Print in Motion

I have recently developed an interest for motion design. Part of my BA dissertation to come (next year) is questioning how motion graphic is redefining graphic design in general. I am interested in looking at this transitional moment we live  in, which is torn between traditional print method (typography, layout, image making) and motion design or screen based animated graphic elements.

What fascinates me is how both seems to influence each other, which defies the common belief that already debates the death of print. In my opinion it feels like traditional graphic design methods are influencing motion design in many ways (from the direct elements used to the style of narration), and on the other hand, motion design is changing the face of traditional design methods for good.

Print design is slowly being filtered through, moving into a more ‘fetishized’ type, where it is about limited production, quality stock, specialised inks, collectable pieces. This evolution has affected the music industry and the CD format already, it is now shifting to books and posters amongst many formats.

I have just seen an interesting video discussed on Scott Hansen blog Iso50. It shows one of josef Muller-Brockman poster (viva musica) but in motion. I thought this would be a wonderful example of direct transgression of print towards motion design. Whether or not it is good or effective, I think it is making a new use of swiss style print design and grid based typography.

Video: Brockmann in motion by Vít Zemčík

Still life

I have recently worked on this image which I am planning to use for my business cards. It is bringing a bit of life into my graphic language, using photography is something I love doing, and with this visual, I am introducing colours and going away slightly from the rigid geometry that tends to define my work.

This is surely a result of many inspirations I follow online, I am definitely looking for putting more soft colours, grain and texture into my work, I just did not feel ready enough so far. These things take time to assimilate, and I am fine with the wait. I do not aim to rush and produce semi-disapointing results. Design is maybe like wine, it is good only when it is ready.

Transparency

I came across this entry by a designer called Chris Spooner (whom seems to have a very active blog about everything and main stream design). It takes a useful look at transparency in logo design and how effective it can be when well used. I thought some of the examples were nice and personally inspiring, so it deserves to be referenced over here again.

On top of showing interesting use of layering, I also find the colours to be vibrant and playful in many of them, especially in the two above. I always found myself having difficulties when dealing with colours, but here I understand better how they can be a bonus rather than simple black and white logos. But I guess it also depends on the context to which the logo will be applied to.

Fluff

Sometimes there is no need to look far to find inspiration.

Dis-play

I have recently been taking photos of my printed work and while doing so I came up with this not so simple question. How should I display my posters?

With this in mind, I had a look online and researched other portfolios in search for inspiration. What came across as a significant trend, is to hold the posters and take a snap revealing the hands and legs of the carriers. Well it is not that bad. For example it gives a clear reference to its dimensions without being too obvious. It is quite a relaxed way to display your work and can be quite engaging for the person who look at it. However it has some negative aspects too. In my opinion, it is a little bit distracting: look at the watch, the shoes, the hairy hands, etc… and last but not least, it is way overdone.

(Examples on the web, left: Seven25; right: Iknoki found on swisslegacy.com)

Instead of continuing the trend I thought it is time I try to be more creative, and come up with a different and less obvious way to do it. I have seen different examples of better ways to show posters, from nailed to the wall, to using different angles flat on a table…

(left to bottom: tillwiedeck.com; heytudio.es; this-studio.co.uk; found on visuelle.co.uk).

So I tried to innovate, or at least go away from the old “Same Same”, while using the flat copy room at university. Ok the first limitation is the fact the camera is by essence only shooting vertically in that place. So already, a lot less possibility to choose from.

So here are my few tries to display posters in a different manner. It would be interesting to discuss the possibilities and see what you guys (I hope someone reads me) come up with on your side…

It’s About

A while ago, I came up with this visual. It is a small poster which is one of my interpretations of  It’s About, by Isolee.

I did this as a personal project. I have always enjoyed the song for its powerful message about power and I felt I could express something by using text and image together along the lines of the song.

A friend of mine told me once that I should use some of my photographs and play with typography as he thought I should use this skill and interest of mine. I have listened to him and I am glad I did, because I have lots of fun doing it and find it very rewarding too.

This one here got some good feedbacks from friends which is always nice. Since I have recently developed another skills, screen printing, I thought I could maybe bridge the 2 together and see what happens.

Screen printing is an interesting process, it is very quick, and involves you in the printing process. You can enjoy the result as the paint flows which is a fantastic feeling. The results are rougher graphics than digital printing, sometimes more adequate that the latter. Exactly what I thought this It’s About poster deserves.

So I have decided to turn the well received poster into a unique handmade print.

As it is made a different layers, it is not finished yet but shouldn’t take too long to complete, even though it is alongside other stuff ongoing at university. I have managed to produce a rather good quality background made of the image from the digital version above. It had enough contrast to make the fine details of the Thames appear, which gives a lovely look to the rougher print.

The white rectangle is the base for my text to sit on top, which will be my last layer. I am still considering other colours than black for the text, maybe some bright colours to make the poster a little bit more vibrant. Umm I don’t know, because I have to say I quite enjoyed the simplicity of the black and white to go with the bold statement of the song… Will see!

Constant Shift

I have dedicated a section of my room to my ongoing work. It is more to be seen as part of my research method than a lunatic and egocentric display.

I use My Wall to place things I found in magazines, books, anywhere, which I find inspiring like some flyers or leaflet in this one. then I also place some of my work and quick drafts or even just brainstorming and written ideas.

That space is in constant shift, but I will try to record its metamorphose on a monthly basis, so I can understand which are the directions I take in my research, if hopefully any patterns appear…