ALPHABET SOUP//WORKSHOP - ILLUSTRATOR: Research and inspiration 2

The next stage of my inspiration came when looking through one of my favourite designers portfolio online at: http://mariohugo.com. He again sacrifices readability and legibility to create an abstract design that is pleasing to the viewers eye. Drawing attention to detail, allowing them to think for themselves, giving the design a much more personal aspect in my opinion. Below are some examples of his work with Typographic design and also Illustration. I have taken inspiration from most aspects of his designs and then tried to incorporate aspects of these techniques into my own designs.

ALPHABET SOUP//WORKSHOP - ILLUSTRATOR: Research and Inspiration 1

I looked into a few type designers work, overall I was mostly inspired by Henrik Karlsson. The main reason for this being that, I love the way he has sacrificed nearly all readability and legibility in order to create a simple, clean looking design that draws the viewer in for a closer look. In my opinion the reason for this is down to the abstract aspect which means the viewer has to actually think about the design working out what the form represents, examples of this are shown below. Images found at: 

http://cargocollective.com/kontrastform/filter/Typography#278541/LAYERS   

   

ALPHABET SOUP//WORKSHOP - ILLUSTRATOR: Meaning of Layer.

Layer: 

1.

a. One that lays:

2.

a. A single thickness of a material covering a surface or forming an overlying part or segment: a layer of dust on the windowsill; a cake with four layers.

b. A usually horizontal deposit or expanse; a stratum: layers of sedimentary rock; a layer of warm air.

c. A depth or level: a poem with several layers of meaning.

My initial instinct when we received this brief was to Google the word "Layer," the results I found are displayed above. 

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/  

I had an initial idea how the word layer could work with type, but was finding it difficult to get it down on paper. 

Love and Hate within Graphic Design

Piece designed by Mario Hugo: the main reason for me loving this design and most of Mario's work is the abstract element he bring with his type designs, this makes the viewer think about the design not just read it and move on. I feel that this style of type design can be used to express feeling and emotion that a Sans Serif typeface cannot.

Design by neckface: large scale design that grasps anyones attention that is the main feature I love about this design, also how handmade the design looks the sketchy appearance gives the design a personal aspect in my opinion and can express emotion and personality within the design. 

I feel that these designs are so effective due to the colour scheme used the colours contrast with each other making the design really stand out. The design uses patriotic colours that are relevant to the design itself this will really make the viewer engage with this. 

The underground map is not necessarily one of the most appealing designs to the viewers eye. But it is one of the most effective in my opinion. As a very complex thing such as the map, is then simplified down to a design that is easy to read and navigate.

Finding a way to simplify this complex map meant that the information could be communicated in a much simpler way so that the information can be processed in a quick and effective manor. 

The reason i feel this design is so effective is due to the layout of the piece, i feel that the hierarchy is strong and combined with the choice of letterform this makes the design communicate very well with maximum reading ease.

Hate:

My main hate within graphic design is un organisation, i feel that a design without any real structure or hierarchy is just confussing and in my opinion design is to comunicate a message in the quickest easiest way possible, I believe that this is the reason for my dislike of most postmodern attitudes and designs.

  

Research: "Data Flow" & "Information is beautiful"

We paid a visit to the college library we selected two books called "Data Flow" & "Information is beautiful" as you can see we where heavily influenced by these designs especially the simplified imagery used.  

Research: GFSmith

One of my main influences within design are the "GFSmith" design group/ paper printing company as you can see I am influenced by their typographic elements and layout styles i believe this style creates an abstract modern looking design that sacrifices readability/legibility to an extent to make for a clean design that is pleasing to the viewers eye.