Well, I've made it to post number 60. It seems like a nice round number, perfect for reflecting on the whole of the semester. This semester was good. Met some new people, got taught by some new instructors, took some new classes. I think I finally understand the pace that this program runs at now. Took me a year to get it, but I think I at least understand it now. It'll be tricky to change my habits, but I'll adapt. I think I'm still learning about what makes design compared to other aspects that work with it such as illustration and the like. I guess that'll come with time though.
I liked the fact that this year had a different feel from all my past years in school. Something about knowing that this will end up being a career really settled in. Hopefully, keeping that in mind, I'll try to push my design more and figure out what works for me.
Signing off for summer days....
Friday, April 30, 2010
Skull-A-Day
Based on the conversation from earlier today, I had to post a link to this blog. People may have already posted a lot of stuff from here, but I guess it's an interesting concept. Similar to the ring concept from my previous post, this is taking the archetype of a skull and finding different ways of creating design (amongst other things) with it in mind. Personally, I like the piece above. It has high contrast and a bit of thought behind it. Otherwise, there aren't too many design pieces on the website. Interesting to take a little look at though.
http://skulladay.blogspot.com/
Natural Electronics
Here's another example of taking an unexpected material and making it part of design. Andrew Ross has made design pieces out of wasted cow bones. It's an interesting idea to make electronics out of a natural substance. It's quirky and chic.
http://www.dezeen.com/2008/07/14/the-bone-project-by-andrew-ross/
Paper Lamp
With everyone wanting to be 'green' and environmentally friendly, designer David Gardener has taken it to a place that I know a lot of other people are, making the product part of the packaging. He's created a lamp that is packaged in paper pulp. The packaging also holds the paper pulp shade made for the lamp. Rather than throwing the whole paper part out, a good part of it is reused. I think that this is where design is heading towards. Eventually, if people are not expecting this from their products, it will become necessary regardless. I think it's a challenge most designers are willing to take on.
http://www.dezeen.com/2008/08/14/packaging-lamp-by-david-gardener/
Book Vases
The idea of taking a material that's unexpected and transforming it is really intriguing. Designer Laura Cahill has done just that with her vases and furniture made out of used books. Although the designs for her furniture are nice, it's the medium that really makes them stand out. I'd love to do something like this again. Last year, I had an assignment where we had an archetype (mine was a ring) and we had to create three pieces of work a week out of different materials based on the archetype. I found it really opened me to looking at all materials differently. For example, laminate floor padding is a really cool material to design with. Regardless, I got what I think I needed to out of the project, the idea that anything could be used to design with. So, now I don't count anything out. People still surprise me; always interesting to see how designers are able to look at things in a different light.
http://www.dezeen.com/2008/09/05/book-vases-by-laura-cahill/
Wet Paint
I thought this ad really stood out. It's an exciting idea, having things on a large scale like that. It made me think of how work must be planned depending on size. There's no way that this ad would've been as effective if it was smaller. Or maybe it would've been. It's hard to say. Just looking at it you know that it took much planning to make it work. It also makes you think of the possibilities of how big your work could really be (figuratively speaking).
P.S. I also really like the fact that the ad for the paint and the insurance company play off one another. They make for an interesting combo.
http://designyoutrust.com/2010/04/04/50-extremely-clever-ads-from-around-the-world/
No Clownin' Around
The structure of this ad is interesting. It's really easy for me to see the grid in it now. There are a bunch of different typefaces in there too, yet all of them manage to work together. Maybe it's a little less cohesive that it could be because of them all, but somehow it still works out. The colours in this ad are great though, the bright hues contrasting with the white all throughout the piece. Putting all design elements aside, this ad is freaky. From the overexcited clown to the fact that Mr. Kool Aid looks like he's melting, I can't imagine how many dreams this ad must have haunted.http://www.retroist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/kool-aid-klown.jpg
Limited Edition Chair
The way that the type is able to be created out of wood in this piece is really cool. The type itself is really interesting in the way it's able to connect all throughout the piece. I think the piece might also be able to actually be used as a chair. Function and fashion, what a great combination.
Stamps by Feel
I like the fact that these stamps are made for people who are blind and also those that can see. The design has the same idea running for both concepts so they feel as if they're on a level playing field. Either the braille or the letterforms do not overpower one another, instead they work together seamlessly. I also like the use of a bold letterform for a small stamp and the fact that everything's centred really making it the main focus. Seems like a unique solution all around.http://www.dezeen.com/2009/11/03/lees-mee-braille-stamps-by-rene%CC%81-put/
Inside Sketches
I always think it's interesting to look at people's sketchbooks. It's as if a person is more themselves in one than in their work sometimes. After all, work is edited many times for the right purpose. A sketchbook is just working how to combine yourself with what the client needs. I found a designer named Dave (that's the only name he gives) and his sketchbook seems really interesting. They're just little drawings and thoughts but they give an idea of where he's coming from and how he sees his work within his designs. He's more of an illustrator so it's not so much about layout but his illustrations have a real graphic feel. Plus, they're really intriguing. And truly random. I guess that's a part of his character.http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackandwhiteanimals/sets/72157604641137126/
Zany Zoo Flavour
I liked the design on this packet. The colours work really well together, giving the feeling of raspberry while still being fun. I also really liked the mix of typefaces, each random yet complementing each other. The illustration's also a lot of fun; I like how it looks like it's made from cut pieces. Kinda Saul Bass-esque. Then again, I probably don't know as much about Saul Bass as I probably should, so I can only go on what I know of his work. Would be interesting if he created a design for a kids drink packet...
