curly wurly

http://www.inkymole.com

I came across the work of Sarah J Coleman in the June 09 issue of Creative Review. Her work is beautiful and fun, there's a joyful component thats bright and colourful. I can take alot from her work in that she combines her own typography, copy and illustrations in complete design finishes.

Her work includes advertising, package design, book cover designs and cd artwork, alongisde print work publication ... she truly is a diverse graphic designer. I like that you have to work at deciphering what some of her work is, working out what the typography says is part of discovering the design. The smooth curves and flowing nature of her pieces reminds me of a natural environment, similar to the intertwining branches of a tree and embellished flowers in the small details. Coleman tends to use solid colour rather than texture although I feel this is integral to her playful style.

inside on the outside

During the summer holidays I worked in the centre of London's financial district, I walked past this building everyday going to and from work - it was here that I saw the Lloyds of London building. Designed by architect Richard Rogers and completed in the late 1980's, it is an incredible piece of architecture, the principle concept being that the inside is on the outside. This is achieved in the utilities that you would normally design on the inside are placed on the outside structures to enable greater capacity inside. Visually, this piece is modern and highly industrial which suits the urban setting and the buildings use as an global insurance marketplace. I find this structure to be incredibly fascinating in its multi-angled viewings, it seems that there are hundreds of interesting nooks and crannies created by the metallic structures covering the framework. There's something quite futuristic about it, which considering this building is over twenty years old, is quite a feat.

Unfortunately Lloyds of London do not allow visitors into the building.

CC.IT

Vincenzo De Cotiis : CeccottiCollezioni

De Cotiis's style is both elegant and modern, incorporating lined structure into his furniture. I like this work due to the seemingly fragile appearance of the some of the pieces, yet rigid construction. His use of wood and the way in which he structures the elements of the design, make for unconventional form. In other pieces, he has achieved a fluid impression in the clean sweeping lines forming joins in the structure, especially those featured in the 'modern sense '09' collection.

Paper Doll : Complex, a little cut up, but always composed, our mystery blonde is a woman of many parts

This item was published in September's issue of Wallpaper*

These are fashion images incorporating photography, illustration and collage, forming the Autumn 09 collection by stylist Arabella Mills. This collage technique is effective in that it is clearly showcasing the garments in an creative but surreal context. It brings an interesting element to what can be standard photography, adding depth and layer.

Trof

Trof : a collection of independent bars and restaurants in Manchester

In terms of quirky illustrative design, Trof has developed a representative tone-of-voice for which to use in their webdesign, interior design of their premises and menu/product design. It creates an impression of the kind of people who run Trof, who go to Trof and also invites a certain target market of like-minded people who appreciate the style implemented across all aspects of the business. Trof has commissioned several freelance illustrators across several projects in each of the three venues which allows diversity of original design.

www.trof.co.uk

http://www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk/

Bienvenido a Miami

The architecture commonly found in the city of Miami is of the classic Art Deco era - typically presenting soft curved plastered exteriors in bright, ice cream pastel colours, bold lines and squared structures. This area of Florida saw a boom in its tourism industry in the early 1900's on the advent of the 'vacation' for American families - the City Hall architects of the time wanted to create an unique architectural trend not seen anywhere in the States. There is a real seaside feel to the South Beach district where the coloured buildings create a vibrant, sunny atmosphere. The Art Deco style is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt where the extravagant designs in colour and form were a symbol of decadence and luxury - something that appealed greatly to the Americans.

The Shard

There is much talk about this new architecture on the South banks of London. My colleagues at Tommy's and I frequently discussed our opinions on the design and situation of The Shard and whether we felt it was a positive addition to the upwardly growing London skyline. Designed by Renzo Piano, it will stand 1,016 feet tall and will be the tallest building in Western Europe. It is set to "become a beacon for the city and a strong and vital center for commerce and travel." as well as in tourist commerce. In terms of design, there is nothing quite like it already in London, the Gherkin is somewhat 'old hat' now, and it would stand up against any other skyscraper that you would find in Dubai or Asia for example. It makes way for more innovative architectural design in London, which in time to come will mark out a new skyline. The form and sharp, open-ended peak of the structure break away from the boxed architecture which has been used for hundreds of years, I feel it shows a leap into the coming time ahead.

"I foresee The Shard as a small vertical city for about seven thousand people to work in, and for hundreds of thousands more to visit from all over the world." R. Piano

Tommy's Advertising Campaign 2009

This summer I obtained full-time employment at Tommy's the baby charity for three months as a Campaigns Administrator. During my time there, their new advertising campaign was launched amongst other media interactions - here I was able to see first hand how a campaign of this nature is released into the media for both corporate and public awareness.

The creative agency, Leo Burnett, devised and executed the final concept which included print, TV and radio advertising. I feel that the final outcome is both innovative and engaging and the artwork in the ad is of a similar illustrative style as Tim Burton and Brett Helquist - which I really like. However I'm not sure if this visual style works for the charity or if it reflects the existing brand identity of Tommy's. The concept is a little dark and eerie and in my opinion doesn't relate well to those who support the charity. On the other hand, the artwork is really intricate and beautiful and very 'of the moment' in terms of quirky design.