The Cyclone EP1C12Q240 at the heart of the device should be capable of emulating vintage processors like the 40-year-old Z80

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. First Windows 11 24H2 hotpatch is coming soon. Microsoft shares a bunch of useful stuff Sayan Sen Neowin · May 6, 2025 17:04 EDT The first hotpatch for Windows 11 is coming next week alongside Patch Tuesday and such, Microsoft has announced that it has released resources for it such that IT admins and system admins have an easier time working out how the new type of update deployment will work. For those not familiar, hotpatching is meant to keep devices secure without causing downtime or interruptions. That is because these security updates install automatically and take effect without needing a device restart. Hotpatch works as an extension of Windows Update and requires Autopatch to create and deploy these updates to devices enrolled in the Autopatch quality update policy. To help, Microsoft has shared technical documentation, the hotpatch calendar, and many more items for use by administrators. Microsoft writes: Resources to get started with hotpatch updates for Windows 11, version 24H2 The first Windows 11 hotpatch update since general availability is coming to enterprises in the second week of May 2025. Here is a list of recently published resources to help you get started and make the most of this feature. Official announcement: Hotpatch for Windows client now available Technical documentation, including prerequisites, enrollment instructions, and troubleshooting: Hotpatch updates Windows 11, version 24H2 Enterprise hotpatch calendar: Windows 11 hotpatch calendar Monthly update contents: Release notes for hotpatch public preview on Windows 11, version 24H2 Enterprise clients User readiness information to share with people at your organization: Understanding security updates that get installed without a restart Per-policy level view of the current update statuses: Hotpatch quality update report Technical demo: The hottest way to update Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 Note: A hotpatch calendar is now also incorporated into the Windows Server release information. You can find the post here on Microsoft's Windows Health dashboard website message center. Tags Report a problem with article Follow @NeowinFeed

Longtime Slashdot reader RoccamOccam shares a blog post from the Trifecta Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization that creates secure, open source building blocks for infrastructure software. The foundation is also the developer behind Sudo-rs. From the report: Ubuntu 25.10 is set to adopt sudo-rs by default. Sudo-rs is a memory-safe reimplementation of the widely-used sudo utility, written in the Rust programming language. This move is part of a broader effort by Canonical to improve the resilience and maintainability of core system components. [...] The decision to adopt sudo-rs is in line with Canonical's commitment to Carefully But Purposefully increase the resilience of critical system software, by adopting Rust. Rust is a programming language with strong memory safety guarantees that eliminates many of the vulnerabilities that have historically plagued traditional C-based software. Sudo-rs is part of the Trifecta Tech Foundation's Privilege Boundary initiative, which aims to handle privilege escalation with memory-safe alternatives. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

40 Nature Fonts That Bring the Outdoors Into Your Designs in 2025 Zoe Santoro •  In this article:See more ▼Post may contain affiliate links which give us commissions at no cost to you.Nature-inspired fonts bring the outdoors into your designs, capturing organic beauty through typography. From delicate leaf motifs to rugged branch-like letterforms, these typefaces create immediate connections with viewers. When crafting projects for eco-brands or outdoor companies, the right nature font doesn’t just decorate—it transports people to wild places and grounds digital work in something authentic and tangible.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore: The most breathtaking nature fonts of 2025 What makes a font truly “natural” in appearance How to effectively pair nature fonts with other typefaces Best uses for nature fonts across different projects When to avoid nature fonts Excellent alternatives when you need something different Let’s dive into the organic world of typography that brings the outdoors right to your design canvas! 👋 Psst... Did you know you can get unlimited downloads of 59,000+ fonts and millions of other creative assets for just $16.95/mo? Learn more »35 Stunning Nature Fonts That Capture the Outdoors I’ve handpicked these exceptional nature fonts that truly embody the organic, wild beauty of the natural world. Each one brings something unique to your designs – from delicate floral elements to robust, earthy character. Secret Nature Secret Nature is a handwritten script font with an organic, earthy feel. Its flowing lines and natural imperfections make it perfect for projects that require a touch of rustic elegance and authenticity.Nature Breath Nature Breath is a decorative font that combines adventure and logo design elements. Its bold, naturalistic strokes evoke a sense of outdoor exploration, making it ideal for branding related to eco-tourism or outdoor activities.Nature Quest Nature Quest is a decorative display font with a focus on logo design. Its unique letterforms blend organic shapes with a modern aesthetic, perfect for brands looking to convey a connection to nature with a contemporary twist.Get 300+ Fonts for FREEEnter your email to download our 100% free "Font Lover's Bundle". For commercial & personal use. No royalties. No fees. No attribution. 