A Really Really Really Good Design Firm
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Archive for the ‘Fun’ Category.
Continuing the look for our series of ESG releases for Fire Records, we took a playful take on the energy inherent in their single “Dance.” The song is funky fun, while still sounding like only ESG can. You might have heard it as part of the recent xbox campaign. The sleeve made such an impact on record store shelves that it sold out in a matter of days. Everybody wants to dance, and everybody wants to dance now!
Some clients shy away from having fun and embracing their subject matter. Americans for the Arts take what they do very seriously and their influence around the country is not to be taken lightly. I love the organization and the people that work there. After partnering on projects for well over a decade, I felt comfortable presenting something that pushed their sensibilities and really made having their convention in Baltimore a true celebration. I needn’t have worried. Not only did they appreciate the design, but they championed it through their partners and ensured that the meeting could reach it’s full potential. Did I mention that I love those guys?
The dynamic duo of Tony Seddon and Luke Herriott at Rotovision were kind enough to take the time to interview John for the amazing collection that makes up “Art Directing Projects For Print.” What we didn’t know is that they would make him out to be a superstar! Combining the overall philosophy behind the work we do with striking images (if we do say so ourselves – and we do!) our goodness seeps into several spreads, along with a 10-page feature. The book is vital for anyone in the creative industry and we couldn’t be more tickled to be included – thanks! They even gave us a reason to try out this crazy gallery feature. Be sure to check out all the images close up (and pick up the book if you have a chance.)
Ever rocking and ever fashionable, Carol Bui asked us to do a series for her based around the notion of a modern superhero that chewed up men and spit them right back out. Early and later incarnations centered around a traditional inked look with the textures you see before you and complimented by the hand-drawn logotype. Somewhere in the middle we came upon this negative shape and pasted face that I will never forget.
Spending countless hours (days and months at this count more likely!) digging through crates of vinyl, I have become addicted to the intoxicating mix of visual discovery and tactile sensation that accompanies the scent of the hunt. Absolutely nothing brings me peace like two hours in a record store can. Unfortunately, those stores have slowly disappeared over the years, but that has made events such as this all the more enjoyable. Used as a promotional device, as well as a commemorative piece of merchandise, I could only hope to capture but a sliver of the happiness this day brings me.
When the lovely ladies of the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens ask for a wedding themed promotion around one of their bouts, you quickly realize that you won’t be able to rely on any stock bridal photos. Working around a bombed-out sixties exploitation film theme I ultimately assembled the blushing/bruising bride before you from five different figures (and some borrowed skulls for the kneepads of course.)
It has been my pleasure to speak on design issues and my personal experiences all around the world. Many of the most rewarding instances have been talking directly to design students at some of the finest programs in the country. Even better is when they allow me to design the poster promoting the appearance! Here are just a few of my faves.
Every other year I make a small print run to give as gifts (I can’t recall what I do on the off years – haha.) Should you be good boys and girls perhaps you might be on the receiving end next year. I’ll be checking my list…
Indie rockers John Guilt needed a design for t-shirts and various other merchandise. What they received was the perfect melding on concept (idea really – I hate those fancy words) and execution. Rough in all the right places.
In this section I would likely wax poetic about the project at hand. I will go on about some of the challenges and certainly talk at length about the success involved. For this image I might just tell you about the fact that this photo will be featured in an upcoming book for RotoVision by my favorite German Stefan Bucher, simply entitled “Photographs By Graphic Designers” or something like that. To be honest I would most likely lean back and tell you to bask in the glory that is American Music Club and leave it at that.