NATALIE DODD

Spaghetti Western

2010-01-12T18:39:00.001Z

2009-11-04T08:57:00.002Z

Branding

2009-10-12T11:20:00.001+01:00

2009-10-09T12:01:00.003+01:00

For the past 4 months I have been collating, documenting and posting, almost daily, pieces of inspirational design. I have found on looking back on my posts that I don’t seem to have one key area of interest or style of design. It has been a great insight to reflect on this.

Since starting the blog I have found myself more instinctively being drawn to interesting things in my surroundings for the sole purpose of putting it on my blog. I feel like my blinkers have been lifted off and I am not only seeing but remembering all the brilliant things I see everyday!

I have tried to reach a balance between writing enough when necessary and writing too much for the sake of the ‘numbers’. I’ll be the first to admit that some of my posts aren’t obviously “inspirational”, but I’ve developed the mentality that the item or topic or picture was something I didn’t want to forget, or something I could use in the future.

I have really enjoyed looking at my peer’s blogs. It’s been great to see other outlets of new information, and I think this will help with my dissertation research. One thing I have struggled with on some occasions is putting into words what it is I actually like about a certain post. Sometimes I’ve felt like I really can’t explain it or I wish I’d thought of that.

Although it seemed a relatively daunting task, considering I have never managed to keep a diary, I have thoroughly enjoyed putting together my thoughts and inspirations.

Architecture has always been one of those niggling “path’s I could have followed” and am still really interested in it as a specialism. I love looking at the use and economy of spaces in cities and rural areas. I have also said that I like designing and making for the satisfaction of seeing something I have made/or designed – being out there.

Product design, similarly to Architecture, is another area of design that I am particularly passionate about. I would like to go into packaging design one day as a career, so an interest is the product seems a logical step to follow. I have become aware since starting University of my shopping habits, particularly in supermarkets. To me, it is a Mecca of product and packaging design, practically a library. I love walking around the shops picking up things, the feel of the ink on the card. However it wasn’t until this blog I have felt like I have had an outlet for my musings.

I’ll have to admit an addiction to buying books from my favorite bookshop in Clerkenwell. I cannot leave without buying something for myself or someone else. This is where I saw James&Joe’s feature in Creative Review. To see someone just like me, at the tip of the iceberg was so exciting. I want do that, I want be there to.

My blog has unlocked the sense of adventure I felt I had lost. I won some tickets in June to see the latest Disney/Pixar collaboration, 4 months before it was officially released in the UK. This was the start of a new adventure. I have been actively seeking out preview screenings for a variety of films. Whatever I could get my hands on, I went to see. It has been an eye opening experience to say the least. I went to see the Spanish speaking film “Sin Nobre”, which was the best film I have seen this year.

During August I was on a work placement in London and was lucky enough to be surrounded by a torrent of books and journals. I feel that being exposed to such an environment made me seek out even more interesting features for my blog than I would have otherwise. Being constantly surround by professional creative’s did really encourage me to look further than the Internet, magazines and books. On several occasions I had to go on errands and found things that I would not have otherwise seen – “Gentlemen – prefer your sister”. The opportunity to even speak with Alison Carmichael was something I could have not done on my own.

The blog has also become one of those final “dealmakers” in my next steps after University. I’ve never really had the opportunity to travel, and it is something I have toyed with for some time. I now indefinitely want to explore all those things in the far away places that have inspired me, I want to see the views for myself.

I am looking forward to continuing my blog and expanding my “box of tricks”. I want rekindle the enthusiasm I used to have for my work without feeling restricted by assessment criteria. I want to keep collecting. I want to keep writing. I think this project has been one of my most enjoyable modules I have studied at University.

2009-10-09T11:30:00.011+01:00

From the Guardian, Friday 9th October 2009

"The US president, Barack Obama, was today awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples".

The Nobel committee said "only rarely has a person such as Obama captured the world's attention and given his people hope for a better future".

"His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population," the citation said.

The committee said Obama, who only took up the presidency in January, had been acknowledged for his calls to reduce the world's stockpile of nuclear weapons and working for world peace.

"Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play."

