The little design pocket

taniabonesi.co.uk. Click the image to go there!

2011-06-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

IM ALIVE! Finally have myself a simple website to exhibit my work over varying from the past couple of years. Simple and sweet, just needs a little tweaking but the main jist is there.. finally!

Almost there!!

2011-04-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Education is almost over...

I've been unbelievably busy, but things are coming together well, with new business cards, website and live projects that i have wanted to work on and add to the variety of my portfolio..

Cant wait to upload work etc ...

kleenex vs olbas oil?

2011-01-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or are kleenex stealing olbas oil's 'nose' ideas? a bit unoriginal right?

Couldn't actually find any decent images of the Olbas oil's slightly older campaign but heres one of the characters from the 'nose family'.

Im just surprised they got away with it and found this discovery rather interesting!

7 Days Oriental food shop

2011-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

This cool little shop near where i work in newcastle city, has a relatively recently new shop front, logo and signage. Was waiting around after work for my boyfriend last night so as i stood there, i took a bit more notice of it and realised how good it is for a pretty niche market/shop. Im a bit of a fan of the 'cute' and the 'Japanese' - design, culture etc ( credit to my boyfriend who got me into it all ^_^ )

Im really curious as to who designed it all..the illustrations are really cool and very good! Eye-catching, bright, friendly and welcoming, it embraces the eastern stereotypical culture ..

If anyone knows who did the design...? It would be interesting to know.

Maybe Im just not looking properly!

The title is a link to 7 days facebook page..

Alex Pardee Dunny | series 3

2011-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Alex Pardee and yes, I'm partial to the Dunny once in a while :P .. So Im surprised that i have only recently discovered this little fellow. Seeing as the dunny series is up to numero 10..(?) this canny little figure has been out a while.

The older they get and rarer they get, the more they are worth..

I want him!

Check out Kidrobot.eu for the like of these and other designer toys and such..

Grande artiste' at four...

2011-01-16T18:27:00.001-08:00

From the beginning..clearly...

(circa 1993-97)

127 hours

2011-01-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

This movie is brilliant in every way, from the careful handling of the true story to the film making and effects.

Im sure its hard to keep someone intrigued on a movie about a guy who really did cut his own arm off to escape entrapment in a utah canyon, from a boulder crushing his hand. The film is about one guy and the 80 minutes create a build up for the inevitability of what you know will happen. Despite the hype on the festival circuits, the one scene of amputation isnt really that bad. For anyone who really went to see it for that particular hype, must have gotten a shock for the true intensity, emotional involvement and gritty, fast paced and versatile style of the movie. Fair enough, the scene was pretty disturbing, but its because the layers of the story prior to this, really engross you into this guy's life (Aron Ralston, played realistically and so honestly by the lovely james franco). The flashbacks, the hallucinations and some of the dark humour as ralston talks to us via messages to his family on his video camera are incredibly moving and make this film ore than just about the man in the hole.

Im no film critic so i'm probably not doing this review any justice and i cant find the right terms to explain how really innovative it is in filming and direction by Danny Boyle.

Particular praise goes to the opening sequence and the split screen style of filming in parts and the true attention to detail and sound. At times, i myself felt claustrophobic, uncomfortable and ..and scared as i imagined myself in his place. The freedom for improvisation helped the gritty realism without the fancy cover ups and dramatics that other directors may have resorted to.

I cant post any clips for obvious reasons...there aren't any yet! but i can force feed you the clever poster design and tell you all to GO SEE IT!!

Click the post title for the trailer

Click here| In memory of my nan

2011-01-13T05:21:00.000-08:00

My nan suffered from Alzheimer's disease . At a fairly young age i watched my nan become a stranger. Eventually she died alone in her care home from a stroke. Its sad that in the years prior to that, her dementia meant that she wasn't with us anyway. Despite this, she always had a smile on her face and a giggle for us when we visited.

Im doing a poster for an exhibition in aid of Alzheimer's/Dementia.

This will be a community project and will involve members of the public giving copies of photographs of a happy time e.g holidays or special event that they enjoyed with their family member who has been diagnosed with dementia.
The photographs will also be accompanied by recordings of memories of happy times.
The purpose of this exhibition is to remember the happy times and get through the difficult ones as well as to raise awareness.
This exhibition will have a log book to write memories or thoughts about the exhibition and will also have a Auction later on in the opening night.

Coincidently, i'm Glad that i'm so aptly playing a part. Just a small token But still.

