this is what a contents page should look like. boss
australia in front
Right now I’m not on my computer. By wednesday I’ll try and have a bit more of work I’ve been doing for ANZ and a weekly wrap up post.
Oz day tomorow, so I thought this link to the new revamped australia in front blog seemed fitting. The old site was a bit clunky and I tended to avoid it but by clicking the ‘studio’ tag, I found a bunch of local studios that I didn’t know about.
But… Do we need any more boutique design agencies with nice macro shots of their print work? It’s starting to look a bit the same..
I’ve been working for an advertising agency, and I really like the concept of the art-director. The definition of an art-director has become murkier since the 60’s, but It fits with want I want to do. I’m studying design, so the tech side of things: working closely with printers, colour mixing, layout and type design will still be important over the next two years, and I’ve still got heaps to learn. & From what I’ve heard that this discipline is getting a bit lost in the advertising of today.
” a lot of art directors don’t know shit about type, layout etc”-anonymous
I see George Louis as a huge inspiration.
If one were to choose a single word to characterize the Lois approach, it would be “simplify.”
“where clients are understandably conservative and admen are predictably cautious, where committees reign and lawyers restrain (George) infused clarity, intelligence and taste into American advertising.”
The same praise could be said about a good art-director today.
I’m having my first meeting with the new team for Esperento 2010. I’ll be the new Art-Director and I want to make that magazine kick ass again. I don’t know where the cross over is; whether I want to Art-Direct for a publication or for Advertising… something like that.
Blog Breakfast
Fresh from the loaded tabs of my browser, I’m reviving the forgotten segment ‘Blog Breakfast’. A little bit of this and that for you to chew on, before you get bloated and need to go outside and do something wholesome.
Advertising
The new ‘Stupid’ campaign by Diesel. Remember SFW XXX?. IMHO one of the greatest virals ever, and they weren’t even really trying to sell anything (directly). This campaign isn’t as clever, but still a fun concept to work off.
In other ad news, british bankers Halifax’s campaign blows, and Intels’ new tvc’s are actually quite good.
Junior recently interviewed copywriter Evan Fry (their 28th interview!) which I enjoyed reading.
“ Should advertising be a means to an end?
-Depends on how much a boner it gives you.”
All the rest…
As most people wait for Apple to release something amazing, or maybe a few amazing things, Microsoft update their Office branding. To be honest, the 2007 icons turn up on my dock sometimes, and I think they still hold their own, mainly because they are so over the top and futuristic. Anyway, it’s ok the new ones suck.
On an unrelated, but totally necessary note, have you watched Mega Shark? Did you question the takedown of a commercial plane cruising at cloud level? By a shark? This infographic shows how it could be possible, or impossible.
To finish off, Adrian Shaughnessy writes a nice little piece on the new short animated film Logorama by H5.
“There are consequences — moral, political and cultural — attached to (graphic designers’) desire to create this world of beauty and seduction. One of those consequences might just be a brand-dominated world like the one depicted in Logorama. Scary thought. “
Hyping on new work from Matt Maitland. A bit of research also shows that he designed Goldfrapp’s Seventh Tree cover art. Stylistically, this new work for the Liverpool Biennial Campaign and Basement Jaxx among others, is way more impressive. He recently took two titles for Eye’s ‘Just add stock’ awards, and I’ve got to say in terms of stock photography this is one amazing use.
When it comes to collages and image mash ups, I’ve gotten so used to that punk or vintage look, that I’ve simply become bored with it. In contrast, Matt’s work utilises bright slabs of colour, the occasional dollop of goo or geometric shapes and of course a sharp mix up of images. It breathes life into tired YSL and D&G fashion spreads, but at the same time blends in to the high brow nature of the campaigns because of the crystal clear stock content. Very surreal, very fucking cool.
This piece by Yes Studio for Warp Records and the infamous (right?) Tubular Bells cover are in a similar orbit of acid/jungle/psychedelic fusion.
In terms of inspiration, Matt’s work is something that makes my brain flip over like a piece of french toast and start thinking in another direction.
Levi’s Pop-Up Closet. Reminds me a bit of this. Cardboard is such a creative medium I think. It always looks raw like ’ i didn’t put much effort in’ but at the same time is effortlessly cool.