The first African American to hold the country's highest office, Obama has called for disarmament and attempted – so far without success – to restart the stalled Middle East peace process. He is currently considering whether to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan where the US is mired in an eight-year-old conflict.

The choice of Obama for the prize from a field of more than 200 candidates astounded international commentators, in part because he took office less than two weeks before the February nomination deadline.

His name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award it to the president.

Michael Cox, a North America expert at the Chatham House thinktank, said: "It is difficult to see why it would be awarded to him at this stage in his presidency. There are problems in the Middle East and an ongoing war in Afghanistan. You could say it is a little bit premature. It is certainly a very interesting choice."

The committee said that for 108 years it had sought to stimulate precisely the international policy and attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman.

"The committee endorses Obama's appeal that 'Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges'."

Former US presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson won the award in 1906 and 1919 respectively. Former president Jimmy Carter won the award in 2002 for his "decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflict".

The former US vice-president Al Gore shared the 2007 prize with the UN panel on climate change.

Barack Obama is a brand. And the Obama brand is designed to make America feel good about their government while corporate overlords loot the Treasury, elected officials continue to have their palms greased by armies of corporate lobbyists, the corporate media acts as a distraction with gossip and trivia and whilst the wars expand in the Middle East. Brand Obama is about being happy consumers. We are entertained. We feel hopeful. We like the president. We believe he is like us. But is it easier to believe all this than question it?

Each presidency leaves its own legacy but to come so far so soon, will Obama's be the greatest yet?

2009-10-09T11:17:00.004+01:00

After finding the below post, I went and explored Julia's website in further detail.

Magma Books

2009-10-07T17:34:00.004+01:00

Magma Books

Clerkenwell, Covent Garden & Manchester.

My favourite bookshop...in the world

2009-10-06T11:15:00.002+01:00

This film is has been drawn and produced with such care. The commentary is matched perfectly with the sequence. The music accompaniment is also well chosen.

see her other films here

Science Museum, London

2009-10-05T16:41:00.009+01:00

Four years ago I would have probably turned my nose up at the thought of visiting somewhere that was so indefinitely related to a demon of my education - Science.

But on entering the little brother of the Natural History Museum, I was genuinely surprised. The large entrance hall opened upwards to reveal cross sections of the five higher floors. The space was filled with a large metal ring. Along the inside edges of the ring, pixels were zooming around to form messages (mainly around the subject of energy saving).

To the left, steam boilers that would filled a four storey house as well as the space beneath it. As I progressed further into the building there was a replica of the lunar landing pod - complete with gold foil. The most spectacular part of the museum was a Lockheed L-10E Electra suspended from the ceiling, the same plane Amelia Earheart used in her attempted round the world solo flight.

2009-10-05T15:54:00.014+01:00

Michael Gillette's designs for the new Penguin editions of Ian Fleming's bond novels has captured the sassy and sexy nature of the novels. I like his style of illustration and think that the bring the books together well as a collection.

Ive got a great idea

2009-10-03T22:13:00.007+01:00

"Jonathan Ive studied at Newcastle Polytechnic and later worked for the London-based industrial design consultancy Tangerine, where he designed a wide range of products. At Tangerine he also assisted in the development of the Powerbook for Apple Computers in 1991. While working on this project Ive noted that the bland product identity of computers was the result of their arbitrary configurations, and concluded there was a huge opportunity in creating exciting new products that did not conform to the conventional grey, beige or black boxes." Excerpt from Icons "Industrial Design, A-Z"

Since reading this small page on Ive in a book I bought on my first visit to the Tate Modern, I have become fascinated by his work. He practically single handedly revolutionised the design of modern electrical products! Becoming head of the Design Team at Apple inc, Ive has set a monumental standard to the world's designers. He was the one that questioned why things were heading the way they were, and actually did something about it.

He is my inspiration.

UP

2009-10-02T20:37:00.003+01:00

Marketing stunt to mark the release of Disney Pixar's new film UP. The balloon was made up of over 500 mini balloons and 18 miles of string.

I was one of a lucky 100 people that got to see UP in the UK in June this year. The quality of animation is incredible and comparing it to Toy Story which revolutionised animation forever, it shows that the industry has come on leaps and bounds!

