Where's Wally....

I'm currently reading 'Wally Olins - The Brand Handbook'.
So far, so good. Olins is "generally recognized as the world's most experienced pracitioner of corporate identity and branding".
This is a useful, easy-reference manual that holds information about developing the 'core idea', explains four vectors of brand tangibility, with sections on topics such as brand architecture and developing the branding programme.
It's easy to read, with lots of imagery and good examples of 21st century brands and case studies in each sector.
My rating so far: recommended.

Hay..

I'm working on re-branding 'Hay Festival'. It's not too far from where I live at home in mid-wales, so thought that it would be a nice project to do.
But it does make me laugh when people think that it's a festival about hay, hehe. It's an annual book festival, as the town is renowned for it's numerous book shops.
I did, initially, want to label it as not only a book festival, but for music and comedy also. Quite a few famous names and musicians attend and perform each year, which attract consumers who would not necessarily be souly interested in books.
But after trying to brand the festival as several different things, i thought that it may be too confusing for the potential / existing consumer. Afterall, we all know what has happened to Woolworths, who were trying to be everything under the sun.
So felt that it was best to stick with one strong message, that it is a book festival.
These ideas above, took influence from an image that i discovered from the 'Big Active' blog. Creating people and characters out of letters. This example would be aimed at children, to get them to want to attend the event and also to encourage them to want to read.
But, it's just an idea. Would need to develop and use appropriate colours, and also not quite happy with 'i go yippee for romance', i was getting desperate, haha.

Hehe...

Awww........

Typefaces

More stuff....

Before all of the computer/illustrator based work, I tried experimenting with traditional ways of creating text. Collage/stitching/marker pens/ cut-out/stencils..all giving different and interesting effects. The finished design could then be scanned and altered on computer.
I really like the effect of it, and am pleased with some of the outcomes, but was very time consuming!

Stuff

Some initial designs done for a band called 'the kryptics'. Currently awaiting feedback as to the kind of style that they prefer, so can develop design further.
Image to the left showcases some ideas created using traditional methods, such as marker pens and also a bit of stitching and textile work. Image to the right shows a selection of adobe illustrator based designs. Flat vector, bright and colourful, very much giving off the 80's vibe. This is a micro project, and hopefully will wrap this up soon so as to begin another.

i love fireworks

Oh, how i love my camera also, takes such amazing photos of fireworks...thankfully due to the 'firework' setting on which it luckily has, but really all you need is a slow shutter speed. Giving these rather spectacular patterns of bright coloured explosions against the nights sky. Thank you Vale Fireworks :)

Hello again....

...it's definately been a loong while since i've been on here. Basically feel i need to write a few ramblents just to clear my head a bit.
In approximately week 7? of negotiated project, time is going way, way way too quickly for my liking! Currently doing logo design for a band called 'The Kryptis', going okay so far, need to wrap it up pretty soon though, and focus my attention on another project.
Need to also be doing work for proffessional practice, and also writing dissertation. It's really too much for the ole head to handle, and struggling as really am not that good at planning time effectively, getting distracted most of the time.
But am definately going to pull my finger out, and organise myself properly.

Ciao for now

V muddy!

So it was time for V fest again....and of course, the weather was a bit soggy (no change there then). But we're not gonna let a bit, or a lot, of mud stop us from having a good time. This year, we went to the Staffordshire site, having previously been to Chelmsford. I did quite like it, and it did seem a bit smaller, so it wasn't as much a challenge to get up close and personal with then bands. Definate highlight would have to be Maximo Park, Paul Smith really does put on a top performance, and really gets the crowd going. Brummies, The Twang, were also brilliant, even though I had about 3 cups of beer thrown over me :s Headlining were Muse, I'd heard on the radio that they were having a ufo on stage, so was anticipating an awesome performance and show, and they didn't disappoint. They really are a world-class act, with anthemic songs, and a lead singer, who in some peoples opinions is 'God'. The laser show was spectacular, even though their set was on for over hour and a half, just didn't want it all to end!!! Unbelievable!!!

Jump in the pool....

I fell in love with this song from the first time I heard it. It's a kinda mixture of bloc party and klaxons, with a bit of carribean fiesta beats dropped in, whistles and all. There are elements of it that are really mystical, just listening to it and closing your eyes, takes you away to another place, be it only for 3 mins 37 seconds.
Definately a band to watch, I think!