Observations in Graphic Design LCAD Summer 2013
Aki Barber
Observations in Graphic Design LCAD Summer 2013
Aki Barber
Symbols
Old Crucifix with Christ (12th C Italian Illumination) What- Two segements intersecting at nintey degree angles, often with the horizonal segment shorter in length. When- Became religious symbol around 1st century, accosiation with Christianity around 2nd century. Where- Widespread use. Why- Religious symbol for the sacrifice of prophet Jesus Christ. p.o.v.- Highly referenced and used symbol. Often simple and clean lines.
New Emoticons What- Various punctuation used to make abstracted human expressions of emotion. When- first documented proposal of symbol :-) in 1982 Where- worldwide use, predominatley internet. Why- portrayal of emotion or to emphasise a joke. p.o.v.- I find it a entertaining and ever expansive way to connect and to add humanism to an increasingly technology driven world.
Different Marylin Monroe - A. Wharhol (symbol of beauty and sex) What- Mass produced silkscreens of a slightly abstracted image of Marylin Monroe. When- circa 1962 Where- Orignally in New York Why- Tribute to the star after her death earlier that year. p.o.v.- When most of us think of beauty and glamour, we think of Ms.Monroe, and if we think of her, Andy Warhol’s Marylin silkscreens are the first images to pop into our heads.
Symbols
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OBEY logo - S. Fairey (andre the giant)
“Wheel of Death”
Description Caption
What- Icon displayed by Apple computers when a command or item is loading, pending, frozen, or stalling. When- c.a. 1996 Where- Apple computers Why- To convey that the user must wait for a command to be fufilled. p.o.v.- probably one of the most infamous and uninformative known to the technological community. Its bright rainbow colors do not help agitation and tend to annoy.
What- Harry potter lighting bolt scar given by Voldemort. When- First book published 1997 by JK Rowling. Where- On Harry Potter’s forehead. Why- Not quite sure why its a lightning bolt specifically, but its there because he survived a killing curse. p.o.v.- Its a widely known symbol for the fictional character Harry Potter, but its origin and reason for shape are relatively unknown.
What- abstracted image of famous wrestler and actor, Andre the Giant used as a logo for clothing and art company OBEY by Shepard Fairey When- Original “Andre has a posse: campaign - 1986 Where- based in southern CA Why- first started out as an inside joke in the skater community and spread to pop culture. p.o.v.- The black and white lines are eye catching and bold as well as tell a story. Roots in war propaganda.
Typefaces
Old
New
Different
Monotype Typewriter
Corki Tuscan
What- font used on the original typewriter. When- 1885 Where- Developed in America Why- Typewriter developed to make printing and creation faster and more personal, font, although serifed, is streamline and simple.
What- A slab serif typeface. Uppercase only. Created by Bulgaria based artists Alexander Nedelev and Veronika Slavova When- 2009 Where- Bulgaria, Worldwide internet. Why- Fun. “Christmas gift�. p.o.v. - Personally I think that the font is adorable, quirky , and modern. Its rounding and change of the serif make juxtaposes the round with the typical starkness of slab serifs.
Walruses as letters by Ivy Tai
p.o.v.- Antiqued font, used mostly for aestetic or for interesting typographic purposes, not readily used anymore. However, very recognizable.
What- cartoon walruses in the shape of the English alphabet. When- May, 2011 Where- New York , Online Why- senior work for RISD p.o.v. - An absolutely adorable take on typography. Also cute and quirky. Although it seems mostly for looking instead of practical usage.
Typefaces
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Cleartype Calibri Typeface
Comic Sans MS
Corpendium
What- humanist san-serif typeface under Cleartype font collection. Designed by Lucas de Groot. Default typeface for Microsoft Office 2010. When- 2005 Where- Microsoft Office Why- To make online reading less taxing on ones eyes.
What- A sans-serif casual script typeface. Designed by Vincent Connare. When- released 1994 by Microsoft. Where- Microsoft Why- For the word balloons for cartoon characters, specifically comics.
