketing and e-commerce are mutually reinforcing elements. While they can exist independently, they are inseparable when it comes to online sales. They provide business owners with a powerful tool for drawing attention toward the brand, keeping audience interest alive, …View the full article

You might have thought that a brand as strong as McDonald's relies on its most famous elements – the big 'M' and bright yellow and red hues – being present, but apparently, you'd be wrong. The fast food chain's latest ads consist solely of a list of ingredients that make up its most popular offerings: "muffin, egg, sausage, cheese, muffin", for example. Or "bun, beef, gherkin, lettuce, sauce, bun, beef, cheese, lettuce, sauce, bun". The words might be in the colour of the ingredients, but there's no branding to speak of – no logo, no tagline, not even McDonald's' custom typeface. Intrigued? We thought so. It's a risky strategy, but we bet it'll pay off; McDonald's has always been good at marketing. We've included plenty of its adverts in our best billboard ads roundup, and the chain does have form when it comes to running ads that deliberately mix up or adapt its famous golden arches. Remember those blurry ads it ran last year? This time, McDonald's has taken things a step further. Agency Leo Burnett London and designer David Schwen are behind the ads, which are a play on a project named Type Sandwiches that Schwen created in the early 2010s. The project listed the ingredients of sandwiches in basically the same way as these new ads. They even both use Helvetica, instead of McDonald's custom typeface, Speedee. Was that a Big Mac you wanted? What's interesting about these ads is that they could arguably be describing just about any burger or muffin, but somehow, we know these ingredients and these ads belong to McDonald's. Or we can at least guess they're from some super-brand, and not just a small burger company that hasn't decided on its logo yet. Okay, we're hungry now While this is a bold move for McDonald's, we have to admit, its simplicity and sheer audacity kind of works. Plus, if anyone can pull off listing its ingredients on a poster without saying who they are, it's the biggest fast food chain on the planet. What more can we say? We're lovin' it. Read more: Minimalist McDonald's ads use fries to guide motorists The best print ads ever Poster designs: 46 inspirational examples View the full article

Developers behind WordPress plugin Code Snippets have issued a patch for the high-severity flaw. View the full article

TripAdvisor has revealed a new logo, which sees its well-known and (fairly) well-loved mascot Eddie getting a sensible, monochrome makeover. The new logo for the hugely popular travel review company is part of a wider rebrand, and comes courtesy of Mother London. As a reminder, here's what Eddie, and the rest of the TripAdvisor logo, used to look like. (For more branding inspiration, see our pick of the best logos of all time.) The old Eddie looked like he was on a different kind of trip It's striking and memorable, but the mix of colours within what is already quite a complex logo limits how impactful the design is in certain contexts and sizes. Not to mention those mismatched eyes giving the distinct impression that Eddie is on a different kind of trip. Below is the new TripAdvisor logo. The new logo has been simplified Mother London's new look rectifies both of these issues. The redesigned logo keeps the essence of Eddie – a smart move, given how globally recognisable he has become – but given him a minimalist makeover. The new TripAdvisor logo has a simpler, monochrome design that's much more flexible for use in different contexts (publisher DK did a similar thing with its own logo earlier in the month). "Appreciating the current love for and global recognition of the iconic logo, we retained its inherent personality but refined its geometry for better reproduction at all sizes," says Mother London. "What was an exercise both in reduction of complexity and amplification of character resulted in a much simpler owl." The spaced-out eyes may have disappeared, but there's still a strongly playful vibe to Mother's new branding scheme, as you can see if the GIF above. The rebrand incorporates a new custom typeface and colour palette The rebrand introduces a new custom typeface, Trip Sans, created by Colophon Foundry. There's also a cheerful new colour palette, built around a similar green (Trip Green) to the distinctive shade we've come to associate with TripAdvisor. The company has announced it will be rolling out the refresh in phases over the coming year, so it seems like there might be more updates still to be revealed. TripAdvisor is a travel guidance company that attracts nearly 460 million unique visitors each month. Read the Mother London case study for more. Read more: The Royal Astronomical Society gets a mesmerising new logo Leaked Dune logo causes major drama Should the NBA logo feature Kobe Bryant? View the full article

Vulnerabilities allow unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive device information and launch denial of service attacks. View the full article

