20/05/2011

Lessons from Vignelli







Some really interesting programs designed for a Massimo Vignelli talk by Pentagram. They use his very modernist philosophies in striking red with white (of course) Helvetica, I agree with them all except perhaps 'one life is too short to do everything' I like to think the opposite, that life is never too short to do everything.

04/05/2011

Some lessons learned so far....

Apologies for the lack of posts recently, I'm finding time for blogging particularly hard to come by and so shall use twitter more regularly to post interesting links of work i find etc. As I've been a 'professional' designer for nearly a year now, in this post i thought I would share some lessons i've learned about the industry since leaving uni which will hopefully be helpful students about to enter the big wide world. I'm sure you've heard some of these before, and if so, trust, its good advice!

1. Never be afraid to ask for help. But don't ask too much, a lot you can find out
for yourself.

2. Trust your intuition.

3. Meet as many different agencies as you can. They're not all the same or right 
for you. 

4. Learn as much software as possible.

5. Working life is fun, being paid for something you enjoy is incredible.

6. Take a limited number of projects to interviews. 5-6 strong projects is 
about right.

7. Realise that the work really starts once you leave uni and start job hunting.
You will most likely need to tweak and tighten your folio after you've left.

8. Persevere and realise that it is not going to be easy to get a job, but if you really want it you'll get it.

9. Dont be afraid of web design. 

10.  Strive to always create good design, but understand not all professional design is good design, you sometimes have to swallow your pride if the client is awkward.

11 Treat your brain like a sponge. Never stop looking, collecting, photographing, reading, blogging , bookmarking or screen grabbing. Inspiration is one of the most important things to a designer.

12. Try and always put your twist on something, a lot of respect is gained 
for originality.

13. Be a nice person.

09/03/2011

THE patrickjamespearson BAND



A music video for a change, Heres a new video from my cousin Patrick's band The patrickjamespearson Band for their latest single, American Lover.

28/02/2011

Nelson Associates



















I have just discovered the work of Surrey based studio Nelson Associates. They have some beautifully considered print work. Click here to see more.

25/02/2011

Lessons for young designers

These are some insightful and thought-provoking lessons from Wieden+Kennedy’s Executive Creative Director, John C Jay.

23/02/2011

Graphic design can change your life




This is a fantastic interview with Erik Spiekermann that all designers and design students should watch.  Also check out his company site, Eden Spiekermann which is very cool, particularly when you  re-size  it.

27/01/2011

Learn Something Everyday
















 This is a great little on-going project by manchester studio Young. Simply a fact a day and a copic illustration to go with it. Very enlightening and amusing. Check it out.