Guest Blog - Dylan Smith: Shadow Sculptures

Dylan Smith is an illustrator at Savannah College of Art and Design. He's pretty clever, so I asked him to write something for my blog concerning the arts. He gave me an article that looks into the sculpture world. I think it's really interesting, hope you do too.

Tim Noble and Sue Webster are a pair of UK based artists who produce  unique and exceedingly multi-dimensional art. They have explored numerous mediums but have now settled into a unique sculptural technique and style, becoming recognized around the world for their deceptive “shadow sculptures.”  Noble and Webster’s sculptures are all constructed of seemingly mundane objects, often times trash is a key component in their work.  Upon first inspection of these works they don’t seem to amount to much, literally piles of trash, but when they are lit with a spotlight, their true nature is shown.  Each of these three dimensional heaps hides within it a perfectly articulated two dimensional “shadow” image which is completely unlike the pile of trash now laying before it.  The work “Dirty White Trash”  is a perfect example.  The seeming heap of waste that wouldn’t be uncomfortable on a trash barge (there are even sea gulls picking through the piece)  hides within it the silhouettes of both artists.  It is, in fact, a self portrait in more than one fashion, as the trash used to create the piece is actually all the accumulated trash the artist produced over the months making the piece. 

John Foster: Accidental Mysteries

John Foster is a writer/photographer who reports on designobserver.com as well as other publications/blogs. He recently made a post that highlighted mysterious patterns in nature. The beautiful images caught my eye.

I have always thought about how all humans do is emulate aspects of nature. It shows in our actions and our perception of design. Ever since I was little I was drawing things and shapes just like these. This proves the human conscious is bound to natural facts. Every culture has design that is "organic" (that's in quotations because everything is organic, even industry, but I digress...).

These are some drawings I did when I was younger that remind me of the previous pictures.

I have a million other, further developed drawings that share a dendritic, organic, or tubular theme. I imagine as my neurons fire in my brain while drawing, I subconsciously draw out the patterns of my thoughts. Maybe that's why I've identified with automatic art for most of my life.

I think if we learn to tap in to our primordial gifts of understanding and emulating nature, we could all make beautiful art. Ever wonder why children's art sometimes looks like a master painted it (watch "My Kid Could Paint That")?

So why am I talking about this? I think that if we returned to an automatic (chance driven, subconscious) thought process while designing, all design would benefit. Don't quote me on that though. If someone drew squiggles on paper and wrote "come to McDonald's" under it I might cry. Wait, actually that's better than most McDonald's advertising.

The Mars Volta - Great Music, Great Design

I love The Mars Volta. I've listened to them for over a decade now, and they never get old. Their music is complex and brilliant. They are an acquired taste, because (like most great things) people aren't used to something different. They are nothing like what's on the radio, so they don't appeal to people who like to follow trends or fit in with a large group. You might say they require thought, which most people my age today don't want to do. Lord forbid we listen to music that's not in 4:4. But I digress, I've gotta stop talking about their music and my general hatred for mainstream music. I could go on forever (not exaggerating).

What I want to highlight is their design. Every CD they've ever put out has pushed the boundaries of CD design. They always choose artists that are known for surreal or "different" styles. It fits their music perfectly. Storm Thorgenson did their first album "Deloused in the Comatorium", which was amazing. But their new artist Jeff Jordan is very different, yet still as engaging.

Here is an older CD cover from "Frances the Mute". It's not Jeff. But it's great. It reminds me of the organized chaos which is The Mars Volta.

Here is the Jeff Jordan CD cover art from "Amputechture".

Crazy right? This piece is called "Mutant", which The Mars Volta had to have. They have also commissioned Jeff to do other CD covers for them. Their latest album "Octahedron", for example.

Kudos to Jeff Jordan for making amazing art, and for supporting a band that makes amazing music.