100% free to use anywhere. Mother Nature Font Mother Nature Font is a serif typeface featuring floral and natural elements. Its elegant curves and nature-inspired details make it suitable for projects that require a sophisticated yet organic feel, such as botanical branding or eco-friendly product packaging.Mollani Nature Script Mollani Nature Script is a flowing handwritten font with leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its graceful curves and organic embellishments make it perfect for creating a sense of natural beauty in designs for wellness brands, eco-friendly products, or nature-themed events.Natures – Decorative Display Font Natures is a decorative display font with floral and ornamental features. Its intricate details and bold presence make it ideal for creating eye-catching headlines or logos for brands that want to emphasize their connection to nature and beauty.EcoSans — Minimalist Nature Font EcoSans is a minimalist font with an eco-friendly and sustainable theme. Its clean lines and subtle organic touches make it perfect for modern, environmentally conscious brands that want to convey simplicity and responsibility in their visual communication.Beauty Nature Beautiful Script Beauty Nature Beautiful Script is a handwritten font designed for branding projects with a natural theme. Its elegant, flowing lines evoke a sense of grace and organic beauty, making it ideal for cosmetics, spa products, or nature-inspired lifestyle brands.Celosia Nature – Handwritten Font TT Celosia Nature is a handwritten script font with a decorative flair. Its natural, flowing style combined with unique letterforms makes it perfect for creating a personalized, organic look in designs for boutique brands or artisanal products.The Moot Jungle Nature Typeface The Moot Jungle Nature Typeface is a serif font featuring leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its bold, playful character with organic details makes it suitable for children’s books, nature documentaries, or eco-adventure branding. Find more jungle fonts here.Rallomy Nature Beauty Serif Rallomy Nature Beauty Serif is an elegant typeface with leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its refined serifs combined with organic flourishes make it perfect for luxury eco-resorts, high-end natural cosmetics, or sophisticated nature-themed publications.Botanic Nature Decorative Font Botanic Nature Decorative Font is a sans-serif typeface with natural elements, designed for branding projects. Its clean lines with subtle organic touches make it versatile for modern eco-friendly brands, botanical products, or nature-inspired tech companies.Crazy Bamboo – Nature Font Crazy Bamboo is a decorative nature font with an Art Deco influence. Its tall, elongated characters with bamboo-inspired elements make it perfect for creating a unique, exotic look in designs for tropical resorts, Asian fusion restaurants, or eco-luxury brands.Brittle Wood – Nature Font Brittle Wood is a decorative nature font with an autumn-inspired, hand-drawn aesthetic. Its irregular, textured characters evoke a sense of rustic charm, making it ideal for fall-themed designs, artisanal wood products, or cozy cabin retreats.Wildlife Nature Freestyle Stylish Font Wildlife Nature Freestyle Stylish Font is a handwritten script designed for nature-themed branding. Its dynamic, energetic strokes capture the spirit of wildlife, making it perfect for outdoor adventure brands, wildlife conservation campaigns, or nature documentaries.Bonfire Typeface Bonfire Typeface is a bold block font with a wild, untamed character. Its rough, energetic strokes evoke the spirit of outdoor adventures and campfire stories, making it ideal for wilderness retreats, outdoor gear brands, or rugged lifestyle products.Branch Font Branch Font is a decorative typeface inspired by wood and pinewood textures. Its unique, organic letterforms mimic the natural patterns found in tree branches, making it perfect for rustic branding, forestry-related projects, or nature-inspired home decor.Kora Kora is a sans-serif decorative font with a tropical, aesthetic appeal. Its clean lines with subtle organic breaks make it versatile for modern beach resorts, tropical-themed products, or contemporary nature-inspired fashion brands.LUPINES – Cute Skinny Handwriting Font LUPINES is a cute, skinny handwriting font with a delicate and playful character. Its thin, whimsical strokes make it perfect for creating a light-hearted, personal touch in designs for children’s nature books, botanical illustration captions, or quirky eco-friendly products.Pinefolk – Organic Sans Pinefolk is an organic sans-serif font with a natural, hand-drawn quality. Its imperfect lines and subtle irregularities give it an authentic, artisanal feel, making it ideal for craft breweries, farmers markets, or sustainable lifestyle brands.Font Pine jungle Font Pine jungle is a decorative sans-serif font with jungle-themed symbols. Its playful characters and nature-inspired glyphs make it perfect for children’s educational materials about forests, eco-adventure parks, or tropical-themed events and products.Botany Festival Botany Festival is a serif font with decorative leaf and nature elements. Its elegant letterforms combined with botanical embellishments make it ideal for high-end garden events, luxurious herbal product packaging, or sophisticated nature magazines.Grow West Nature Typeface Grow West Nature Typeface is a decorative font featuring leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its bold, organic character with a hint of vintage charm makes it perfect for outdoor gear brands, western-themed nature resorts, or rustic farm-to-table restaurants.Chirp & Blossom Font Chirp & Blossom Font is a cute decorative typeface with nature-inspired doodles and symbols. Its playful characters and whimsical illustrations make it ideal for children’s nature books, spring-themed event branding, or cheerful eco-friendly product packaging.Backwoods Cabin Font Backwoods Cabin Font is a handmade script with a vintage, textured feel. Its rough, irregular strokes evoke a sense of wilderness and adventure, making it perfect for outdoor gear brands, camping supplies, or rugged lifestyle products.Monkey Stone – Display Font Monkey Stone is a display font combining sans-serif, decorative, and handwritten elements with a primal, aged look. Its unique character makes it suitable for jungle-themed adventure parks, prehistoric nature exhibits, or primitive-inspired fashion brands.The Munday Typeface The Munday Typeface is a sans-serif font featuring leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its clean lines with subtle organic touches make it versatile for modern eco-friendly brands, natural wellness products, or contemporary botanical publications.Mountain Warrior Mountain Warrior is a retro-inspired, rough handwritten monoline script. Its bold, energetic strokes evoke a sense of adventure and ruggedness, making it ideal for outdoor sports