This is the exhibitions page: http://remembranceday2011.weebly.com/

Initial for the kitchen website

2011-01-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Simple left navigation with two categories - one for the cafe and one for the catering, with options within this. Navigation and the secondary left extras menu is always visible as is the logo and top bar with the shop opening times and contact details. Going to add email addresses somewhere near the logo, once i get more information about the business set up and the contact detail links between the cafe and catering.

the other left menu is more about attention to detail and getting the consumer interactive and involved. A photo gallery allows the potential customer to see the evidence and progression of the business and the quality. The same goes for the customer or collaborators feedback. Always useful tool to get a second opinion. Shows confidence in the business. The news part can include wither Facebook or twitter feeds - and local news, wether relevant to food, catering, etc. could have recipes and other relevant tips and advice on there. That demonstrates that the business is going the extra mile for the customers and takes interest in the local community. honest and trustworthy.

Colour scheme is in line with the logo - simple, clean, but with some fun characteristics such as the subtle illustrations and chalk like typeface.

The 'MORE' part of the previous post ...

2011-01-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

Movie Posters | True Grit | Black Swan| MORE...

2011-01-13T04:29:00.001-08:00

Im glad that the movie industry is really taking on these old school design techniques for the promotional artwork for their films. Its definitely becoming a trend. How beautiful are these though .. really! So after looking these up i searched for more alternative movie poster designs. They will follow..

Great source of inspiration and technique idea.

more than.. freeman.com

2011-01-13T02:46:00.000-08:00

Brilliant. And thats just about as much as i can say on that.

The play on the iconic trustworthy voice of Morgan Freeman and the similar sounding name of the company led someone to think they could put the two together and not get done for copying! Yet, not only is it humorous but you trust it just that little bit more...

The music, the storytelling, means not only do you listen but "His familiar, mellifluous voice takes you to a calmer peaceful world where even the most stressful problems, such as your car breaking down, or a visit to the vets, are nothing but a drop in the ocean of life." He’s there to sweeten life’s bitter morning coffee, he’s MORE TH>N FREEMAN, thank you for listening."

Click on the title of the post for ''The making of..moreth>n freeman''.. its great

For the advert copy thins link: http://www.youtube.com/morethan

the kitchen branding

2011-01-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

New live brief from a neighbour of mine. On the brink of opening a cafe' / promoting her catering business, i am going to be designing posters, leaflets, menus, a website and other bits to advertise the company. this is a good live brief as i'm working directly with a client and responding to their needs, i have plenty of work to explore and have an indefinite deadline. This is a realistic brief that i would encounter i industry also, therefore it answers my project aim to source and do more of this kind of work. I have already started work on the website design, menu and in store designs such as the specials boards, window design etc

The name and logo have already been created so i have real limitations to consider and the like.

based in Durham, The catering business is up and running. Both directors are experts in the field and provide all manner of event catering from birthdays to business lunches.

Anther cool thing i should plug on their behalf is that they provide cooking parties/ lessons including parent and child cooking sessions and, quite appropriately, student cooking lessons. They arrange everything and it all happens in the comfort of your home.

if interested, would like further information or a quote please call : 07843 920 399

YUMYUM

Bruno Mars | Perfect in every way

2011-01-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Not only am i a fan of the singer songwriter but he fails to disappoint even in his marketing and self promo. From his CD covers to videos to website, they are all highly creative and well executed. The style has so much personality and it looks like it has as been given as much time if not more care and detailing then the music side of it has.

It just reflects the true meaning of the word artist - in every way. I instantly give him more credibility for the attention to detail to everything that his name touches. From photography to screen printing to digital complexities, they've all been attempted, with eye catching results. Theres something quite durable, classic and old school about these techniques, which relates to the idea of increasing credibility and the honesty of them. Back to basics but highly skilled and clever.

The Year's Project

2011-01-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Amongst other projects i am working on this year, i am planning to re work some personal branding and my online portfolio site. Created last year, the site never went live, nor did it get finished... :/

I guess that i just wasn't completely happy and therefore motivated to complete it.

Now, in my final year of my course, i have chosen the topic of employability in the graphic design industry as a research project. This has inspired me to work heavily on improving my portfolio through live and industry based briefs and enhance my online presence as well as self promotion, all in aim to enhance my own credibility, confidence and employability in an increasingly difficult industry and recession induced society. This was informed through research findings that will help write my final evaluation aka DISSERTATION (insert gasp) on what i have chosen to do practically, and why.

As previously blogged, one of these projects includes the anti fur poster design campaign, as i identified and evaluated what was missing in my portfolio. This brief not only includes a live competition brief but a chance to include photography as the best solution. What i will also look to do is some more corporate identity work - the kind of work i would realistically do in a local agency - for local businesses - law firms, solicitors, hairdressers,sandwich shops and the like. As my former tutor explained - my portfolio already shows a level of creative ability but i guess it lacks the realistic and dare i say it, more 'boring' daily and professional work required by REAL clients. This kind of work will help a prospective employer identify how i will fit into their own business by the type of work they are familiar in viewing.

