NEW BLOG 

Graphic Design. University of Salford. Year 2

 lmgraphicdesign.tumblr.com

I recently discovered the work of spanish graphic designer Emiliano Lionel Suarez, whose use of typography has really inspired me on this new project. I like the use of the serif fonts as they are not as bold as something like helvetica which is really strong, serifs are softer and look a little more elegant, something i have taken on board for my logo etc, i also like the different sizes and overlapping of the text, as it brings in another dimension

We recently got the task of creating a presentation as part of a debate between two teams, we got the question of is The Turner Prize a Valid Institution? I didn’t think it would be too hard at first, however i got the task of trying to validate the Prize, and trying to find vaild points is very difficult, i dont want to give too much away on here as other people will be looking (like the other team!!!), quite alot of people are against what the Turner Prize is, however i found a few point and put together with what the other people in my group have got i think we will do well, ive already started making our powerpoint so were close to finishing.

After doing a bit more research etc, i decided to stray away from the pin up and just stick with the patterns that i had looked into. I thought that it gave it a much more classier edge, also looked more at 1970’s prints and colour schemes to take influence from as alot of the furniture in MASH was very 70’s. I’m lovin’ Serif fonts at the minute as well, they look so classy!

possible final out come. front/back.

other possible ideas.

alternative typography.

After getting a bit lost the other day, i think i’ve finally got my head around were to take the branding. I still really like the idea of using a 50s influence, but i decided to modernise it using typography. There are a few example below to show you what i mean. Using found fifties imagery behind type (Didot - used in vogue) i felt help give it a classier edge and make it look very sophisticated. I think i take this idea further and use some of my own images. 

We did a one day project a few days ago in which we had to brand a new drink ‘Blip’  a pea flavoured  drink it had to appeal to kids but also to adults who would be purchasing it. The things we had to focus on where i also to the kids who would be drinking it, it’s a canned drink, it’s filled with vitamin C, and from this we had to create a logo and slogan. At first i thought that it would be quite easy but, discovered it was more difficult than i first thought. I decided to go down the root of making it look really organic and fresh look, yet giving it a funky edge with the type, and my slogan was green with envy, giving you connotations of people being jealous of you drinking it. 

Cant actually believe we’ve only got like a month left! and so much stuff to do!

Finally finished my website, and done most of the research for our Versus debate on the turner prize (which I’m quite nervous about, gotta be said), and I’m cracking on with this new brief. I new at the start that i would like to take a 50s approach to rebranding MASH, however i feel as thou ive gotten a bit lost as to were to go with it, Ive started creating some patterns inspired by those of the fifties, but i think im getting to narrow minded on how i want it to look, and it could ended up look a bit tacky, i think i need to mix it up a bit with a modern twist, and make it look really elegant, and appealing to the target market. 

Just a quick update on clearview. finally finished my brochure, for the downloadable PDF.

Some screen shots of my website, only have to add a few more things and it’ll be finished .

my animation the other one i made wasn't really working out so i decided on a new one i think i works really well on the website too! 

After going to MASH yesterday i though i’d do a few mood boards to help me get a few ideas down and for inspiration. As soon as i walked in, i got the feeling of a 50s living room, it was very relaxed, people just sitting around and stuff. The furniture and colours very also very 50s, so i decided it would be quite nice to maybe go down that root. I loved the patterns and colours of that era, and think they would work really well, and also the kitsch posters, which i could put a more modern spin on. The idea of the diner signage, and vegas sign also sprung to mind, very 50’s with the shape and all. I also like the idea of pin ups, associated with the glamour of the 50s, i thought it could be quite nice to have a pin up for each section of MASH, one for the cafe, one for the gallery and so on. 

I think i will now go one to create a more modern, clean board just to compare and see what kind of style would suit best. 

Went to MASH today for a little chat with Kevin the owner, to get i bit of info on their client base, whats the most successful part of the company is etc, they seem really interested in going along with it, and were open to anything, allowing me free reign if you like over the project. 

I asked them went their main target market was, and they said pretty much anyone, most through the day it maybe 30+ but on event night can range anything from 18-40+ 

Also i asked where their main business came from, and its mainly from the cafe side of things. He said he would like to push the fact that its a cafe/gallery and how theres nothing else like it in the town centre. 

Regarding, branding, Kevin said that he would be interested in logo, ad campaigns, leaflets, particularly a new menu, although it would have to be able to be printed in black and white aswell as colour to keep the costs down, because they change them so often, he also said he’d like it to be a bit different maybe with a cover or sleeve on or something it bit interesting. In addition to that they also have a bike which is used for advertising (see picture below), and they would like to make more use of that. 

Underneath you can see a few quick pictures a took while there. 

Frontage of the shop, in general quite nice, slightly plain.  

No real signage or logo.

Inside, Main cafe space, with art work place around that 

you can buy. Very mismatched, homely feeling. Livingroom-esque

 

Gallery area. 

 

Bike used for advertising.

We got our new brief the other day, an it looks like a good un’! We have the option of three briefs in this project, 

1st: To create your own company and brand it.

2nd: To chose an existing company and rebrand it 

3rd: Create an inventory from a company or shop. 

I have decided to go with the 2nd option of rebranding an existing company as i think this is the best for gaining experience dealing with actual clients, talking to them about what they want and try and deliver that to them. After thinking up a few ideas, such as hairdressers, cafes and record shops, I think i’m going to go with MASH, an art gallery/shop/cafe.

although their logo at the moment isn't to bad, it doesn't really fit with the style of the shop, which is very cool, young and trendy, it also doesn’t have and advertising or leaflets etc, so not many people know what or were it is. MASH is a gallery, which holds, events every month and allows anyone to sell their work in their, ranging from handmade jewellery to 7ft fine art pieces, its also a cafe with a wide selection on offer and also sells alcohol. In addition to this is available to rent out for events and parties, and has a photography company called MASH Studio. I emailed them earlier today to see if they would be interested and they got back to me saying that it was a fantastic idea and i should call in for a chat with them! MASH is a favourite place of mine, so i would love to be able to rebrand this shop, and get more people interested and visiting this place!