GRAFIKDEZYNE - Heroes and Heroines

NOTE

2008-03-17T19:21:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

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

I LOVE DUST

2008-03-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

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

HI-RES

2008-03-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

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

E-BOY

2008-03-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

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

JAMES JARVIS

2008-03-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

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.

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

JOHN MAEDA

2008-03-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Straight away when looking at Maeda's work I am overwhelmed by his method as opposed to the design. It seems that to him the approach is just as important as the outcome. I'm not sure if alot of his work is to my taste, but it's so interesting to see some of the things he has made and HOW he has made them. He works in so many different formats, often using computers or technology to produce his work.

His use of technology is really interesting. Some of the work on his website dates back to the early 90's, and you can tell by a lot of the "quality" of some of the flash objects, but even so, he is inspiring. This Typeface is a great example of his work. The animation let's you play around with the letters, magnifying and shrinking them. It's interesting to see how each letter is formed. Apparantly it was made with the intention of being able to judge exactly how much ink the type would use. It's great to see someone who uses logic in their designs like this, it's something I haven't really seen before, though the idea of using mathematics in artwork reminds me of Escher a little.

I have been looking in particular at a book he designed for paper company Gilbert Paper. It is interesting to see his use of type to show off the papers strengths.

If you click on the above link you can check out the hi resolution image.

Links:
Official Website

META DESIGN

2008-03-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

Thank the lord, a website that is easy to navigate and great to look at. Their stuff is really nice, having clients such as Four Seasons hotels, Nokia and Adobe (the infamous Adobe packaging...). It's great to see their use of space which I haven't really come across yet since starting the blog. Alot of white with splashes of colour... it's not unique but it looks great.

MetaDesign use a combination of media focusing on digital and print, and they seem to use a lot of vectors, which I usually would slate because I am of the opinion that vector artwork is overused, but they use them in such a way that it's acceptable.

Links:
Official Website

THE CHASE

2008-03-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

I love logo and brand design, it is something I want to get into one day. The Chase seem to be the creme de la creme of British logo and brand design, which makes me smile.

One of the main things that each of their designs has in common is the utilisation of simplicity. Nothing that they make is particularly complicated, yet everything that they make is clever in some way, and tells you something about the brand that they are making for.

SUSAN KARE

2008-03-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Susan Kare has the distinction of being one of the most famous Iconographers in the world. Most people probably don't know who she is, but chances are if you have played with a computer at some point during your life, you have seen some of her work. You could even say she is "iconic"... (bad bad bad joke)

Creating computer icons isn't an easy job, you have to keep it simple and a representation of whatever action is being performed, but at the same time you want to make it look interesting. Admittedly, back in the late 80's/early 90's, it was difficult to make an attractive icon, function was more important, however, these days it is a lot easier to make something that looks great and does the job. It's still not easy though, as you're limited in the amount of space to work in, sometimes just 20 or 30 square pixels. In that respect, it's a testament to her ability that she can create such interesting work.

Links:
Official Website

PETER SAVILLE

2008-03-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

I looked at Saville's website a while ago, but for some reason I never blogged about him. Inspired by bands of the 70's, Peter Saville became one of the best known and well respected designers of Album artwork for musicians around the world. Factory Records and Pentagram are both entries on this mans C.V., and as a result he is one of the most sought after Graphic Designers in the business, who is particularly well known for his designs for New Order and Joy Division.

I think Saville's designs are at their best when they are minimal. His composition and choice of type is superb and to my personal tastes. I really appreciate his work and realise that I need to focus more on it in my own time because music artwork design is something I would like to look at myself. Having said that, even though he can be inspiring, not all of his work is my cup of tea.

One thing I have to admire is that he seems to be a man who is devout to his creations, and passionate about them and the music industry, which is an attitude I have to respect and would like to instill upon myself.

Links:
Official Website

SAUL BASS

2008-03-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Bass (1920-96) was world renowned for his Film title designs and posters, along with his other Graphic Design work. The following is a great example of his Film Title work, for the movie Goodfellas:

KATHLEEN HALE

2008-03-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Hale was an illustrator and childrens author. She died in 2000, however, she lived to be 101 years old, which is pretty good going in my book.

Her most famous work is for Orlando The Marmalade Cat, a series of 19 books released between the late 30's and early 70's. Kathleen wrote and illustrated the books, and this page is taken from Orlando The Marmalade Cat: A Camping Holiday:

The illustrations are great, quite traditional in style but so expressive. She was awarded an OBE for her Orlando books.

The character himself was designed to be something entertaining for her children to read at bedtime, and before she knew it Orlando books were a huge success.

RONALD SEARLE

2008-03-17T18:49:00.001-07:00

Searle is a british cartoonist best known for his work creating and illustrating the fictional St.Trinians school, and he now lives in the south of France. Other than St. Trinians he has worked for all kinds of companies, magazines and newspapers.

I found this image whilst looking around the net and it really made me laugh, the title is "Young Cat Already Regretting Puberty". Searle's style isn't to my taste, however it is really interesting to look at and his detail and expression is great. I'm not overly a fan of the "messy" style of illustration, but Searle is good at his job.

The above image is slightly more to my taste, created as an illustration for the following poem by Simon Rae:

----------

MERRY-GO-ROUND

The starting-pistol drips with testosterone's
Stringy grapeshot, releasing the Gadarene
Stampede to the heart of ground zero.
Round and round we go
Playing out the scarlet thread
From the hole Cain hacked in Abel's head,
Urging on the Malthus Morris at the rim
Of the grave; marking time till the day of doom
When the sky is scrolled and the mountains lapped
In a tide of blood and the great blade, stropped
On millennia of prophecy, splashes the sun
And dims the moon
As it mows its swathes through the wailing grass
And everything written comes to pass.

----------
Links:
Toonhound Profile on Ronald Searle

DAVID CARSON

2008-03-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have researched designers such as Carson before I came to NEWI, and have always taken an interest in his work. "The Father of Grunge", well known for his experimental work with typography and magazine layouts, often considered one of the most influential and important graphic designers of the 1990's. Interestingly, in 1989 he qualified as the 8th best surfer in the world, and has been art director for Ray Gun, Transworld Skateboarding and Beach Culture. He has also had clients such as Sony, Kodak and British Airways.

Sadly David Carson has the most annoying website ever. As well as making no sense in terms of navigation, everything is written in huge lists, making it difficult to read. However, I suppose that it's pretty similar to how he works.

Personally, I think his work is great. Whilst at times it may be illegible and at others it may appear to be a mess, sometimes the presentation can become more important than the information being put across... though this is not something that should be adopted on a wide scale. However, at times making something so obscure as to make it impossible to read can get people interested, "what is all that about?"... forcing the user to interact with the work to get the real message out of it.

Links:
Official Website

DESIGNERS REPUBLIC

2008-03-17T18:43:00.003-07:00

Designers Republic are a Sheffield based Graphic Design group who were formed in 1986. Their clients range from huge companies such as Coca-Cola and Swatch, and also making designs for bands like Pulp and Nine Inch Nails.

Their designs combine minimalism with over-the-top imagery and bright colours, resulting in quite a unique design method.

NEVILLE BRODY

2008-03-17T18:43:00.001-07:00

DAVID HUGHES

2008-03-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

YUGO NAKAMURA

2008-03-17T18:40:00.000-07:00