brands, mountain resorts, or wilderness-themed clothing lines.Molga font Molga font is a versatile sans-serif typeface with decorative elements and symbols, suitable for logo and beauty-related designs. Its clean lines with subtle organic touches make it perfect for modern skincare brands, natural cosmetics, or eco-friendly spas.Exploria Font Exploria Font is a fun, cartoon-like sans-serif typeface with a decorative flair. Its playful character makes it ideal for children’s nature camps, animated eco-educational content, or whimsical outdoor adventure branding.World Madly – Display Font World Madly is a quirky display font with a unique, off-beat character. Its unconventional letterforms make it perfect for creating attention-grabbing headlines in eco-conscious magazines, alternative nature retreats, or avant-garde botanical art exhibitions.Crown Heaven Font Crown Heaven Font is a classic serif typeface with a touch of glamour. Its elegant, regal character makes it suitable for luxury eco-resorts, high-end organic beauty products, or sophisticated nature-inspired jewelry brands.Grass Bold – 3D Color SVG Font Grass Bold is a 3D color SVG font that creates a realistic grass texture effect. Its unique, nature-inspired design makes it perfect for creating eye-catching headlines for lawn care services, golf courses, or eco-friendly outdoor events.Bahor – Hand Made Floral Typeface Bahor is a handmade serif typeface with intricate floral elements. Its delicate, ornate design makes it ideal for high-end florists, botanical gardens, or luxury organic skincare brands that want to convey a sense of natural elegance.Gardener – Garden Font Style Gardener is an authentic, decorative font style inspired by garden themes. Its organic, hand-crafted look makes it perfect for landscaping businesses, seed packaging, or rustic farm-to-table restaurants looking to emphasize their connection to nature.Mallong Typeface Mallong Typeface is a serif font featuring leaf and nature-inspired elements. Its elegant letterforms with subtle organic touches make it suitable for upscale eco-resorts, premium organic food packaging, or sophisticated nature magazines.Verdant – Botanical Display Font Verdant is a decorative display font with lush, botanical elements. Its intricate floral details and bold presence make it ideal for creating striking headlines for garden shows, herbal product lines, or nature-inspired fashion brands.Rimba Andalas Rimba Andalas is a decorative font with aztec-inspired elements. Its unique blend of symbols and handwritten characters makes it perfect for eco-tourism in indigenous areas, ethnic-inspired nature retreats, or cultural heritage preservation projects.Camelia Sans – Unique Florist Typeface Camelia Sans is a versatile typeface combining sans-serif, serif, and decorative elements with a luxurious, classy feel. Its elegant design with floral touches makes it ideal for high-end florists, botanical cosmetics, or sophisticated garden-themed events.King Trufle Font King Trufle Font is a bold, sans-serif decorative typeface with a cinematic quality. Its strong presence and slight organic touch make it suitable for nature documentaries, outdoor film festivals, or adventure-themed entertainment brands.What Gives a Font That “Natural” Feel? Nature fonts stand apart from their more mechanical or geometric counterparts through several distinctive characteristics that evoke the organic world: Organic Irregularity Just as no two leaves or snowflakes are identical, nature fonts embrace subtle irregularities. Their letterforms often feature varying thicknesses, slightly uneven baselines, and natural inconsistencies that mimic the beautiful imperfections found in nature. This controlled randomness creates a more authentic, hand-crafted feel that immediately connects to our perception of natural elements. Flowing, Curved Lines Nature rarely creates perfect straight lines or sharp angles. Similarly, nature fonts tend to incorporate flowing, curved strokes that echo the gentle bend of a branch, the curve of a petal, or the meandering path of a stream. These soft, undulating forms feel more organic and less engineered than their geometric counterparts, helping to establish that all-important connection to the natural world. Textural Elements Many nature fonts incorporate textural details that mimic natural materials – the rough bark of a tree, the delicate veins of a leaf, or the grainy texture of stone. These tactile qualities add depth and authenticity to the typography. The textural aspects can be subtle or pronounced depending on the specific natural element being evoked. Wood-inspired fonts might feature visible grain patterns, while plant-based typefaces might incorporate delicate tendrils or leaf-like serifs. Biomorphic Shapes Nature fonts often incorporate shapes and forms directly inspired by living organisms. Serifs might resemble tiny leaves or branches, terminals might curve like unfurling ferns, and counters (the enclosed spaces in letters like ‘o’ and ‘p’) might echo seed pods or natural openings. These biomorphic inspirations create an immediate visual connection to the plant and animal kingdom, grounding the font firmly in the natural world. Where to Use Nature Fonts Effectively Nature fonts shine in specific contexts where their organic characteristics enhance the overall design message: Environmental Branding For eco-friendly companies, conservation organizations, and sustainability-focused brands, nature fonts provide perfect alignment with their core values. These fonts visually reinforce commitments to environmental stewardship and natural authenticity. From organic food packaging to renewable energy companies, environmentally conscious businesses benefit immensely from typography that echoes their mission and values. Outdoor Recreation Hiking outfitters, national parks, wilderness guides, camping equipment – any brand connected to outdoor adventure and exploration finds natural synergy with these fonts. They evoke the rugged beauty of the wilderness and the excitement of outdoor pursuits. Nature fonts help establish an immediate connection between the product or service and the great outdoors, creating an aspirational feeling of adventure and exploration. Wellness and Natural Products Skincare lines, herbal remedies, spa services, and other wellness brands leverage nature fonts to communicate