Magic Potion

The Dow Jones is slumping -- this week saw the Index's biggest two-day decline since December 2008 -- but things are looking up at StockLogos.com. Among the latest in a series of creative initiatives by WebMediaBrands (Liquid Treat's parent company), the online community was created as a source of creative, high-quality and affordable logos. Those seeking to sell their logo designs can easily upload their work and price it for sale, while logo-seeking customers from around the world can browse and purchase designs posted to the site. Not interested in buying or selling? Stay abreast of identity design trends with the StockLogos blog, which this week has assembled a great collection of ultracreative business cards.

Treat yourself to a daily dose of design-related wisdom without adding to your desk clutter or to-do list (we're looking at you, Page-a-Day Calendar!) by becoming a regular visitor to Quotes on Design. Web designer Chris Coyier has culled books, blogs and everywhere in between to assemble an ever-growing archive of creative inspiration and advice. His understated website doles out quotes one at a time and invites visitors to click for another. The quotable figures range from Paul Rand and Paula Scher to Jackson Pollock and Jay-Z, who once advised, "Be fluid. Treat each project differently. Be water, man. The best style is no style. Because styles can be figured out. And when you have no style they can’t figure you out."

A magical writing utensil that instantly transforms your sketches into digital files? The Jetsons-esque concept is now within reach thanks to Wacom. The Tokyo-based company has developed the Inkling, a high-tech ink pen that uses ultrasonic and infrared technologies to capture a digital likeness of your work while you sketch with its ballpoint tip on any sketchbook or standard piece of paper (up to size A4). Transferring files to your computer for export to programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator is just a matter of clicks. Ready to put this miracle pen to the test? Wacom will launch the Inkling later this month. In exchange for $199, you can draw your own conclusions.

Music and photography come together at Rock Paper Photo, a new online gallery that offers hand-signed, limited-edition photographs of pop culture phenomena ranging from The Beatles and Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. The brainchild of music industry veteran and photo collector Guy Oseary, who developed the site in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, Rock Paper Photo has already built an impressive stable of established photographers and promising up and comers. The mix of iconic shots (Bob Marley in concert) and rarely seen images (Ethel Merman does disco?) of artists from a range of genres makes this one-stop shopping for music buffs ready to upgrade from concert posters.

Whether you embrace design contests or shun them as spec work in disguise, take a look at Talenthouse. The online mecca of creative opportunities helps companies collaborate with up and comers in the areas of art and design, photography, film, fashion, music and dance. Billed as "a place to participate in unique projects with artists and brands, collaborate, gain recognition and compensation," Talenthouse has partnered with companies ranging from Adidas and Nine West to the English National Ballet and the Stan Lee Foundation. Among the "life-changing opportunities" currently on offer: create artwork for Paul McCartney (yes, that Paul McCartney), design an animated logo for Brett Ratner's Rat Entertainment, and assist photographer Austin Hargrave on a celebrity shoot.

Desperate for a summer getaway? Escape instantly with Globe Genie, created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate student Joseph G. McMichael. Through the magic of Google Maps and its cache of streetview photos, his site transports you to a random place in the world: a field of flowers outside of Strasbourg, stunning Capetown vistas, a driveway in Huntsville, Alabama. Narrow your virtual destination options by selecting a particular continent (we hear Antartica's nice this time of year) before clicking "Teleport." Travelers who bore easily can set the site to refresh automatically every few seconds. Bon voyage!