Layout and Typography – Thank You to our Teachers
Working on the Coleman Campground Directory while at Watershed Communications was a great opportunity for solid layout, typography, advertising design and production work. Click to see a larger image.
At Lincolnshire College of Art and Design in England, the trainings in typography and layout formed the foundation of advanced design capabilities for that group of young creatives. As we listened to the tutors explaining the nuances of kerning and white space – and with their guidance worked to perfect our own abilities – we incorporated these skills into all our future design endeavors.
I have used these skills countless times throughout my work as a graphic designer. When I look at the work of some of my former college associates, I am amazed to see how our paths of professional creativity have developed, and the amazing work they are creating. The threads of good layout and typography are woven throughout. Thank you to our teachers.
Working on design and layout and advertising design projects for Montana Living magazine was very enjoyable. The Publisher had a discerning eye for typography and design, so the process was collaborative.
Photo by Matthew Yohe
In August, I posted an open thank you letter to Steve Jobs of Apple in response to his retirement. My thoughts now turn to compassion at his passing. I also think of how his work has fulfilled so many of our dreams.
Back at the start, he was building the tools for which we designers were hungry. He could clearly envision what we needed, and created it. This momentum continued far beyond into the very fabric of our modern lives.
As we move forward without his leadership, we see a void and we wonder about the future. In a way, perhaps the next wave of development is now collectively held with all of us. Perhaps the next advancement most readily open to us is how we use the tools Steve’s passion created for us – with mindfulness and insight.
Designer Books for Babies
As a designer I think I would enjoy these baby books by Orla Kiely almost as much (possibly more!) than babies will! Very visually satisfying. Ooh, and cloth covered for that delicious authentic, vintage, quality feel. I like it.
Event Branding
Earlier this year, I had the good fortune to be asked to design a logo for a science conference event at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. The project requirements were to incorporate an image representing the molecular structure of borate glass and design a logo that could easily be used for future events by changing the figure. Here is the finished design. It was used on the event website and marketing materials, including bags and notebooks.
Communication – at the roots of what we THINK we know
A person involuntarily raises their eyebrows slightly and their pupils dilate 0.5 of a millimeter when they see us. We don’t know why, but we LIKE them. Communication matters.
An advertisement presents iconographic branding and we embrace the feeling of an idea, and want the product. Those purchases fuel our global economy. Communication matters.
An animal trustingly attempts to present its personal vocabulary of scent to us in a friendly act of, ‘I really like you, please like me, too?’ Instead, we bathe in scented soap, put on our anti-perspirant, wear our laundry detergent-perfumed clothes, and are sadly repulsed. Communication matters.
A squid flashes mesmerizing vivid colors of rapid visual essays, then mysteriously flies away into the dark oceanic depths amidst a burst of ink before we even have a chance to think. Communication matters.
We look into the eyes of a spider or insect, and we don’t see ourselves. Our actions then reflect this lack of connection. Communication matters.
Beyond physical details of communication, we all have more in common that we think. In fact, we have everything in common. The wish to survive, have resources to flourish, be part of communities, and take care of our young.
Across all boundaries and languages, one part of communication is perhaps much easier and simpler than we think. The most effective universal language is spoken beyond words, images and ideas. It is spoken with our hearts.
© Michèle Carbery, 2011
P.S. Since childhood in England, I have very much wanted to see the communication of fireflies in their natural environment. If you have advice on the best places to do so, I would love to hear from you.
How Consumers Interact with Brands on Facebook [Study]
This article on Mashable Business shares facts and figures from a study on the interaction and response of consumers on Facebook.
Mountain Lake Forest Fire Dusk – Color Palette
Forest fire smoke has been present in the valley this week and the effect on colors creates an impression reminiscent of living in a vintage Kodak photo print. I decided to explore this palette of colors. It was a very peaceful scene. Hope you enjoy, too.
© Copyright Michèle Carbery, 2011 http://www.michelecarbery.com
Movie Poster Design. New Minimalist.
British designer, Sir Paul Smith has created these bold and minimalist poster designs for the new movie, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The silk-screened limited edition posters are signed by the designer and will be sold for £100 each, with all profits going to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.
A global perspective of visitors to this blog