Go to jeffjordanart.com and check out his work. And if you're brave, buy some of the Mars Volta's music. Frances the Mute is my personal favorite album, but I could see how Deloused in the Comatorium could be more accessible to "new ears".

Artist Interview: Ashley Tipton

I chose to interview graphic designer Ashley Tipton because I know her work. I've seen some of her posters and packaging in the halls at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta. Her work is exactly what I like to see as far as design goes. Not shouting for attention, just demanding it. I sat down with her on the design floor at SCAD to ask her about her work and herself.


How would you classify yourself as a designer?

"As a designer I would say I'm a minimalist. I'm mostly interested in minimal, conceptual, and interactive design. That's why I prefer packaging design over anything else."

What's so good about package design?

"I just love the feel of paper and paper mechanics. Well, anything 3-D for that matter. Anything that I can get my hands on. I feel more connected with my work when I can touch it."

Who is a big inspiration to your work?

"I love Paula Sherr, Neville Brody, Saul Bass, and Massimo Vignelli. Especially Massimo, he has the most creative freedom out of anyone."

So is it all about creative freedom to you?

"Yes and no. It's more about how creative one can be while still providing a service for a client. Hopefully one day I'll be able to just do whatever I want no matter what anyone else wants."

So then what is your dream job?

"I'd love to be a packaging designer for Marc Jacobs or someone like that. Fashion or cosmetic packaging design. Yea, that sounds right."

What's your dream internship?

"Marc Jacobs. Duh."

So let me ask you some design questions. What's your favorite color?

"Blue. But design wise I can't and don't have a favorite color."

What's your favorite typeface to use?

"As far as serifs go I like Clarendon, Bodoni, and Sabon. My favorite sans serif is most definitely Univers."

Has SCAD helped you discover yourself as an artist?

"Most definitely, before college I knew I wanted to design but I had no idea what design really was. It really opened my eyes and gave me experience I never thought I'd get from school."

What's been your favorite project at SCAD?

"I did a package design for the movie Despicable Me. It was a DVD case that could be converted into a rocket and the DVD itself was the moon. I loved it. I also did invitations for a Day of the Dead festival and a poker tournament that turned out really nice. I was proud of myself. My teachers responded well to them."

Who's your favorite teacher here?

"Henry Kim. I am really attached to other professors as well, but Henry fit my personality just right."

Who is your favorite visual artist (not involving graphic design for commercial use)?

"Robert Morris is amazing. I would have to say Judd is my favorite because of the functionality of his work. He invites people to interact."

I asked you to bring two pieces of graphic design (not packaging) that shows who you are. Tell me about them.

"My Bodoni poster was for Typography II. I had to make a lecture poster that advertised a guest speaker and what he would speak about. I chose Massimo Vignelli and the topic of Bodoni because Bodoni is one of the typefaces he actually likes. He even created his own version of it, so I thought it was appropriate."

"The other poster I did was for my Graphic Design Studio I class. It was about my identity as an artist. I used an industrial paper background to show my love for paper/packaging. The text says "I put my identity into another identity", meaning that I am malleable as a designer and fit myself to the client. The fingerprint is self-explanatory."

Simple Designs Make Me Happy

I know I keep going on and on about minimalism, but I'm convinced it is key to design. It's the same theory as delivering a good speech - you have to be interesting while being clear, concise, and efficient. Cut the fat but taste better than bacon. I found some examples today that caught my eye.

First thing I found was this poster for a film called Coffee and Cigarettes. To be able to refine the title down to simple images like this is amazing. Makes me think gritty/black and white (don't know if the movie is, you know what I mean) drama about an intellectual or something like that.

Then I found a poster that paid homage to Stanley Kubrik's, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Very clever. If you've ever seen the movie, which you completely should have already, a large monolith is found in space (I'm not going any further, rent the movie). The simple use of the long, square, monolith shape is great. It even emphasizes 2001.

