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.
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.
Thank You to Steve Jobs – from a graphic designer
I would like to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Steve Jobs of Apple, who resigned as CEO today. Steve’s incredible vision transformed, and continues to transform, the way designers and illustrators work.
Steve Jobs, chair of the board of Apple Computers, holds up an Apple II computer in 1984. (AP/Wide World Photos)
What joy to be able to quickly create on-screen the ideas and images in our minds! We almost take it for granted now but this has been an amazing process of innovation and change during the past 3 decades.
While a Graphic Designer’s inner skills of strategic, creative design and marketing insight remain irreplaceable, the tools of the trade have transformed dramatically from layout paper, markers, technical pen, art knife, repro camera and drawing board; into powerful desktop workstations and laptop computers that enable typographic and image manipulation magic to happen almost as fast as we can think it. Almost.
I continue to DREAM of the day when the iPad becomes a true graphics workstation – images, media and typography moved with a touch, and illustrations created with a paintbrush-on-canvas feel – this magic is coming, I’m sure of it. In fact many of the components are already present.
Steve’s vision and steadfastness through the years – and that of the outstanding professionals who supported him and made his ideas come to life – established the pathway for the creation of tools that enable our own creative vision to be manifested with ever-increasing clarity, depth and efficiency.
The creative flow behind this pathway of innovation is now so strong that I am sure the momentum will continue successfully.
Sending very good wishes to you Steve.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Graphic Designer
~Michèle Carbery
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/08/24Steve-Jobs-Resigns-as-CEO-of-Apple.html
Evolving Branding
Today, I started integrating the new branding into my communications tools. Here’s how the updated website is looking so far. When working with branding, sometimes clients desire to launch a new brand all in one go and this can be very exciting for both their employees and customers. At other times, it is helpful to make staged changes in order to maintain some continuity and recognition through the process until the final objective is achieved. For my personal branding, I’m choosing a staged approach.
4 Ways to Increase Design ‘Shelf Life’
A lot of the design work being produced at this time is intended to evolve at a fast and responsive pace, but for projects such as branding, the ability to endure and sail steadily through the ever-changing sea of design trends can be very valuable.
As visual media becomes increasingly rich, I find it enjoyable to maintain balance by also looking at and creating designs that are uncluttered, clean and peaceful. In doing so, I’ve noticed aspects that seem to be key to the long ‘shelf life’ of a design.
An example is this brochure. I illustrated and designed it years ago. It has floated through time and trends as they have come and gone. I look at projects like these and the work of other designers to learn about what helps to create an enduring, but not boring, designed communication.
Here are 4 functions I’ve noticed that appear to be achieved by designs that endure:
1/ Balanced sensory input, and visual breathing space.
2/ The use of thought-provoking images and words.
3/ Creating visual and written satisfaction, instead of excitement.
4/ A sense of floating alongside or through trends, rather than being encompassed by them.
Do you notice other aspects that help a design to endure in positive ways?
© Michele Carbery, 2011
Things designers don’t expect to have in their portfolios (but, really DO)
When people ask me what it’s like to be a graphic design and communications professional, the phrase, “The work is very varied,” often comes to mind. The other thing I LOVE about this job is that designers and communications specialists can make anything beautiful! Yes, anything. You might want to set aside your breakfast bagel before reading further…
A recent project that required design, illustration and some copy editing was titled, “Proper Procedures for Pooping in the Woods.”
The objective was to create a public information tool to assist people in taking care of this essential function in ways that protect the environment and the experience of other visitors to an outdoors location.
For the section titled, “Tools You May Need:” I decided to apply an appealing illustration style to create a fun and interesting read. Here is some of the work that was done. I created the illustrations by-hand, scanned them then digitally added color and shading.
These kinds of projects come up more often than expected. I have a designer friend who was asked to create a booklet showing stool samples. Yes, really. And, she made it beautiful! An excellent creative communications tool. As designers, that’s what we do! Here’s to celebrating those unexpected projects in our portfolios. They may not be as ‘sexy’ as the corporate branding projects, but they are a real and rewarding part of a designer’s life.
© Michele Carbery, 2011
Joyful Logo Design
After the 4th of July fireworks, I felt it time to launch a new personal brand. I had fun working on this!
During a transatlantic career as a graphic designer, my personal brand has evolved several times over the years. This time, with all the challenges currently present in the world’s communities, I wanted to create an especially light and cheery image that I hope people will enjoy.
The new logo is based upon my initials, presented in the context of a graphic icon that can be interpreted as a smiling face. I have maintained the same typographic treatment as my previous logo for the purpose of some visual continuity.
While communicating a concise snapshot of what I do in my professional work, my intention is for the logo to bring a positive feeling to anyone who is regarding my business card or professional documents.
A smile is a wonderful gift we can give to others and ourselves in every moment. Enjoy :)
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