Patience is DEFINITELY a virtue!

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I recently came across this short animation by Andersen M Studio, which uses around 3000 still images in order to create an extract from Maurice Gee's novel, 'Going West'. I can't believe the amount of patience that must have been required from the makers to produce this! The intricacy of all of the paper cut-outs is so precise and delicate; making it beautiful to watch and unravel the different scenes. The entire film was made by hand, using only paper and 10A scalpel blades, and was filmed with 2 SLR cameras, using Dedo lights to light the pages. I loved how quick-paced the film was and the amount of detail that can be seen in every single cut-out from the pages - they've really done justice to the novel's extract in my opinion! The clever use of lighting helped to add atmosphere and drama to the piece, as well as giving it a very professional finish.

A classy way to sail the seas

This is the life! 'Cyan' is a 160-ft yacht, owned by 3 families together, and it has recently undergone a serious transformation. As well as all of the interiors of the yacht being re-done, by designer Nina Seirafi, an enclosed gym has also been added to the top deck of the boat! The interiors were ripped out and redecorated in a consistent style throughout - with African-inspired touches - and Seirafi has used various woods for ceilings, units, tables, etc. to keep a very sophisticated, elegant theme (reflecting the cost of the yacht!). "My style is maximum quality and minimum pretense,” she says in an interview with 'Architectural Digest'. “That’s what I aim for. Pretense and glamour are very different. I love glamour, but unpretentious glamour.” I'm not sure to what extent this yacht could be referred to as 'unpretentious'(?!), but it's still amazing to look at nonetheless!

Hamster band

Slightly 'off-the-wall' adverts tend to make a greater impression that those which follow more 'traditional' unspoken rules of advertising. Cadbury's is a prime example of this - take their drumming gorilla ad, and their dancing-eyebrows one; everyone knows about them and links them to the brand due to their craziness! The water company, Drench, have decided to take a similar approach with their new TV advert - introducing....the jazz hamsters!

Right from the start, this advert caught my attention - mainly due to the cute hamsters on the screen, I must admit - and it engaged me throughout. The concept isn't overly clever or trying too hard - but instead fits perfectly with the brand's tagline of 'perform at your best'! The simple addition at the end of the ad of having the drench water-bottle upside down as in hamster's cage is a nice addition; furthering the 'playful' and light-hearted nature of the campaign. The directors of the ad had to put food on the ends of the tiny instruments to make the hamsters 'nibble' on them; looking as if they were blowing into them, and apparently it took a whole day of filming to get this just right!

Cameras out!

http://www.worldphotographyawards.org/

The Sony World Photography Awards 2010 will take place in April of next year, in Cannes, France. These awards are free to enter and open to anyone - particularly amateurs trying to gain exposure for their work. I decided to have a look at some of the entries on the official website, and I thought it was very interesting to be able to see photographs from all categories, entered by different people from around the globe. There is such a wide range of styles and techniques that have been used that I felt very inspired after looking at some of the images on the site! I think it's a great way to unite the photography community and let everyone share their work - although there are also lots of photograph-sharing websites out there (flickr, photobucket, etc.), this allows for a more 'professional-take' on the entrants' work, and will often allow them to gain more exposure. I really recommend taking a look at some of the entries on the website if you have a few minutes to spare - it'll really get you wanting to get your own camera out!

http://www.worldphotographyawards.org/gallery.aspx

munchy seeds!

Getting kids to eat their daily vitamins, minerals, etc. can be difficult - so why not jazz up the packaging to try and entice them into it?! This is exactly what the novel brand 'Munchy Seeds' have done. Created by Ziggurat Brands in London, this vibrant packaging of roasted seeds aims to catch the children's attention and use a light-hearted approach to encouraging them to try some! The range of bright colours for the different seeds distinguishes one flavour from another and so kids can easily know which are their favourites, simply by recognizing the colour of the packaging. This is also quite a playful way of doing this; almost giving each pack a 'personality'! This is furthered by the use and inclusion of different animals on each packet or tub of seeds - for example, the chilli mix of seeds can be identified by a rooster, and the vanilla mix by a zebra. The idea of using hands painted as animals is an original way of portraying this, but also hints at the fact that seeds are 'finger-food' that you can pick at (just how the animals are doing on the packaging!). This adds to the overall 'playful' mood of the brand - and they even do the seeds in a bar, so kids can take it in their lunch boxes easily! I also like the fact that the simplistic packaging isn't overly 'childish'; still making it accessible to an older target market and not cutting them out completely.