purity, natural ingredients, and holistic approaches. These fonts visually suggest that the products are derived from or inspired by nature’s healing elements. The organic quality of the typography helps reinforce messaging around natural ingredients, gentle formulations, and earth-friendly processes. Botanical and Natural Science Botanical gardens, herbariums, natural history museums, and educational materials about flora and fauna benefit tremendously from nature-inspired typography. The fonts create visual cohesion with the subject matter. In these contexts, nature fonts don’t just decorate – they educate by visually reinforcing the organic subject matter being presented. Where to Avoid Nature Fonts While versatile and beautiful, nature fonts aren’t appropriate for every design context: High-Tech and Digital Brands Companies specializing in cutting-edge technology, software, or digital services often need typography that communicates precision, innovation, and sleek modernity – qualities that most nature fonts don’t prioritize. The organic irregularities and hand-crafted feel of nature fonts might undermine messages about technological advancement and digital perfection. Formal Financial Institutions Banking, investment, and other financial services typically require typography that conveys stability, reliability, and trustworthiness through more conventional, structured forms. The playful or irregularity of many nature fonts might unintentionally suggest a casual approach to serious financial matters – not the message most banks want to send to customers entrusting them with their money. Medical and Healthcare (With Exceptions) Most medical practices, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies require typography that communicates precision, cleanliness, and scientific rigor rather than organic imperfection. However, certain healthcare niches like holistic medicine, naturopathy, or herbal remedies can effectively utilize nature fonts to emphasize their natural approaches. Text-Heavy Documents Many nature fonts prioritize distinctive character over readability at smaller sizes, making them poor choices for body text in reports, books, or lengthy documents. Reserve these fonts for headlines, logos, and display purposes where their unique characteristics can shine without compromising reading comfort. How to Choose the Perfect Nature Font With so many beautiful options available, selecting the ideal nature font requires consideration of several factors: Consider Your Specific Natural Reference Different nature fonts evoke different aspects of the natural world. Are you trying to capture the delicate beauty of wildflowers? The rugged strength of ancient trees? The flowing movement of water? Identify the specific natural element or feeling most relevant to your project, then select a font that authentically captures that particular aspect of nature. Balance Character with Readability The most visually dramatic nature fonts often sacrifice some readability for distinctive character. For logos and short display text, this trade-off might be acceptable, but for longer headlines or subheadings, consider more legible options. Remember that even the most beautiful font fails if your audience struggles to read your message. Test your chosen font at the sizes you’ll actually be using before committing to it. Consider the Emotional Response Different nature fonts evoke different emotional responses: Delicate, floral fonts suggest gentleness, beauty, and nurturing energy Rough, wood-inspired fonts convey strength, resilience, and rugged authenticity Flowing, water-like fonts evoke movement, flexibility, and continuous change Choose a font whose emotional resonance aligns with your broader brand messaging and the specific feelings you want to evoke in your audience. Evaluate Technical Requirements Consider practical aspects like: Do you need multiple weights (light, regular, bold) for versatility? Will the font need to work across print and digital applications? Does the font include all the special characters you might need? How does the font perform at very small or very large sizes? Technical limitations can sometimes override aesthetic preferences when practical functionality is at stake. Pairing Nature Fonts with Other Typefaces Most successful designs don’t rely on a single font. Here’s how to effectively pair your nature fonts with complementary typefaces: Balance with Clean Sans Serifs The organic irregularity of many nature fonts pairs beautifully with the clean precision of modern sans serifs. This contrast creates a balanced design that’s both fresh and grounded. Try pairing a distinctive, textural nature font for headings with a clean, legible sans serif for body text. The sans serif provides a neutral canvas that allows the nature font to shine while ensuring readability for longer content. Create Hierarchy with Contrast Use the distinctive character of nature fonts to create clear hierarchical relationships in your typography. Reserve your most expressive nature font for the highest-level headings or most important elements. As you move down the hierarchy to subheadings and body text, transition to progressively more neutral, legible fonts that support rather than compete with your featured nature font. Consider Contextual Relationships Look for typefaces that share subtle qualities with your chosen nature font without directly competing with it. For example: A nature font with slightly angular shapes might pair well with a geometric sans serif that echoes those angles in a more refined way A flowing, script-based nature font might harmonize with a serif that has similar transitional thick-to-thin strokes These thoughtful relationships create cohesion across your typography system while maintaining appropriate contrast. Beyond the Obvious: Unexpected Ways to Use Nature Fonts While nature fonts have obvious applications in environmental and outdoor contexts, creative designers find unexpected ways to leverage their organic appeal: Digital Contrast Create compelling juxtaposition by using nature fonts in highly digital contexts – mobile apps, technology websites, or futuristic designs. This unexpected contrast between the organic and the digital can create memorable, distinctive experiences. The key is to make this contrast intentional and thoughtful rather than accidental or