What- A highly stylized and caligraphic font created by Alejandro Paul. When- 2010 Where- Published by Sudtipos. Why- exploration of type.
p.o.v. - A very simple, rather plain font, but it does its job: making things easier to read.
p.o.v.- Although I understand its historical place in comics, it has little to to no typographic use today. It is juvinile and an eye sore.
p.o.v. - I am unsure of this font for although it is visualy elegant and beautiful, it seems to be relatively illegible from a practical veiw and perhaps too dramatic and not modern enought for my personal tastes.
Objects
Old
New
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Mona Lisa
Kreuig Coffee Brewer
FiveFinger Shoes
What- Perhaps the most recognizable painting in the world. Created by Leonardo Da Vinci. When- ca 1506 Where- Orgininating in Florence, Italy, the painting now resides in the Musee d Louvre. Why- Commissioned portriat of Lisa del Giocondo.
What- A single serving coffee brewer sold by Kreuig. When- First model launched in 1998. Where- Based in Massachusetts. Why- To brew singular cups of coffee quick and efficiently.
What- a minimalist shoe manufactured by Vibram. When- Ivented in 1999, introduced in 2005. Where- Vischgau, Italy Why- Originally designed for yacht racers to maintain grip on slippery deckes without comprimising the barefoot experience. Marketed as a footwear for active sports. p.o.v.- A very interesting and innovative concept, however they do get a bad rep for being ugly and strange.
p.o.v. - Paintings are not only art, but objects as well. Even today people fight over their ownership. They are objects of desire and of wealth.
p.o.v.- Im drinking a cup from my own brewer right now. Its sleek, practical, innovative, and I personally get alot of use out of it.
Objects
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Iphone
Description Caption
Plastic Retainers
What- A Line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple. When- First gen. lauched 2007. Where- Apple co. based in California. Why- To more throughly combine, buisness, leisure, and everyday need in one space. p.o.v. - These have become so common place that sometimes it feels they are hard to get away from because they become a crutch. However it does its job.
What- a foam resin shoe created by Hanson, Boedecker, and Seamans. When- 2004 release Where- Based in Colorado Why- introduced as a spa shoe, but later was developed for everday wear.
What- Hawely retainer; Developed by Dr. Charles Hawley. When- early 1900s Where- undefined. Why- keeps teeth in place after braces or other orthapedic surgery.
p.o.v.- I personally find them hideous. If you want something thats comfortable, there are plenty more viable options.
p.o.v.- I was forced to wear these and I hated it, so i stopped. They work, but they are so uncomforable, it may not even be worth it.
Letter forms
Old
New
Different
Devta poster
Graffiti Wall Art
Urban Outfitters Store sign.
What- An old Bollywood movie poster. When- January 1956 Where- Bombay, India Why- To advertise for the movie Devta to general public.
What- Commissioned Graffiti done by Komplex Graphics When- 2013 Where- Undisclosed, however work is done around the globe. Why- To change sterotypes about graffiti and street art.
What- Shadow sign by Urban Outfitters clothing co. When- Where- Why- Advertisment.
p.o.v.- I think that the poster is strikingly beautiful due to its stark contrast of not only colors but the juxtaposition between the blocky, bold letterforms and the softness of the painting of the woman.
p.o.v.- Athough this form of typography is practically illegible, it has various historical and social transcendence and therefore meaning. The colors are bold and eye catching.
p.o.v. - I found this randomly searching online and although there is little to no information about the design, it is extremely innovative and new in concept. Although it probably would not work in bad weather conditions.
Letterforms
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Description Caption
Bilboard
What- Anamorphic typography sign by Joseph Egan. When- 2011 Where- corridor at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Why- “to explore the potential and existin relationshop between architecture and typography.” - Eagan.
What- Bilboard made for BurgerFresh burgers When-2010 Where- Texas, USA Why- For food advertisment.