Beck's Promotion

2009-10-02T19:57:00.002+01:00

Beck's beer love music hate racism campaign has been joined by Hard-Fi and Ladyhawke. Each artist was commissioned to make two designs for a limited edition run. I like the idea of using external brands on a brand to created limited edition products such as the shrink wrapped Coca Cola bottles.

Droog

2009-10-02T19:22:00.003+01:00

The Droog is a design museum and shop in Amsterdam. It houses many weird and wonderful products made out of a variety of materials. I've been twice and would really recommend visiting if anyone ever visits Amsterdam.

Mast Brothers Chocolate

2009-09-28T21:38:00.004+01:00

Mast Brothers Chocolate produced in New York. I can't find much information about the chocolate itself, however the main point of this post is the packaging. I really like the use of the William Morris style papers. Retro, unique and distinctive the product stands out against the Hershey's and Mars Bars of the world!

National Portrait Gallery

2009-09-27T09:59:00.000+01:00

Reno Air races

2009-09-19T16:23:00.002+01:00

Reno Air races take place in early September every year. Reno in Nevada provides excellent conditions in which to fly these old fashioned planes. Often modified the planes are decorated in racing colours. In days gone by pilots would decorate their planes so that they would be easier to identify in the air.

In modern aviation, airlines use similar techniques to distinguish their aircraft. As homage to the pilots of the old days, Virgin's Flying Lady is featured on several aircraft.

Saul Bass

2009-09-17T14:59:00.002+01:00

Saul Bass - a Graphic Designer from the 1960's. I really like the style and composition of his work. Being "distinctive" today is very difficult to achieve as there is always something out there that has been done before. Bass was a pioneer of his era setting the pace for decades after.

Harry Potter Covers

2009-09-17T10:26:00.004+01:00

These remind me of Saul Bass' work.

Design for Life

2009-09-14T21:06:00.013+01:00

The Apprentice for designers. Starck's new venture, which begins on BBC2 tonight, is called Design for Life. Following the tried and tested reality TV format, he take 12 young British Designers, sets them challenges and each week eliminates the weakest. The winner becomes part of Starck's "tribe" for six months, their triumphant concept given the opportunity to join the world's most iconic orange squeezer.

The aim of the series, according to Starck, is no less than to create an "English style". He doesn't believe that we have had a new national design aesthetic since Terence Conran opened his first branch of Habitat in the early 1960s. Missing the obvious name of Jonathan Ive (the BRITISH designer who gave life to Apple's clear plastic iMac).

The chosen student come from various areas of designs - a teacher, product design, shop assistant. The students will not only learn Starck's design philosophy, but also his philosophy of life. Phillipe presents the first student idea unique take on a traditional chair. She describes it as a sculpture at which Starck cuts her down describing art as elitist. Design is for everyone in everyday life.

The first project he sets: 100euros 1hr - to find a product

function = useful and uselsess

ecology = environmentally firendly or not or

gender = male and female

To give them a glimpse in his design mind he takes them to the supermarket in an army landrover, to Starck its the only vehicle that is only driven by function.

Many of his other "passions" are highlighted throughout the programme. The market is awash with too many products - designers of the future need to design products that are useful AND sustainable.

I'm going to watch the rest of the series for further insight.

Guggenheim Museum

2009-09-07T09:59:00.006+01:00

The Guggenheim museum will celebrate it's 50th birthday on the 21st October 2009. It has long become a symbol of modern art and architecture.

Designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, the building features a concrete ramp the inclines in a spiral fashion within the building. To me, the greatest feature of the Guggenheim Museum is the building itself. It's ability to withstand 50 years of progress and diffusion of trends indicates that this building will stand the test of time for years to come. The white geometric interiors resonate with many designers and architects alike around the world.

In terms of it's true purpose, to house some of the world's greatest modern art. I would very much like to visit new and it features highly on my list of "things to do when I can afford it"...

Design Museum

2009-09-04T10:03:00.001+01:00

EVERY designer should visit this museum. It's a must.

Design Museum, London

Words look much nicer when they're hand lettered.