discordant. When done well, this approach suggests a harmonious relationship between technology and nature. Luxury with a Natural Touch High-end spas, eco-luxury resorts, and premium organic products benefit from nature fonts that balance organic character with refined elegance. Look for nature fonts with a more subtle, sophisticated interpretation of natural elements. This approach works particularly well for brands that position themselves at the intersection of luxury and sustainability – offering premium experiences or products with environmental consciousness. Historical Revival with Natural Elements Combine nature-inspired details with historical typography styles for projects related to natural history, botanical archives, or heritage outdoor brands. This approach connects the timeless aspects of nature with historical human documentation of the natural world. Fonts that merge Victorian-era typography conventions with organic details work beautifully for museums, historical societies with environmental focuses, or brands with both heritage and natural positioning. Expert Opinions: Typography Designers on Nature Fonts I reached out to several typography experts to get their perspectives on what makes nature fonts effective and how they see them evolving in 2025 and beyond: Maria Gonzalez, Type Designer at NaturalType Studios, says: “The most successful nature fonts don’t literally mimic leaves or branches – they capture the feeling and movement of natural elements while maintaining functionality as typography. It’s about essence rather than direct imitation.” James Chen, Environmental Brand Strategist, notes: “We’re seeing a shift toward more subtle nature fonts that suggest rather than shout their organic inspiration. Clients want nature-inspired typography that feels authentic and grounded rather than cartoonish or overly literal.” Dr. Amelia Parks, Professor of Design History, observes: “There’s a fascinating historical relationship between typography and natural forms, from medieval illuminated manuscripts with their plant motifs to Art Nouveau’s nature-inspired letterforms. Today’s nature fonts are continuing this centuries-old conversation between typography and the organic world.” These experts agree: the most effective nature fonts strike a balance between distinctive organic character and practical functionality, capturing the essence of natural elements without sacrificing readability or versatility. Common Questions About Nature Fonts Let’s address some frequently asked questions about nature fonts: What makes a font look natural or organic? Natural-looking fonts typically feature irregular, non-uniform strokes, flowing curves, and organic imperfections that mimic elements found in nature. They often incorporate biomorphic shapes, varying line weights, and textural qualities that reference natural materials like wood, stone, or plant life. Are nature fonts good for body text? Most distinctive nature fonts work best for display purposes (headlines, logos, feature text) rather than extended body copy. Their distinctive characteristics often reduce readability at smaller sizes. For body text in nature-themed designs, consider more legible fonts with subtle natural qualities or pair your statement nature font with a neutral, readable companion. How can I make my design feel natural without using an obviously “nature” font? Incorporate other design elements that evoke nature – organic color palettes, natural textures, and biomorphic shapes. You can also choose fonts with subtle natural qualities like slight irregularities or gentle flowing forms rather than overtly “tree-like” or “leaf-shaped” typefaces. Where can I find quality nature fonts? Beyond the fonts featured in this article, explore type foundries that specialize in organic, handcrafted typefaces. Many independent type designers create beautiful nature-inspired fonts that you won’t find in mainstream collections. Creative marketplaces like Creative Market, MyFonts, and Adobe Fonts also offer excellent selections of nature-inspired typography. Conclusion: Bringing Nature’s Beauty to Typography Nature fonts offer designers a powerful tool to connect audiences with the organic world through typography. Whether you’re creating branding for an eco-conscious company, designing materials for outdoor adventures, or simply wanting to infuse your work with the beauty and authenticity of the natural world, the right nature font can transform your design. The key is choosing nature fonts thoughtfully – considering not just their aesthetic appeal but their functional requirements, emotional resonance, and appropriateness for your specific context. When used with intention and skill, these fonts do more than just look pretty – they tell a story, evoke emotions, and strengthen your design’s core message. So whether you’re drawn to the delicate intricacy of floral-inspired scripts, the rugged character of wood-textured display fonts, or the flowing movement of water-inspired letterforms, there’s a nature font waiting to bring the outdoors into your next design project. Which nature font speaks to you? Are you drawn to the bold, texturally rich options or the more delicate, flowing typefaces? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’re using nature fonts in your work! Zoe Santoro Zoe is an art student and graphic designer with a passion for creativity and adventure. Whether she’s sketching in a cozy café or capturing inspiration from vibrant cityscapes, she finds beauty in every corner of the world. With a love for bold colors, clean design, and storytelling through visuals, Zoe blends her artistic skills with her wanderlust to create stunning, travel-inspired designs. Follow her journey as she explores new places, discovers fresh inspiration, and shares her creative process along the way. 15 Indian Fonts That Capture the Beauty of IndiaIndian typography tells stories through shapes—curves that dance, lines that flow with centuries of cultural meaning. The scripts of India...32 Business Card Mockups for Clients & Designers in 2025Professional business card mockups transform your flat designs into compelling visuals for your clients. These digital templates place your cards...46 Magic Fonts That Are Enchanting in 2025There’s something about seeing letters that look like they were written with a quill dipped in starlight or carved from...