This Krita tutorial is the first in a series of lessons that will have you using the software like a pro. Krita is an extensive free digital painting programme that can achieve professional painting and editing results. The interface is sleek and easy to use, making this platform a logical choice for users who want to jump into painting unencumbered by some of the superfluous features found in other painting programs ( it made it to our list of the best software for digital artists for a reason). This workshop will be simple for any user to follow, whether you're a beginner or expert in Krita. Using only three adjustment layers and one brush, you can achieve a professional and clean edited version of your scanned sketches and drawings. If you want to improve your drawing skills, head over to our post on how to draw – a roundup of the best drawing tutorials out there. Download Krita Begin the process by opening up a scanned image into Krita. For your scan settings, it’s important to scan at 150dpi at the very least. This is what the best monitors (okay, all monitors) use for displaying images. For print, scan at 300 or 600dpi. The former is sufficient, but I always scan at 600dpi to ensure I capture every detail, especially since my drawings are usually on the smaller side. When saving the image, JPEG files are the most convenient. Always make sure to save at the highest quality if you intend to print out or post the final image on social media. This article was originally published in ImagineFX, the world's best-selling magazine for digital artists. Subscribe to ImagineFX. Read more: The best software for digital artists Foreshortening in art: Essential advice The best stock art websites View the full article

Reportedly, the bug wasn't patched, leading to a data breach in July. View the full article

The Royal Astronomical Society is celebrating its 200th birthday this year, and is marking the occasion with a rebrand that includes a redesign of its logo – the first logo overhaul since the society was founded back in 1820. Johnson Banks is responsible for the new look, which is a huge departure from the previous incarnation and certainly brings the society hurtling into a new era. Let's take a look at the new version (check out our logo design post for all you need to know about creating new logos). Based on the RAS' motto: 'Let whatever shines be observed', Johnson Banks says that the celestial symbol can be interpreted in different ways. The repeated stepped spokes (which, when observed in the universe, are thought to be radial fingers of light) make up a rotating emblem that's reminiscent of a sun, planet or moon – reflective of RAS' focus on the universe. The small black, moving dot looks like a sun spot, or an orbiting moon. In a further astronomical touch, the symbol is tilted 23.5 degrees to mirror how the Earth is tilted from the plane of its orbit around the sun. The positioning of the typography allows the symbol to shine above it, like a celestial body above the Earth. An exploration of symbols for the RAS logo redesign Accompanying material is made up of images of the planets, sun and geological formations, and the imagery has a base colour palette of black, white and grey. The picture below also includes a nod to the logo design with the halo of light circling the head of a young person gazing at the stars. One of a series of images adorned with RAS' mission statements The new look aims to appeal to attract a younger and more diverse membership. And according to Johnson Banks, the brand-new logo and accompanying imagery better reflects the purpose of the RAS, which is to "to explore our planet and the Universe around us and to share its learning for the benefit of society". The original RAS logo (left) next to the new incarnation (right) The old logo (above) included an engraving of the telescope designed by Sir William Herschel, the society's first president. But it was cluttered, meaning it didn't reproduce well in a small size – or on a screen. The connotations of the old-style telescope also didn't convey the potential that comes with the current and future exploration of space. We think the new design is sleek, technical and future-proof while managing to retain character. While this redesign is yet another scaling back of a fussy logo – a trend that has prompted pros to ask if branding has become boring – this one manages not to feel flat or lacking in character. Read more: 5 big logo design trends for 2020 Where to find logo design inspiration 5 logo design apps for beginners View the full article

A new logo for an adaptation of Dune has been leaked, and it's causing all kinds of drama. We'll start by pointing out that it's obviously not the one above. That's a fan-made recreation in pasta, and we'll get to why that's our header image in a minute. There are a couple of variations of the actual Dune logo doing the rounds online, but the one causing the most upset is shown below. It uses four U-shapes in different orientations to spell out the title. Cleverly, this super-minimalist design can be flipped vertically and still read the same (see our logo design tips for more inspirational examples). This was widely reported to be the official design, but a lot of the shares are being removed for copyright reasons. Which suggests it's either not the official design, or it was released without permission. The problem people are having is that, while it's clever and sleek and sci-fi and all that, it's not hugely legible. Especially that 'E', which, let's face it, is actually a 'C'. A curve-ball in the story is that the leaked photos from that French conference show a slightly different version of the Dune logo, which is apparently what the actual logo will look like. This one has a lens flare (or eclipsed planet, if you prefer) to represent that problematic missing crossbar. Which logo, if either, is the right one, remains to be confirmed. There's certainly something controversial going on behind the scenes at Warner Bros. But all that hasn't stopped the wave of 'fixed' logo versions making their way on to Twitter. Here's our pick of the best, which range from snarky but hilarious to actually good. While the logo is proving contentious, fans of the Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic seem to be feeling positive about this Denis Villeneuve reboot. We'll update this article as we know more. Read more: Should the NBA logo feature Kobe Bryant? 9 of the best monogram logos ever made Space Force logo furore is a massive overreaction View the full article