Bus Bench Ad. What- Advertisement for District 9 movie. When- 2009 Where- USA nationwide Why- Promotion of movie District 9.
p.o.v.- An awesome and eye catching installation that is not only interesting but also is contextually perfect for its message.
p.o.v.- Although the bright colors are eye catching, they are an eyesore. The type is boring and dated, however the logo is not that bad. The photography of the product itself does not look appetising or have any artistic merit.
p.o.v.- This is extremely quirky and interacts with the veiwer. It uses bad typography typical of other bench ads. However clever, it is still an ugly ad and does not generate alot of attention.
Packaging
Old
New
Different
Vintage Listerine
Packaging for Arboris
Wine packaging
What- An old bottle of Listerine, an antiseptic used to cure bad breath. When- 1950 (probably) Where- USA Why- Decorative bottle to make the medical product more marketable.
What- Packaging which looses color when organic product passes shelf life. By Ohmybrand artist, Nadie Parshina. When- 2013 Where- Russa Why- To make the product stand out and show its premium qualities.
What- Cheeky lunch box type packaging for wine designed by Natasha Shubaly. When- 2013 Where- Vancouver Why- Portfolio prep. Exploration in packaging.
p.o.v.- creative use of making medical look more like a fashion choice.
p.o.v- Interesting concept with modern and sleek packaging. I think that the pacakging ensures that the customer gets as fresh of a product as possible.
p.o.v- A very new idea for commericializing common uses of win. The personalization allowed by the packaging allows for consumer interaction.
Packaging
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Milk Packaging
Method Packaging
Newton Shoes
What- Milk Pacaking created by Isabela Rodrigues When- 2013 Where- Porto Alegre, Brazil Why- for Le Blue Milk.
What- Packaging for Method gell handwash refill. When- 2013 Where- Sold in most convenience stores. USA based. Why-
What- Packaging for Newton running shoes by TDA Advertising and Design. When- 2009 Where- undisclosed. Why- Created to minimize weight, energy input, and maximise ease of recylability.
p.o.v.- I like the clean lines and simple typography and color scheme. The glass bottles and wooden carrier are reminiscent of milk men and add a sence of freshness to the product.
p.o.v.- The design is just weird. Why would you have an image of other packaging on packaging. It almost looks as if there are irregularly shaped polka dots scattered around.
p.o.v.- The packaing its intuitive and minimalistic, however for advertisment purposes, is, well, minimal. Its not the most attractive, but good for the enviornment.
Posters
Old
New
Different
Moulin Rouge Poster
Ad for Clothesencounters
What- A limestone slab made poster created by Henri Toulous Lautrec When- 1891 Where- Paris, France Why- For the Advertisement of the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
What- An advertisement for a meet and greet by threadsence. When- 2013 Where- Southern CA Why- for Youtube personality and fashion guru Clothesencounters, real name: Jenn Im.
Interactive poster (sounds like fire)
p.o.v.- For its age, the poster seems generally modern in its blocky and linear styling. I like Lautrec’s styling and simple lines and colors.
p.o.v.- I like the blocky feel of the poster. It looks as if it were composed of cut paper peices. The use of color in the hands and shirt is interesting and adds cohesiveness to the work.
What- Noisy interactive posters created by DM9DDB When- 2009 Where- Brazil Why- To promote Saxsofunny, a sound production company. “Every image has a sound” p.o.v.- The poster is a unique way of adding a extra layer of interaction with the veiwer. The message is presented in a fun and interesting way and is extremly creative.
Posters
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Shoney’s 5K RUN poster
A poster for an event
Poster for Pepsodent Torsion
What- A typographic poster made by Joshua Cole. When- May 2012 Where- Nashville Why- Made to advertise a 5k run wich would help support the local police dept.
What- A poster the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. When- 1999 Where- Canada Why- Event advertisment.
What- An advertisement poster created for a dental company. When- 2011 Where- Agency located in Indonesia Why- For advertisement of Pepsodent Torsion.
p.o.v.- The slogan is very tounge and cheek and the information is presented typographically well. The black and white high contrast is eyecatching, different, and is appropriate.
p.o.v.- The poster looks more like a call to action more than an event poster. The name of the actual event is small and is de-emphasised. The image also seems to have no real correlation to the event or to racism.
p.o.v.- The message is effective and not effective at the same time. The colors and idea of the poster make people feel disgusted and offers a call to action, however, the colors seem to deter rather than attract.
