Adverts

I've been looking at some existing campaigns, and here's a few I've taken a liking to.

I'm not overly keen on the layout used for the type, but I do like how they've used a photograph with a distinct depth of field. It's nice to see just a little area of the photograph in focus. It almost highlights the most important parts.

Again, I like the photography used for this advert. It's close-up and clear, which helps deliver the message.

Two photographs which compare or show the difference (though not in this case) is a really nice way of showing change (again, not in this case).

I definitely want to play with these ideas for my own work.

A spot of videoage

Though this isn't a lovely subject, I found this video really interesting and clever. I had to rewind it to have another look at the masks, which I then matched with the guy you see at the end.

Billboards

I found some really cool billboards!! I absolutely love the one with the guy tearing away the edge. It's such a simple and effective idea.

In context

Thought I'd whack up the images I used to create a vector outline which I used to display my posters. I wanted to keep them as simple as possible, but as interesting as possible also.

Plant tags

I've been thinking about it, and I've decided I'm going to use the typefaces I've created to make some plant tags. I want my work to get a feel for the museum just by looking at the work I produce. It's all very well putting the museum's logo on stationary which would sell within the museum shop, but this doesn't represent the museum as a whole very well.

Looking at existing tags and labels for plants, I can see that though they are made using different stocks and have different designs, they all used for the same purpose and the way in which they are used are also similar. They are to be put in the ground, which stands next to the plants.

As there are too many plants to know the names of, I won't be able to ''personalise'' each tag. I think I will stick to my theme; seasons, and play on this idea.

I think creating tags is a great way for me to experiment with form and context again. I can't wait to get started!

I like the idea of being able to write on the tags and possibly change the names when needed, so this is another route I could explore.

WHSmith

Whilst in WHSmith's the other day, I came across a set of Stephen King books which looked laaaaavly.

I like the simplicity and order of these books. Though they're more illustrative and "rough", they're still as simple as mine will be.

Waterstones

I took a trip to Waterstones, for inspiration.

I found some really interesting and aesthetically pleasing book cover sets.

A lot of book sets work using specific colour schemes. They normally use minimal colours, to keep them simple and cheap to produce.

I particularly like the black and white paper covers. They all look 3D when you're holding them! They're really clever! I like how type has been used within the images too. The spines are equally as nice as the covers. Again, very simple. They consist of a simple shape which works best with the cover, the title, author, and the logo.

Chelsea Flower Show

Again, something else I was directed to look at.

The colours are outstanding; so bright and powerful. You can get some really interesting results when colours are involved, and even if they don't have a purpose, they are aesthetically pleasing.

I particularly like the image below. It's the one which has the most relevance to my work.

I like how different flowers have been used amongst the background flowers, yet it still works and looks lovely.

Georgia O'Keefe

Georgia O'Keefe was an artist that was mentioned in the crit, amongst others of course. It was recommended I look at her work, so I did.

I chose a few that appealed to me the most. which I've decided to post on here.

Ever since being forced to back in college in Eastbourne, I love drawing and painting flowers, so most of this artist's work really caught my eye.

I love the tones, gradients and colours used in all of these. I also really like how close to the centre of the flower she's focused on. It's nice to see a part of something being used rather than the whole of an object. Details are amazing, and at the end of the day they can tell a whole story.

These colours are beautiful. They really compliment eachother.

Great feedback!

I'm trying to get some poster designs together which will advertise the Museum of Garden History.

I found it really hard getting ideas down, so I asked for people's input at the crit on Thursday. I was given some really good advice, and was also given people to look at which could help inspiration flow (cheers Leigh!!)

The Eden Project..

I love making things out of things! I'm not keen on the woman below, though I like the idea. I really like the bee too!

Foil blocking?

I think I've put these on here before, but ah well.

I've been giving the business cards for my museum a thought, and I've been thinking about foil blocking the logo I've designed. I've decided either silver or green will be the appropriate colour choice. It made me think about what Teabag Studios have previously designed. They look really professional as they are, but with a bit of foil blocking it gives it that extra bit of professionalism.