Every now and again the internet serves up a controversial colour-based question that splits people firmly down the middle. Whether you thought that dress was white and gold, or blue and black, you'll be pleased to hear another corker has been found. This time it's in the high-end form of some Louis Vuitton sneakers. Click on the image to enlarge it An eagle-eyed, but quite confused, Twitter user shared the image above and asked for opinions. And people are certainly divided. (Find out more about how colours relate to each other in our colour theory post.) All we see is black. And others see only white. But not everyone is so certain. There are several theories floating around as to why this might be the case. Many commented that the shoes have been photographed in the dark with the flash on, which gives the impression of the white shoes being black. And the LV emblems may be glow-in-the-dark, apparently. One commenter suggests changing the brightness on your computer screen, which shows the sneakers as white (below). Turn the brightness up and you'll get closer to reality Gino's poll currently shows that 44.2 per cent of the Twitterverse believe the shoes to be white, and 53.4 per cent see them as black. The rest chose the 'other' option, so who knows what colour those folk are seeing. The optical illusion may not be as controversial as these moments in branding, but these conundrums are a way to wile away a few minutes pondering the reality of what lies before you. And they spark a great debate, too. What do you see? Share your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook. Read more: 7 colour trends to watch for in 2020 How to use colour to shape UX How to use photography in design View the full article

The manufacturers have issued BIOS updates to address the issues, but researchers warn DMA attacks are likely possible against a range of laptops and desktops. View the full article

