http://www.designeretc.co.uk en-gb designeretc.co.uk 2010-8-28T00:00:00Z designeretc.co.uk http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#74003 2010-8-28 19:04:55 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#74002 Not posted anything for a while its that time of year when work colleagues vanish for the summer leaving the unlucky few to hold the fort. So in short been busy.Its my chum Mike previously mentioned heres birthday today. This qualifies him for a hilarious designer etc doodle.Hopefully he enjoyed it as I hope will you.etc 2010-8-28 19:04:54 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#71989 As part of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema August Film Tour now thats a mouthful. A series of posters have been produced as a suite to bring together some very eclectic cult films. The posters are designed by Olly Moss.The theme of the road show is inspired by the American Worker.Nice work. 2010-8-3 08:33:54 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#71928 While on a bus last week I saw a familiar looking ad for the recentish film The Rebound.It was familiar in the sense that I have seen it or something similar somewhere before Here here here here here here here and hereI have come to realise that the Go To typographic execution for the Romcon is thusGiven the nature and audience of such films Im sure attention to detail in the poster and in particular the typography is not given a second thought. Until now.Sadly there really is not a lot to it much like the films 2010-8-2 13:35:27 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#71092 Every morning on route to the day job I walk past the A Z Office Centre. A rather good looking stationers on the corner of St John Square in London.It is always shut. This is due to time of day passing not lack of custom.Every time I pass it it draws a smile. Simply from the joy of the sign writing.In a previous lifetime I worked for a small sign writers in west London. Back then 19992000 the brush work was carried out by my then boss and his brother. Their father set up the business with and for his sons at the end of the Second World War as one of the first commercial trade artists in the south.The confidence of line understanding of space and steadiness of hand is sight to behold and one which today is hardly ever seen in the world of the vinyl graphic.Forgive the clich233. I do think it had a big influence on becoming a graphic designer.Even with the finger pointer being slightly offcentre I cant fault it. Perhaps a bias view given my first hand experience of watching a steady han... 2010-7-23 13:42:19 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#69940 Historically the safe childrens carrier of choice amongst the well healed 2.4 families in the 80s and 90s until the arrival of the Chealsea tractor. Normal 0 0 1 14 80 John Thompson amp Partners 1 1 98 11.1280 0 0 0 The Volvo is now the carriage of choice and sex symbol for the emotionally tortured TwiHards. The Swedish car manufacturer soon to be owned by the Chinese is one of the brand sponsors of the Twilight Saga. Normal 0 0 1 14 82 John Thompson amp Partners 1 1 100 11.1280 0 0 0 The Sagas lead character Edward uses his many Volvos to drive to school and perform neat Jturns in. Normal 0 0 1 33 190 John Thompson amp Partners 1 1 233 11.1280 0 0 0 Admittedly if I was a vamp... 2010-7-9 13:33:12 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#68810 ...Monday 28th JuneWhat will England be like on MondayEngland face old foe Germany in the knock out stage of the World Cup and its a game we must win.As reported in Marketing Magazine this week the effect of Englands so far lack luster performance has had an impact on sales of England tat and even the sales of beer However Wednesday night must have seen a spike in sales... At least street vomit.As the excellent World Cup Nike advert alludes to the possible outcomes of just winning the next game let alone the whole World Cup could not be so far from the truth. The thing is as not one England player has shone so far so the most popular footballer inspired baby name may still be up for grabs. Until next week then... That is unless the Carling drinking massive whom can be identified by their St George crosss hanging proudly from anything they own destroy us because we lost... 2010-6-25 13:22:00 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#68733 2010-6-24 13:25:04 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#68655 Am I allowed to like this So now she can draw too.She also has nice handwriting...hummm. 2010-6-23 08:43:25 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#68096 blog etc is one year old today.Thank you to all those whom have visited 2341 at the time of posting commented commissioned and in some cases berated me and my blog.xAn unrelated illustration below. One of those things you do but do nothing with. 2010-6-16 13:18:34 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#66998 In the week that The DampAD Awards were held last night to be precise and the announcement of the new chairman Dick Powell this will be his second term I received my invite to New Bloods private view.Major Woodys Converse not includedThe invites include one of the series of posters designed for the event. Mine came with the new Chairman as seen above.Nothing beats an evening of envy or evenings if you happen to swing by a couple of design degree shows as is customary this time of year to prompt and remind you of why you want to be in design and feel privileged if you are.As the day goes on information and highlights of last nights awards are filtering to design populous those on twitter would have enjoyed a constant feed last night.As an recent joinee of Twitter I enjoyed the blow by blow updates from the DampAD would rather have been there.... But more so the progressively less detailed incidental and drunk updates from Ben Terret.Incidentally Follow me on Twitter then stop. Which see... 2010-6-4 13:04:07 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#66329 You may have noticed that I have been absent from blog etc for the last month. The reason