Context of Practice, A plethora of aesthetically pleasing and dissatisfying design

Task 1 in the CoP1 module requires us to show 5 pieces of design which we enjoy, and 5 of which we don't.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

Designer: Rob Jones  Source: http://www.gigposters.com/

The level of detail in this poster provides a journey into the city it is dipicting, the colours only work well however as these are the standard colours of The White Stripes themselves. I am alway bias with this form of print design as I feel screen printing something which promotes a gig adds a sort of depth to an already quite personal experience.

Design and source: http://www.graphicthoughtfacility.com/

What draws me to this piece of design is not only its simplicity in way finding intructions but the small environmental effect it has on the planet. Although the materials are not as environmentaly sound as they could be, the flat pack design concept reduces packaging waste and space. The graphic designer has obviously had to work within font restrictions due to the companies image however the decision to opt for simple colour co-ordinated graphics means the sinage works much more effectivley than adding image or a stylish graphic to any white space.

Design: Art Work Love, Source http://www.artworklove.com

 Bronze metallic foiling and Kaskad Raven stock were used to create a sleek identity for a new design and production agency. The most enjoyable part of this identity package is the large logo and how it works, the designers have given much more impact and proffesionalism with the foiling which in the crowded film industry is needed.

Designer: Ruben Sanchez  Source: New Skateboard Graphics, Namdev Hardisty.J, Page 20.

This is a crisp piece of design with carfully selected colour ways and bordering. The use of colour and their seperation accross the deck is the main reason I pick this graphic.

Designer: Andy Jenkins  Source: New Skateboard Graphics, Namdev Hardisty.J, Page 60.

Andy Jenkins is one of my favourite artists, he has worked with Girl Skateboards since their creation and provides simple and minimalist graphics. He adds just 3 parts to the white deck and creates a bold scrappy graphic. The juxtapositioning of the whole graphic is using the rule of 3`s loosly but it works.

Oh no, no, no.

Designed by Denis Carroll | Country: United States. Source: http://www.lovelypackage.com/

At first glance these package designs are intricate and well laid out, however on further inspection the designer has used a busy design on soothing and relaxing bath lotions. The use of both colour and line work does not advertise a relaxing product to me, it would jump off the shelf when in amongst other bath gels but then seem to confuse the consumer. Usually large bold type and a pastel colour scheme are used in promoting relaxation products.

Design: south south west, Source: www.southsouthwest.com

In my opinion the stock chosen to for this stationary pack doesn't allow blue foiling to have an impact. The business cards are good and the information is well laid out but the layout is not transferable to letterhead and makes the whole thing a bit mismatched.

Design: Braian Walline, Source: www.brianwalline.com

I am a big fan of beer branding and packaging, especially in small independent breweries but here the colours do not match the imagery or feel of the bottle, layout is too complex also.

Design: Mash Creative, Source: lookslikegooddesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mc-7.jpg

These cards may work well in a set but in my opinion they do not work well on their own simply because the colour scheme is not suited with simple layout style. Perhaps a die-cut or embossing technique could have been applied to the logo.

Client: Departamento   Design: You vs. Me  Source: www.septemberindustry.com

 

Quote taken from www.septemberindustry.com, "Departamento is a magazine centered on design, society and art. Several concept issues were created for their first editorial run. I was approached to concept an identity that would emphasize the creative nature of this magazine with intricate layouts and a flexible grid system. Therefore, the Departamento identity follows a playful aesthetic, where the main logotype is always able to be broken in different ways. This would allow designers to freely manipulate the identity into their own hands. Additional elements for promotional purposes were designed using a similar “broken-grid” system.  

Font used: OCR B Regular"

This style of design is something I opt out of looking at everytime I see it. It may be that I don't understand its use of broken type which in itself when used in this format is transformed into a dull shapless type, or it could be that I am not aware of how this style came about therefore I`m missing its relation to the media used here, but either way it is plain, uninspiring, and seems simply to be trying too hard.

This style of publication will now fit its genre but this form of broken type is rife and does not allow Departmento to stand out from other art house publications.