It wasn’t so long ago that to work on a different device you had to plan in advance and copy large files to disks or USB sticks to transport them. Working in a team often meant an assembly line process with work passed down the line from one person to another, and sending work to a client for proofing meant sending it by post. Thankfully the best cloud storage and file transfer services mean that it’s now possible to work anywhere we choose and to send large files instantly. Cloud storage also provides somewhere to keep your work safe from the risk of spillages. While many of the best-known options that exist today started off with different approaches and purposes, they have grown closer towards offering a similar blend of storage and collaborative tools, making it harder to identify the advantages of each. Here, we compare eight of the most popular options for creatives to store files online and share with colleagues and clients and examine the strengths and weaknesses of each. 01. Google Drive Google Drive has one of the most generous free allowances Google Drive is an obvious choice for anyone who uses Google’s other products, and particularly for Android users since it comes built into the architecture. It integrates seamlessly with other Google apps and has one of the most generous free storage allowances around, offering 15GB, although this includes Gmail if you use that as your email. Paid plans start cheap and you can push the storage limit sky high. It costs $1.99 a month for 100GB and there are several plans on the way up to an enormous 30TB for $299.99 a month. The platform is easy and intuitive to use and one of the best options for instant collaboration owing to the ability to work simultaneously with others using Google’s own GSuite tools like Google Docs and Sheets, and you can boost productivity with a wide range of third-party add ons. Throw in neat features like the option to disable downloads, and Google Drive is also one of the most flexible options out there. 02. pCloud pCloud is one of the prettiest storage options Google Drive offers practicality and flexibility for collaborative work, but it isn’t the prettiest option for presenting work to clients. The interface is busy and crops image previews to a square. pCloud can be a better option in terms of looks. Interface elements are discreet and kept to a minimum, giving priority to offering large scale previews of each file that save clicking to open each file. There’s also the option to view each folder as a slide show. pCloud doesn’t have the collaborative tools of Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox, but there with features such as the option to customise sharing links to include your own message or branding, it's easy to see why pCloud is one of the most popular options for photographers to deliver work. There are options to backup content directly from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Facebook and Instagram through direct integration, and it’s also one of the few storage options that has both a built-in video player and streaming and an audio player complete with playlists. The free option offers a fairly generous 10GB, and there are lifetime subscriptions available at $175 for 500GB, or $350 for 2TB, which mean you can pay once then get on with it. 03. Dropbox Dropbox remains one of the most used online storage services Dropbox remains one of the biggest names in cloud storage. It’s among the fastest because it uses block-level synching, which means it only syncs changes made to a document rather than the whole file. This is great for collaborative work because it means changes appear quickly. The professional version also offers a 'smart sync' capability that allows you to save space on your hard drive by sending files to the cloud but still allowing you to see them on your computer. The service isn't as integrated with other tools as GoogleDrive or OneDrive and doesn't offer it’s own full office suite, but it does have collaborative tools, and integrates with Office Online for editing Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, and can share files directly to Slack. Its own Dropbox Paper document editor can’t beat Google Docs for text editing, but has the advantage of being able to embed any type of file that can be previewed in Dropbox, including video and audio. A new transfer tool just out of beta means you can also send files weighing up to 300GB to anyone, even if they don’t have Dropbox, effectively turning Dropbox into a file transfer service as well as a storage service. Dropbox is one of the most expensive options and offers only a stingy 2GB in its basic free plan. You need to fork out at least £7.99 a month for a more generous 2TB, and £16.58 to get the professional version with the added features that really make Dropbox stand out, such as smart sync, watermarks, viewer history and a 180-day backup of deleted files that beats the 30 days offered by most other services – a potential saviour if you or someone you collaborate with accidentally deletes a folder full of work. 04. OneDrive OneDrive integrates well with Microsoft products Just as Google Drive is a convenient option for Android users, if you’re a PC user running Windows 10 or use Microsoft’s Office 365, OneDrive offers comparable levels of integration. It’s much less popular than Google’s option among general users but has a big uptake among companies that use Office 365. Free allocation is a rather mean 5GB, which is a lot less generous than Google’s and makes this option mainly useful for storing files that you want to email via Outlook, but storage can be upped to 50GB for a reasonable £1.99 a month, and there’s a business plan that offers unlimited storage along with desktop versions of Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for £7.99. The interface looks good, a chat icon at the top launches Skype so you can talk to colleagues, and OneNote integration beats Google Docs and Dropbox Paper. It also uses fast block-level synching, but only for Microsoft file types. 05. iCloud Apple’s iCloud is limited, but convenient for storing content from Apple devices This is storage option that only makes sense for Apple devotees but is convenient for storing and backing up images and files from a Mac or iPhone. Of course, iCloud integrates well with MacOS and iOS ecosystems and makes it easy to store files through Finder. Documents from the iWork suite are saved to iCloud so that you can access them from all your devices. There’s also a Windows client so access is not restricted to Apple devices. Like Microsoft’s OneDrive, free storage is limited to 5GB and higher allocations are reasonably priced, but it’s strictly a storage option. There's no option to share files outside Apple’s Family Sharing and there are none of the collaborative tools that you get with other services. 06. Adobe Creative Cloud Adobe’s full Creative Cloud suite comes with 100GB of storage If you subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of apps, don’t forget that you get cloud storage included in the package. Many users forget that the monthly fee they pay for access to the apps includes storage that can be used to back up files. It’s not worth buying an Adobe package for the storage alone, and the free plan only offers only a measly 2GB along with starter versions of some Adobe apps, but if you already have a Creative Cloud plan, it’s well worth remembering that you have the storage there. Photography membership (Lightroom and Photoshop) gives you 20GB, and a full Adobe All Apps plan comes with 100GB, enough to store a couple of thousand RAW images. You can pay more to up your storage limits as high as 10TB. Expect to see more developments on collaborative and sync capabilities. 07. iDrive iDrive offers backup with many of the capabilities of cloud storage IDrive is billed as an online backup rather than cloud storage – the difference being that it aims to keep your files safe rather than accessible and shareable, but it also offers powerful sync, and some of the collaboration capabilities offered by cloud storage services. It uses fast block-level syncing like Dropbox to continuously sync all your files on unlimited devices, including those on network drives, and it permanently keeps up to 30 previous versions of every file, allowing you to retrieve old work if needed. For even more peace of mind, IDrive even offers a service that will post out an actual physical hard drive containing your backed up files if you suffer an emergency. IDrive offers up to 5GB free, and $70 per year for 2TB. It you need secure backup without the full range of collaborative tools, it’s an option to consider. Read more: The best internal hard drives The best external hard drives 6 questions you need to ask your new client View the full article