why I can now reveal. In my day job working in a top architectural practice in Clerkenwell I have been coordinating and in some parts masterminding a brand relaunch.The official line goes as followsTo coincide with John Thompson amp Partners JTP 15th anniversary. The practice has implemented a brand refresh of its identity and visual presence under consultation with design consultancy Hattrick. Hattrick had previously worked with the practice on a visual wordscape project and the internal wayfinding and environmental annotation system of the practices award winning sustainable studio in London. The brief included an audit of printed material website and logo. Providing consultation and strategic advice on a visual way forward. The work was then carried forward by JTPs Inhouse design team.Hattricks services were retained to design and produce the new practice promotional publication Collaborative P... 2010-5-28 13:32:01 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#63532 In this months issue of Blueprint shall I say current issue only just gotaround to reading it Erik Spiekermann looks at the similarities inArchitecture and typography in the context of composition layout andspacemaking.The idea of somehow combining these disciplines would make for aninteresting collaboration. Typographic Masterplanning with Letterformunit types TYPOlogies.As seen above my one bed split level Helvetica Bold T Flathouse typecould be an example of a series of design projects that could explore thisidea. Potentially with greater finesse than my execution despite myexperience in architecture...To be able to apply rules of typography to urban design would be a greatchallenge. Although being a graphic designer I would want to work ina linier grid similar in urban terms to an American street grid.Might tinker with this in the coming weeks. See what I come up with. 2010-4-21 20:00:58 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#62528 Last week saw the roll out of the Ravensborne College new identity seen below in print in this latest issue of Design week.The new identity coinsides with the colleges move to a new building in the shadow of the 02 this autumn. Coincidentally my good chum Royale whom has headed back to shelter of education at Revensborne a student in a grown up body sent me the inside track last night.Early feedback from the student body is suggested not to be positive. The identity and its applications were created by Johnson Banks. As previously mentioned on blog etc I am a big MJ fan so much so I am tempted to buy this months Creative Arts Magazine purely because it has a feature about Johnson Banks that is ironically about their logo pedigree...Hummm 2010-4-8 13:15:23 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#61916 ... for a four day weekend.Another vintage illustration that has surfaced in similar vain as this previous post or any other sketch on this site for that matter.Long Easter weekend awaits. Shame about the reality of getting five days work into four two weeks in a row. Sigh. 2010-4-1 08:39:44 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#61653 ... signsAnother CR related nugget in the form of Ghost signs feature in the subscribers only Monograph this month.Spotted one myself this weekend out in the burbs. 2010-3-29 08:34:39 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#61421 One of my old tutors from Staffordshire University has made an appearance in this months sexy issue of Creative Review also seen here.Big shout out to the alumni of Staffs 20022003 and Jim Etc x 2010-3-25 20:26:06 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#61276 Last night the lines were again blurred between cooking and pornography.The Delicious Miss Dahl made a perhaps unconvincing case that she is a foodie and a cook last night. Issues about her extreme weight change and lust of small men withstanding her slender supermodel frame made for enjoyable viewing. Yet many will draw similarities in the finger licking and cleavage shot techniques of the buxom Nigella.She left viewers with the decision of heading off to make what she made to maybe vomit it up later or just have a wank into a copy of Good Food... 2010-3-24 13:41:06 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#61195 Today Google have lifted its censorship of content into the country now allowing content in that would previously be deemed inappropriate or in conflict with the countries political and cultural beliefs.As blog etc readers will know I like Google I have monitored Googles relations with other countries and even made apocalyptic comparisons with homicidal artificial intelligence of the future. But can not help wondering if a brandcompany has the power to take on a superpowerOtherwise as advised before China ma be left with only one course of action... 2010-3-23 13:29:40 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#60568 This is not the edge of the world. This is Lymington in Hampshire near the S.Os family outpost I mean home. But judging by what there is to do there it may as well be.Just a courteous update post with nothing to actually update with. I have been stupidly busy of late professionally personally and squeezing in the odd bit of freelancing. Thank you to those whom have enquired to my whereabouts.Some of this busyness should feature here soon. Along with an imminent site upgrade and twice postponed content update etc. 2010-3-15 13:37:28 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#59460 2010-3-1 08:28:43 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#59119 Although the CSI Trilogy was a let down and Flashforward has vanished Channel Fives latest and rather nice campaign The Drama Continues seen here or here brings together a cross network and character collaboration that reminds the viewer of the caliber of American drama the channel has which I think it has to. 2010-2-24 13:53:55 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#59116 Hola.Back from a short epicurian break in Barcelona. Foodies listen out. Dos Palillos is the recommendation of the trip. Set up by a prodijay of El Bulli a long standing Michelin 3star Catalan restaurant. This place could easily follow suit. Its size and location make for an exclusive dining experience... Anyway I digress.A slightly sad highlight was the discovery of an emporium of wonder... This shop has everything from day wear to hardware DIY to high art 128 piece china sets to 124 scale model people curtains to inhouse graphic design studio...Spent far too long in there the S.O was tempted to buy everything. I to was tempted by a 80 inch wall mounted piella dish a village of small people and some adhesive stained glass by the roll Shame bout the piss poor typeset sign even with the inhouse expertise. 