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Introduction Hi everyone. My name is John Chen, I'm a Taiwan-born, Australia-raised artist using digital and traditional mediums. I have worked in the VFX, theme park, and collectible industries since 2010, as a generalist and digital sculptor.In the past few years, I have gradually transitioned to full-time fine art, developing my own visual style and narrative. I still help out with the occasional freelance project as a digital sculptor and concept artist.Happy Eggster Day ProjectThe happy eggster piece was a fun one-day project during some downtime; it was completed in 6 hours. It is a fan art piece based on the incredible work of H.R. Giger and his original concept for the alien facehugger egg.I’ve always wanted to sculpt something that was closer to his original design, rather than the film-accurate version. And I’ve not seen someone do this before.Giger has a huge influence on my personal art; he and Beksinski are my two favourite modern masters.ModelingI used ZBrush 2022 for sculpting and KeyShot for rendering. ZBrush is my go-to software for sculpting, I also use it as a sketching tool for my fine art oil paintings.Giger’s original concept was already pretty much fleshed out and detailed; I had studied his work for a long time, so I understand his visual language quite well and was easily able to interpret the forms, while adding my own fleshy details.Most of my work starts with a sphere. I use the Sculptris Pro function for 80% of the process. For the egg, it was just a stretched-out sphere, which I cut in half with the knife tool.Sculptris Pro was a game changer back when it was first introduced; it made sculpting without the concern for topology possible and feels more natural like traditional sculpting.It's always important for me to start with simple forms and shapes before jumping into details. I have a custom shortcut key setup in the UI to define various Sculptris resolutions, which acts like using big brushes to small brushes. I will gradually step down in size as I get more detailed.The facehugger itself is pretty basic, as I just wanted to reflect the concept, which only shows the legs and some of the tail. For the legs, I just sculpted one joint and duplicated it 3 times to form a single finger, then I duplicated each finger and posed it in position.The tricky part with the facehugger was trying to fit it into the egg. Giger’s original concept drawing didn’t quite fit the actual space, so some of the back legs are pretty broken. For the tails, I just used the curve tube brushes.For the final detailing, I often utilise the cloth dynamics in ZBrush, such as the Cloth Pull brush, which can take some practice to get subtle effects, but it's a quick way to get organic final details.I also make my own textures/alphas from 3D scanning nature. Some of these were scanned from my clay sculptures as well as a banana skin! Here is a narrated time-lapse video explaining the process for another project:For most of what I do nowadays, I am not concerned with topology for pipeline since it's mostly conceptual or for 3D printing. So I tend to use Sculptris/dynamic topology. If I need to do more advanced texturing with UVs, I will just use ZRemesher with polygroups. For this project, it was just PolyPaint with some procedural textures in KeyShot.I shared a tutorial on how to quickly retopo and UV an asset for texturing a few years ago:TexturingI used basic PolyPaint for this piece, using the Polish brush to paint the cavities and highlights with different colors and values. It's quite simple, as you can see, most of the interest comes from the sculpted forms.I also used mask by cavity and masking by occlusion and fill with a darker color to pop out the details, then go over the top again with some manual brushing, this is a traditional way of painting sculptures/model kits, there are lots of great videos on traditional model kit painting on YT, the methods can be used on digital models too. Lighting & RenderingI used KeyShot for the final rendering. I have an RTX 3070, so running the GPU mode with denoise helps to speed things up; the final beauty render was 3 minutes each. It's important to dial down the denoise settings, otherwise it will blur all the lovely highlights/details from the sculpt.Lighting was achieved with a strong overhead spot light and a front soft light using an IES profile for a more interesting fill. This type of setup is perfect for showing off a model in a chiaroscuro style. The material is a translucent plastic type; the egg and the facehugger have different adjustments to sell the translucency. Be aware that translucent materials are scale-dependent, so I typically work in the same scale across my projects and have a template lighting scene already set up, ready to go. These types of material also tend to look better with a simple lighting setup with high contrast, so I don’t recommend using HDRI with it.ConclusionMy biggest tip for aspiring artists is to keep practicing and try all mediums, even if you plan to only do digital, learning and playing with traditional mediums will help develop your artistic eye and transferable skills.The other advice is to stay away from AI references. AI can only produce filtered images. If you only train your eye on AI images, you will be missing out on the incredible organic details that nature already provides.I have two upcoming art shows at Copro Gallery in Los Angeles and Beinart gallery in Melbourne in May. If you are in the area, please come see some great art in person. All my socials and information can be found here.Thanks for having me!John Chen, ArtistInterview conducted by Emma Collins