Anyway!! I believe that being as well informed and knowledgeable in my industry will stand me in better steed and show me tae responsibility for my future in a mature and credible manner.

Now that i have explained the aim and content of my next few months, work and developments will follow!

Graphic Design For Fashion - New book

2011-01-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

I would love this as a visual reference and inspirational resource. Its an ideal mix of fashion and graphics and how the fashion industry use graphic design to depict their brands and tell their stories.I think that theres something really whimsical, experimental and endless about fashion and the brands that create competition, character and ICONS. Its all very luxurious, expensive and all about quality.

Obviously, graphic design is my primary interest but I've always been intrigued by the fashion industry, the attention to detail and visual splendours! I think that If i was to work as a graphic designer for a fashion house, i will have possibly found the job of my dreams!

I think that the descriptions above sum up the style that i like to use, or predominantly am drawn to attempt. For example, the spread for Kenzo is highly crafted, well designed and executed, highly creative and a piece of art in itself.

"Paolo Bazzani's work for Kenzo fashion shows also reveals how an invitation can become a work of art in itself. For the Spring/Summer 09 event, Bazzani used children's pop-up books as inspiration, to create a whimsical 3D collage of paper butterflies, which of course also doubled up as an invite.

And from butterflies to human flies, images from the Spring/Summer 06 look book for fashion label Bernhard Willhelm, show how even this staple of the fashion industry can be given a surreal makeover via graphics. Featuring two naked figures with models exploding from their mouths, the images are both beautiful and provocative."

"With its broad selection of both labels and creatives, Hess and Pasztorek have cherry-picked some truly original work here. Although occasionally weighed down by a few turgid turns of phrase here and there – this is the world of fashion after all – Graphic Design For Fashion is a very well dressed and rich source for information and inspiration."

(Compiled by Jay Hess and Simone Pasztorek, designers at London-based studio byBOTH)

New Starbucks Logo

2011-01-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

So Starbucks have unveiled a new logo... whoop-dee-doo!

So big that they needn't write their name on it.

Created by Starbucks in house design team Lippincott.

Design against fur 2011

2011-01-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

So i didn't get the chance to work on this last year so i thought i'd give it a go this year. Not only will it give me the opportunity on working on a live competition brief but also allow me to work with another discipline and as part of a team effort. Photography is something that is lacking in my portfolio so Im utilising this brief in that direction. Not only for this reason but also i think that a topic that is so important and should be highlighted more in my opinion, needs some strong effective imagery to get the message across.

Despite protests and countless campaigns, there is no stopping the use of animal fur for fashion and other unnecessary means. What's even more sinister is that there is actually NO 'eco-friendly' or humane processes to this cruelty and torture. The passion that people have for the awareness of fur factories, fur farms and the means in which HUMANS will go about sourcing fur , and what it entails, is astonishing. Type into google ' anti fur campaigns' and , amongst some highly disturbing images, there are countless poster designs and campaigns, brilliantly executed, that have already been thought of.

It creates a bigger challenge for me to now come up with something original and appealing and it fuels my arisen interest in seriously connecting with other people, who may not know as much about the topic, how truly horrific and hideous it all is.

THERE ARE NO ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS IN CHINA!!

Last year's OVERALL winner -

Click on the title of the post to find out more infurmation on design against fur..

Its been a busy while...

2010-12-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

I'll be back to feed you soon ...

typography in advertising

2010-03-07T04:51:00.001-08:00

These are some cool examples i've found in the use of typography. I think as time goes on and i develop as a designer, i have realised my admiration for typography and the use of it as or with imagery. Maybe , i dont use it solely because i like it, but i definitley have an interest in it and i'm sure it has shaped the way that i work or am inspired.

These examples are promoted by the clients that use them, including amazon, Hsbc etc...

2010-03-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

I came across these limited addition illustrations for diet coke. Tom Gauld is the illustrator responsible; the same man who designed and illustrated the book 'THE GIGANTIC ROBOT'. I love this book and the minimal style. The illsutrations are extremely sketched and detailed and the colour pallete is kept to a minimum. Although, a child could read and enjoy this, the quality and subtleness is apt and made for an adult , who can truely appreciate the creative direction and emphasis that it posesses.

Ammo Magazine

2010-03-07T04:11:00.000-08:00

I discovered this little quarterly magazine in a gallery in Edinburgh...