Looking for some weekend viewing? We know you've almost certainly seen Toy Story 3 many times, but you've never quite seen it like this. While Toy Story 3 was the work of a massive team at Pixar using state-of-the-art computers to create one of 2010's best 3D movies, this version is the result of a much more streamlined production process. Toy Story 3 IRL, released on 25 January, was created by just two teenage brothers, Morgan and Mason McGrew, and took a bit longer than the original film to produce: roughly eight years. Was it worth the effort? You decide: As you can see, it didn't need Pixar's heavyweight computer hardware, as it was all shot in the real world using toys and models. The McGrew brothers painstakingly reproduced every shot from the film using stop-motion animation, using iPhone cameras and a hell of a lot of patience. Toy Story 3 IRL took a whole lot of dedication and inventiveness to complete The brothers uploaded the first trailer for their low-budget remake im 2018, and it quickly racked up over 2.5 million views on YouTube. The second trailer performed similarly well, and it's safe to say that there were lots of people waiting for the remake's final release. At the time of writing, Toy Story 3 IRL has attracted over half a million views; not bad considering it's only been out for four days. And perhaps the best news is that it's been released with Disney's blessing. We've seen plenty of promising fan projects disappear beneath a volley of cease and desist letters from over-protective IP holders, and considering that Toy Story 3 IRL uses the original Toy Story 3 soundtrack, it was sailing close to the wind, copyright-wise. We had every expectation that the remake would quickly vanish when we first saw it; it's good to see that Disney's encouraging these young filmmakers. To infinity and beyond It may not have the sleek looks of Toy Story 3, but this IRL version comes packed with charm and there are plenty of fantastic moments along the way; we particularly love how it takes advantage of being able to shoot in the real world and has the scenes with people in them shot as normal video rather than with animated CG humans. Most of all, it's a stunning example of extreme dedication to a task. Could you have devoted eight years to a single project when you were a teenager? Us neither. See more about the project on the Toy Story IRL Facebook page. Vertex is the place to be this February Join us in London for our unmissable event for 2D and 3D artists, featuring workshops from over 20 professional artists from film, video games, VFX and illustration. Book now: vertexconf.com Related articles: Image formats in CGI: Everything you need to know Real-life renders of animated bedrooms are surprisingly disappointing Lion King CGI: Behind the scenes View the full article

It's safe to say that Baby Yoda has taken the internet by storm. The breakout star of Disney's The Mandalorian, officially named The Child, has been spawning memes ever since his existence was announced. It seems like every week, a new artist's interpretation appears. So you can avoid the tedious task of scrolling through the rubbish designs in search of one that's clever or funny, we've collected our favourite Baby Yoda memes right here for your viewing pleasure. To make life even easier for you, we've ranked them in order of preference. For more Star Wars content, see our favourite free Star Wars fonts, and if you want to make your own Baby Yoda creation, you might want to check out the best Photoshop tutorials, or our guide to how to make a meme in Photoshop. Finally, if you still haven't seen The Mandalorian, then check our post on everything you need to know about Disney Plus, including how to get a free trial. 05. Baby Yoda in Metroid Tiani Pixel has created a mash-up of The Mandalorian and the game Metroid (specifically, in the style of Super Metroid, from the early '90s). The image shows Baby Yoda in his little crib pod bobbing along behind The Mandalorian, his head even turns for extra cute-appeal. There's also a render of what powers The Mandalorian would have as a Metroid character. This one's a stunning piece of pixel art, but as it's so game-specific, it perhaps lacks the mass appeal of some of the other memes. Ten out of ten for effort, though. (Although we'd like to see Baby Yoda's game credentials, please.) 04. Baby Data and Baby Yoda mashup What do you get when you combine Star Trek: Picard with the Star Wars TV series? Baby Data, of course! In this mockup from Ziggy, Star Trek: The Next Generation's Lieutenant Commander Data is reimagined with a Baby Yoda makeover. This one is pretty disturbing. It's also definitely one for Star Trek fans, as if you don't know who Data is, it'll probably go over your head. 03. George Lucas holding Baby Yoda This one has arguably nothing to do with art. But this tweet from Jon Favreau, who created The Mandalorian, was an instant hit. And what could be cuter than an image of George Lucas cradling Baby Yoda? The only question we have here is why the image is so blurry. Do the team at The Mandalorian need to check our list of the best camera phones? 02. Baby Yoda with human skin Cute he is, yes Following on from Yoda with human skin, which is an unsettlingly realistic 3D version of grown-up Yoda, Steven E Paugh created a Baby Yoda with human skin. As he suggested, the results are not unlike Dobby from Harry Potter. Look at those cute little hairs on his head! We think this one deserved a little more love online than it received. 01. Baby Yoda concept art It's hard to beat this concept art This may be a slight cop-out, but our favourite Baby Yoda meme is actually the original concept art for the character, shared by Favreau. We just love it. And we love the idea of a group of TV execs looking at the concept art and deciding that they simply needed to create a whole show around it. That part may or may not be in our imaginations. Either way, we just can't stop staring at his little toes. Honourable mention: Baby Yoda cocktail So it's not exactly a meme, but this Baby Yoda cocktail deserves a mention just 'cos it made us smile. There have been plenty of Baby Yoda-themed cocktails popping up across the globe, but we like this one from Glasgow bar, Glasgowist, the best. Did we miss a meme? Or order them 'wrong'? Get in touch on Twitter or Facebook to tell us your views. Read more: How to make a meme in Photoshop Xbox Series X spawns savage design memes Disney redesigns 20th Century Fox, without the Fox View the full article