2009-09-03T10:50:00.009+01:00

By Alison Carmicheal

Over the summer during the work placement I had the opportunity to do some research into hand lettering for a client. I was recommended to look at Alison Carmicheal's work. I liked her versatility in styles and was almost lucky enough to get the chance to meet her however she was on holiday the week the my placement wanted to hire her.

Developing my hand drawn typographic skills is something I would like to pursue this year.

If this isn't inspirational...

2009-09-01T15:37:00.003+01:00

James Callahan and Joe Keirs from the University of Leeds make it into the Creative Review graduate issue. Being the year below these guys we are very much striving to following in their footsteps. In the article, apart from Lincoln University, the Leeds Graphic and Communication Design course leads the way for non-art and design specialist universities. Leading by example they have set the bar pretty high as we enter our third year they have proven that we have the tools, guidance and resources to do great things. Let's wait for the follow up act to commence...

Gentlemen...prefer your sister

2009-09-01T15:15:00.004+01:00

I did try to take my own photo on my phone but it just didn't come out well. at all. So i tracked this down via Flickr.

Rebel Green

2009-08-31T10:48:00.007+01:00

Rebel green are an American based Eco-Friendly company that produce a range of products. I really like the brand identity and typography.

Woofer

2009-08-25T14:54:00.001+01:00

The twitter phenomenon.

Pimps & Pinups

2009-08-25T12:57:00.002+01:00

Retro hairdressers in Spitalfields, London. I really like the anti-establishment style of the interiors. It's nice to see a non "chain" hairdressers moving away for the stereotypical environment you would expect!

1+1=3

2009-08-24T09:40:00.004+01:00

Sculpture by Swedish Design student using a variety of household objects. The idea is that the objects form particular shapes when viewed from a particular angle. I like the fact that the student has looked beyond the purpose of the objects to their actual form to create some art.

Brand Museum London

2009-08-21T12:48:00.003+01:00

Chris Ware

2009-08-21T12:46:00.000+01:00

CRIPS...like crisps but better!

2009-08-20T17:38:00.001+01:00

CRIPS WEBSITE

Claire Scully

2009-08-18T16:28:00.001+01:00

www.thequietrevolution.co.uk

Dan Funderburgh

2009-08-18T16:17:00.005+01:00

www.danfunderburgh.com

www.awkardfamilyphotos.com

2009-08-18T15:46:00.006+01:00

www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com

Pepsi vs Coca-Cola: The Re-invention Game

2009-08-18T09:36:00.002+01:00

Roadsworth

2009-08-18T09:22:00.002+01:00

Roadsworth (Peter Gibson), outdoor graffiti/stencil artist.

Otl Aicher

2009-08-16T14:43:00.008+01:00

Pictograms for the 1972 Munich Olympics

Moon

2009-08-16T14:43:00.007+01:00

Sam Bell has a three year contract to work for Lunar Industries. For the contract's entire duration, he is the sole employee based at their lunar station. It is his responsibility is to harvest and periodically rocket back to Earth supplies of helium-3, the current clean and abundant fuel used on Earth. There is no direct communication link available between the lunar station and Earth, so his only direct real-time interaction is with GERTY, the intelligent computer whose function is to attend to his day to day needs. With such little human contact and all of it indirect, he feels that three years is far too long to be so isolated; he knows he is beginning to hallucinate as the end of his three years approaches. All he wants is to return to Earth to be with his wife Tess and their infant daughter Eve, who was born just prior to his leaving for this job. With two weeks to go, he gets into an accident at one of the mechanical harvesters and is rendered unconscious. Injured, he awakens back at the station in the infirmary, he assumes assisted by GERTY. GERTY tells him that a rescue team named Eliza will come to the station to clean up the aftermath of the accident. After his recuperation, he takes an unauthorized trip back to the broken harvester, where he makes an unexpected discovery. Because of his find, he begins to doubt his sanity, then his true identity, then the company and GERTY's willingness to do what is best for him. Because of his resulting beliefs, his sole mission becomes how to get back to Earth on his own.

Filmed entirely at Shepperton Studio.

HU2

2009-08-14T13:27:00.000+01:00

HU2 wall stickers

Where the wild things are...

