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.
A sneaky look at my design for Wednesday's screenprinting class. Can you guess what it is?
It's going to be my first 2-colour print, so I am going to get some off-white paper to bring in another colour and make it a bit more muted.
I designed this Quantum of Solace poster for Adam Buxton, which contains one of the greatest lyrics of all time "I'd like a quantum of solace, but no more than a quantum, I know they do big bags of solace, but I don't want 'em".
This a one-off poster for the jetpackage project (blog post to follow!)
Download at: www.jetpacmagazine.com
THE COLLECTIONS ISSUE:
Mr Bingo
The Books I Will Never Write
Reka Nyari
League of the Empty Chair
McBess & Simon
Re:View
With contributions from:
Mr Bingo, Reka Nyari, Matthieu Bessudo, Simon Landrein,
Douglas Lassance, Robert McGovern, websitesarelovely, Ayelike,
DJ Bass, Jochen Abitz, ryan schude, And many more...
In response to Mr Bingo's drawing of Minnesota wearing glasses
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
T-shirt design that I sent to bustedtees.com fingers crossed it'll get chosen to be made.
My wife and I have started a little project together, combining our skills to make some cool iPod holders, if you like the look, then give us a shout if you want to pre-order one (email us for prices / colour options) hello@websitesarelovely.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.
jetpac magazine is changing, after many years of pretending to be a magazine, it has decided to become one, albeit a pdf magazine.
Issue one is in development, but if you would like to contribute to the next issue, please email me at: hello@jetpacmagazine.com or look me up on flickr, then I can see what sort of work you are in to.
www.jetpacmagazine.com
everyone has got a good book in them, from the look of my belly, i have got a whole library
books i'll never write series
from a series of illustrations, anagrams of 'limited edition' for www.fusedmagazine.com
my design for the Jake and Amir "Ace and Jocelyn" poster competition, inspired by Saul Bass, with photography from www.flickr.com/photos/chromogenic/
my design for the Jake and Amir "Ace and Jocelyn" poster competition, inspired by Saul Bass, with photography from www.flickr.com/photos/chromogenic/
I have started to put together the text and images for my 'Overheard' project. For the last 6 months I have been storing little snippets of overheard coversations on my mobile phone, and I am now trying to pair them up with apt photography.
It's going to be one of the new articles for the new and improved jetpac magazine (which is slowly coming along alongside my blog, flickr, new website, lady and the trampoline site, and a million other things)
