To the average layperson (read: me), computer viruses are strings of text that crawl through your computer like so many worms after you open that email from your friend's grandma. They're intangible. Which is why seeing how 24 top designers illustrated the most famous viruses is so much fun.
The Computer Virus Catalog is a collection of short descriptions of famed viruses throughout history, accompanied by clever illustrations from graphic designers and studios like HORT. The project was put together by Bas van de Poel, a Dutch designer who requested that each team take on a different virus.
The results are sometimes banal, sometimes spooky, and largely very funny. They're also a great primer on viruses for those who wouldn't know the difference between a computer virus and a common cold. Check out a few highlights below. [Khoi Vinh]