You can read about the designer and project here --> http://www.experimentaljetset.nl/archive/neutral.html

Are you thinking, "Brock, yes you're completely right about minimalism and about everything in general. But what happens if I want more embellishment in my design?"

Just because the designs I chose are brilliantly simple doesn't mean that color, forms, and other elements can't make good design. Take this for example.

This involves more motion, elements, and embellished characteristics, but the overall composition is simply organized. Making this minimal in nature. No fat, just the visual reference of doves, title, and text.

Even information should be minimal (like my speech reference). Look at this poster categorizing different types of flint. That could be really, really, really boring. But the organization, imagery, and style makes this design nice to look at and easy to absorb.

Now I'm not saying complicated things aren't good design. Take the Sistine Chapel for instance. That is extremely complicated, but the composition was planned to fulfill certain references and requirements. All I'm trying to convey is that design should make graphic and conceptual sense.

Great Movie Posters

Levi's had a "rolling roadshow" in 2010. It was a movie event sponsored by Levi's that took place at different event spaces/establishments on different dates. The movies shown were classics, including Red Dawn, Robocop, There Will Be Blood, Dirty Harry, Rocky, The Godfather, etc.

Whoever did their posters, pat yourself on the back. They stay true to the original movie while utilizing a new and artistic design. There are references in the compositions that speak to people that have experienced the films. However, the designs are efficient enough to tell a new/potential viewer the feel of the movie.

The Godfather poster is very clever, but I don't think that someone who's never heard of the movie would get it. Screw whoever hasn't heard of the Godfather though.

Dirty Harry is probably my favorite. I bet Clint would like that on his wall. It is so minimal yet conveys so much emotion and reveals key plot/character notes. On that note the There Will Be Blood poster does that too. The black minimal space hits me just right.

These designs go to show you that good ideas/design/advertising must be honed down to its most minimal state. They are easy to look at,  get information from, and to recognize. Orange usually bugs me too, but not here - looks vintage, not cheesy.

Sorry, I Had To

First off, in no way am I making fun of anyone's faith.

Second, in no way am I insulting Christianity or the Bible (anyone's faith).

Third, IN NO WAY AM I MAKING FUN OF ANYONE'S FAITH.

...just this awful advertisement. I can honestly say if the apocalypse happens on May 21, 2011 I could be comfortable in knowing that I wasn't making fun of God. I just had to poke fun at the guy who made this and thought he was helping. I know you're intentions are pure buddy, but you aren't helping your cause by making me wince and chuckle at the same time.

Look at the yellow text button on the top. It looks like an infomercial guarantee. I imagine the church's pastor putting two thumbs up as he says, "The Bible guarantees it!" - then his teeth sparkle. Maybe Billy Mays walks in somewhere. And I love how it's inviting people to come and change their ways/prepare for the apocalypse just a week before Judgement Day. "Monday through Friday come on down, but Saturday you're screwed!"

Weird Gushers Commercial

I like weird. Not Old Spice/Dairy Queen commercial "weird". I put that in quotations because those commercials aren't weird, they're planned attempts to be "randomly hip". They lack creativity, and are not original.

This is original weird, watch it.

It's gross, funny, then gets sad - which was funny. The one thing it didn't make me want was a Gusher. When the kid gushes the juice all over people it made me cringe. I love Gushers though, so in the end it made me think about them. However, I think kids would respond well to that kind of humor. When I was little I loved laughing at gross stuff (come on, you did too).

What's great about the commercial is it not only spoke to kids with the gross factor, but also spoke to adults with the "grown up" ending. The kid can't grow up and have regular jobs, that's hilarious. Then he throws down the eye patch like, "Damnit!" Oh yea, also fantastic when he gets hurt as a child and his dad licks the Gusher juice from his wound.

O.k. - the jingle was slightly annoying. Maybe should have been thought about a little more. The shot sequences were nice though. They connected with their target audience (kids 7-15) well, but might have slightly deterred some people (can't win em' all). But hey, I complain a lot, if these were the only problems I'm pointing out - that ain't bad Gushers, not bad at all.