2010-2-24 13:37:35 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#58601 Last night commenced a cross franchise brand extension opportunity with a converging story arc creating a high saturation low concentration television extravaganza called CSI Trilogy.Amazing...However A nightmare to those who like things to run in chronological order... Seems Cole Deschanel from Sunset Beach remember that is a cast member in Miami nowStill amazing more please 2010-2-17 08:40:26 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#58553 Each year the S.O and I tend to steer clear of general Valentines Day guff and traditions but we do however make cards for each other... Well you cant ignore it completely.Besides I needed an excuse to come up with something decent in respect of the recent stirling efforts by the S.O for my birthday.A card a day for the 30 days leading up to my big 30. Maximum points for effort and planning with extra credit for variety of typefaces. I am a lucky guy I hear you all cry. So this valentines I went for a mix tape themed card but with a twist... Buy making the card a CD not a tape throwing out the window the romantic mixin favour of a hiphop compilation called Its Sexy Time.Forgoing the sensual love song in favour of a booty whacking dirt talking ho slapping sex planet lap grinding explicit lyric RampB vibe. Note the Urban script font civilian courtesy of Dafont.Yet despite my best efforts I am beaten again into submission by some rather impressive scalpel work. 2010-2-16 13:32:14 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#57700 A Nakedly selfpromotionalB ObservationalC InstructionalD Online curationalThe reason I ask stems from Adrian Shaughnessys article in this weeks Design Week 040210. Where he remark on the design blog genre.My View blog etc was originally built upon being A but then become empowered to deliver more B posts occasionally alludes to C in posts and by being a blog makes it D. 2010-2-4 13:27:56 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#57699 Well not really. The Worst Day Of My Life is a book written and designed by my pal Stu who incidentally is a cover designer and part time closet writer. He made this to me as a gift for my birthday.Its an amusing adventure set against a end of the world scenario which sees yours truly as the main protagonist battle my way to survival. The book was produced and published via Blurb.com.Given that 2010 is the year of self publication according to Adrian Shaughnessy this is a great start to Stus year and I am secretly hoping for more they dont necessarily have to be a bout me. Thanks Stu. 2010-2-4 13:19:04 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#57122 Make your own here.Footnote Star Trek TNG Ref incase you did not know...Blog etc 2010-1-27 13:31:31 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#57046 Well been sent anyway.Right following on from my birthday party post.A comedy of errors occurred including the weather and stiff work deadlines which resulted in the invite never actually being printed sigh.However on the brightside the mass emailing posting here and the circulation of the event via the S.Os facebook has presented an almost 100 return on RSVPs. Perhaps illustrating that the need for print in this case a printed invite is less these days...This has also made the publicity for the party very very sustainable.Just to prove that there was an invite see hereWas simply to be an 8 page A6 folded from a A3 sheet not very exciting. To be printed on a Smash Hits poster like stock. I even designed a little map for the geographically challenged. But this never manifested itself which perhaps is a good thing.But then I had an idea. Given the lack physical invite and inspired by this years Christmas card offering by my pal Stu.I have chosen to borrow cough his idea sorry Stu. In i... 2010-1-26 13:36:05 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#57031 James Mays sexual persuasion.Who knew 2010-1-26 08:46:57 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#56585 Just finished reading The Language of Things a gift from Major Woody thank you.An interesting and quirky read perhaps aimed at all those who if like me as part of the required reading during their Art Foundation days were encouraged to read Ways of Seeing.The books analytical nature beautifully rationalizes why you salivate at the seduction of the stylings of say a new ibook. Then slaps you in the face with the reality that your saliva and finger grease will actually eat away at the black polymer that gives the Mac its sleek perfect must have finish.Give it a Whirl. 2010-1-20 13:18:49 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#56496 Interesting post via CR Blog.Follow the link via CR Blog or this link password Character. 