An A6, landscape mag jam packed with brilliant and varied illustrations. What i like about this magazine is that everything you want to see and read is in there ...and nothing else! No crappy ads,no ridiculous,exaggerated layouts..just clean, vibrant,well designed and well presented...easy to follow and view the important info. A good resource for any aspiring designer as it interviews some chosen designers at different stages in their careers.I have just bought issue 1 so look forward to issue 2!

Negotiated brief | 'Host' magazine final pieces | cover design, 4 editorial spreads

2010-03-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

These are my final pieces for my arts and culture magazine based on a japanese theme. Each article is based on an aspect of design which is inspired by japan and its artists/ designers or designs in general. Others, are based on popular and/or famous japanese design / institutions themselves. i.e from Studio Ghibli - animator and designer Hayao Miyazaki to Simone Legno, italian born designer based in america, whose illustration and toy design is inspired by japanese designs and trends.

Im happy with the final pieces and how they answer the brief. The different layouts for each article shows the originality and diversity of each issue and how there is no set house style. The freedom and vibrancy of japanese culture and use of writing and symbology is reflected in this style and the freedom and creativity of each layout, colour choice and design that is chosen.

My favourite piece is the four page feature on the interview with Hayao Myiazaki from Studio Ghibli. I chose this design to emphasise the journey into the mind and work of this japanese illustrator and animator of these epic and popular japanese characters from the films of the studio. I wanted to see the page as if seeing him at work by sketching the characters originally and out of context. I wanted to add a personal feel to it and i think the placement of these around the body copy help you follow the article and take both in at one time. The gentle colour pallete of blues and tourqouise dont deter attention from the impact and help to create the gentle personality of the gentle and subtle nature of the creator.

For the front cover, i wanted to cath attention and truley play on japanese style to show the different style as a whole. I used elements which i sampled within the magazine to show consistency and tie in the whole thing together. i went for a more traditional and general look to tease the audience with a sense of everything relevant and stereotypical of japanese culture.

creative business card ideas!

2010-03-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Some fantastic , innovative and interactive business card ideas that grab your attention, stand out from standard, corporate design and get you involved...these are also instantly recognisable to their client...so you pretty much know what kind of business the business card is related to , instantly. They're also kinda fun!

Awesome mini marshmallows

2010-03-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

something to smile at eh!

Cool TOK&STOK furniture campaign

2010-03-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

Cant say much about these, i just think this poster ad works fantastically. The company being portugese means that i cant find much out about them. But you dont need to and it shows in the power of advertising. The strapline being simply 'easy to assemble furniture' emphasises this lighthearted play on the transformation of different furniture, on this well known toy, with the push of the thumb. Shows minimum effort required but with a fun side to it instead. Because of the clear message, the design is simple . The pastel colours are subtle and therefore extremely friendly , inviting and with a natural, honest feel about them. It hasn't been overcrowded or overshadowed with text or gimics.

Steven Bonner Illustrations | SELF BRANDING INSPIRATION

2010-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

I came accross these typographic illustrations. At a time where im struggling to come up with my own brand and identity ideas, i found that the way my own initial here (t) is done is very inspiring.
Im not a purely or very vector based designer. I prefer more mixed media and handrawn experimentation rather than very clean, minimal vector lines. I also enjoy increasingly the manipulation and art of typography and using such as imagery (and vice versa). I would like to get this accross when designing my 'name' for my portfolio website and business cards. I find this imagery perfect. I can hand draw and sketch and illustrate small designs that can physically and metaphorically create my name. This can show off both my ability and my name in a creative and bold way. I just particularly like this style. Once again, its not purely hand made but refined digitally and flows whimsically. I find it increasively interesting as an idea to experiment with.

Rhys Owen Illustration and Digital Art

2010-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

LOVE THESE!
Dont know what it is about these. Maybe the unexpectedness of the chosen subject and the juxtaposition or maybe just the style alone; the closeness between the work and reality. The attention to detail is really well executed and almost photo like. Such random imagery but instantly striking.

Lars Wunderlich Illustrations in 2009

2010-03-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Found this work on another blog...i really like this illustration style; the handrawn, sketchy technique but with some clean and prominent line. i like this balance between mixed media and vector illustrations and i like the character style. This style really stands out to me.

Another ad!! | Circle Creative & coy-com.com

2010-02-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWGCc_tqHi0&feature=player_embedded

Great little animation featuring references to dozens of former advertisements spanning years! Nicely created and cleverly combined, there is plenty to take in and reminisce! Click on the link above to try and spot them all...

Wrangler | interactive website

2010-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Wrangler's new way to show off their clothing range is seductive, clever ... and kind of fun!

The arrows encourage you to use the mouse to click and drag the clothes and the people ...unzip the guys jacket, rip open his shirt, attempt to pull his trousers off by pulling him from his chair...etc etc. Simple and intriguing, it says a lot about how the company and its clothing range want to be seen and perceived i.e sleek and attractive.

