Delta Makes the Difference 

By Larry Tiefenbrunn, MD 
CEO and inventor, Platypod Pro LLC 

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love tripods. I personally own about a half a dozen of them of all different brands. I use them for studio work, group portraiture, even some product shots.  

However, when I’m out and about, the last thing I want to do is carry around unnecessarily heavy equipment. And I certainly don’t want to be told by security guards (#TripodPolice) that I can’t use a tripod to take long exposures for whatever reasons they conjure up. A compact flat tripod that slips into my camera bag, that doesn’t take up the space of a telephoto lens, is why I invented the very first Platypod, and that is why I have dedicated 10 years of time to this company… so that I can share my idea with like-minded photographers.  

After several iterations of “the world‘s most compact tripod base” I have taken the very best features of our patented designs, and coalesced them into what I believe is going to be the most popular tripod of its kind, the Platypod Delta. The triangular design, flip out legs and adaptations to straps and 1/4” threaded accessories make this the fastest and most versatile Platypod to date. You just add on your own tripod head to this plate, and you are ready to shoot photo or video. Don’t have a spare tripod head? Look at any of our Platyball ballhead models or the Platypod grip for your smart phone. 

What is new and different about Delta? 

Δ Flip out hinged spikes – when we introduced the recent Platypod eXtreme, everyone was so happy that they no longer had to insert each spike individually. They could now simply pull out the hinges and flip the spikes into place. Our previous hand sized model, the Platypod ultra also required the spikes to be carried in a separate wallet which was not as convenient. For Delta, we designed all new heavy duty hinges with adjustable tension (with included 2 mm Allen wrench). Three 1/4 inch threaded spikes take three or four seconds to deploy.  

They also incorporate our unique nylon/silicone retractable feet to reveal the sharp spikes for stone and concrete, or conversely, to cover them with a soft rubber tip to protect delicate surfaces. 

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Δ Triangular design – All our previous designs relied upon a primarily four legged system for added stability. The sacrifice however was speed since on almost any uneven surface some degree of leg adjustment was necessary for balance as well as to avoid jitter. The three legged system allows instant stability upon spike deployment. 

Δ Super lightweight design – at only 4.2 ounces including spikes and tips this is our most lightweight and compact Platypod with a substantially smaller surface area due to the aircraft like cut out design. We bumped up the thickness of the metal from 5 mm to 6 mm to maintain maximum strength and stability. Fits beautifully into any camera bag or your pocket. 

What remains the same? 

It is compatible with our entire product line and maintains the Platypod features our users love: 

…and yes, it really does open beer bottles. 

Delta is available for discounted pre-order via Kickstarter now through February 15, 2025 and later on at platypod.com  

Platypod®️ Delta Travel Tripod by Larry Tiefenbrunn — Kickstarter 

https://layersmagazine.com/delta-makes-the-difference.html




Brutalist Graphic Design: Why It’s Ugly, Bold, and Trending in 2025!

Brutalism: it’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s unapologetically bold. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its impact on design today. From clunky websites to avant-garde posters, Brutalist design is everywhere—and it’s making a comeback. But why? And how can you use it in your own work?Stick around as we break it all down in this deep dive into Brutalist graphic design.

Brutalism Graphic Design: Why It’s Ugly, Bold, and Trending in 2025!

► Brutalism Design Templates – https://spoon.graphics/3DZ8bsW
► Black Brutalism Art Design Flyer – https://spoon.graphics/3WfptZn
► Streetwear Brutalism Instagram Post Template – https://spoon.graphics/4fQ5Ain
► Neo Brutalism Creative Business Agency Flyer Set – https://spoon.graphics/4fQRs8I
► Fashion Brutalism Instagram Post Template – https://spoon.graphics/427UAd9

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https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/brutalism-graphic-design-why-its-ugly-bold-and-trending-in-2025




The BEST Spoon Graphics Tutorials from 2024

2024 is coming to an end, so let’s take a look back at my tutorial videos from the past year and see which topics proved to be the most popular. Once again my Neon Light Effect Photoshop Tutorial from back in 2021 continues to dominate my YouTube Analytics as my best performing video, now with 2.8 million total views. Sadly, none of my uploads this year have managed to pull out any extraordinary numbers, my best performing videos are just about on par with 9th and 10th place from my 2023 roundup! I thought my recent Vaporwave Neon Effect Photoshop Tutorial might have followed in the footsteps of that popular Neon Light Effect tutorial with it being the same process with a different result, but the stats aren’t quite living up to expectations yet with 3000 views so far. Hopefully this will be one to watch if the algorithm decides to shine some light on it in 2025.