2010-1-19 13:14:33 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#56064 Tomorrow the worldAs people whom read this blog will know. I like Google. I like to Google. But now I may start to fear Google or at least not mess with.Over the festive season some friends and I were discussing what a powerhouse Google has becomeand it was only a matter of time until it becomes SkynetLogo created at here btw.What a great opponent to start with China. So after the nuclear winter is over and those not lucky enough to be dead and thus hunted by T800s will look back on this day and think why did nobody act...There is only one way to stop this happening...I am designer etc I am the resistance... etc 2010-1-13 13:33:34 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#55967 Anybody 2010-1-12 13:39:36 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#55661 Thanks to the wintry conditions causing delays in getting my invites back from the printers I am having to take a potentially risky avenue of advertising my 30th Birthday celebrations online...If you have been directed here via personal email Below is full details and reminder of the event and welcome to blog etc. Please let me know if you are attending by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post.If you are here by your own accord or an avid follower or friend or both of the nonsense that fills these pages feel free to come along. It might be interesting if not a little weird.So...The EventAdam Bowies 30th Birthday PartyDate amp TimeSaturday 30th January 20107.30pm to Midnight VenueTHE YORKSHIRE GREY PUB amp KITCHEN29 33 Grays Inn Road London WC1X 8PGDress CodePlease attend in an outfit styled influenced by or in homage to the 1980s. Feel free to be as farout or conservative as you like.RSVP Emailadambowiedesigneretc.co.ukRSVP HerePlease post a comment if you are attendingHow to ge... 2010-1-7 13:19:46 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#55593 After two weeks off and the shock readjustment of having to work again I am pleased to announce we are in a new decade...Welcome 2010 The biggest issue thus far six days in aside from the current wintry conditions is What do we call 2010TwentyTen or Twothousand and Ten An issue that has already been exhaustedly covered by other blogs. So my two pence on the matter What was 1920 called Having just read that in your mind you will have read NineteenTen I wager...Anyway while away the S.O and I would keep the design half of our brains active by passing critical judgment on everything from Christmas cards and wrapping to TV idents and commercials. To have come to the difficult conclusion that the pick of the bunch was this...Yes an advert for the SUN sigh shudder and a little bit of sick in my mouth but an amusing spoof.Moving on the worst appeared yesterday...To quote the story on the Marketing Week website... Tina Shortle swiftcover.coms marketing director says Iggy loved the fact that l... 2010-1-6 13:12:41 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#54809 And thats it for now... Parties to go totrains to fall asleep on presents to buy that nobody wants customary arguments with siblings to be had obligatory helping of Christmas cake that no one likesa Gin amp Tonic and a hand full of nuts shortly after breakfast accidentally saying fuck in front of Granny then bollocks then Cnt then all threeMerry Christmas etc 2009-12-20 11:03:41 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#54711 Seven months in and in reflective mood last official working day of the year it is time to reflect a little. As hinted about in a pervious post I am a established Graphic Designer infact a Design Manager at a Architectural Practice.Like most the last 12 to 18 months have been far from easy. This year has seen job security available work and clients with money all uncertain or non existent and thus spurned the creation of designer etc.This website blog and work related to it have been my creative mistresses. While the tired now less attractive wife still keeps the home running bleak yet amusing metaphor. Now in late December 2009 as we start to awaken the sleeping economic leviathan that is our business it is difficult to define a clear way forward. Both with my mistress and my wife work that is not significant other. As the goal posts of expectations experience and reality are all moving in different directions it is impossible to satisfy them all.Less jobs more graduates no permanent... 2009-12-18 08:36:29 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#54573 Firstly Merry Christmas from blog etcMy frankly piss poor blogging of late has been due to the comedy of errors known as Christmas. Being unseasonably busy coupled with the now anxious shopping for things people neither want nor need has left little time for merriment and bloggingThis has however presented an opportunity for more personal work filling those precious few moments of free time with more design work... You see my Significant other or the S.O has been pursuing other creative ventures this year watch this space. So much so that our own inhouse flat design output has been effected. NB. By output I mean the customary cards gift and other creative sundries expected by our family friends and creative peers Anyway. Of recent festive and holiday times I have been absolved of responsibility for the Christmas cards and invites since my Easter 2007 card Star Trek Resurrection seen below.Seems despite some creative genius social context and the craft of these. In particular the semi r... 2009-12-15 13:34:41 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#53926 Neutra Face An Ode On A Typeface A Bearded Poker Face ParodyAmazing for all the wrong reasons. 2009-12-4 08:41:03 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#53674 This past weekend was spent with our friends Mike amp Jen enjoying more foodie wonders including A slightly delayed Thanksgiving Dinner and a visit to Hestons Pub The Hind Head in Bray amazing triple cooked chips and quail scotch eggs yumOne thing people who know of our chum Mike is that he is potentially the number one fan of Transformers. I consider myself perhaps 10th or 11th. He boasts a rather impressive stock of toys and nostalgia that would be the envy of any 8 year old back in 1988.While on a rummage though his stuff discovered this old piece of work.Five years old in fact. Note the excellent use of drop shadow barcode and a Shetland pony...Perhaps I need to move on with my illustrations... Least Im consistent. Not bad if I do say so myselfAnyway was a splendid weekend and just as an example of Mikes obsession with Transformers check out below. The Transforming Bumblebee Blue Ray US Import and Mikes Cat Bumblebee. 