Tomtoc Hardshell Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 $33.30 (was $37) with coupon See at Amazon Tomtoc Crossbody Sling Bag for Nintendo Switch 2 $45 (was $50) with promo code See at Amazon Tomtoc Shoulder Bag for Nintendo Switch 2 & Steam Deck $50 (was $53) See at Amazon Carrying case and travel bag manufacturer Tomtoc has been a popular choice for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck users for years. Now, like many other third-party companies, Tomtoc has launched its first options for Nintendo Switch 2. The manufacturer is known for its sleek, hardshell cases as well as its range of stylish shoulder bags, and the pair of Switch 2 Tomtoc products showcase exactly that. Tomtoc's Carrying Case and Crossbody Sling Bag are available to ship now from Amazon.Tomtoc's hardshell case has quickly vaulted to the top of Amazon's list of the best-selling Nintendo Switch cases, and is pretty high up on the bestsellers list for gaming in general (as of May 6). With preorders for Nintendo's official Switch 2 carrying cases currently sold out, Tomtoc's cases will likely continue to be popular as we inch closer to the Switch 2's June 5 launch. Tomtoc Hardshell Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 $33.30 (was $37) with coupon The Switch 2 version of Tomtoc's signature design, this hardshell case offers a form-fitting, sleek design. Tomtoc used water-resistant felt materials to provide a soft feel on both the outside and inside of the case. While you'll still want to carry your Switch 2 around carefully, if Tomtoc's Switch and Steam Deck cases are any indication, this Switch 2 case should provide ample protection. The precision fit, shock-absorbing cushions, and materials, which Tomtoc claims are lighter and sturdier than EVA, should keep your console snug and safe, whether it's bouncing around inside your backpack or (hopefully not) tumbling toward cement.Other useful features include a sturdy buckle, an adjustable wrist-strap that can also double as a handle, and space to store up to 12 game cards.Normally $37, you can save 10% on the price by clicking the coupon box below the price. There are three color options: black, gray, and white. See at Amazon Tomtoc Crossbody Sling Bag for Nintendo Switch 2 $45 (was $50) with promo code Tomtoc's other option gives you enough space to carry your Switch 2 and several accessories. This crossbody bag is also constructed from lightweight materials, and inside you'll find a dedicated compartment for your Switch 2. This section is crafted with an EVA hard shell to help shield against collisions, and there's a soft lining to help protect the Switch screen from any scratches.You'll also find enough space here for a Switch 2 Pro Controller, up to eight game cards, a charger, and space for smaller accessories like additional cables and earphones.You can also get a 10% discount on this bag by clicking the coupon on the page listing. Three color options are available: black, two-tone gray, and a red and white edition. See at Amazon Tomtoc Shoulder Bag for Nintendo Switch 2 & Steam Deck $50 (was $53) If you have multiple large gaming handhelds, Tomtoc also offers a bag that is shaped to hold a Switch 2 or one of several mobile PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X. This plush shoulder bag has a removable EVA insert designed to protect your handheld from drops as well as plenty of space for accessories. Unlike the two options above, this Tomtoc bag isn't a brand-new release, but it's worth mentioning here because of its versatility and standing as one of Tomtoc's most popular travel bags. See at Amazon The three cases above are just the tip of the Switch 2 iceberg when it comes to third-party accessories for Nintendo Switch 2 at Amazon. Some of the highlights here include hardshell carrying cases designed to offer a more durable option at an attractive price, like Spigen's Rugged Armor Protective Case/Grip for $30 at Amazon. JSAUX, another popular manufacturer of Steam Deck and Switch accessories, also just released a range of Switch 2 accessories for budget-friendly prices.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Season 25 of Apex Legends has begun, adding the new playable character Sparrow to the roster. While Respawn Entertainment brought numerous changes to Apex Legends in Season 25, adding a new Legend has been the most anticipated addition for many fans.