2009-08-14T11:55:00.005+01:00

Directed by Spike Jonze, the film is a live action adaptation of the 1963 book Where The Wild Things Are.

he film follows the imaginary adventures of a young boy named Max, who is angry when his mother, Connie invites her boyfriend over. After causing one mischievous antic after another, he is sent to his room without supper. Feeling angry and unloved, he then creates a forest bordering a massive ocean, and sails away to an island inhabited by seven imaginary monsters called the Wild Things, who crown him as their ruler.

The seven creatures are portrayed by actors in suits up to nine feet tall made of foam, with computer-generated faces.

Silhouette Masterpiece

2009-08-12T17:49:00.003+01:00

Just enjoy....

Silhouette Masterpiece click me

Slo mo bullet

2009-08-12T17:42:00.004+01:00

I can't remember where I found this but it is almost addictive to watch. I've sat and watched this over and over obliterating again and again. There is something so satisfying about watching it peel away against the wall especially something that can cause so much damage, simply peeling like an orange against the concrete.

Wine Box Flooring

2009-08-12T17:39:00.002+01:00

I came across this image on FFFFOUND! The flooring is made from old wine boxes. As a child I grew up with my Dad making furniture for me out reclaimed wood from an array of places. My wardrobe is made from old floorboards, my desk out of an old door and my chest of drawers from old wooden palettes. Seeing the the quirks from the wood's previous incarnation is really satisfying. I have been very lucky to have someone skilled enough to make furniture for me and to own such unique furniture that has a brilliant story behind it.

Design You Trust

2009-08-12T13:50:00.002+01:00

Sin Nombre

2009-08-12T09:10:00.003+01:00

Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film follows two protagonists on a train journey to the Mexican border. Sayra is traveling from Honduras with her Father and Uncle to New Jersey for a new life. Willy, but more commonly called "El Caspar" during the film is a member of Mara Salvatrucha - a prolific criminal gang originating in Los Angeles in the 80's.

The director spent many months traveling on the trains with immigrants and learning about the lifestyle.

Sin Nombre won the "Excellence in Cinematography" and "Directing Award" in the Dramatic catagory at the Sundance Film Festival.

Even though the content of this film was very graphic and and sometimes the glorification of gangs and guns was pretty terrifying - underneath it was a story of journey that in reality many people face.

Jacknife Posters

2009-08-12T09:08:00.001+01:00

I bought this screenprint for Jacknife Posters at Glastonbury Festival 2009. A print run of 500 on site made this a must for a Graphics/Blur fan. I think the "olde worlde" style of the poster makes all the difference when comparing to the artwork the band currently use. In the Brighton store ArtRepublic they are selling life size prints of the Blur "Think Tank".

Top Trumps

2009-08-11T11:59:00.005+01:00

Designed by Face 37 these Type Trumps have an unusual spin on the Top Trump game! With weights, cost and special powers (Futura's is Stanley Kubrick) to battle with, these are a great introduction into the endless void that is Typography

Playing the Roundhouse

2009-08-07T17:31:00.006+01:00

David Byrne plays the Roundhouse literally...

cite: BBC 6 music

Musician David Byrne has transformed London's Roundhouse into a musical instrument, for the latest in his Playing the Building series.

He has already created installations in Stockholm and New York.

Now visitors to the famous music venue in Camden Town will have a chance to play an old pump organ, the keys of which are attached to different parts of the huge domed main space, each creating it's own unique sound.

Today, Byrne told a press conference that using these old buildings to make sounds reminds him, and he hopes the public, of their potential: "A lot of the buildings we live in and work in actually do make sounds.

"Having grown up in New York and been woken up plenty of mornings with radiators banging and all the other sounds that come out of New York buildings, I am very much aware that buildings make sounds."

Visitors are invited to sit at an old pump organ to 'play' the venue and Byrne explained why he chose the retro instrument as the 'controller'.

"I think if you'd walked in here and seen some spindley legs and a little black matt keyboard with plastic keys and a lot of wires coming out, you would assume that it was all very electronic and modern.

"I think when you look at this, the assumption is it's more mechanical. Which it is. So I think it helps connect what the thing actually is, with what it looks like," he explained.

