Monday, 17 March 2008
**NOTE**
Due to my original H&H blog not working for some reason, I have copied all of the information into this new shiny blog. Therefore, the dates here are NOT when the blog entries were originally written.
PENTAGRAM
I've decided to start with Pentagram because they are one of the most succesful and influential design studios in the world today with offices based in 5 different countries. More importantly though, they started off as just 1 studio based in the United Kingdom. One of Pentagrams co-founders was none other than Alan Fletcher, who was, until his death in 2006, a designer held in high acclaim by many critics.
The above images are taken from Pentagram's website. There is a lot of good stuff that Pentagram have done, but to be honest nothing that has made me go "wow"... I dunno, it's pretty much the fact that they are typically "Graphic Design" that makes me think that whilst they are good, they aren't breaking any molds, and as a result I can't fall in love with them like I do some designers. I've had a look through a couple of Pentagram books as well, only briefly, but still can't see anything that really makes my eyes happy.
The books above may look a bit on the plain side, but I really like them. Designed for a stationary chain, they've used a brown card look for the covers which makes them look slightly retro and standard but in a good way, in fact they almost look like parcels wrapped in brown paper, giving them an inviting look. Also with them all being brown it gives them a uniform so that everything matches in the set.
The other image is an interactive model of Lower Manhattan that displays information about the city. I love the look of it, I'm not quite sure what the lines represent, but I could see something similar being used for Londons tube service, a 3D map showing where the tube goes could be quite interesting, tap in your destination and see where it will take you.
Links:
Official Website
Wikipedia Reference
TOMATO
I've heard alot about Tomato but I have never really looked into them before. Their history is quite interesting. Developed in the 1990's by 9 designers, 2 of which are members of the band Underworld.
Their website has some really interesting stuff on it, however it is enfuriating to navigate. I'm not sure quite what the point they are getting at is, but to me good design should reduce effort unless the point is to make things difficult. Considering it is a showcase of their work, it would be nicer if it included a layout that was clear.
However, despite that criticism, there are some nice things to look at. I already knew of one of their books, Mmm... Skyscraper I love you, which deals with typography and layouts. Here is a quick page view:
Think I'm going to have to have a look at finding this book, it looks interesting.
They also did the recent redesign of Intelligent Life, which I did buy recently just because I thought it looked so beautiful:
UPDATE: I bought Mmm.. Skyscraper I Love You. It's a great book. Completely lacking in any kind of typical information other than the visuals, but each page gives a completely different feel. It's great how it's just in black and white yet it can put across alot. The typefaces used are pretty typical for when the book was made (the 90's) but they're used really well. It is described as a "Typographical Journal of New York". It's a really interesting "read" (even if it is limited in words), some of the words are lyrics from the Underworld single of the same name.
Links:
Official Website
Their website has some really interesting stuff on it, however it is enfuriating to navigate. I'm not sure quite what the point they are getting at is, but to me good design should reduce effort unless the point is to make things difficult. Considering it is a showcase of their work, it would be nicer if it included a layout that was clear.
However, despite that criticism, there are some nice things to look at. I already knew of one of their books, Mmm... Skyscraper I love you, which deals with typography and layouts. Here is a quick page view:
Think I'm going to have to have a look at finding this book, it looks interesting.
They also did the recent redesign of Intelligent Life, which I did buy recently just because I thought it looked so beautiful:
UPDATE: I bought Mmm.. Skyscraper I Love You. It's a great book. Completely lacking in any kind of typical information other than the visuals, but each page gives a completely different feel. It's great how it's just in black and white yet it can put across alot. The typefaces used are pretty typical for when the book was made (the 90's) but they're used really well. It is described as a "Typographical Journal of New York". It's a really interesting "read" (even if it is limited in words), some of the words are lyrics from the Underworld single of the same name.
Links:
Official Website
I LOVE DUST
Though they aren't on the list, I'm going to blog about them any way because they are one of my favourite design groups. I actually got to know one of the founding members, Mark, because they did the artwork/website for Charlotte Hatherley when she was promoting her first album.
