I've been trying out a lot of online color palette tools lately, and was especially impressed with Adobe Kuler. The user-friendly tools allows you to search existing palettes and create your own via an intuitive interface. You can also create a palette from an image, which could prove very useful for design projects. Read the full review.

Online giant AOL recently revealed their new branding... a move away from the triangle and typeface currently featured on the AOL website to simple "Aol." type (including the period) that can be displayed with countless images as its background. Business Wire features a small sample of the new branding, that is meant to show the company's flexibility and focus on varied content. The new look has received pretty quick backlash and complaints from the design community... what do you think?

37signals makes great products that help us stay organized, from tracking tasks to managing contacts to online chatting. Mac AppStorm put together an impressive list of Mac and iPhone apps that compliment these products. The list includes software for Basecamp, Backpack, Highrise and Campfire. Since these 37signals services operate online in a web browser, these alternatives allow you to work offline and on-the-go.

We often hear the terms "right-brained" and "left-brained" to describe creative versus analytical thinkers. As graphic designers we are often right-brained, relying on visuals to complete our jobs. We also have to tap into the left side of the brain to handle the business aspects of design, from contracts to quotes. The Web Designer Depot has an interesting and clearly written article on both sides of the brain, and how they relate to designers. There are also links to two "brain quizzes," one of which comes from the about.com painting site.