"Anyone can play it and we are all equally amateur at it" - David Byrne

Olympic Logo 2012

2009-08-07T14:44:00.001+01:00

Is it better to be remembered for something than nothing at all?
Wolff Olins

High Speed Photography

2009-08-07T10:39:00.000+01:00

Folding Plug

2009-08-04T14:22:00.002+01:00

Edelweiss

2009-08-02T10:36:00.003+01:00

I got this Diana F+ for my birthday today- The Edelweiss edition - the results of my first film to follow!

Fever Ray

2009-07-26T19:07:00.003+01:00

Fever Ray, alias of Karin Dreijer Andersson lead singer of Swedish electro band The Knife. This is the video for her second single "When I Grow Up" - directed by Martin de Thurah.

Martin originally a painter, graduated from the National Film School of Denmark in 2002 where he studied direction. Following film school he worked across various visual media, including film, documentary and print. His video for Carpark North ‘Human’ won award's at the 2005 RESFEST, a Grammy at the Danish Music Awards in 2006 and a Grand Prix in the Festival International des art du clip/ province 2006.

In 2008 Martin’s commercial “Home” for IKEA won “best direction” at the Creative Circle awards in Copenhagen and a Golden Plague / Institutional / Corporate Identity at the Hugo Television Awards in Chicago.

I really like the special effects in this film - it's got some sort of zombie/end of the world feel about it.

The Beehive

2009-07-26T19:03:00.004+01:00

The Beehive is the original terminal building at Gatwick Airport, England. Opened in 1936, it became obsolete in the 1950s as the airport expanded. In 2008, it was converted into serviced offices, having served as the headquarters of airline GB Airways for some years before that. It hailed as an architectural was the world's first fully integrated airport building and control tower, and is considered a nationally and internationally important example of airport terminal design.

I currently work here as a marketing assistant, and i find working in a building that has so much character and history a real inspiration. The pioneers of architecture worked her and you can see it the the building itself.

Studio Ghibli

2009-07-26T18:38:00.003+01:00

Founded in 1985, the studio is headed by the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, often referred to as the Japanese Walt Disney. It was not until Spirited Away that the Studio was formally recognised as a heavyweight in Animation. Many of the studio's film follow traditional Japanese morality stories, and feature themes such as Good and Evil, Environmentalism, Love, Anti-War, Flying and Technoloygy, Politics and Childhood (many of the main protagonists are children or young people).

Although on first glance these films appear to be aimed at children, the themes and morals are often aimed at an adult audience. The plots are often complex but they offer the viewer an insight into an world that western culture has superseded and long forgotten.

I would recommend to anyone to watch Studio Ghibli films for a fantastic alternative to Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar!

Sunshine Cleaning

2009-07-26T18:35:00.006+01:00

Sunshine cleaning explores the relationship between a single mother and her family. Rose Lorkowski played by Amy Adams, is forced to raise funds for private tuition for her son after he is expelled from school. The former high school cheerleader realises her life is so far from what she wanted it to become she begins her own unusual business, crime scene cleanup biohazard removal. With her unreliable sister (played by Emily Blunt) in tow they begin their first job and gradually learn what it is they want out of life.

I wont say too much more, but I won free tickets for this film and I had never heard of it before. But it is one of the best films I have seen in such a long time. Somewhere between indie and feel-good movie this film floats out there on its own tackling topics that you would never really encounter in such a light-hearted film.

Huf Haus

2009-07-18T16:44:00.002+01:00

Huf Haus as featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs.

Each piece of the building is pre fabricated as made to measure.

The builders bring, from Germany, the exact number of screws, bolts and fixings required to construct the house.

Huf Haus.com

Jamie Oliver packaging

2009-07-15T13:16:00.008+01:00

I saw these recently in a the supermarket, I really like the way each package is different for each item. The crisps for example they dont just have a different colour packet or a chilli on the front to differentiate the packet. The time spent on the packaging reflects on the quality of the produce. Another key thing to highlight is that Jamie Oliver's name is splapped across the face of each pot and bottle, it's subtle and unintrusive.

Ultimate paint match

2009-07-15T13:15:00.001+01:00

Colouring

2009-07-15T13:14:00.002+01:00

Vintage Design

2009-07-15T13:12:00.007+01:00

we've come a long way...

