At the beginning of the year, I set myself a project - to do something 'analogue' everyday for 366 days, and document it with a photograph to be uploaded to instagram. The definition that I used for 'analogue' was more of a 'hands on' approach, trying to draw, sketch, paint, make, build and photograph projects, whether it was sketching wireframes for websites, using my non-digital cameras, visiting old sketchbooks, or creating new artwork. The results can be seen by searching for "analogue366" on instagram or statigram.
I took a screenprinting course with the lovely Sally from one69a at the Zion Arts Centre in Hulme, and was instantly hooked. I loved the process of monitor screen, to printing screen, and the unique results you get every time. This rekindled my love for physical artwork that I hadn't felt since university.
I designed and printed "You've got red on you", my tribute to one of my favourite films, "Shaun of the Dead", and sent a copy to director Edgar Wright. Available to purchase through my website.
I took part in the .Net magazine "Build Off" design article, where 3 designers are given the same brief, and have to come up with their own interpretation. The subject I was given was "a price comparison site", so I mixed in my love for retro cameras and created "camparison - the camera comparison website".
As I progressed with the analogue366 project, I found myself finding more time to do the things that I really enjoyed, including fixing old cameras, experimenting with different film formats, and again, more physical artwork. I got to work with my favourite print company blush again, to produce letterpress "Save the Date" wedding cards for my friends Jane and Joseph.
In my day job, I was working with CBJWT on numerous freelance digital projects, and getting to work with my good friend Jenna Banks, and together we launched the Gigabit Jersey, fibre optic broadband site as part of the JT Global network.
One of my favourite projects of the year, was a self-initiated iPhone and Android app, for Adam Buxton's BUG Music Videos show. Working with (my best friend) Neil McLean of Ayelike, we produced a 5th anniversary app, showcasing a video from each of the 30 live shows. It was great to meet with the creators Louise Stevens, David Knight and Phil Tidy, and the man himself, Adam Buxton. The app can be downloaded here for iPhone and Android.
Making prints and continuing with the analogue366 project, it made me connect with more designers, illustrators and artists, and I did several print-swaps with people all around the world. The jetpackage project that I had started in 2011 had more replies, including this one from the amazing Oliver Jeffers.
Working with CBJWT, I designed the UK version of the John West website, which the client liked so much, they ordered versions for the German, The Netherlands and Ireland.
I was really inspired by Mr Bingo's HateMail project, I love the way that he has an idea (usually a daft one), and then follows it through with talent and humour. In response to his HateMail, I sent him a HatMail - using my old painting skills for the first time since university. I finally got to catch up with him for a beer, when he spoke at BLAB in Manchester. Go and buy the book, and realise sometimes drunken ideas are the best.
Today saw the launch of a little site I designed for ex-X Factor singer, Gamu Nhengu - for GSound Records. I also designed the CD sampler and single artwork, so I look forward to seeing it in the shops in the new year.
Another project that I am really proud of, is the Magnet Kitchens iPad app - a visual tool for a Magnet salesperson to take to home visits, and help to calculate the bespoke kitchen requirements for each customer. Produced for CBJWT.
The second site launch of the day, is phase one of the Total Fitness website - a marathon workout for Jenna and I, and with phase two just around the corner. Produced for CBJWT.
Coming soon (to purchase on my website), will be the Breaking Bad inspired print "C10H15N" - a limited edition 2 colour screenprint.
I'd like to say a massive "thank you" to all the people that have supported / employed / inspired me over the year, there are far too many to name - but I will just add thanks to my wife, and I look forward to sharing the next exciting year with you - with big things afoot.
And by that, I don't mean that she has got big feet.
I have sent off my design for the .net magazine 'Build Off' feature, and here is a sneaky look at a section of the design.
I can't wait to see it in print.
Whilst going through some old emails, I found this article that I wrote back in 2007!
Online Uprising : Online design communities
Traditionally artists and designers have always strived to change the social landscape which they live in – communities of people that share the same ideals and values have shaped our modern world.
Artists’ movements have always been in the undercurrent of society, fringing the commercial world – so how does this differ when the landscape we are trying to change is a digital world?
Online design communities have changed that way that we interact with each other. Free sites such as Computerlove (www.cpluv.com) and Humble Voice (www.humblevoice.com), offer designers the opportunity to upload their own galleries and portfolios, chat and email each other, write blogs, comment on work or ask questions, even earn points to trade in for merchandise (slight capitalist infiltration).
Artists; and by ‘artists’ I mean all forms of creative outputs – from design to written word, illustration to music, photography to animation and everything in between, are being given a whole new world to shape.
The traditional forms that were once elitist, such as universities and art galleries, are being side-stepped by peer-to-peer interaction online, with the leaders in the design field sharing their knowledge directly with newcomers, free online gallery spaces that can be shared with the world, not just with private view lushes stroking their ego.
This peer-to-peer interaction also means that students can get advice or collaborate with people anywhere around the world, as the physical side to work boundaries have been broken down with the invention of this new digital medium.
Design forums, such as www.designateonline.com, are a useful filter, uploading your latest work can be a great taste-test for how your audience might view your work, and then using it as a marketing tool is easy, spreading the word on good design, can seed as quickly as the most strategically planned campaign.
Everyone needs a job to support their revolution, so what used to take time and dedicated persistence to get your work under the right noses, can now be as simple as firing off a quick email with a link to your online portfolio (hosted of course by your friendly design community site. Even the laziest Creative Director will move their finger a few millimetres to click on a link.
For the more bourgeoisie out there, there are plenty of sites out there that will strip out the cream of the design crop and hand it to you on a silver platter, www.pixelsurgeon.com , www.thefwa.com , www.ibelieveinadv.com , so you can join the revolution in your pyjamas.
The MySpace Generation is dead, long live the internet.
(Dated July 19, 2007)
I am currently working on the new brand identity for websitesarelovely, as I have recently become a limited company. Here's a sneaky peak at prototype A, for a bespoke direct mail piece for new business. New portfolio website design is also underway.
My banner for magneticNorth's new BBC project Pinball has made it onto the BBC Scotland homepage.
The application is to help brainstorm ideas and filter out the best, give it a go, you might come up with something unexpected.
jetpac magazine is a free pdf culture magazine, featuring photography, illustration, design, comedy, poetry, interviews, reviews... basically all that is good with the world.
THE FIRST ISSUE:
A Slice of Life
Jake & Amir
Rachel Jones
Melbourne Graffiti
Overheard Project
Joe Murtagh
With contributions from:
Jon Burgerman, Ayelike, Caleb Condit, emohoc,
chicagojulieelizabeth, Reka Nyari, danimal, Martin The Hat, EwaJ,
Kalun, Jana Cruder, zoe @, ftwentytwo, And many more...
www.jetpacmagazine.com
i am slowly sorting out my portfolio, keeping it simple and letting the work speak for itself.
it's amazing how much work you can accumulate over the years.