Apple’s iOS 13.3.1 update includes a host of security patches and a way to turn off U1 Ultra Wideband tracking. View the full article

After a year of big changes, white hats reaped more from Google's programs than ever before. View the full article

If you live in the US and are in the market for some new creative gear, you're in luck. Right now, Best Buy is running an epic one-day sale, with a ton of designer-specific goodies getting a mega price-drop. The event includes some incredible savings on everything from Apple Airpods and over-ear Bose headphones, to powerful laptops and 4K TVs. So if you've been holding out on getting some of the best-selling tech, now's the time to buy. But you'll need to be quick, these offers are valid for just 24 hours, with the flash sale ending tonight at 11:59pm (CT). Below is our pick of the top Best Buy deals, but for the full list of discounted items (which includes air fryers, washers and dryers and security camera systems) head on over on to Best Buy website. Not in the US? Check out our roundup of the best Apple AirPods deals or the best cheap laptop deals, which will both show you the best prices and bargains in your area. Alternatively, explore our pick of the best noise-cancelling headphones. View the full article

Understanding image formats is critical to making the most of the variety of image types available to a 3D artist. While the core of creation in 3D is naturally in creating models, images are in many ways as important as polygons and edges when creating a 3D model – whether it is a crucial image being used to give a colour to a model, or a secondary image that is utilised to create differences in reflections or relief on a model. Images are also the key for successful sharing with clients, friends or as part of a team with compositors who will blend the model into a live-action scene. Alternatively images can be used to store features in compositing applications to combine a wide range of models into a piece of 3D art that would otherwise be difficult to render in one go. (See the best 3D software right now to decide which app is for you.) Common image file formats and when to use them Certain image types such as JPEG are quick to create, quick to use and small in size, but they do not hold a range of information such as transparency and as they are a 'lossy' format, details can be lost which can cause inconsistencies, especially if used for animations. At the other end of the image format spectrum are EXRs – this format can handle a massive amount of information. EXRs can hold colour, transparency and even in some cases true depth all in one (admittedly large) file, but at the expense of a less straightforward workflow for new artists. In between are multiple options such as PNG, PSD, TIF and DPX among others. When working with other artists, understanding what each of these files can and cannot do can make the difference when creating successful artwork. Let's take a look at some of the key considerations. 01. Lossy formats Lossy images are fine for non-critical imagery Many artists new to CG are not aware that when an image is saved, dependent on the image type chosen, data can be lost. The reason for this is that the complex saving algorithms of an image format can estimate the data in an image and replicate it without having to store the data on a pixel-by-pixel basis, both saving disk space and allowing quicker access. Lossy formats are great for non-critical images in a pipeline and various finished formats. JPEG is probably the most popular lossy image format. 02. Image bit depth Make sure you're working with the right colour range Consider how much data an image can store. Basic colour data is stored in 8-bit images such as JPEGs. Some video-specific files such as DPX and Cineon can store 10-bit images, which include extra colour information. However, these formats work within a specific 'colour range', which is defined by the bit depth and can 'clip' to white or black when exposure is adjusted. So, always make sure when working with these formats that the colour range is in a visually desired range. 03. 24 bits and PNG PNG is particularly useful for texture files One of the most popular image formats in CGI creation is PNG; it combines the benefits of JPEG, such as relatively small size and wide compatibility, coupled with the ability to save extra data in its full 24-bit capability. PNGs can store 8 bits of transparency data alongside 16 bits of colour data. This makes PNG files flexible for a wide range of uses, especially with texture files which, if the 3D application allows it, can absorb the PNG transparency data to mitigate the need for a separate alpha channel image. 04. 32 bits 32-bit files can combine a big colour range with transparency and other useful info While 10-bit files are useful for maximising recording formats on some cameras, others can store 'RAW' data, which effectively means that the file contains 'everything'. This is the same with 3D applications. Some file types such as EXR can store up to 32 bits of data, which includes a vast colour range. EXRs can also include transparency information and extra useful info, such as the new 'Cryptomatte' format which can create mattes on the fly from a single colour layer. 05. Colour types 3D apps don't like CMYK, so convert it to RGB When working with print and vector illustrations, sometimes image files can come in different colour formats. These can be CMYK, which is a four-colour process used for print, and occasionally greyscale, which is an image that does not have any colour data. Many 3D applications will not work with these formats even if the image format is saved as a JPEG, PNG or EXR. That is because 3D applications prefer to work with images that are RGB (for the screen-based three-colour process of Red, Green and Blue). Colour theory: a jargon free designer's guide Vertex is the place to be this February Join us in London for our unmissable event for 2D and 3D artists, featuring workshops from over 20 professional artists from film, video games, VFX and illustration. Book now: vertexconf.com This article was originally published in issue 253 of 3D World, the world's best-selling magazine for CG artists. Buy issue 253 here or subscribe to 3D World here. Related articles: An artist's guide to using reference images: 13 essential tips The ultimate guide to image resolution 4 essential image optimisation tips View the full article