Under the sea....

One of the National Geographic Magazine's well-known photographers, David Doubilet, has been one of my favourites for some time now. He specializes in underwater photography and has been interested in this since he was just 12 years old! Currently working as a Contributing Photographer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Magazine, Doubilet travels around the globe capturing the most stunning sea photographs - everything from fish and divers, to sea-scapes and shells.

I find his technique produces beautifuls shots that really capture the viewer's imagination. The images are so clear and precise that they almost seem unrealistic sometimes; there's something 'fantasy-like' with some of his photographs. What always draws me to Doubilet's work is the sharp, brilliant colours that he produces - capturing the moment in full and creating a sense of awe when you look at the photographs in depth.

Tord Boontje

http://www.tordboontje.com/

Whilst browsing through 'Design Week', I came across a piece of graphic design work by Tord Boontje, which caught my attention. Typography is one of my greatest interests within design and I love the way this designer subtly encorporates the type into the image. This is a very delicate design and I like the authentic vibe produced by the hand-drawn images and type.

Born in the Netherlands, the designer Tord Boontje has been commissioned for a number of projects and installations which I had a look at on his website (http://www.tordboontje.com). I'd recommend having at look at some of his work as he has a very unique style - very intricate and inspired by nature and floral designs. It may sound stereotypical, but I must admit that on first seeing his work, I assumed that the designer was female - simply because of the prominent use of floral work and the overall delicacy of the designs. It is more common to find female designers with this kind of style.

Some of Boontje's work includes shadow installations, and the way that he works with cut-outs and lights is amazing and creates very soft, gentle effects. He tends to use low lighting; which works well with the floral designs and curving nature of the cut-outs. These installations vary in size and purpose - from art exhibitions, to promotions for Swarovski Crystals - and I like the continuity in his style that can be seen in all the different mediums that he uses.

A novel approach to getting a job

It was after seeing Trafalgar Square on the news this evening that I was reminded about the graduate who pleaded for a job from the top of a plinth in the heart of London. Back in September of this year, Alex Kearns took desperate measures to attempt to get himself a job - as he, like so many graduates, was finding it very difficult given the current economic climate. Alex graduated from Swansea University with a 2:2 in French and Italian this summer, but had so far been unlucky in finding a proper job. After his session on top of the plinth - which included revealing a huge CV and holding a sign reading "Give me a job!" - he did manage to secure to job in fact! His new boss apparently felt he had some "get-up-and-go" - which is certainly true!

Nowadays the competition for jobs seems to be hotter than ever and so drastic measures sometimes seem like a good option! Everyone always says that the only way to get the job is to stand out from the crowd and be noticed.....which is certainly advice that Alex Kearns took on board! I think this was a very clever use of his time on the plinth; as he knew it would be a very public event and a brilliant opportunity to get his name out there and his voice heard. The slightly 'comical' aspect of his stunt, and it's unique nature, brought about lots of press coverage. Okay, so not everyone who's looking for a job should aim to be on the news with some wacky idea to get themselves noticed - but this is just an exaggerated example of ways in which graduates (in particular) are beginning to distinguish themselves from the competition. Personally, I think this raises the bar and should help to promote more original ideas and creative ways of thinking - simply handing in your CV and smiling nicely in an interview most probably won't be enough anymore....

Me?

So how do you go about summing up yourself in a simple logo or brand identity? A difficult task, I found. Here are a few rough ideas for my own personal logo; I've tried to encorporate aspects of design into them and decided to simply use my initials rather than full name - as it's more concise and I'm lucky that the letters C and P work quite effectively when placed together!

Feel free to leave any comments or feedback, as I feel that a strong personal identity is important as a first impression for any designer. Thanks!

A hidden gem

http://www.designermakers.co.uk/

http://www.woodb.co.uk/products.php?p=22

Hidden amidst the Blubberhouses Moor in Yorkshire lies a small furniture workshop and showroom, owned by the company 'Designer Makers'. Not quite what you'd expect to come across in the middle-of-nowhere in the Yorkshire Moors....! The workshop is open to the public on most days, and is situated with the Mackenzie Smokehouse - a well-known butchers and restaurant; specializing in smoked meats (from which I'd recommend the smoked salmon!).