They all seem really nice guys and I've bought a few of their T shirts over the years. These days they work in between Britain and America, concentrating in Identity and Print, but occasionally going over to Interactive and Product design. They are starting to get really big, creating designs for Coca Cola, Nike, Macy's, Kelly Rowland etc.
They were recently featured in a book that I bought called Illustration Now! (Vol. 2). Here is a look at a couple of the pages from the book:
The image on the right... The colours used are great. I love line drawings, and they have used a great bit of imagery, combining machinary and the sea... The colours used are really positive, like most of ILD's work, making me think about optimism and energy.
Links:
Official Website
They all seem really nice guys and I've bought a few of their T shirts over the years. These days they work in between Britain and America, concentrating in Identity and Print, but occasionally going over to Interactive and Product design. They are starting to get really big, creating designs for Coca Cola, Nike, Macy's, Kelly Rowland etc.
They were recently featured in a book that I bought called Illustration Now! (Vol. 2). Here is a look at a couple of the pages from the book:
The image on the right... The colours used are great. I love line drawings, and they have used a great bit of imagery, combining machinary and the sea... The colours used are really positive, like most of ILD's work, making me think about optimism and energy.
Links:
Official Website
HI-RES
Looking at Hi-Res's work, whilst I loved some of it, their website designs I found really irritating. I don't think Flash should be used too much in web design, it can alienate people using slower internet connections. Keeping it to a menu or an interactive element on the site is fine, but I think it can be overused. Also, their main website, whilst I understand it is just a temporary site whilst they work on their proper version, was really confusing at first glance. I have noticed that alot of these designers can do great work for other companies, but when it comes to designing something for themselves they mess up... maybe it's the lack of constrictions?
The above video is an internet promo they made for hit US TV series Ugly Betty. Around the internet are quite a few videos of turning an "ugly" woman into a "beauty" with the help of photo shop, and that is essentially what Hi-Res have done here. Focusing on this element appeals to two different markets: Computer users (especially those with an interest in imagery and design) and Fashion/Gossip column readers. With the computer users, there is the interest in the technical side, whilst with the Gossip column readers there is the element of how pretty much every magazine cover is photoshopped to make the model look flawless, sometimes to a dramatic extent. Of course, with Ugly Betty being based in a fashion magazine office, the idea was to focus on the fashion side... A great and intelligent promo.
I also had a look at some of their logo and identity designs. One of my particular favourites is for Sony's PSP.
Above is the main PSP identity, splashed around on packaging and advertising. It displays small logos that identify the PSP's capabilities - It isn't just a gaming machine (Playstation Controller symbol - an already well recognised symbol of gaming), but a video and music player, capable of displaying images etc. Unifying all the simple elements is one bold colour (Coral Red, though any colour can be used) with some lighter shapes behind the main PSP image giving a hint of movement - with the PSP being a portable device perhaps that is what they were trying to signify.
The above image again is showing the PSP's multi-faceted approach, and how it is more than just a gaming system, combining the screen, Playstation, Speakers, DVD player etc. Which would you prefer, all of those jumbled old objects or a sleek PSP that can fit in your pocket?
Links:
Official Website
The above video is an internet promo they made for hit US TV series Ugly Betty. Around the internet are quite a few videos of turning an "ugly" woman into a "beauty" with the help of photo shop, and that is essentially what Hi-Res have done here. Focusing on this element appeals to two different markets: Computer users (especially those with an interest in imagery and design) and Fashion/Gossip column readers. With the computer users, there is the interest in the technical side, whilst with the Gossip column readers there is the element of how pretty much every magazine cover is photoshopped to make the model look flawless, sometimes to a dramatic extent. Of course, with Ugly Betty being based in a fashion magazine office, the idea was to focus on the fashion side... A great and intelligent promo.
I also had a look at some of their logo and identity designs. One of my particular favourites is for Sony's PSP.