University of Sheffield

2009-07-15T13:12:00.006+01:00

University of Sheffield Soundhouse rubber clad designed by Carey Jones (who also designed the Innovation Hub at Leeds University)

Covering 450sq m and three storeys in height, the pioneering 'music box' design creates a unique piece of architecture, respecting important existing and new buildings in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic of the black rubber quilt is a literal translation of the need to soundproof the activities within.

Being a creative I think it is important to take in your surroundings. Working in such an environment can help inspire your thought processes and the final outcome of your work.

Typographica

2009-07-15T13:10:00.002+01:00

Some typography I found that I really like

Glastonbury Festival 2009

2009-07-14T14:31:00.005+01:00

Pictures from here

Jeff Koons at the Serpentine

2009-07-08T08:27:00.002+01:00

To me Jeff Koons seems to be one of those artists that shocks for attention. Some of his work such as Puppy (1992) are truly borderline engineering genius, however the exhibit at Sepentine this summer really didn't convince me of his status as an "artist".

I don't know whether the work is intended for a higher intellect or not, but I really don't see the point in balancing an inflatable lobster and calling it 'art'.

"This is art for a world with deep pockets and a short attention span." - Adrian Searle, The Guardian.

Partly Cloudy

2009-07-02T18:43:00.005+01:00

A new short by Disney Pixar.

The Microsoft iPod

2009-06-21T13:21:00.001+01:00

I saw this online and felt the parody captured what many designers agree with!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

2009-06-16T14:07:00.004+01:00

Illustrator Ralph Steadman regularly worked with Hunter S Thompson. I am particular jealous of his seeming effortless style of drawing creating dramatic scenes.

In terms of the novel I am currently part way through reading it on the train everyday. It captures the "tripping" qualities of the content through Thompson's writing.

Takeshi Murakami

2009-06-16T14:01:00.008+01:00

Murakami's style is an amalgamation of his Western predecessors, Warhol, Oldenberg and Roy Litchenstein, as well as Japanese predecessors and contemporaries of Anime and Manga.

In the western world he has become famed for designing Kanye West's Graduation album cover. As well as illustration Murakami creates 3D models of his drawings.

I like that he has developed his own brand of illustration and design. Many japanese illustrators and animators do tend to stick to a Manga/Anime style.

Made & Sold

2009-06-16T13:49:00.003+01:00

This book presents the most exciting self-initiated projects created by a new generation of graphic designers, illustrators and artists – projects that are self-initiated, commercial and entrepreneurial.

The designers’ sidelines include toys, T-shirts and other garments, accessories such as button badges, self-published fonts, books, magazines and fanzines, interior designs such as wall stickers, wallpapers and prints, furniture, household items such as ceramic plates and mugs, office utilities and stationery including custom tapes. The reader can expect to find a vast amount of amazing projects by individuals, studios and collectives. The selected work is truly international and includes emerging and established talents. Web addresses of the designers websites are included, many of which you can purchase the t-shirts from.

DATAFLOW

2009-06-16T13:46:00.006+01:00

"Today, more and more information is being visualised. Diagrams, data and information graphics are used wherever increasingly complex elements are present, whether it is in magazines, non-fiction books or business reports, packages or exhibition designs.

Data Flow presents an abundant range of possibilities in visualising data and information. In addition to archetypical diagrams such as pie charts and histograms, there are manifold types of diagrams developed for use in distinct cases and categories. These range from chart-like diagrams such as bar, plot, line diagrams and spider charts, graph-based diagrams including line, matrix, process flow, and molecular diagrams to extremely complex three-dimensional diagrams. The more concrete the variables, the more aesthetically elaborate the graphics sometimes reaching the point of art the more abstract, the simpler the readability."

This book made me really question my thoughts and feelings on something I had never really thought about before...the beauty of data.

BMW vs Audi

2009-06-16T13:03:00.006+01:00

Clever marketing response by BMW to an Audi campaign. Initially Audi mounted the standard sized billboard in Santa Monica. Frequently BMW and Audi are fierce rivals in the Auto world - often with comparative standards. Here BMW make a clear statement using the physical size of the board - a representation of the amount of dispensable money for Advertising as the construction of this unique board would have cost a fair amount. I like the playful nature of tone of the ads. And in a way the BMW ad has actually helped the response rate to the smaller Audi board. Outdoor advertising is very much about catching the publics attention, and i think this is a highly successful venture.