You know what? I'm buying Gushers tomorrow. Keep it up Gusher people, freak me out - I'll start buying multiple packs each trip to the grocery store.

Honda. Honda, Honda. At Least You Tried.

Honda's new little stunt involves reciprocating consumers' love for the company. Hey, I can get on board with that concept. So what do they do?

Some guy named Dustin got a Honda tattoo, so Honda's VP of marketing Steve Center got a fake tattoo of Dustin's face and name. But it's fake. I don't see Dustin getting attention for a henna tattoo, Steve. Way to drop the ball. I did like how awful the tattoo looked, which would have made the stunt so amazing if it were real.

So then a girl painted Honda logos on her toenails. First of all, big whoop - not exciting. So Honda's assistant manager of interactive marketing painted the fan's name on her toes. Again, really not interesting. Did you walk around in sandals for a week? Nope.

Then we get a guy who mows a Honda logo in his lawn. So Honda mows his name into their corporate office lawn. Ok, simple, kinda creative, I'll work with you on this one.

Why I'm complaining about these publicity stunts is because they're all temporary. Nail polish comes off, grass grows back, and ball-point pen washes away with warm water.

Second, the only stunt with legs (the grass cutting one) is really small, and wasn't conceptually expanded. Why didn't they put other names/pictures of other fans on the Honda website/building/advertising. The campaign could have been the "You love Honda, we love you" campaign or something. Honda could have at least mowed his last name in there too. One million guys named Chris are reaping the reward that the real Chris mowed his little heart out to get.

It obviously takes a good concept to get my attention - but I'm mad because you took that good concept and made me hate it. I get it, you want to be personal, different, and "hip". But who the hell looks at your lawn, your toenails, or a fake tattoo. I'll tell you who, a few people at a press conference and Chris, Cristina, and Dustin. That's all folks.

Let's get creative Honda. Make a Honda Civic "Chris Edition" or something. Something more permanent/memorable.

David Lynch Commercial (what goes on in there David... what's in that head of yours?)

For those of you who don't know who David Lynch is he's a filmmaker/director/visual artist that's known for pushing the envelope. He directed Elephant Man, which is amazing. His surrealist work is pretty good too. His rationale for his paintings seemed like somewhat of a short-cut, but I do think he's right about black being the color for dreams and depth. But that cannot be the reason you don't work with color, I think it's because he isn't too skilled of a painter and has a lot of other things happening.

So... he makes a commercial. A commercial that advertises his new brand of coffee. That's right, coffee. But it gets better. I proceeded to watch him squeeze a barbie doll head and make short talk with it. He eventually hits on it and plugs his product.

What the hell did I just watch?

But hey, to be honest I liked this commercial way better than anything I've ever seen on t.v. Tim and Eric made those Old Spice commercials that are random, but they aren't creative. Any jackass can talk out his ass for a minute. David Lynch truly made something that made me

a) watch the whole way through, intently I might add
b) uneasy... in a good way
c) want to try the coffee because the commercial was so weird

Yea, It's Funny

We've all seen the new Snickers t.v. campaign, "you're not you when you're hungry". It started off with the  "divas" in the car. Then came Betty White on a football field and Roseanne in a logging operation (the Roseanne one I wasn't too fond of).

I loved the commercials' concept at first, but then they started to lose steam. You need the right stars to make it funny, but more importantly you need the right personality with the skit. Roseanne makes everything horrible in my opinion (she's lucky Richard Lewis was there to make the commercial somewhat funny), but that's not why I started to get turned off to the rest of the commercials.

After being subjected to the skits for a while I noticed that the underlying concept starts off strong, but lacks the power to be replayed without becoming boring. I think a great commercial can be played twice in a row and never lose steam.