2009-11-30 13:15:34 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#53372 As previously mentioned been busy lately so much so that I have accumulated a rather interesting pile of journals periodicals and the staple well known design magazines courtesy of the slack circulation list at work.Once dismissing Design weeks from the last 3 weeks and scurrying away the 2009 Creative Survey for my own records dont judge me I this time around was the last on the list so more fool those before me for not having the guts to take it. I then came to the Autumn volume of Eye magazine. E magazine found here.Packed with the usual high end design plus this volume is the photography issue it has some smart takes on Photojournalism. Ranging from the frontline of war to the front page Grazia set out in its textbook slick editorial manner that almost justifies the 16317 price tag...Furthermore it has an article by my design crush Michael Johnson who has on more than one occasion within this back log of design porn written some creative purple prose including a rather good one for... 2009-11-25 13:44:59 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#53302 Been away a bit of late occupied with work and play. Just spent a epicurean and drink fuelled long weekend in Manchester. Perhaps the strongest branded city in England a topic for another day... But we could have been in OzSeveral occasions of encountering themed coasters ruby slippers and the film itself. Topped off with the arrival of Dorothy our friends Faye amp Davids little girl.Better look out for flying monkeys next visit or should I say when we Return to OzBaboomtish 2009-11-24 13:32:08 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#52457 As promised on the build up to Christmas I can reveal some little projects I have been working onThis past weekend was the 4th annual Sam Smiths Pub Crawl in honor of my pal Gardners Birthday.For the past four years some of our chums have participated in a pub crawl based on the Ayingerbrau Challenge.This year I decided in cahoots with his significant other to personalise the event I have intended to do this for a few years now and lay the foundations for artwork to promote the Big Crawl for his 30th celebrations next year.The concept was a reworking of the Sam Smiths Man in a box logo for their Alpine lager.Below Dan Gardner in a BoxAlso below the birthday boy himself with a framed copy what a lovely frame I bet you are all thinking and a last minute edition of some beer mats that were hastily cut down on Friday night. Any attendees reading this will testify to the university project feel of them. The mats had a full lists of the pubs of this years crawl and any imperfections about t... 2009-11-12 13:45:13 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#51987 It was tasty Wednesday yesterday every Wednesday is. A long standing excuse to eat nice things at work to celebrate breaking the back of the week.This weeks tasty The Tunnocks CARAMEL Wafer Biscuit.On the back I noticed it boasts an impressive statisticWould guess that much like IRON BRU the majority of these sales and consumption happens in Scotland. They maybe even deep fried or as part of an unbalanced diet. forgive the stereotypes but it is quicker.Anyone got a Mintel login or some way to check the validity of this claim 2009-11-5 08:31:18 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#51615 This Saturday children and adults will be donning old sheets with hole for eyes armed with buckets in the shape of pumpkins escorted up and down residential streets in pursuit of free sweets... Or depending on your neighborhood A Nutritionally balanced Soya based alternative to sweets..This week I discovered an illustration of how modern times have stripped the innocence from dressing up at this time of year. This Halloween children of perhaps well healed families might be sporting vocational fancy dress..This comes from an article sported in the Architectural press this week.Does offer an interesting sociological observation of how well received a three and a half foot Barrister or High Court Judge would be when knocking at a door on local housing estate... Perhaps alternative outfits for consideration could be Support worker Pimp or even a Job seeker might be more apt although less vocational of course. Happy Halloween etc 2009-10-30 13:43:35 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#51429 Right its been a busy week or so for designer etc. So much that poor blog etc has been a little neglected. Hopefully I will put up a few posts in the coming week. But if I only get one up whoops unexpected pun its important its this oneTo do my bit to help raise awareness and money for research and treatment of prostate cancer I will be taking part in Movember and growing a moustache Incidentally a rather well branded accessible and well targeted piece of brandingThis will be a top lip quest to raise as much money as possible for a very worthwhile cause. It is estimated that 35.000 men are likely to be diagnosed this year with the potential of 10000 dying in the same time frame Movemeber is a worldwide event to help generate funding and more importantly awareness across the globe and look a bit silly in the process.For those interestedYou can view my Mospace page here.and also my Mo Bro and regular contributor to blog etc Stus here.It is not the nature nor motivation of blog etc to see... 2009-10-27 13:18:15 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#50926 Those who know me know Im a fan of the end of the world scenarios. Be it zombies viruses vampires aliens or any end of man kind apocalyptic scenario Im interested in it. Whether its Hollywood nonsense or conspiracy theory I regard it as required viewingreading as preparation for any such eventuality.So Im pleased at the November release of 2012.Perhaps hedging their bets that the world might end in 2012 so would hate to miss out on the box office revenue...So other than ticking boxes and providing me with further tactics and checklists on survival this film boasts some nice marketing virals and printed media. Anyone passing Waterloo this week will struggle to miss the depiction of our nonfuture wrapped around the IMAX.Upon the teaser trailer release last year the film makes received strong opposition from watchdogs for its tagline which asks the viewers to find out the truth online. leading Googlers to sites that may have dubious and radical theories about the end of the Mayan Calendar... 