2009-06-16T12:57:00.002+01:00

Plush Organs : I Heart Guts, Love Your Innard

Characterisation of organs. These could be used to help young children learn about the body as do the Microbe Plush Toys.

Gubble Bum

2009-06-15T11:55:00.003+01:00

I found this when I was helping my housemate look for something for another project. The gum has been personified, they are endearing and the witty use of the skeleton for the interior of the packet is brilliant.

Brighton Graffiti

2009-06-15T11:33:00.004+01:00

Having grown up in Sussex as a teenager I spent a lot of time in Brighton. In the North Laines, more specifically Kensington Gardens, the backs of the shops have been evolving. From a new James Brown memorial to a jungle themed chimney breast. This commission and permission graffiti art is world away from the stucco fronted homes.

Near the train station

Above and below: Kensington Gardens

In the past 5 years or so Brighton has had an explosion of colour in the North Laines area. I am proud to say I am from a city that actively encourages people to be creative - although within acceptable boundaries.

Brighton is a living a breathing city and its graffiti art is ever changing.

Do you remember when you said you'd never forget this...

2009-06-15T11:24:00.005+01:00

This photo sums up the reality of the majority of the photos I take. Whether it is a landscape, a sunset, a strange cloud, moments with my friends - every photo i seem to take is to remember a moment, but the reality is, i'll probably never look at them again!

Bubble Calender

2009-06-15T11:21:00.002+01:00

I saw this in a shop in London quite a while ago, it's a really clever use of tactile design. It's a bit like the concept behind a chocolate advent calendar.

Thomas De Santis - 2012: Disclosure

2009-06-14T14:04:00.003+01:00

This is an illustration I found on http://www.threadless.com/. Illustrators and Artists send in their designs and they can be made into T-shirts and jumpers. This is a great outlet for people to get their work in public.

Banksy's Home

2009-06-14T14:02:00.005+01:00

This week Banksy hijacked Bristol's City Museum & Art Gallery. True to his notoriety, the covert exhibition display's many of his installation pieces. According to the papers only 2 council officials knew about it. The mystery of his true identity adds a dimension of intrigue to his work and has become the staple young person's "favorite artist". Although I wouldn't class myself as a "fan" as such, I do like to follow his work through the media.

As much as i would like to day his work is work is original and provokes reactions in society, I think it is a commercial outlet for a scene that has existed long before Banksy bought his spray cans in Bristol. The distinctive techniques he uses is very similar to Blek Le Rat who began his work in Paris in 1981 and members of the punk band Crass who sustained a graffiti stencil campaign throughout the Underground in the late 70's/early 80's.

Blek Le Rat : That's Better

The Millau Bridge (or Viaduct) in France

2009-06-13T12:00:00.004+01:00

Above picture was taken while the coach I was on was traveling across the bridge. The approach took us through the mountains and as if the mountains melted away we were a mile up in the air!
This picture was taken when the coach had crossed the toll road completely.

It is the tallest bridge for vehicles in the world, the largest mast stands at 343 metres which makes it slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower and slightly (38m) shorter than the Empire State Building. The bridge spans the valley of the Rive Tarn and is 2,460m long. The steel cable-stayed bridge was designed by structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British Architect Norman Foster. It is common for clouds to form underneath the bridge. This is an modern day iconic collaboration of civil engineering and architecture.

Hall of Fame

2009-06-13T11:49:00.004+01:00

Another building designed by Frank Gehry, situated in Seattle, The Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (abrv EMPISFM) is a museum dedicated to the history and exploration of both popular music and science fiction.

Monorail tracks going through the building.

Disney Concert Hall

2009-06-13T11:31:00.008+01:00

Walt Disney concert hall Los Angeles. The Frank Gehry-designed building opened on October 23 2003, and received mixed reviews, but the acoustics of the hall were widely praised. I like the way the surface of the exterior has been designed creates an illusion of infinite dimension, heightened by the reflective materials used.