2_2_DiscoverBenelux_11_November_2014_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/11/2014 23:09 Page 75 Discover Benelux | Design | Kenny Molly
Cocoa tree: Detail of a cacao tree for technical blueprint. Catch and Release: Tribal fish design for Catch and Release Belgium.
Photo editing: Kunas and Cacao, Praline 1912-2012 and Maya Kakaw, three books with more than 600 retouched and edited pictures combined.
Quetzal3D, Quetzalcoatl, a Mexican God replica (above) and Choclala, Choco Story Mascot (left), both for use in an augmented reality smartphone app.
Envisioning and realising your design TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | VISUALS: KENNY MOLLY
It seems to Discover Benelux that Belgian designer Kenny Molly is just not satisfied unless he’s scratching his head and puzzling over perplexingly vague design briefs before ultimately creating some of the Benelux’s most well thought-out, exciting and stylish pieces of design and visual communication. A self-confessed polymath, Brabant’s amiable Kenny Molly struggles to pinpoint exactly which discipline of design he fits into. “I’m an all-round designer, really,” he says diplomatically. With a skill set that includes – but is by no means limited to – illustration, photo retouching, website and flyer design, even 3D design and augmented reality, Kenny explains: “People approach me, asking ‘Can you fix this project?’ and even if it’s something I’ve never tackled before, I’m confident in my abilities to deliver.” Given his extensive experience in the design department at Puratos along with widespread freelancing, Molly’s credentials are unquestionable. Fluent in imagery, text,
can be better and then realising it.” Keen to impart his passion, Molly describes his 3D work as “the ultimate in design”, as he is in a position to “create something so exact, down to the very last detail in terms of form, colour, dimension and time.” Mpc: New housestyle for MPC Sint Franciscus, a centre for children with disabilities.
form and colour, his “core occupations” depend on the project at hand – but there are certain characteristics that remain true to each of Black Molly Design’s creations. “The client expects you as the graphic designer to ‘lift’ their idea,” he explains with a modest smile, “You’re adding expertise to a project – but, of course, the client’s philosophy is central to the style.” “Often modern-day marketing relies too heavily on trends; I try to avoid that. Each project exists virtually before it really materialises, I know it’s there in my mind and bringing this concept to life is what really stimulates me, envisioning how something
“There are no distinctive characteristics to my work,” he reveals, “just a desire to learn and challenge myself.” A deft hand at photo retouching and editing, he proudly presents the Choco Museum books. In terms of creative impulses, he cites the logo for Belgium’s fishing community Catch and Release, “a tribal design that was completely unexpected.” While Molly keeps himself on his toes, he’s certainly a designer to keep an eye on. He displays an innate ability to capture the essence and character of his clients and their users, taking the message directly from source to audience in the most effective and fun way. blackmollydesign.be
Issue 11 | November 2014 | 75