View the whole thing at http://eu.wrangler.com/bluebell/

Negotiated brief | 'Host' | Arts and culture magazine | japanese issue

2010-02-03T01:01:00.000-08:00

My current brief that i set myself consists of creating a new masthead , cover design and 4 editorial pieces for a new art and culture magazine that i have created.

So far, i have come up with the name; Host. I went through a lot of name generation and decided on this for various reasons.

1. the small, consise word is easily pronounced, recognisable and therefore memorable.

2. It represents the aim of the magazine as acting as a platform an a base to give light and attention to the appreciation of grounded and/or new and upcoming international design or work inspired by different cultures and customs.

This is the final logo design for the masthead. The slightly distorted and broken up letters resemble symbols rather than characters and are suitable for the japanese issue that I'm designing,as they have that feel about them. Its almost a stereotyical take on oriental writing but with subtlety and a contemporary, minimal look. The edgy and bold typeface also have impact and presence to present a new magazine on the market. I therefore feel that a masthead like this would stand out and have shelf visibility; be successful.

Luke Chueh | I Love You

2010-02-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

I love Chueh's style and technique. I love the juxtaposition of his subjects and their actions. He takes these 'cute' , innocently associated characters, into dark and sometimes disturbing or sisnister situations. His work can sometimes be political but i think he utlises subtle humour rather than anger.

But! More than anything, i just love his character design and painting style and the quality of it.

NARC. Cd cover design final ideas | ALTERNATIVE

2010-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

This was my alternative final idea as i explored a completely different approach and experimented with paint and brushos. I wanted to apply this approach to something physical therefore i associated ink with squid ink/jellyfish ideas. i therefore drew and painted the piece to incorporate natural pattern in paint and ink with nature itself.

Narc. Cd cover design final ideas

2010-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

back and front

inside

These are the finals i went for. i stayed with a simple inside cover and back cover that sampled the scales. i think this enriched the overall photographic design. As i said, i replaced the logo with the narc logo and made the levels of the photo more grungy and edgey.

I kept the simlicity to not deter from the concept and i believe the use of space enhances impact.

I'm still not happy with the back cover. I believe it doesnt represent one at all and doesnt show professionalism.If i were to win this brief , i would seek the help of a photography student to truly excecute my vision with this piece and create a better resolution and quality photograph. I will definetly be exploring this further in Portfolio development.

Narc CD cover design | development shots

2010-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

When we were first given the brief to design a cd cover for the 4th annual anniversary of narc music magazine (strapline: reliably informed), they specifically briefed us to not include the typical and expected, in the form of instruments etc. This brief was a chance to be creative and show the creativity and careful consideration of Narc itself.

i began by looking at the utter random. Anything that could have Narc tagged or stamped on to it, in it, beside it etc..

I thought this would also represent the tongue and cheek of the magazine's personality in relation to the market of which it is targeted at; young students etc.

i wanted to try something different for my portfolio and use photography. i started by taking any opportunity to photograph suitable inspiration or possible sources for my idea.

The apple: Could make something from the apple sticker - decay the apple - show the transition - show age - show birthday - growth of magazine.

Material on pegs: Absoloutely random no specific idea. toyed with idea and phrases - being hung out to dry - different fabrics and ageing fabrics show diversity and also age.

Seeds in pot: Planting the seed - standing its ground - growing - becoming legitimate and reliable.

scales: idea of growing and getting bigger. the scales at 4 stone represents the '4 years and still growing idea'.

Another way to look at it was to replace the scales logo with the narc logo and strapline and play on the irony of people relying on scales, being weight concious etc but not reiably informed necessarily. Refers back to the tongue and cheek idea. magazine showing that it is confident in taking the mick out of itself aswel and being lighthearted in doing so.

Qualy | newarriva.com

2010-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

i spotted some interested packaging in fenwicks belonging to a company called 'Qualy new arriva'. In passing, i had no idea what they did or made but it definetly intruiged me. Finally found them online.

Creators of clever and creative, cute house accessories. Very contemporary and appealing. Almost minimal effort and maximum impact. Love them.

The website is designed with the same ideal. i love the simplicity and typeface of the logo and the minimalist approach to the website structure. Focus is mainly on the product with big close up shots of the products with a tidy description for every product, to each side. All this suggests to me their eco friendly personality. From the simple earthy cardboard packaging to the soft and naturally friendly colour pallette they use on their products. Everything appears as an alternative way to store or function efficiently. Take for example the self watering plant pot.