Back to a more design-based note; on my visit to the workshop this past weekend, there were contemporary kitchens on display - with everything from work tops, to sinks, to remote-controlled ovens, wine fridges, and several other quirky designs! I noticed that the most prominent style for kitchens being brought forward by this company is square and straight. Nearly every sink on display was square or rectangular shape; with harsh, cutting edges suggesting a very modern style and approach. I did come across some very original designs whilst walking round the showroom - for example, 5 simple grooves had been made in the work-surface of one display, in which 5 metal rods could then be laid into to place a hot pan on when needed. Very simple design, very clever. Unfortunately you weren't allowed to take any photographs of the displays inside the showroom, but take a look at the website for some examples of the types of furniture the company specialize in.....quite a modern surprise for a company based in the traditionally-styled area of Yorkshire!

Design for Life

As mentioned in one of my earlier blog posts about the "Ukraine's Got Talent" winner, and how we're finally being exposed to rarer talents which don't only involve the typical singing and dancing - I feel that BBC2's "Design for Life" programme explores a talent that the general public are not often enough told about. Perhaps this is because I am a 'design-person' myself and so would like to see more shows like this; but it still makes excellent viewing even for the 'not so design-oriented' viewers! "Design for Life" has been compared to the BBC1 show, "The Apprentice"....Philippe Starck vs. Sir Alan?! The two characters certainly share some similarities, and these make good, entertaining viewing for the public; with both of them being experts in their fields, their blunt comments to contestants keep the audience curious to see if anyone dares argue back!

"Design for Life" is based around the French product designer, Philippe Starck, selecting a group of young designers with potential to go far in the field. Over the duration of the programme, he - and his team of co-designers - pick-off the weaker contestants and send them home, until only 2 remain in the grand finale. The prize is a 6 month placement at Starck's company in Paris, and it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity - hence why the competition becomes so fierce during the show!

It wasn't the winning final design of the most recent series, however, that really caught my attention, but the product designed by Michael Cloke, the runner-up. He designed a lap-tray for the blind; where they could lace their dinner plate, a glass, and cutlery on a cleverly balanced tray. It uses magnets to hold the items in place securely when not in use, and the design includes braille to help the user even further. I felt that it was a very sophisticated design, and not overly-complex; meeting the brief - to design something to help people - very accurately.

The essence of the city?

It was during one of my A-level art projects that I stumbled across the photographer Christopher Holt; whilst searching for inspiration relating to the city and structures. As a London girl, I was drawn in by his images of England's capital straight away and felt that he had really managed to capture the essence of the city in his shots. Further research then taught me that he actually graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering, not photography or anything arts-related, and that he was able to join the two disciplines; stating that "the bond is simply society - a photographer reflects the society he sees, and a civil engineer builds a world for society".

Holt doesn't only photograph the city of London (although this is where he started out and is mainly based); he also branches to Japan, Portugal, Spain, France, and Vienna. This adds variety to his work and demonstrates how he is able to pin-point and capture the different elements of these places that make them unique and distinct from the rest. For example, his photographs of the Algarve in Portugal present the viewer with a very different atmosphere and vibe to those of the bustling city of London. The images that Holt produces are those that I can imagine being used for interior decoration, or perhaps even tourist advertising campaigns in some cases. He is a freelance photographer at the moment and says he hopes to continue his work and follow his love for travel for many years to come!

2012 thumbs up!

I won't hesitate to admit that I was a little skeptical on first hearing about this film and seeing the trailers; thinking it wouldn't be "my kind of film" at all. However, after having sat two rows back from the action on the big screen , I can safely say that my initial thoughts were very wrong!

Not normally being a particularly big appreciator of visual/special effects, I was thoroughly impressed with this aspect of the film throughout - I even felt a little unsafe in my cinema seat at some points! The earthquake effects, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc. were all done extremely well and - although perhaps a little over-the-top in parts - made the film seem scarily real. The concept on which the film is based - that the world will end on 20/12/2012, according to Roman predictions - is a strong idea, which people can begin to relate to and think about; creating great discussion and debate (particularly among my housemates!). The director, Ronald Emmerich, encorporates engaging sub-plots during the film which almost allow the viewer to relate closely to the 'everyday' characters. I did feel, however, that some parts were a little ridiculous - in the sense that they were virtually impossible to happen and so seemed a bit 'cliché' when they worked out happily! I'd definitely recommend seeing 2012 overall....just try not to think too much about our potential future....!