2009-10-19 13:38:13 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#50654 The last week my wonderfully expensive designer watch a gift from my significant other stopped working. A mechanical malfunction that is fortunately covered by warranty.But now having posted it to a PO Box in the midlands with a 50 chance of seeing it again I needed a temporary replacement. I cant live without a watch. A concept that the significant other can not grasp. In much the same way that I dont understand why she needs hundreds of pairs of earrings sunglasses shoes etc. Anyway. I have purchased a Casio gents digital watch.Taking this shot make me feel a little like Marcus Troy.Since this purchase people have already said how trendy and retro it is.Now whether or not this was purchased for fashion reasons how can something be retro if it has never gone awayThe Casio gents watch has been a longstanding feature in the Argos catalogue for years this will be my third Casio in my lifetime.A quick look up of the word retro seems to imply that if anything it is the bringing into popula... 2009-10-15 13:28:57 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#50584 cigarette ends...This lovely lady was found outside one of Clerkenwells trendy hotels. Printed by the look of it no way touching it on the spunk resistant paper of choice glossy which always shouts classySeems like a solid sales package this girl is offering. Just wonder how her legal team get around the Trade Descriptions Act when the obese Polish sandwich lady turns up in the small hours... 2009-10-14 13:44:37 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#50163 I do enjoy a good Google. Even more so when there is a theme or occasion on the homepage. Like today the birthday of the barcode.Would have been nice if in the generation of the barcode that the lines were made up by the colours the letters normally are. Nevermind the fact it would scan to read Google is enoughI have a folder on my desk top that I keep screen grabs of Google logos and other stuff I come across. Below are a few Googles that have tickled my fancy recently.And here is some hopeful efforts that dont 2009-10-7 12:35:52 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#50105 The following is a recap on posts and goings on in blog etc...Right. blog etc is back. Note and excuse the excessive use of the name blog etc hoping to dupe google in to moving my site designer etc up the rankings by mentioning blog etc a lot.AnywayJust got back from a week in Seville. Unlike my previous holiday the visual stimulus was almost too much. That coupled with the fact that my significant other and I were sharing a camera. The outcome is a interesting juxtaposition of palm tress and plates of Jamon intermittently drizzled with images of stickers on lampposts and curser arrows made from mosaic tiles. Speaking of mosaic... Flash Forward Yep its good which is annoying. Lets hope it runs without stagnation.Also Having said Id rather look sideways.I think Ill look forward to ChangeThis came to me one of those invasive emails that basically plots recent searches then Pings you an email to offer you something similar or offer a preorder... I once bought a Jeremy Clarkson Book for a ... 2009-10-6 13:31:02 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#49404 Currently in my day job as a designer in a Urban Design and Architectural practice keeps the significant other and I in a lifestyle we have become accustomed to in Clerkenwell we are developing new opportunities in China along with everyone else. To the point now where we are having to adapt our visual and written material to appeal and communicate effectively to this emerging market.I could list for you the numerous practices of dealing with single dual and multiple language documents. Then in turn mention the pitfalls cock ups and frustrations encountered with the use of foreign typefaces paired with zero comprehension of the language but I wont. All I can say is Chinese is a visual creative and social minefield. However help maybe at hand I love Manchester thanking you recently pointed out to me the latest developments in Mac OS Snow leopard apples naming system is perhaps a discussion topic in itself.It would seem as China increases its presence on the global stage Apple has been... 2009-9-25 13:23:21 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#49344 From this weeks Design Week Inspired segment.Im afraid I disagree. The first book I was encouraged to buy at uni was A smile in the mind. I will grant you that has the ability to inspire and make you appreciate that sometimes simplicity in a idea is all you need.However it was only when discovering the The Art of Looking Sideways around a slightly better off friends breeze block magnolian coloured cell that I realised that context and social relevance define a simple idea and make it brilliant. The Art of Looking Sideways provides a more coherent path of the idea and the processes involved rather than show you the finished product. This book has and continues to inspire me. 2009-9-24 13:14:23 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#49295 In another I love channel Five post it is with great excitement I await the start of Flash Forward Monday 9pm on Five.With the Mentalist between series and CSI Miami going off on a tangent in high saturated nonsense there is high hope for this forcefully marketed new drama.With Shakespeare in Love and the New Hikaru Sulu leading an otherwise remember the face but cant recall where cast still looks promising.With multi platform advertisements like here and here in the similar vain of the Lost launch in 2004. My personal fave back then was an article in the FT saying that Oceanic stock had fallen since the disappearance of flight 815. With it the FT published a fake share index rating in the FTSE. Was clever if anyone saw it. In fact does anyone still watch LostAnyway this is one of a possible two bonus posts pre break and site update. 