JOE LEDBETTER

2010-02-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

Great and prestigious artist/ illustrator. i love his illustrative and memorable style and characters. Big fan! Great resource for illustration styles and use of tone and colour.

Desktopography

2010-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

This site was introduced to me by my boyfriend, when i noticed that he was getting some beautifully finished and creative pieces of art as his desktop backgrounds.

A mixture of good ideas, good designs and photoshoping skills shows the appeal of some of these pieces. The above are particular favourites of mine - mainly for the way the idea has been interpreted in the design and also what i find asthetically appealing and eyecatching.

Live Brief | ''VISION'' at world headquarters | poster and flyer

2010-02-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

These are a poster and flyer series that i created for a night at world headquarters organised by Newcastle college Set as a live brief, i ended up winning with my poster and flyers being used.

What i was happy about with these is that they did their job in attracting attention and looking proffessional. I didnt want to 'over' design it and/ or go for the obvious in interpreting the word 'vision' and incorporating that in the design.

Rather, i worked on a layout and colour scheme that alone would be well designed with a minimal approach that would have double impact by remaining slightly mysterious and thereofre intruiging. The small design that stems off the name just represents the vibrancy and excitement that will come from the night, both physically and metaphorically, which again, further teases the audience and also doesnt overcrowed the information on the poster.

What i got out of this brief is that the intention of some work is to just have maximum impact and stand out against a highly competitive and crowded market therefore aim to look asthetically pleasing and catch the eye of non designers; appeal to everyone. i realised that with the vast amount of activity in newcastle city, posters like these would be a plenty and therefore need to be mainly visible and induce interest and not focus on being as concept led. I think i succeeded in this and it has the 'look' of a club night poster.

LASTMINUTE.COM PROJECT - Web banner animation

2010-02-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

I chose a simpler design for the banner. i considered that this would be an advertisement that would have to be quick and firey to catch attention of passing web surfers on site and therefore deliver the message quickly.

I took elements from the other designs and put them together as an overall piece that suggests the concept all at once...hence last minute man lifting the entire world and insinuating its exaggeraed confidence and strength in its endless capability in getting you everything and anything from anywhere in the world ( as the random llustrations firing from it) suggest.

The circular globe also acts as a button to interact the user by both metaphorically and physically telling them to "get more good stuff here" as it sits on the globe and encourages you to click on it.

the animation progresses in the same way and speed of the sting animation, as last minute man flies in and out of shot as he 'does his rounds'...he finishes by hovering in the middle and soon after the text pops up and encourages you to click.

Having had more time, i would have created a ore seamless and tidy animation and possibly experimented with a more suitable or alternative banner size. the speed at the minute is too fast and the worth and charm of some elements are lost in the speed.

LASTMINUTE.COM PROJECT - sting animation

2010-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

The above is another section of this lastminute.com project. i wanted my animation to remain consistent in their simplicity and direct approach to communicating to future customers.

Slides 1 to 12 show screenshots of the proccess that entwined my illustrations with the a clear strapline that eventually reads as ''various ways to get more good stuff FOR YOU'.... The approach was to interact the consumer in a witty way and further emphasising the concept of superhero quality. The fast pace and use of different directions for incoming and outgoing graphics represents the 'doing things lastminute' side..but rather than this be you...its 'the last minute people'...(last minute man). it shows physical ways that different things can be aquired ( in the form of stereotypical things that we associate with holidaying/activity etc) in ways that people can associate with; a last minute shopping spree dash to get them, metal detecting to get them, physically trying to catch a flying plane in a net etc.

i think that splitting up the phrase in this way, keeps the onlooker interested to see what the finished outcome/benefit will be, almost like a punchline. I' ve kept the simple style consistent and chose a typeface that enriched the illustrations further and therefore looked more appropriate and went together well.

Im happy with my ability to have been able to put so many different elements and scenes together in such a short period of time of having used flash.

LASTMINUTE.COM Flash project

2010-02-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

These posters are a third of the finished project for last minute. com. This was a D&AD live brief that asked us to create ambient media to advertise their moto of 'get (or do) more good stuff'. These were the last two print pieces i created to go alongside my flash sting animation and web banner. What will follow is a design that, i believe, i produced consistently with room for campaignability (and this what the brief asked for). The simplicity of the design gives more focus to the message behind it and leaves 'lastminute' man as a figure that represents the efforts behind the company to be able to get you such a wide variety of 'things' , which almost give it superhero qualities. The anonymous figure shows the modesty and humbleness of the company and the concept that it takes no credit for its hard work but rather gives all its focus and attention to its customers; it aims to please.

The illustrations show the random an typical things that we associate with holidays and activites, luxury and interests. All these, bundled on top of one half of the strapline, show the amount of choice and excitement that comes with choosing your adventure and the weighty vastness and richness in all aspects.