The Ukraine's Got Talent

What exactly qualifies as a "talent"? We've all seen auditions for Britain's Got Talent, and some (lots, in fact) of them really do make you cringe and ask what on earth possessed them to go on national television?! Occasionally, however, a rare talent will emerge that captures the nation's attention and allows it to move away from the typical singing and dancing acts that seem to fill about 80% of the show.

The winner of The Ukraine's Got Talent 2009 was Kseniya Simonova; a twenty-four year old who took up sand animation after her business shut down. She began drawing with sand on visits to the beach and progressed onwards from there. Her winning piece on the show was a sand-created story about life during the USSR's Great Patriotic War against the Third Reich in World War II. The overall performance is - in my opinion - very inspiring and engaging, and there's something almost calming and therapeutic about watching the sand form the images. What I found incredible was the way that the artist made it look so easy and natural to manipulate the sand in such a way that create clear, detailed images. The performance flowed at a steady pace and told a story that was easy to follow, and held my attention throughout - despite it not being a particularly short piece. I was pleased to see an arts-based talent win the show and inspire the nation (not to mention receiving over 7 million hits on youtube!), as I feel we're constantly bombarded with singing acts, dancing acts, etc. and it's about time that a more unique and original talent is recognized and appreciated.

Viva las vegas!

"Speechless" is probably the best word I can think of to describe how I felt on entering the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. On my travels around the States last summer, I was lucky enough to spend a few nights in the gambling capital and can't emphasize enough how 'surreal' the whole experience seemed! Along the strip of hotels you've got everything from dancing fountains, theme parks inside hotels, gymnastics shows....right up to being dangled 866ft above the ground on a ride above the Stratosphere hotel....I can safely say there's something for everyone!

While some (e.g. my mum) argue that the whole experience of Vegas is "tacky" and "over-the-top", I felt awe-inspired throughout my stay. The Venetian Hotel is just one of the hotels that I wandered around in, nearly mouth-open. Having visited Italy several times myself, I was amazed by the accuracy of the decor and the Italian atmosphere that has been produced in the hotel - the most famous attraction being the indoor gondola rides available for tourists (which - embarrassingly - come with a free singing gondolier!). In all honesty, I can see why people may feel that the whole experience is "tacky" and it may not be everyone's ideal holiday - however, I'd still say that it should be up near the top of the 'do-before-you-die' list....simply for the overwhelming grandeur that can be found in every corner.

The steps of advertising....

Ambient advertising has always been of interest to me, and I stumbled across this promotional campaign which used the novel idea of escalator advertising! With the bottom half of the man's face stationary at the end of the escalators, and the different hairstyles being placed onto his head as the steps flatten out, this is a very original example of the new media of ambient advertising. Rather than using more traditional methods of advertising, by placing the adverts in situations that the public are not expecting, it catches their attention and creates a curiosity to know more. This campaign is likely to be remembered for it's originality, which - over time, with more marketing - will help develop the brand's identity. The world of advertising is fiercely competitive in the current day, and the ways to get noticed are definitely straying away from the typical mediums of advertising. Unless the brand is already heavily established and trusted by the public, it must jump out to it's audience and shout about it's uniqueness in ways that distinguish it from the rest of the competition. Like this advertising campaign has done, by strategic positioning and placement of the promotions, the brand can capture maximum public viewing and interest - thinking about where and when their target audience is most likely to be exposed to the advertising.

Orange Unlimited website

http://unlimited.orange.co.uk/flash/go

I was shown this website at university and thereafter spent an embarrassing amount of time playing around on it. It's part of Orange's promotional campaign for their Unlimited contract package and definitely sums up the concept well! Designed to be a 'never-ending' website, you can scroll downwards for hours and along the way interact with various animations - ranging from having conversations with the cartoons themselves, to a drawing pad, to making bearded cartoons cut off their beards....the list goes on! The overall feel of the site is still fitting with Orange's brand identity - for example, the Dolphin, Racoon, and Panther tariffs that they offer had a similar 'craziness' in the way that they were advertised, and these too were the kind of promotions that people talk about and remember afterwards.

As an extra form of promotion, this site is a great way of emphasizing the "unlimited" part of the package being promoted, and something that will stick in your mind afterwards and most probably show to your friends when you've got a few minutes to kill!