But then I found Joe Pesci's contribution to the campaign. It didn't disappoint for two reasons. The star's personality worked with the "real life" situation given (alot like the first commercial with Liza Minnelli), and Joe Pesci made the commercial more memorable than the rest of the campaign (maybe with the exception of Betty White saying "that's not what your girlfriend says").

Here it is, tell me what you think. Also check out the Betty White one and play the logging commercial until Richard Lewis leaves the screen, then immediately shut it off.

Brown Is Blue (but he ain't sad)

Great use of type. I mean, I've seen this method of portraiture used plenty of times. But this use just seems so funky. Whoever did this should be proud.

Great Effect for Type (If Done Right)

Look at this! Absolutely wonderful. Simple, effective, memorable. Gives me hope for modern typographers.

Typography Week - Watch Your Words!

As revealed in previous posts, typography is a love hate thing for me. Mostly hate. But that's what makes me love great uses of typography. I always think that simplicity is key for most design elements, but I strongly believe that a minimalist approach to type design separates the best from the rest.

I'll be posting great typography examples all week and highlighting typography geniuses. If you have any thoughts or pics you'd like to share, please do.

Click the pictures to enlarge. Read carefully.

Funny Stuff

I found these ads while surfing around. I've seen the ass one before, but the old SEGA ad is absolutely hilarious.

I'm actually really impressed with the typography too. And it's hard to impress me typographically.

Um... Nutrigrain?

Do you like this commercial? Do I like this commercial?

I guess I do... Kinda gets old around the end. Maybe they should have shortened it a little bit. And the woman annoys me while she's walking through the office.

It's weird though, I like weird. But is this an expected weird? Still on the fence.

Simple Design = Simply Good

I found these book covers while scanning design forums. They hit me just right. I love that illustrated and well-composed look.

Attention Advertisers: Ad Age Wants You

I read that AdAge wants someone to design their latest magazine cover. It's called their "Global Cover Contest", and the winner gets sent to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Sounds fun as hell to me. I usually don't participate in too many contests, but the reward looks good enough for me to actually give it a shot. So maybe I should have titled this blog "Don't Submit To AdAge Contest".

Check it out --->  CONTEST INFO

Royal Wedding Merchandise Offers A Jolly Good Time

William and Kate merchandise has hit the market. Analysts say total sales could reach $42 million within the year. There are Royal sliding doors, refrigerators, donuts, comic books, toilet seats, and sick bags (among many more useless items). The items I'm choosing to highlight are a little more intimate.

William and Kate condoms and arousal stimulants (in beer flavor, couldn't make that up) have entered the market. And no, the condoms don't make you feel like you're having intercourse in Buckingham Palace. Who's idea was it anyway to make a beer that arouses you? Alcohol is known for increasing people's friskier tendencies. Seems like something might go wrong, but I don't know.

How hilarious is this? Skittles just stepped it up a notch. But to be honest, the rest of the videos on this campaign aren't funny. The idea is still there though, just try not to drop the ball anymore, new Skittles campaign designers. You guys almost had it perfect. Almost.

The print campaign you had going was ok too. Just ok though. Hey, at least it's not bad type - actually an interesting use of typography. But I've seen way better uses, sorry.

Typography, it's a love hate thing.

I love typography. I hate typography.

You see words everywhere. When are they meaningless? When are they informing? When are they selling me something? When are they doing all of the above? Hell if I know. But I do know that commanding words force us to pay attention. Like a stop sign (well, hopefully it makes you pay attention).

When do words become more than letters? We've all seen simple shapes form out of letters.

But look, type doesn't have to be so literal.

And type can be more beautiful than the words.

My problem with type is that people tend to use it very, very very, very very very poorly. Which makes me want to vomit. At least someone agrees with me.

But being an advertiser/graphic designer means you're bound to typography, whether you like it or not (I don't see the human race returning to grunts and cave drawings any time soon, but don't quote me on that). And on the positive side, all the horrible uses just emphasize the brilliant ones. Well, that applies to most facets of life, but you get my point.