Bad (Followed by) Good Design (Week 2)

And of course, amazing design at www.pentagram.com/en/ where Michael Bierut and Paula Sher work.

(Previously posted Sept 4, 2010)

Self Portrait Design

Above are my concepts for a "self portrait." They are both a look at what lead me into studying graphic design. The Recycle Bin focuses on my life from quitting college in 2001 to today. The Guitar String delves more into what influenced me, especially early on, and lead me into design. While designing these, I took a difficult look at my past. I tried to remain upbeat and hopeful, but each are not without regrets. I want them to be a representation of honest mistakes and, ultimately, redemption.

(Previously Posted Aug 30, 2010)

5 Pieces From Last Year (Week 1)

These are a few of my favorite designs from last year. (1) The Book cover is a much more dynamic representation of the content of a book (which is truly a science book for rock musicians) than the original cover. (2) The Apple Festival poster is a successful marriage of the "country" feel of the festival with a fresh, modern, updated appeal. (3) The Taster's Choice look was brought up-to-date. If I was to work any further, I might include more design on the inside carton. Then again, I would probably click "don't save" when I closed it. (4) The Wine Tasting Journal was a great project because I learned the art of hand-binding a book. (5) My stationary set for The Vineyard Wine Market was meant to look professional, sophisticated, and fun. (6) These print ads for The Vineyard Wine Market were one of my favorite projects to work on because of the seemingly endless possibilities to poke a little fun at wine tasting descriptions.

Undoubtedly, if I revisited any of these projects, I would find something to work on, or change, or add, or remove. Although never fully satisfied with my work, I am quite pleased with all of these and would generally not make any readily noticeable changes. I may nudge an object or type window a tick or two.

(Previously posted Aug 26, 2010)

Waffle Press Type

This is my illustrative typeface, created by modifying a waffle iron. The "gaps" were filled in on the waffle iron thus connecting the squares for making an impression of a letter into the waffle batter. I could then move the filler "pieces" around to set a new letter. Syrup was used to establish more contrast between the letter and the rest of the waffle.

Concept Board for Small Business Magazine

Project Brief

Client: Small Business Opportunities Magazine

Project: Layout Redesign

Publication Subject Matter: Small Business Opportunities Magazine focuses on "money making ideas for entrepreneurs." Topics include starting a home business, franchising, investing in small business, marketing a company, raising capital, economic trends, management, setting goals, growing a small business, and government regulations. Small Business Opportunities is a monthly magazine available at news stands and is not affiliated with any particular organization.

Readership: Customers/readers may include, but are not limited to, entrepreneurs, at-home workers, small business owners, franchisees, college students/graduates, stay-at-home parents, freelancers, and internet entrepreneurs.

Other Publications: Fortune (white collar, professional), Business Week (corporate, professional), My Business Magazine (more relaxed, colorful), Small Business Resource (clean, simple).

Descriptions for Redesign: Fun, exciting, personal, organized, younger focus, yet professional, visually compelling, encouraging, unified.

GA Historic Preservation Cover/Flyer

GA Historic Preservation Handbook

A design for a first-of-its-kind book about historic preservation in Georgia, a daunting, but exciting project that the Fox Theatre Institute is beginning.

The photograph is a placeholder at this point and I intend to add two more photos to the "map" (one of them of the Fox Theatre, of course). Please click on the image to see it full size.