All in all, i was pleased with the overall outcome....i was satisfied with the concept; which i thought was subtle and not too 'in your face' as so not to attract the wrong target market. Subtle sophistication and humour is the outcome i wanted.

i believe i could have excecuted my character in a more tidy way and had i had better flash skills and more time, have created a more seamless animation.

McCains 'Good unlimited' tv campaign

2009-12-30T04:24:00.000-08:00

''Potatoes are tickled with feathers to turn them into Potato Smiles; Sweet Potatoes are hugged with rosemary and garlic and Potato Wedges are showered with a confetti of natural herbs and spices. It's a happy, wholesome place where McCain do good things to good food.''

I love this new campaign. I'ts friendly, inviting and appeals to all ages and markets for its playful and concept driven idea. It gives mccains moral, personality and approachability. It tells the consumer that they are eating good food made from good source.

Innocent smoothies | bobble hats!

2009-11-13T03:05:00.000-08:00

I saw these in Sainsburys after work last night.

I'd seen them dotted about on the net but i hadn't seen this new campaign on the shelves.

Instantly has the 'awwwwwwwwwwwww...' factor , therefore i think it appeals more to women! (YA THINK?)

Already a lover of innocent smoothies, i instantly felt the need to own some of these cute knitted hats so i bought four, yes four little bottles of innocent smoothies for six pound, SIX.

For that reason, this works. It physically creates characters out of the bottles and has a winter twist with the knitted hats but also the more obvious ; bottles sitting in a fridge will get cold and want to wrap up!.. it forces you to see them as people almost, its bizarre.

The variants of these knitted bobbly hats reflects the variants of the flavours also.

I just love them. So simple ( if not expensive) but all the same, lighthearted fun from a company of the same nature and characteristics. It gets people physically involved with something material to keep that usually wouldnt be used/integrated with small plastic bottles...

Its also encouraging as each hat has a little tag that tells you that 35p will go to 'the big knit' to keep older people warmer this winter. It makes a clear and witty link between the association of old people with the passtime of knitting and is generally for a worthy, thoughtful and ''nice'' cause.

YUM :)

Benefit | crescent row | Lee Lee, Sofia and Gina

2009-11-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

I love the packaging for these new perfumes ''Crescent row'' from Benefit.

They stand out instantly for the rich quality of design and physical reflection of a door and/or house that is illustrated on the packaging.

the story goes... each perfume represents a different type of woman. The design was based on the series of exclusive flats in Bath...i think this is evident in the elegance and vibrance of the packaging and bottle itself which shows the different moods and 'flavours' of each perfume in the colour and intricate illustrations surrounding the whole campaign behind this brand.

i'll have it for Christmas, cheers.

This morning rebrand | lambie nairn and ITV creative department

2009-11-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

I must admit, i do like it.... or its an improvement at least. The new logo is certainly much better. A softer and more friendly typeface definitely helps give the programme a more approachable and down to earth feel. Less corporate and overbearing, it emits personality ( like the show) alongside the opening credits. The use of various media and illustration styles also reflects and mirrors the various aspects and services of the programme and how these integrate and work with and alongside eachother. The colour scheme is also softer and slightly more femminine but i pressume that the target market would be infact women who are home at that time of day- who possibly dont work, have children to look after etc (hence the various slots on home and gardening, beauty , clothes etc.)

i think it definitely appeals more. little touches like picturing the presenters (aswell as other members of the this morning team) in a polaroid photo type frame on the credits/ website , as part of the design, communicates further and metaphorically the idea of friends and family and a base to create memories and feel at home on the show...and therefore trust it.

Carphone warehouse dudes

2009-11-13T02:19:00.001-08:00

I've always liked the Carphone Warehouse idents. I especially like these simple character illustrations. Inspiring to work with, use and develop. They have become instantly identifiable to the company. Contemporary and adaptable to motion graphics, they appeal and work in every medium.

The advertisements whereby the hand draws the illustrations out in intruiging quick-fire slides is also unexpected and as it shows the working progress in a ''fast forward'' way. Cleverly done; mixing different media and quality to draw in attention.

They were also used as sponsors of x factor. Interacting the audience in the adverts by publishing voices of the public singing, whilst the illustrated characters mimic the voice.

watch the advert style here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X4wVUcCUBw

HP Sauce poster ad

2009-11-13T01:29:00.000-08:00

I saw a poster belonging to this series, in the metro paper a couple of weeks ago. Instead of a man , it was a child crying because of 'no hp'.( unfortunately, they seem to be scarce).

i like these. very simple and witty, straight to the point and caught my eye straight away. There's also something quite retro and unexpected about them. They resemble a 1940's propaganda poster, i interpret the aim to ironically play on this. A clear bold statement, emphasis on the 'no' as a negative; There's no room to question it, its designed and worded as a confident statement ( but lighthearted with its humorous edge).