Rockstar Games dropped the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 today, shedding more light about the game’s characters and story. As fans tried to determine which actors could be voicing which characters, I was hung up on an entirely different but otherwise completely inconsequential detail: Is that the Clevelander?! GTA 6 takes place in Vice City, the Grand Theft Auto facsimile of Miami and the eponymous setting of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Upon its release in 2006, Vice City portrayed an admirable recreation of Miami. But graphical technology in video games has obviously improved immensely in the intervening 20 years. All trailers and screenshots released to date indicate that GTA 6’s take on Miami will be stunningly close to the real thing — so close, in fact, that it appears to feature some IRL institutions. A representative for Rockstar Games didn’t respond to a request for comment in time for publication, so I can’t claim with 100% certainty that this is meant to be the Clevelander, but also: This is clearly the Clevelander. I’m sure of it. Probably. The Clevelander, a hotel located on Ocean Drive in the center of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, was originally built in the 1930s, but it didn’t come into its own until a sale and subsequent renovation in the late 1980s. According to the Miami Design Preservation League, brothers Tony and Kent Kay took over the space, added a bar, and booked musical acts for outdoor concerts every night. Local noise ordinance laws passed in the ’90s prevented many hotels from playing loud music late into the evening, but the Clevelander happened to be located in a two-block radius exempted from those laws, essentially allowing for the party to continue until it ran out of steam. Well, 30 years later, the party is still going. At pretty much all hours, you’ll see people slinging back tequila shots and dancing — not just on the elevated dance floor, but in the pool, on tables, and maybe even on the bar. The Clevelander is the type of place where a bare-chested man will show up at 1:30 a.m. on a Thursday wearing a floor-length leopard fur coat and not even remotely look out of place (true story). It is, in other words, Grand Theft Auto fodder in a bottle. Here’s another fun detail that illustrates how much of a party vibe the Clevelander gives off: The hotel’s marketing department (which, say, a journalist reaching out for comment would typically hit up) shares a phone extension with its bottle service reservations. The Clevelander did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. For approximately 0.06 seconds in the second GTA 6 trailer, you’ll catch a shot of a neon-pink courtyard, flanked by Art Deco walls that look suspiciously like those of the Clevelander (one curved, one straight). People dance on literally all surfaces. You can’t see anyone rocking a full-length fur coat in 85ºF weather, but you just know, somewhere off screen, he’s there, watching, waiting, probably crushing a margarita, definitely sucking down an entire cigarette in a single drag. I visited the place earlier this year, and came away with the takeaway that the Clevelander is Miami Beach. (Not a compliment so much as an observation.) I asked the person with whom I visited if the screenshot above bore a resemblance to the place we saw a bunch of off-duty banking interns dancing next to plastic flamingos. Their response? “Abbbbbbbbsolutely.”

NeoCon 2025 is just around the corner, and we’re packing our notebooks, cameras, and walking shoes. As the premier commercial design fair in North America, NeoCon brings together the best in contract furniture, flooring, lighting, textiles, and more June 9-11, 2025 – all under the very busy roof of THE MART in Chicago. From innovative materials and workplace solutions to playful collaborations and wellness-centric design, this year’s lineup promises no shortage of inspiration. Need to register? There’s still time! In the meantime, here’s a peek at just a few things we’re most excited to check out on the show floor and beyond: NeoCon will make a lasting first impression before you even set through the doors with ART on THE MART, the world’s largest digital art project. Acclaimed architecture and design firm Perkins&Will will transform THE MART’s 2.5-acre facade into a massive moving artwork that honors Chicago’s creative and enduring spirit. This year’s theme, Design Ahead, sets the tone for an exciting and forward-looking show. NeoCon’s conference program will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers, including three visionary keynotes. Annie Jean-Baptiste, author of Building for Everyone and Director of Products for All at Google, will present Designing for Global Innovation, exploring how inclusive, human-centered design can create more resonant, impactful products for diverse audiences. Design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn, cofounder of the Design Emergency podcast, will highlight design’s power to enrich and improve daily life in Design as an Attitude. Last but not least, in Bring Impossible Ideas to Life, Chris Barton, founder and creator of Shazam, will share how perseverance, creativity, and innovation transformed a simple idea into one of the world’s most beloved tech tools – and what designers can learn from that journey. NeoCon Talks will also delve into bold perspectives on next-gen creativity, workplace evolution, technology & AI, human-centered design, and brand & storytelling. NeoCon’s CEU program will be both on-site and online, packed with over 60 sessions that feel especially timely, tackling topics like circularity, decarbonization, designing for (and by) Gen Z, neurodivergence, and AI-driven materials. With experts from top firms, universities, and media outlets, the lineup offers real-world strategies and fresh perspectives that speak to the most current conversations in design. Bonus: all sessions will be available on demand through October 1, 2025, so you can catch up even after the show. This year’s hands-on workshops are all about stepping away from the conference room and diving into the creative process. With topics like color psychology, sustainable materials, visual storytelling, and sketching techniques, these sessions are designed to push the limits of design thinking while sharpening real-world skills. There’s so much more happening, from the Best of NeoCon Awards presentations and showroom expansions by legacy names like Wolf-Gordon, Turf, Green Hides, and Andreu World, to a wave of permanent newcomers on the show floor, including West Elm Work, Arktura, Baresque, Smith System, and more. And the fun doesn’t stop there – the city comes alive with a food-meets-art lunch, exclusive tours at the Ramona Theatre and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and hands-on studio workshops. For the full NeoCon 2025 programming, visit neocon.com. There’s a lot to cover, so make sure you’re in the loop and register today to start planning your trip. See you there!