2009-9-23 13:27:01 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#48856 In an unusual yet eventful week that saw Philippe Starck launch a search for a reality designer while at the same time implied that in buying a push bike was siding with slavery And the sad death of Patrick Swayze. Also saw blog etcs microreadership grow thanks to last weeks Question of the week on the CR Blog Please excuse the Murray from Flight of the Conchords with a hint of Frank Chimero style graph.Quick UpdateBlog etc designer etc is having a little autumn refit and a short break. So please check back soon.Finally hello to my new enhanced readership now that I have your attention I will endeavor to keep you interested. 2009-9-16 13:27:19 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#48366 Question of the Week 08.09.09 on CR Blog this week.In a shameless attempt at increasing my mircoreadership I made a comment. 2009-9-8 13:40:22 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#47993 Right Blog etc is back excuse the previous post.My significant other and my family enjoyed a relaxing time in the south of France. A very recession friendly break free loading along with my siblings and their husbands partners and children on the folks holiday.However Due to the remote location of our retreat expeditions were few. So chances of getting visual stimulus was limited as you can see. Apart from thats is the fantastic vistas that surrounded us Rolling hills fields of vines sunflowers and so on. If your into that. Not my thing I break into a sweat when I have not seen a 4 storey plus building in a while.Anyway So below is the visual cr232me de la cr232me from the trip. hummmmOne last note A book was recommended to me to prior to my holiday. I have very poor language skills given my French spans Nicole Papa to Jacques Cousteau I need it and perhaps worth a read before my next hop over the channel. 2009-9-3 08:55:01 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#47885 ... having worked for six years and spent four years in education and still regard myself a student of design I have been doing it the long way. Looks like I could have done it in 3 months...I had intended to make my first postholiday post a holiday post But after seeing this in The Metro this morning I feel enraged.Learn Graphic Design Fast. Its that easy you know Insulting to the industry Discuss 2009-9-1 13:28:52 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#46758 Yesterday the BBC website ran a feature on satellite images of North Korea.This is an illustration of how the Internet in this case Google which Im sure will be the new name for the internet before long we do already Google it anyway can break through the iron curtains of secrecy.However all these images show you is they do not keep their nuclear weapons on their roofsIt would be interesting to see what restrictions the Government have placed on information from the outside world. What is Googles presence there How easy it is to find out information on the rest of the world apart from Russia and China How does the countries isolation impact on their own cultureWe know that North Korea have historically produced an enormous catalogue of propaganda against the west the latest today for example. All are well documented and potentially the largestonly export from the country. Some are rather good graphically of course politics is not the aim of blog etc. A nice example of one I found here ... 2009-8-11 13:26:42 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#46511 The cherub faced ginger mind bender performed another masterpiece last night in the Mentalist on Channel Five.Anyone following this blog hello to my micro readership will remember this post commenting on another great fictional ginger character might gather that I like TV. In particular American serial drama. You have to agree they do a fine job 24 The Wire CSI Dexter House...Anyway The Mentalist does well very well here and in the US and attracts in equal parts both genders. Women love him and men would like to be him. Patrick Jane effortlessly conducts complex investigations through misdirection mind reading and eccentric oddness.Channel Fives Programme Director outlined before Christmas a strategy for developing clear Flagship shows to lead the channels repositioning as a lifestyle channel think somewhere between ITV daytime and UK living. This is clear with the increase in magazine style shows and emphasis on shows like The Mentalist and CSI. Also the relaunch of Five life as Fiver... 2009-8-7 13:14:03 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#46493 Making the 80s what it was 2009-8-7 08:32:44 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#46327 In the week the Met Office revised the projected forecast for August I am beginning research on a project I am soon to start about UK Tourism.A few months ago a contact of mine gave me a call at 10pm Spanish time and uttered the textbook combinations of words Need some artwork in a hurry in fact yesterday would be good and I cant pay you. For a pitch to host a conference on The Future of Travel and Tourism in the UK. So from 9pm English time till the Spanish go to sleep I produced some initial ideas themes and potential applications with the British Beach Holiday in mind.My ideas were firmly centered around pebble beaches deck chairs and rock. With the deck chair being my primary graphic tool. The brief now requires visuals that represent the image of holidays across the UK.So beach rock and deck chairs withstanding and rain as a given. What represents the UK holidayAll ideas welcome and help appreciated. 