Typeface/song comparison

One of my favourite songs currently playing on repeat on my playlist for both work and play is "There is Hope" by : Zoo Brazil featuring Rasmus Kellerman. This song falls under many categories for genera but the best that I can describe it would be somewhere between Pop/Dance and Industrial/Electronica. It is a very upbeat song with very few but uplifting lyrics, making it easy to listen to while working or getting lost in thought. In terms of comparing this song to a typeface I instantly thought of Univers, a modern typeface that is very simple yet elegant and very forward thinking in terms of design. Piggy backing on the songs mood and feel, Univers might also not suit the tastes of an older generation, making it a perfect fit for its fast paced companion. Below are the lyrics for the song typed in Univers.
                                                 
I came to fall in love with this song also because it was used in a very intriguing commercial/campaign for "Go Beyond Cover" a brand of skin care products designed to cover up tattoos. The video features Quebec native Rick Genest who is known for his heavily tattooed body featuring full face and head designs embodying his overall "corpse" theme, earning him the nick name "Zombie Boy". Attached is the link to the "Go Beyond Cover" video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mIBKifOOQQ&feature=fvsr

Using design to make a long over due improvement

A New York-based designer Rochus Jacob has revitalized not only the overall look and feel of your average Radiator, but has harnessed new technologies to turn it into a thing of beauty with purpose! The concept for his design was to make the Radiator resemble the natural feel of a campfire. Not only does it embody the traditional campfire but his design has allowed the Radiator to become a standalone object, making it possible to position where ever one pleases. Simply amazing!

Personal strengths and weaknesses as a designer

Now that I am half way through my second year in the graphic design program at Conestoga college, I have definitely noticed what my strengths and weaknesses are in becoming a graphic designer. During first year when the overall focus was on a "hand made" approach to design I was more so in my element! As I consider myself to be a strong illustrator, my talent being able to reproduce anything provided the proper reference materials, while adding in my own personal touches to each piece, seemed only perfect for the hands on feel of first year. The all time consuming task of creating designs and illustrations by hand had taken over my time management skills, leaving for some uncomfortably close deadlines. Below are some of the works I created during first year :

After entering into second year I have noticed how much the computerized aspect of design has not only helped but has also hindered my work. The computer programs do make it very easy to make alterations/revisions in a short period of time but add a new level of frustration when trying to execute an  existing idea but not knowing how to begin ex. (which programs to use, how to save bits and pieces of things etc.). Overall I have found it a challenge to find an equal balance between knowing when to do things by hand and when and where to integrate technology. From what I have experienced so far this always puzzling question is mainly determined on the allotted amount of time in which I have to design a project from start to finish. As I am realizing now, it requires an equal balance of technology and hand made skills in order to produce work that you are truly proud of, at least for me anyways. :) Here is a sample of some of the projects I have made this year :

a beer label/line extension 

John McConnell

Art director and designer John McConnell has been leaving his graphic mark on British life for well over five decades. He has worked on many diverse household names such as: Faber & Faber, Boots, Clarks Shoes, Halfords, John Lewis and The British Museum. In my opinion, McConnell has had an astounding career, in other words the "dream job", simply because of his extensive knowledge base from working on such exclusive projects. John McConnell has been recognized for several awards through out his career such as: the Prince Philip Designers' Prize (2002); various D&AD Awards (silver, gold and a President's Award in 1985); and an American Art Directors Club award in 1985. To check out his design studio follow the attached link: http://www.mcconnellstudio.com/

Typographic Paper Construction

I happened to stumble upon this very beautiful and intricate style of typographic paper constructions made by Yulia Brodskya who is both an illustrator as well as a graphic designer. Being able to see such beautiful craftsman ship has inspired me to apply some of these elements into my upcoming calendar project.

The Waterloo Regional Children's Museum

The Waterloo Regional Children's Museum is an excellent example of modern contemporary architecture. At first glance during the day you get a glimpse at the glorious reflections from the glass, and at night you get a wonderful look at whats inside. The outside is beautiful with its clean lines, interesting shapes and use of building materials, that only furthers your curiosity for what lies inside. The interior is beautifully decorated with a colourful array of different shapes and patterns as well as many different textures that compliment its contemporary design scheme.

Portraits

Over the past few years I have done many black and white portraits. These are a few of my favourite that I believe to have been successful! The rich contrast between the black and white really makes the illustrations "pop", this is because of the carbon pencils that I use that take on the characteristic look of charcoal but without the mess. This black matte finish accents the white, bringing out the eyes in each portrait. The eyes are one of the most important pieces to get right when making a portrait drawing. Most importantly they communicate the emotion and draw the audience in. All of the illustrations that I have attached do just that, giving some "life" to each subject.

Tesla Roadster

This car is a great example of modern designism with some flair! Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by a group of intrepid Silicon Vally engineers that believed that not only could electric cars be useful and environmentally friendly but could also be fast and fun! With the design of the Tesla Roadster, Tesla Motors has redefined the look and feel of the electric car. Everything screams post modern design from its sleek curved front end to the slick yet edgy rear, borrowing most of it's looks from the combustion machines such as the Lotus Elise and the Ferrari F430. This car is a force to be reckoned with, averaging a top speed of 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and travelling over 245 miles on a single charge! Keeping all of the positives in mind you'll need to start saving your pennies because this bad boy will cost you US$109,000, GB 86,950 in the United Kingdom, and 84,000 in continental Europe for a base model.


for more information check out the attached links:


http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyo0HOyiosI