While Apple AirPods are arguably some of the coolest headphones on the planet, they are not cheap. So when a good deal comes around you don’t want to waste any time getting your hands on them. And you're in luck, because today's a good day to bag an AirPods deal. In the US, Best Buy has knocked off an impressive $31 on AirPods with the standard charging case, meaning you can get them for just $128.99. And it is throwing in free Apple Music for 4 months (for new subscribers only). If you fancy going completely wire-free, then Best Buy has shaved $30 off AirPods with the wireless charging case, reducing the latest model to a hard-to-beat $169.99. But hurry as these offers are part of Best Buy's Flash Sale, which ends at midnight tonight (CT time) – see all the Best Buy offers here. If you're outside the US, there are still some great AirPods deals. In the UK, you can now get AirPods with the standard charging case for just £129 and the wireless option for £159 at Amazon – that's £30 and £40 off, respectively. Even better, get approved for an Amazon Platinum Mastercard and you could get another £20 off both models. We don't need to tell you discounts on Apple AirPods are rare, so if you want to get hold of these top Apple accessories, you need to snap these deals up now. If you fancy some more good-looking Apple accessories make sure you check out our best iPad accessories for 2020 post too. Alternatively, see our best running headphones buying guide. Unmissable Apple AirPods deals (US) Unmissable Apple AirPods deals (UK) Not in the UK or US? Here are the best Apple AirPods prices in your area: Read more: The best Apple Pencil deals in 2020 Apple Pencil vs Apple Pencil 2: which should you buy? iPad Pro 2020: release date, rumours and leaks View the full article

Admins are encouraged to update their websites to stave off attacks from Magecart card-skimmers and others. View the full article

The world of basketball is in mourning after the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on Sunday, and it's led to a fierce debate about the NBA's logo. Following his death – along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others – a petition was posted on Change.org by Nick M, asking that the current NBA logo be updated with an image of Bryant. At the time of writing the petition has attracted over 2.6 million signatures, making it the fastest-growing petition ever on Change.org. But will it result in the NBA changing one of the best logos in sport? The 10 greatest sports logos of all time This is the fastest-growing petition ever on Change.org There's a strong case for putting Kobe Bryant on the NBA logo. He's recognised as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, with a whole stack of records under his belt including the youngest player to reach 30,000 career points, the all-time top scorer for the Lakers, and even two Olympic gold medals. There aren't many players who can challenge Bryant's achievements on the court. There's a similarly strong case for updating the NBA logo. The current logo features the silhouette of another LA Lakers player, Jerry West. Another NBA legend, West was the Lakers' all-time leading scorer until Bryant beat his record in 2010. He has an impeccable record, but there's a problem: while a silhouette of West may have been a representative look when the logo was designed back in 1969, modern basketball looks very different. The current NBA logo now looks a bit dated According to a report by Richard Lapchick for the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, black players accounted for three quarters of the entire NBA line-up in 2015. Basketball has the highest percentage of black players in American professional sport, and black viewers make up the biggest proportion of the television audience. This makes having a white player on the logo problematic, to say the least. While the NBA has never actually acknowledged that it's West on the logo, it's one of those open secrets that just about everyone with an interest in basketball knows about. West has said in interviews that he'd rather not be on the logo, so updating it to more reflect the modern game should be a no-brainer. But should Kobe Bryant be the new centrepiece? As we all know by now, there's a problem with that: a previous serious sexual assault allegation, which was settled out of court, puts into question the appropriateness of using Kobe as a figurehead for a global sports brand. There's no denying the weight of public opinion on this right now, but it's an emotive issue, and the decision to redesign the NBA logo needs to be made on clearer lines. The NBA knows that if it were to put Bryant on the logo, there'd definitely be a backlash. We suspect that if this doesn't all blow over in a few weeks, the NBA would be more likely to update its logo with a player silhouette that recognised the importance of black players to the game, but without it being recognisably based on any single player. And that, at least, would be progress. Related articles: 9 inspiring examples of sports imagery in branding Don't make the same design fail as the Chicago Bulls logo The 20 best sneaker designs of all time View the full article

