I’m not normally a big fan of Jonathan Barnbrook’s work but his most recent project for Sydney’s 17th Biennale is really quite good. A collection of objects, patterns and lock ups make for a visually interesting identity that has been applied across many different elements in a diverse and engaging way.
Credit to Creative Review and check 17th Biennale of Sydney for more info on the event.
If you’re researching suitable print techniques for a client meeting or just looking to indulge in some inspirational printed materials, Under Consideration’s FPO (For Print Only) has to be high on my list of go to sources. As well as presenting salivating printed work that reminds me of the good-old-days where more of my time was spent in the print room (hand cracking that Vandacook), FPO meticulously details everything about the project, including exhaustive credits, print techniques and costs which are helpfully revealing and brings a refreshing dose transparency.
Next time you stuck for a sample print technique have a look at For Print Only, it wont let you down.
I’ve been working with Long Lunch for a little while now and recently I was asked by one of the founding members Brian Copeland of Graphic Clinic to produce a short motion graphic advert. In some of the more popular tube station CBS Outdoor have installed huge video projectors that loop 20s adverts whilst passengers wait for the next train where the advert will be shown. Inspired by the iconic flip depature boards and those flip-dot mechanisms, I just sent off the final render to the media space company so expect to see it in a tube station near you very soon.
On another related note, if you’re interested in graphic design and you’ve never come across Long Lunch before then I highly recommend buying a ticket and going along to one of their talks as they have some brilliant speakers in. You might just bump into me at one of the London venues. For a list of their up and coming talks watch the advert or check the Long Lunch website for full listings.
This weeks Postal Ephemera is Pick Me Up inspired bumper edition.
I got the chance to have a look round Pick Me Up before it closed and I must say it was a cracking showcase of image making talent that brought a lot of publicity to those artists exhibiting and the graphic design industry.
To coincide with the show lots of printed materials were created including this sweet, lo-fi curation booklet documenting the artists exhibited as well as providing some background context to the show. In the spirit of what felt like a degree show like exhibition the booklets dainty A6 size is printed on a variety of coloured stocks in single colour prints. This really helped to create a hand made low tech feel that mirrored the essence of what Pick Me Up and a lot of it’s artists work was about.
Fitting in with Pick Me Up and Landfill Editions who were exhibiting along with their beloved Riso machine, I thought it’d be a good chance to show off this print method that’s growing with popularity. I managed to get some samples from Landfill Editions and they’re very good. Riso printers are somewhere in-between litho printers and photocopiers—if you’re interested in finding out more I suggest you read this article. They’re aimed at projects with relatively short runs but at an affordable price. Their low-tech nature is making them a big hit with indie publishers and zine makers and it’s no surprise as the single colour aesthetic that retains the litho halftone look is very appealing. It’s a process I’ve marked up for using in the near future on some new projects.
So this week the latest issue of WIRED UK dropped through the letter box. I’ve been a huge supporter of WIRED for a while now, originally subscribing to the US version for a few years. I find it hard to believe but just a year has gone by since I went to the lavish launch event last year for WIRED UK and Italia.
The birthday celebrations are short and to the point incorporating a three page fold out showcasing 12 months of WIRED UK covers. Like previous issues, the content is always outstanding as is the design. This month including interesting features on the potential of the iPad prefixing the imminent launch in April. A great piece of writing by Steven Levy and testament to the creative art direction of the WIRED UK’s editorial team. Inspired by the articles content, the design mirrors the larger copy and wealth of interactive links offering a deeper understanding mirrors the type of experience iPad users are expecting. An avant garde approach that WIRED has come to be known for. This high quality of content and design is mirrored through out the rest of the mag all the way down to the little details such as the occasional metallic or fluro spot colour all the way down to this months cute Crayola illustrations running along the footer of the first half of the magazine.
Wether you’re a proud geek or editorial aficionado, WIRED UK was a welcomed surprise through the post this week. Go to Smiths and grab a copy immediately.
So the new Bonobo album, Black Sands is finally out. If you’ve never had the decency to listen to a Bonobo album then shame on you. Democratic music selection is always a tough call though in any studio with more than a few people, so if you’re after some instrumental, safe background beats then make sure you add Black Sands to the music collection.
Oh and if you’re one of those few people who’ve never come across Bonobo I highly recommend going through the back collection as you’ll find some gems from his studio LPs as well as a couple of live sessions, mixes and bootlegs if you look hard enough. No doubt bringing much needed musical kudos to any studio.
At the moment it is only that, a concept. For me though it makes a lot of sense and in the long line of products that Pantone have lent their name to. It’s interesting just how successful Pantone have been in turning what is a niche brand that makes sense to only a small number of people into a contemporary design classic. One particular example that springs to mind are the Pantone mugs; now on sale in big department stores and even making up the background furniture on day time TV’s This Morning. I imagine though one of the biggest thing holding this concept back though are the licensing for the Pantone brand name. Every product that bears always comes with a very high price tag.
A really charming and well produced short about working as a Projectionist lovingly created by a man who thoroughly loves his job working at London’s Screen on the Green.
I saw the new BBC trailer for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic today and it’s really well shot. I’d love to produce something like this to promote my yetis.