Nature
Old
New
Different
Methuselah (tree)
Cambodian Tailorbird
Aurora Borealis
What- a 4844 year old Great Basin bristlecone pine tree. Most likely oldest known tree. When- estimated germination date of 2832 BCE Where- Inyo National Forest (California), exact location undisclosed to prevent vandalism. Why- -
What- Scientifically known as the Orthotomus Chaktomuk. It is a part of the warbler family of bird. When- Discovered in 2009 Where- Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. Why- Discovered as part of routine check ups for avian flu.
p.o.v.- I do not have much of an opinion, but I think that its age is extrodinary and mind boggeling.
p.o.v.- It is an interesting thought that there are possibly many unknown species that could be hiding in plain sight.
What- a natural light display in the sky. Also known as Northern Lights. When- continuous, however most noticable during September through March. Where- typically 3-6 degree latitudes. Why- Caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. p.o.v.- Blurrs the lines between natural and supernatural, however shows the beauty of science and nature.
Nature
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Great Barrier Reef
Dodo Bird
Nutmeg (fresh)
What- the worlds largest coral reef system. When- earliest evidence of complete reef structures to have been 600,000 years ago. Where - located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland Australia. Why- -
What- the Raphus Cucllatus is an extinct flightless bird. When- Extinct about 1662. Where- Was endemic to the island of Mauritius, east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Why- Became extinct due to widespread hunting and attack by dogs and invasive species. p.o.v.- The main cause of their exctinction was due to human involvement, however they evolved to be defense-less making them vulnerable.
What- known as the Myristica fragrans. When- continuous. Where- indigenous to the Banda Island in Indonesia. Why- harvested for its fruit which is a spice, hallucinigenic drug, and poison.
p.o.v. - The GBR is home to a plethora of species. Not only is it beautiful, but also great of the ecological diversity of the oceans.
p.o.v. - I think that it is somewhat humorous that something that we use daily as a spice can be deadly if you eat too much.
Advertisment
Old
New
Different
Coca-Cola ad
Move poster - Zero Dark Thirty
Youtube Campaign - Old Spice
What- An ad for the soft beverage Coca-Cola When- run in the 1940s. Where- United States Why- For advertisment.
What- Poster made to advertise the movie Zero Dark Thirty When- 2012 Where- United States Why- Advertisment.
p.o.v.- This is very typical of vintage Coke ads due to the typcially beautiful woman depicted drinkning the beverage. The campaign looks to depict Coke as an essential part of the American Dream.
p.o.v.- The typography is visualy striking and the colors and black background portray the mood and genre of the movie. The use of photography as the letters is creative and the similar and muted colors provide cohesiveness.
What- Interactive Youtube videos When- Released 2010. Where- Online, Youtube.com Why- Created to promote Old Spice products and to keep up with the online audience. p.o.v.- I am a personal fan of the creativity and humor put forth by Old Spice. All the videos responded to Youtube comments in a humorous and quirky manner.
Advertisment
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Heinz Print ad
Reebok ad
Khols Commercial
What- An ad put in magazines for Heinz ketchup. When- 2013. Where- Magazines Why- The campaign’s intention is to make the ketchup seem fresh and “farm grown” and therefore healthy.
What- Ad put forth by reebok. When- 2012 Where- Germany Why- to provide humor and advertise the company.
What- A TV commerical run by Kmart. When- 2013 Where- online and on TV Why- To make its company seem more accessible to an online and internet savvy audience.
p.o.v.- The use of the tomato slices is effective and looks appetizing. The design is simple and unobnoxious and gets the point across.
p.o.v. - The idea behind the campaign is somewhat humorous, but offensive. It makes not only the company look sleazy, but its customers as well who are made to look like terrible people. The image does not even display a product and is confusing.
p.o.v.- I think the campaign is hilarious and comes off as witty instead of crude. Its almost crudity is attention grabbing, however I remembered the slogan, not the company.