It's no secret that prices keep rising in today's economy, increasing the need for more jobs to bring in extra money. Whether you are looking to make an additional income to complement your day job, or you are looking to freelance full time, The Digital Marketing Side Business certification bundle will help you to start your freelance writing journey. How often have you thought about becoming a freelance professional but had no idea where to start? This five-course master class bundle helps you achieve your business goals, no matter how big or small, from the comfort of your home. Access to 29 lectures on freelance writing 101 tips and tricks enables you to build on your passions and find a freelance writing niche that is both profitable and interesting. Get Adobe Creative Cloud If you're looking to profit from blogging, a masterclass of over 80 lessons helps you build a successful blog from scratch or take your existing blog to the next level. With a step-by-step roadmap, you'll soon get started on your first (of many) paid writing gigs. (See how to start a blog for more tips on blogging.) Not only will you gain valuable guidance on how to improve your content creation skills, but you will also learn how to grow your business through promotion, SEO, email marketing, and so much more. Lessons on how to create high-ranking content on any topic (regardless of the competition) and finding the right keywords for your articles and images will help make your efforts stand out and perform. A 30-lesson course will also help you supercharge your focus on projects and create a positive mindset to stay motivated and productive throughout your freelance process. Access to The Digital Marketing Side Business Certification Bundle will typically cost you $1,000. For a limited time, you'll be able to side-hustle like a boss for only $29 – that's 97% off. With all the content available 24/7, you'll be able to effortlessly finesse your digital marketing skills and bring valuable professional and financial growth into 2020. Read more: The wrong way to build a portfolio SEO tricks: 16 ways to outrank your competitors Dashlane app rebrand will get your attention (but not in the way you'd expect) View the full article

If there's one way to get the world to pay attention to your brand, it's to get Pentagram to redesign the logo. And that's what Dashlane – a password manager and online security app – has done. It certainly got our attention. Eddie Opara headed up the design team for the brand overhaul that includes a revamped logo and a completely new brand identity. The old brand logo (below) showed a gazelle and a shield – the shield being a typical design trope used by the best antivirus software companies, and others claiming to protect people online, and the gazelle supposedly representing the 'dashing' of Dashlane. We didn't love the old branding, but it did show what Dashlane did pretty nicely (and that's something that can really help when you're creating outstanding logo design). However, Pentagram's new look is much more effective. Dashlane's old logo, before Pentagram got involved The new look consists of the 'Dashlane D', and it's made up of what Dashlane is calling 'AroundRects' – basic shapes (they're pretty much lines) that join together to make up the logo. It doesn't look so exciting in static form, but animated, it comes together pretty nicely. We also think it's just abstract enough to work as a pattern as well as a letterform, which adds a bit of depth to the new look. As well as the new logo, there's a new typeface, GT Walsheim, which Dashlane states is: "grounded in strength". It's also supposed to represent an evolution "from an overly tech-forward look and feel to reflect a much warmer, more human, way forward." We'll go with that, it's definitely clear. And it feels pretty human and warm to us. (See our free fonts roundup if you're looking to refresh your own font collection.) The new typeface, and revamped colour palette There's also a new colour palette, focused around green and a complementary pink, which may not be the most attractive we've ever seen, but it is fairly distinctive, and – again – functional. "While imbued with purpose and energy, our colours resist becoming bright or flashy," says Dashlane. "We give you a better way to move through the web. The last thing we want is to get in your way." Indeed, it seems this whole rebrand is delightfully focused on the user, and deliberately enhances the user journey, rather than interrupting it. It's sleek, minimal, and we like it This seems to be in line with Dashlane's main function as an app, which is to fill in your passwords for you to help you do things quicker online. Overall, it seems like, as usual, Pentagram has designed a new identity that is entirely fitting for the brand. “Our old brand identity didn’t quite reflect where we are going as a company,” says Dashlane's CMO Joy Howard. “We wanted a clean, flexible system that reflects the clarity of our commitment to fix the UX of the internet. We help our customers reveal and conceal themselves and their data online; that idea turns into motion in our new identity system." "We removed any extraneous filigree to present a sharp-edged visual identity system that points to Dashlane’s commitment to fix the UX of the internet," says Opara on the Dashlane site. When you're using words like "filigree" to explain your branding, who are we to argue? Read more: Do people still dislike last year's most hated rebrands? Historical figures get Instagram-ready makeovers (and they're weirdly addictive) Louis Vuitton gets a gloriously retro makeover View the full article

Researchers have release a new proof-of-concept attack targeting a new Intel Speculative-type bug called CacheOut present in most Intel CPUs. View the full article