I'm not sure exactly as to how to go about making foil blocking or how the colours work, but I'd want the colours I use to have a bit of a sparkle. I'm still thinking along the lines of futurism hence my possible want for silver.

Of course I've still a lot of designing to do, but at the moment I'm thinking of using foil blocking for the logo alone. We'll see how it develops!

P.s. I'm really excited! :D

New direction

Since creating a virtual alternative for the museum of garden history, it's had an affect on the design direction of the logo. The virtual museum will be modern and sleek, and this is how I want the logo to look also. I will endeavour to keep the natural look alongside this.

How lovely

Well this isn't probably something you'd give to young kids to play with, but it's certainly something I can look at and become inspired by.

I like the concertina style. I'm not too sure it'd work, but it's definitely something I can experiment with.

These are so nice. So delicate and detailed.

Similar stuff going on

This is similar to what I want to do for my alphabetical reference brief, only I'm not going to be doing any drawing!

I've been giving it some thought as to what my letters would look like; will they consist of materials beginning with that letter? It'll be tricky to do this because I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on that many materials to make type out of.

Sound of the wind through the trees

Unfortunately ruined by the guys voice, but it's still a good video letting you hear the sound of the trees.

Buzzzzzz

I haven't put this on for the purpose of watching it, I want to focus on the sounds.

Hearing just a sound makes us feel completely different compared to if we were able to see what is happening. I think this is a good idea to play around with to see what else I can come up with.

Projection on Buildings

Well isn't this just bloody brilliant. My idea-box is over flowing after seeing that!!

Festo Interactive Wall

An interactive wall is one thing, but a 3D interactive wall is another. Seeing something physically in front of you is a different experience to when something's two-dimensional. Being able to touch something is what we like to do, and we're more likely to spread the word of having seen something strange. I think I might ask around to confirm what I think is right. I'll keep it in mind when designing.

Nextfest interactive video wall

John showed me this during my tutorial. It's something that relates to the subject matter of one of my projects; Brand that museum.

I wish I came up with this idea! Alas, I will think of something ten times better fo' sho.

TouchMagix

Technology is ever growing, and so I'm going to have to get to grips with advanced designing to meet the viewers wants.

So much fun could be had with things in which people can interact with.

Thanks John

Not long had my PPD tutorial with John. What a helpful and inspiring man he is.

I'm happy to report he seems to like my briefs, although I need to change the alphabetical reference one again, but that's fine.

I went through each brief, telling him my ideas and what I want to create, and he showed me loads of unique existing ideas which I can pull apart and use within my work.

The Adobe Museum of Digital Media was brought to my attention. I'm literally stunned by it. It's absolutely amazing!

John got me thinking bigger, and I've now got so many more ideas as to what I can do with my project, rather than just producing standard posters.

A virtual museum is a brilliant idea, and it's something Adobe has created.

They have designed and created the building for an online presence which have extraordinary dimensions. This is a genius idea! Almost anything can be designed to be viewed online and anything as big as you like can be too. Limitations are so broad.

The museum has a very strange looking tour guide which is pretty cool. She (or 'it') swims around, describing the museums appearance, diameters and makes exhibitions know to the viewers.

Inspiration

I want to design and create a minimum of four posters advertising the Museum of Garden History.

I'm beginning to think about what my posters will consist of; type or both type and image.

As it stands, I've been playing around with material to create typefaces that will be used on the posters which represents what the museum is about. I'm now thinking, do I want to add imagery? I want my posters to be clever and I want to use subtle approach. (I don't just want to photograph a flower and stick it in the middle of the page, for example!) I'm trying to think out of the box, but still find a way to relate it back to the main subject.

I've been collecting quotes that relate to gardening and nature. I want these to be the basis on which I decide what imagery is appropriate.

Type cards

The compositions used in some of these cards are really interesting. I specifically like the way in which the information is confined within either half or a corner of the space.

I particularly like the fifth card along the top; 'Slutvetica'. It's very clear and ledgible.