Design Humor

'Design Humor-the art of graphic wit' by Stephen Heller

An exploration into the use of humour and wit in graphic design beginning with the first satirical cave drawings.

Really useful as the book explains how to use these as tools within your own communications through the use of visual puns, ironic images and type play.  Also includes classic examples by creatives such as Goudy Stout. 

An excellent reference and a funny read!

Logo by Michael Evamy

Beautifully presented, designed by Spin this book showcases the most successful logos in use today!

The dust jacket also doubles up as a poster which we know will appeal to creatives as they can interact with the product.

The majority of the logos displayed are in black and white with the intention the reader will really have to connect with the book studying them intently in order to judge their success. I personally feel this may not be necessary as the logos might benefit from being shown in their actual colours. However, the crisp black and white throughout looks visually spot on! 

Navigation devices are in place throughout for ease of use as a reference tool!

Defo worth a look for any of you interested in logos and branding.....or anyone interested in good design in general!

SHE SAYS networking org

Fuelled by the feeling of being the only female creatives at conferences senior creative Alessandra Larui (agency republic) decided to do something about it.

She said, "Stop moaning and do something about it."

Aim: to get more female creatives into the digital advertising industry.

After initially relying on myspace and facebook she later launched the website.

As a young designer I found the website to be useful as it informs you of monthly sessions covering topics from getting started to salary negotiation. 

Check it out...and add a balloon to show your support!

The Economist by AMV.BBDO

" speaking to a group that is more visually engaged!" 

Following the success of the 'white and red campaign' a series of posters designed to compliment their predecessors.

Released Oct 07 in an attempt to broaden the appeal of the Economist to a younger group without changing the content of the magazine.

I was drawn to the illustrations as they are bold and coherent in creating an image rather than copy alone. 

They work for me, as they are all individual yet clearly part of an identifiable series.

The campaign raised a few eyebrows in light of the success of the previous campaign but I feel this was worth it as the strength in the 'new' campaign speaks for itself!

more info from Creative Review

Famous Forever ?

"Feel good clothing for nice people" 

Uk based clothing company mixing fashion with nostalgia. Mainly t- shirts and hoodies featuring graphics inspired by 80's childhood favourites.

the ident

I found this ident and brand identity worth noting as it is so successful in conveying the company's concept and tone of voice. 

I was drawn to the vintage distressed 'look' the clothing has, which is evident within the ident.

The concept is clearly exemplified through the idents colours, block lettering and shapes used that communicate the tone of voice famous forever has set out to achieve with their brand identity.

the products

"Own your own piece of history and make your childhood memories Famous Forever "

The clothing is a leader in what seems to be a very current trend....culturally, teenagers and students seem to find this kind of fashion very 'now'! 

The success of this brand is heavily reliant upon todays culture. 

However, interestingly, its success could also be seen as its downfall as the essence of the company is lost...todays teenage population wouldn't have been born in time to remember the graphics first time around! 

Overall i feel the aesthetic appeal from the partnership of the imagery and quirky copy is enough to make famous forever stand out from the 'high street' crowd!

visit the website for more insight!!