Packaging | quaker oats | creamy oaty fruity

2009-11-13T01:04:00.000-08:00

My final designs for quaker oats new 'chilled creamy oats' pots.

The brief was aimed at young women and i think this is clear in my ideas. The illustrations are delicate and the colours have a slight female bias also. The use of white space and simple illustrations is supposed to reflect the 'healthy light snack' side, whilst the bulky typeface stands out and show a substantially filling snack, despite it aiming to be healthy, it still wanted to reflect the satisfying end result and the richness and quality; which i believe is reflected in the colour. Originally, i planned to use paler versions of the colours used but i found that these looked too medicinal and therefore diet/health orientated. Quaker oats were more about communicating the goodness in the snack for on the go women. This is were i got the idea for the arrangement and name of the pots. I liked the idea of a 'ready, steady, go' solution but i turned these into 'creamy, oaty, fruity/sweety'. Simple and bold, it reads quickly and bluntly , naturally due to the alignment and 'boxed' effect; it also creates more of an identity out of it. I toyed with the idea of using the red, amber and green colours for each word to reinforce the idea of an on the go snack but i thought it appeared too confusing and wouldnt differentiate enough between the fruity and sweety flavours.

Overall, im happy with the final designs and i think they would it well amongst brands existing in the market. Its a different approach to the traditional Quaker oats look, but i dont think its too eccentric or different to look inconsistent or out of place; just a simple, delicate and feminine design; mainly typographical with simple vector illustrations as to not deter away attention.

Packaging | Double Decker Diversions

2009-11-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

This is my final development for Double Decker Diversions. The concept stemmed form the idea that a double decker was quite a filling and considerably large bar to eat as one whole snack . As a brand extension, i created Diversions-small edible bites that 'divert' the two original layers within a double decker . Therefore this packet consisted of 'chewy nougat bites' and 'crunchy cereal chunks'. The illustrations i used were in the theme of the meaning behind the actual word 'double decker' (hence why i i used 'diversions') which are all appropriate to road travel/ traffic and direction. Seeing as this was a new brand extension there were two elements i thought were needed. The first was to incorporate the original orange and purple colours as they had such initial presence and recognisability on the original bar.The second was to clearly state the actual products inside, on the packet, which even till now i think could have been worked on further to place them more appropriately. I'am however, happy with the end product. I think i created a versatile and stand out, compact identity for double decker ..modernising the brand more smoothly yet without being too playful and exaggerated; it still keeps professional and realistic. It has more character and elements to it , which make it stand out.

Simone Legno -TOKIDOKI

2009-10-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

This italian born artist initiated 'Tokidoki' ( 'sometimes') with these Japanese inspired characters. i love the style and the vibrancy of his illustrations. Very simple, very playful, very effective and versatile. Having expanded and grown , the company now produces merchandise, personyfing character and style into products such as 'mimobots' , an extension of USB's , made into recognisable, 'cute' and comical characters adapted around the shape and net of the product. Alongside this, his art has also been printed on the likes of notebooks and other stationary, bags, vinyl toys etc.

Initially 'childlike' , they incorporate a twist of an almost adult-friendly humour ..and the quality and contemporary look reinforces this.

Design Event 09 - Democracy Exhibition entries

2009-10-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

These are my visual responses to 'Democracy' and the aspect i chose to communicate what it means to me. i researched various viewpoints that i could interpret from what we know of Democracy in society,Britain and also globally.

I decided to portray the inequality of democracy and the hypocracy surrounding 'majority rule'. Britain is supposedly a democracy; whereby we as citizens each have the right to vote for what WE want in our society and country. However, despite being given the power to decide the fate of affairs, a conclusion is cast based on the majority vote. So then, if exactly 51% of the population voted one way and the rest of the 49% voted otherwise...how is this a fair vote in a fair democracy? My pieces demonstrate how decision can be made based on 1% whilst the whole other half (minus 1%) can be overlooked, disregarded and fogotten. This is not democratic. Hypethetically, only just over half of voters could potentially have a say in what happens here on.

I was overally inspired by the Jonathan Barnbrook series of politial sketches for the Schweppes advertising campaign and i liked that illustratin style. That, alongsiode use of white space and the phrases i incorporated in the same style ..and i think i created 2 effective pieces with impact.

Doubt went over wether i needed the type to help express the message at all, aswell as the layout, but i think this landscape view fits and works well with the type and flows accordingly accross the page.