2009-8-5 13:53:54 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#46196 On Friday I had the misfortune of spending 18 hours in Bournemouth the reason I am still unsure of as to why I was there. What I can say other than on arrival it was pitched as a this is a Stag Reunion... urghsighI can already tell you that this is not my thing and the only reason I went was to please my BrotherinLaw. The stag who wished to be reunited with his stags...Anyway the whole experience was horrible. I cannot even begin describe it without a large Gin amp Tonic to hand. Fortunately my pal Stu was with me footnote Stu was invited by a process of association to the original stag but had better judgment 3 years ago to avoid it but has since missedplaced this skill.So after we both exhausted the basic cannon fodder conversations with the Stags Reunited there is only so much football cars and smut about womens breasts you can have on a loop. We embarked on social observations and stereotyping on our own away from everyone else in the corner you get the idea.If you are ever in Bou... 2009-8-3 13:53:02 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#45504 SFCSainsburys Fried Actually oven cooked Chicken possiblyWhat next A Chicken Cottage at Tesco Actually that might work given the brand colourOr MacMorrisons... I could go on.Anyway. The notion that the KFC conasuir would even be tempted by a chicken meal they would have to cook themselves Given the typical target consumer of KFC are Students Idiots and fat people... I dont think so.However I do think this maybe targeted towards the middle class mother. Given Sainsburys straddles the gap between Tesco and Waitrose love a good stereotype and demographic slur this would give a said mothers children all the thrills of bread crumbed process meat that little Keanu Chelsea and Princess rave about in the playground while stealing your little Nicolass pocket money while videoing the event to post on Facebook. Without the shame of going in a KFC and being branded a horrid mother. Perfect. Placates children and saves face. Very important when its your turn to host dinner at the WIBesides Im sure... 2009-7-24 13:52:51 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#45306 Behold Thanks to an unfortunate comedy of errors at the weekend a close family member had become separated from her mobile phone has unearthed some treasure in our loft. Fortunately my significant other and I have been hording mobile phones for sometime now and could offer a range of handsets to tide her over. As you can see from the picture below the Nokia brand is well represented we have others like Motorolas and Sony Ericsons too but I took this picture with my new Nokia 6800 as it goes as it shows nicely a timeline of the of evolution Nokia form 2001 to date.As it turned out the modern Sim cannot be paired with any phone so our efforts were wasted. Or were theyNow having located these handsets we are considering exchanging them for cold hard cash at Mazuma mobile. Having done a quick search to see how much the Nokia Collection is worth it might be worth it. Starting left to right3210 1631 8310 1632 3200 1632 7210 1631.50 6230 1637.50 6021 1633 N70 16331 6500 16334 ... 2009-7-21 13:38:40 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#44819 Todays sighting Publicity stunt at Waterloo Station for Christian Aid. Sadly I think this will turn out to be more good PR for the Artist man in hat then the charity. The stunt had two charismaless Christian Aid women situated on the edge of the image. They were unhappy with my photo taking and everyone elses without having first taken a leaflet from them. So to placate them I took their leaflet got my picture then binned the leaflet.Successful event by Christian Aid No. 2009-7-13 08:44:54 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#44678 Or challenging religionAvailable at Waterstones... 2009-7-10 17:09:18 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#44488 Those who have read Malcolm Gladwells Tipping Point will know the mavens the methods and the circumstances in which things Tip to become cool popular or change. The conditions become perfect to Tip when something thats forgotten old new amazing or in context with the now gets launched into the realms of popularity when placed in the hands of socially gifted knowledge trafficking salesmen.So the potentially next big thing comeback is...The 1980s digital robot watch...This post also acts as a test for animated gifs. If the watch is not transforming before your eyes just imagine it isWatch this space 2009-7-7 08:48:25 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#44179 Haratio Caine is alive. Back to his one lining standing awkwardly alone in corridors sunglasses wearing characture of himself ways.Nothing beats the high saturation low creditability action packed farfetched piece of TV gold that is CSIMiami Tuesdays 9pm on Five.This season sees H single handedly strikes fear into the crime underbelly of southern Florida as any red headed man with a gun would. Aided by his white clothes wearing at a crime scene incredibly good looking intelligence insulting obvious stating team. So basically the same as the previous seasons.CSIMiami is without question one of the greatest shows on TV and there is no better way to enjoy a Tuesday night. YEEEAAAAHHHHHHHDiscuss...To balance the debate check this linkhttpwww.youtube.comwatchvglvGfQnx3DIJim Carrey parodies the great mans one liners. 2009-7-1 13:46:19 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#44131 2009-6-30 13:46:41 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#43879 Farrah Fawcett is dead too 2009-6-26 08:34:21 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#43823 Todays ShortList has within their registered company info blurb this...Thorpe Road Pet sardines made the most of their inheritance.The image in the foreground is this weeks issue with last weeks for comparison.Before anyone asks No. I do not collect ShortLists Im just behind on recycling. Yes. The names and contacts have been blurred in Photoshop.Seems not to be a hidden competition on the ShortList website. So must be a piece of gorilla graphic sabotage... 2009-6-25 08:53:03 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#43789 This isnt just a poster this is a retro MampS Poster. Bit of advertising history discovered on the platform at Surbiton Station. 2009-6-24 13:34:11 http://www.designeretc.co.uk/page4.htm#43390 blog etc will run as a kind of Aspergic narrative of the everydaycovering anything from the creative to incidental. These will be documented and communicated here.First post done 2009-6-16 20:01:26