Above is the main PSP identity, splashed around on packaging and advertising. It displays small logos that identify the PSP's capabilities - It isn't just a gaming machine (Playstation Controller symbol - an already well recognised symbol of gaming), but a video and music player, capable of displaying images etc. Unifying all the simple elements is one bold colour (Coral Red, though any colour can be used) with some lighter shapes behind the main PSP image giving a hint of movement - with the PSP being a portable device perhaps that is what they were trying to signify.
The above image again is showing the PSP's multi-faceted approach, and how it is more than just a gaming system, combining the screen, Playstation, Speakers, DVD player etc. Which would you prefer, all of those jumbled old objects or a sleek PSP that can fit in your pocket?
Links:
Official Website
E-BOY
My pet hate with designers website continues. eBoy have a good website apart from the fact that there is way too much going on! I don't know where to put my eyes. It works for their work, but not for a website. I digress though, as I expect their website isn't their main concern.
eBoy concentrate on pixelated artwork. To be honest it's really nice to look at, especially as these days everything is smoothed off to a perfect finish, looking at the retro stylings of eBoy is pretty cool. I have a couple of magazines with articles about them in (NOTE TO SELF: must try and scan those in when I get back to Wrexham...) and really like the stuff they produce.
If you click on the above link you can check out the image in a bit more detail. It's really interesting to see this image, their take on London, part of their ongoing eCity project. The eCity project basically involves them creating their own pixelated version of a famous city, such as London, Tokyo etc., or their own imaginary cities, and then combining unusual aspects from their own minds, for example tokyo is full of robots and monsters.
When I went shopping in Manchester, I had a look in Magma, and lo and behold the place was crawling with e-boy merchandise. Posters, T-Shirts, Vinyl figurines and even a cushion! My friend who I was with almost bought the cushion but decided not to as it was almost £50. However I bought the "London" poster for my room back home and a vinyl figure from the "Peecol" toy line created for KidRobot (KidRobot website). It's a really cool little skeleton figurine:
His name is LaCruzz. What is REALLY special about the character is that he, and every other figure from the Peecol toy series is that he has his own MySpace page where you can find out more information about his character. Really interesting and amusing, adding an extra depth to the character, makes me cherish the figure even more.
Links:
Official Website
eBoy concentrate on pixelated artwork. To be honest it's really nice to look at, especially as these days everything is smoothed off to a perfect finish, looking at the retro stylings of eBoy is pretty cool. I have a couple of magazines with articles about them in (NOTE TO SELF: must try and scan those in when I get back to Wrexham...) and really like the stuff they produce.
If you click on the above link you can check out the image in a bit more detail. It's really interesting to see this image, their take on London, part of their ongoing eCity project. The eCity project basically involves them creating their own pixelated version of a famous city, such as London, Tokyo etc., or their own imaginary cities, and then combining unusual aspects from their own minds, for example tokyo is full of robots and monsters.
When I went shopping in Manchester, I had a look in Magma, and lo and behold the place was crawling with e-boy merchandise. Posters, T-Shirts, Vinyl figurines and even a cushion! My friend who I was with almost bought the cushion but decided not to as it was almost £50. However I bought the "London" poster for my room back home and a vinyl figure from the "Peecol" toy line created for KidRobot (KidRobot website). It's a really cool little skeleton figurine:
His name is LaCruzz. What is REALLY special about the character is that he, and every other figure from the Peecol toy series is that he has his own MySpace page where you can find out more information about his character. Really interesting and amusing, adding an extra depth to the character, makes me cherish the figure even more.
Links:
Official Website
JAMES JARVIS
I have known bits about James Jarvis for a while, if you see something drawn by him, you can tell straight away because his style is so unique.
The above video is James Jarvis drawing a wall mural for Meltdown Comics. It's interesting to see how he goes about creating his characters and drawing in the details such as the background etc. I particularly love the facial expression on the snake-like creature.
The above video is James Jarvis drawing a wall mural for Meltdown Comics. It's interesting to see how he goes about creating his characters and drawing in the details such as the background etc. I particularly love the facial expression on the snake-like creature.
This piece, for London fashion company Silas, is particularly interesting to me because it looks like it could just have been ripped from his sketchbook.
Links:
Official Website
Design Museum
Links:
Official Website
Design Museum
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