My latest graphic design interests are swirling in the world of infographics.

This term refers to visual representations of information, data or knowledge.  I think USA Today was one of the first newspapers to use these pictorial charts on a regular basis with a mass audience, which may have given these visual guides a bad rap actually. At that time there was a lot criticism of USA Today in particular for “dumbing” things down, and the simple graphics were cited as part of that.

But things have changed.

For those interested in Philadelphia’s streetscape renaissance, this is an exciting time. Currently, Mural Arts is sponsoring their largest project yet: Philly Painting. Aimed at rejuvenating a long stretch of Germantown Ave in North Philly and spearheaded by the internationally renowned Dutch artists Haas & Hahn this endeavor hopes to lend to the community both aesthetically and economically. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in September 2012.

For more details on this exciting ongoing project check out this article from philly.com.

An amusing found photo from the website passiveagressivenotes.com:

With the London Summer Olympics just around the corner (9 more days!), it seems only fitting to look at the iconic Olympic Ring logo – as well as the highs and lows of the individual logos over the years.

What do you think of the London logo and the abstract 2012?

Looking back, here are some that I think are more successful:

Check out more here.

The iconic (quite classic and elegant!) ring logo itself received press this past weekend in the New York Times Magazine.