► Neon Light Effect Photoshop Tutorial – https://youtu.be/3JxCbwn-6bQ
► Vaporwave Neon Effect Photoshop Tutorial – https://youtu.be/Ht21wUDPS-M
► Easily Create Fire in Photoshop With This Incredible Flames Action – https://youtu.be/oT2CyMCbQXM
► EASILY Create NEON Effects With AI in Adobe Firefly – https://youtu.be/NF3XORW2iMA
► Adobe Illustrator Tutorial: Design a Retro VHS Cover Inspired Poster – https://youtu.be/Br6XI0TwYyA
► 10 Font Styles Every Graphic Designer Should Know – https://youtu.be/GowuIcIabKs
► Add Textures in Photoshop with the Hidden “KNOCKOUT” Method – https://youtu.be/Ewyn-yoNFoc
► How to Create Watercolour Painting Effects with AI Using Photoshop’s Generative Fill – https://youtu.be/XmNFlgCGWpw
► Easy Green Slime Text Effect With Adobe Firefly – https://youtu.be/0bm3SRvSa_k
► Photoshop Pencil Sketch Effect Tutorial – https://youtu.be/DWQMNKSw2XA
► Text Portrait Effect in Photoshop – https://youtu.be/gF2qujOMtVI
► Grainy Xerox Grunge Effect Photoshop Tutorial – https://youtu.be/fnTdmhODwW8

Subscribe to the Spoon Graphics YouTube Channel

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/the-best-spoon-graphics-tutorials-from-2024




The Decade Collection: 100 Fonts, Less Than $1 a Font! 10 Years in the Making

Prepare for any design project that you might face in 2025 and beyond with a lifetime’s worth of vintage fonts! Over $2000 worth of meticulously crafted vintage fonts are available at the exceptional price of just $99, offering unbeatable value for money. What’s more, Spoon Graphics readers can get an extra 20% off with the code: SPOON20.

The Decade Collection contains 100 vintage display typefaces that have been handcrafted over 10 years by the folks at Hustle Supply Co. It includes scripts, serif, sans-serif, hand-drawn styles, and more, catering to every imaginable retro design need. Each font is carefully designed to pay tribute to various eras, from bohemian spur serif to industrial beveled typefaces, perfectly capturing the essence of historical design periods.

With a single purchase, gain lifelong access to this comprehensive collection, ensuring a lasting supply of vintage fonts for all future projects. Commercial Desktop License is included, allowing for unlimited personal projects and extensive commercial use, including branding, packaging, and Print on Demand services.

Get an Extra 20% Off The Decade Collection

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/latest_news/the-decade-collection-100-fonts-less-than-1-a-font-10-years-in-the-making




How to Add Grainy Shading to Your Photoshop Art

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https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/how-to-add-grainy-shading-to-your-photoshop-art




Treat Yourself to an Early Gift With The Winter Wonderbox

Unwrap a hamper full of fresh art and design tools with this festive-themed bundle! The Winter Wonderbox has everything you need—from frosty watercolor cliparts and shimmering textures to heartfelt greeting cards and fun ugly sweater effects. This collection is perfect for the holidays and will keep you inspired for Christmases yet to come. Don’t miss out on the 94% discount, treat yourself to an early gift… You deserve it!

All the products in The Winter Wonderbox come backed with extended licensing, which means they can be used in multiple commercial projects and even items for resale. For a limited time only, you can acquire this entire bundle for just $29, which is a massive saving off the regular price of all the individual products combined.

Buy The Winter Wonderbox for $29

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/latest_news/treat-yourself-to-an-early-gift-with-the-winter-wonderbox




Design a Modern Gradient Logo Using Adobe Illustrator’s Shape Builder Tool

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https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/design-a-modern-gradient-logo-using-adobe-illustrators-shape-builder-tool




Duotone Neon Light Space Poster Photoshop Tutorial

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https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/duotone-neon-light-space-poster-photoshop-tutorial




Illustrator Tutorial: Design a Retro VHS Cover Inspired Poster

The retro artwork that used to appear on old VHS tape covers has become an iconic design style that is often mimicked today. Follow along with this tutorial to create your own fun retro style poster based on the artwork of those VHS cassette covers. We’ll use Illustrator to construct the design with text and shape elements, then we’ll quickly send the final artwork over to Photoshop to give it an aged appearance with texture overlays.

Illustrator Tutorial: Design a Retro VHS Cover Inspired Poster

► Vintage Paper Textures – http://spoon.graphics/1Vn8gcy

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Download with membership

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/videos/illustrator-tutorial-design-a-retro-vhs-cover-inspired-poster




4 Products for $10! Pick Your Favourites and Save Up to 90% Off

A brand new kind of design bundle has just dropped over at Design Cuts. Curated Collections are mini bundles of 4 related products for just $10, saving up to 90%. You’ll find collections of brushes, fonts, illustrations and more for Procreate, Photoshop and other art and design software. Which ones are your favourites?

Curated Collections - 4 products for $10

Each curated collection has a specific theme, so you can be sure to find one that’s made just for you! Vintage design lover? Check out the Vintage Design Builder. Crazy about patterns? You need the Pattern Perfection Collection. Affinity user? Check out the Affinity All Stars Pack. Here are some of my picks:

Creative Essentials

Ideal for: Digital artists who love painting with Photoshop brushes.

Timeless Type Kit

Ideal for: Font lovers who want to add some historical charm to their typography.

Procreate Watercolour Wonderbox

Ideal for: Procreate users who want to delve into watercolour effects.

Find Your Favourite Curated Collection

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/latest_news/4-products-for-10-pick-your-favourites-and-save-up-to-90-off