http://ionoi.blogs.sonance.net/category/graphische/characterdesign/page/2/
Mean Streets
I found this poster re-designed for the movie Mean Streets (I'm not sure who has designed it unfortunately). I think it really represents the idea of the movie (the little I know of it anyways; mainly the title) and has a different take than the original poster. While the original poster focused on the cityscape, this more modern poster takes it a step further by including a map. I like the composition in the original poster as it's not all centered, giving a little variety. Despite one poster being from the 1970's, both posters seem very current. Funny how things seem to come around like that.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
That Chair
Now, I've been looking for random stuff to talk about in this blog and on pretty much every one I go on there's this chair. Now, the chair is cool and does provide some interesting design details but I don't get why everyone's talking about it. I guess the idea is kind of funky, covering a seemingly average chair in red pinked felt but otherwise it seems pretty lack-luster. Then again, maybe that's the point to this chair, the fact that it doesn't have a crazy concept to it or that it follows a certain style. Maybe it is just about being fun. I guess I can appreciate that (despite what others may say about my choices sometimes. I can be a practical person sometimes...) Regardless, it's a fun chair.
http://www.dezeen.com/2010/04/23/fury-by-roel-jan-elsinga/
Artsy Cards
I know there are a lot of decks of cards involving artwork from illustrators and designers. This pack from "The Black Rock Collective" especially stands out. I like the fact that every card is unique and reflects the artist's personal style. The subtle details of the designs posted are also really interesting. I wish I could see more of them.http://moadesign.net/illustration/black-rock-collective/black-rock-collective-cards
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
"Joy of Text"
Designer David Hyde has set out a plan. A celebration, if you will. He has decided to discuss "52 fonts you could use instead of Helvetica"; 2 fonts, every 2 weeks. He completed his plan and now has a list from A to Z of typefaces that he thinks have merit and that have been overshadowed by Helvetica. For example, his first entry was talking about the typefaces Albertus and Avenir. He says that Albertus was more popular during the 1970's but isn't used as often now. He also says that Avenir, based on the typeface Futura is seen mostly everywhere these days. He even uses it in his own blog heading. Personally, I like Avenir. But it's really similar to Futura, so it makes sense that I would. I should probably start looking into using a few more fonts he's got listed here. Maybe they'll make my work more exciting.
http://www.davidthedesigner.com/davidthedesigner/2007/11/the-first-two-f.html
http://www.davidthedesigner.com/davidthedesigner/2007/11/the-first-two-f.html
Billboard Bag
p.s. They also make a leather version of the bag; it's shown above.
Wow.
When I was a kid, all I used to use was pencil crayon. Then, I grew up and still used a lot of pencil crayon. So when I saw this, I just stopped.
500 of them. I'll be honest, I don't know what you could possibly need all those colours for but still. Even the way they're arranged works well. A large gradient running through line after line...
My next thought is "Who got the job of naming them all?"
Raw
The package design for Bee Raw Honey seems to have something that I like about it. It could be the thinner clear jars or the minimal type. I think I like the fact that the honey is allowed to pretty much speak for itself. Truly seems like simple yet effective design.
A Wedding Story
I remember seeing this invitation at the TDC Show last semester and absolutely loved it. The typefaces used are all very different but seem to work well together. The variety of typefaces really provides visual contrast and excitement as you're going through the piece. I find it's kind of like when you tell a story, you don't use the same tone of voice for every part that you tell. Using the different typefaces is almost like a change in tone.
I also really enjoy the fact that it's not a traditional invitation and that it allows you to connect with the couple despite if you know them well or not. I wish Jill and Matthew a good wedding and I'm not even invited! I guess the fact of getting to hear their story it keeps you and makes you want to continue through the whole of the piece. That's one thing I haven't designed yet; a wedding invitation. This one makes me want to try for the fun of it though. Doesn't make me want to get married, but does make me think of trying a new way to design.
P.S. It's too bad I can't remember who designed this invitation. Well, credits and kudos to whomever it's from.
Life as Grids
Although this concept is not directly related to design, it points out the interesting ways grids could have an effect over the way we see our lives. I found this concept in an article by Derek Lin. It says to see the grid above as each little box being a day and each full grid being a year. Then he says for you to look at the fact that maybe you may only have 4 or 5 grids left in your lifetime.
Although the concept may be a bit morbid, it does put things slightly in perspective. I think it's funny about the fact that one's life could come down to grids considering how important they seem to be to design work. I guess design seems to find its way into every part of life in one way or another.
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