Designers Journal | A chronicle of jottings, doodles & boutique design treats

Jay Chapman {Melbourne}

26/02/2012

by STY

So you might have seen Jay Chapman on a few blogs around the interweb but I thought it was worth just another highlight. What I like about Jay’s work is the love of good quality photography and once you have that as your basis, simple design and true typography can shine.

You might have come across Jay Chapman’s photography after he won the Travel section in the Monster Children Photo Album, or even a sneak peak of the cover in our very own Bookshelf article Insert Blurb here. However, not just a man with a gifted eye he also has a pretty decent hand with his crafting of hand rendered typography. You get a real sense of personality though the combination and playful elements of both type and image. And like it says on his website, ‘available for work and/or beers.’

Everything {Auckland}

23/02/2012

by LWC

Awesome agencies / LWC

Everything are based right here in Auckland town. A small multi-talented team, their focus is strong and effective communication – similar to most – yet these guys do it in style. Their approach is characterised by highly crafted simplicity making for high visual impact. In true less is more style I shall say no more and let the work speak for itself!

www.everythingdesign.co.nz

MaricorMaricar {Sydney / London}

22/02/2012

by STY

Awesome agencies

Makers of Things Assorted. Animation, embroidery, design & illustration. And sometimes all at the same time. Simple… right?

To be honest it looks like these twins, Maricor and Maricar Manalo are just having crazy amounts of fun simply making awesome stuff! A twin-sized studio, MaricorMaricar create hand crafted illustrations using embroidery and paper cut outs. However, it’s their work with embroidery that caught my eye. The use of such vibrant colours and patterns creating beautiful typography that should really be this mixed up mess of 15 different colours and textures.

The girls turn their hands to seemingly everything, producing album covers, music videos, posters and exhibitions. These two are truly obsessed with lines and texture and look for patterns everywhere. Don’t forget to check out their animation work too!

Tw. @maricormaricar

Postmammal {San Francisco, CA}

21/02/2012

by STY

Outstanding individuals

Postmammal is the pseudonym for the work of Robert Murdock, a very talented designer who’s portfolio shows an illustrative approach with clean use of typography. Robert is currently CCO at Method.

“The name Postmammal is based on the notion that humans are always evolving, and are always looking for what’s next — essentially what’s beyond human.”

Ed Elliott {Worcestershire}

20/02/2012

by STY

Outstanding individuals

Having known Ed from a young age, mainly following around his older brother in the world of music, it gives me real pleasure to list him under our Outstanding Individuals categories. Ed Elliott is an artist specialising in sculpture, however that really doesn’t describe what he creates. With interests in psychology, mythology/folklore and the human consciousness, Ed has a real sense of purpose when it comes to communication his idea which, often in a figurative form, achieve this presence.

Adopting and exploring traditional methods Ed Elliott’s latest work ‘Mottisfont Angel’ formed one of eight sculptures commissioned as part of the Angel Garden at the National Trust-run Mottisfont Estate, near Romsey. Inspired by the original 1947 mosaic Ed’s ‘Mottisfont Angel’ has gone on to become the poster image for the exhibition and lead to a solo show of drawings and additional sculptures.

I’m so impressed with the work Ed is creating and I thinks its the some what eerie personification of the natural material that captures me. You can follow his progress and see a video of the making of ‘Mottisfont Angel’ at his facebook page.

Tw. @EdESculpture

Coop {Melbourne}

16/02/2012

by LWC

Awesome agencies / LWC

Coop is the studio of designer Paul Marcus Fuog based over in Melbourne. They state positivity and optimism as two of their studio’s key values… this I like, therefore their wares have qualified for Cloud 9 this week. Coop are influenced by a curiosity for contemporary culture. This refreshing approach has resulted in a number of visually and conceptually interesting pieces; ensuring their work remains current and intriguing without subscribing to visual trends.

@co_oponline

Shape {Manchester}

15/02/2012

by DJ

Awesome agencies

Based in Salford, Manchester, Shape‘s work spans across both digital and offline mediums. Their interesting portfolio includes web design and build, motion, video, photography, identity, catalogues, books, magazines, branding, posters as well as their own gorgeous stationery (pictured).

With just 5 years of experience in the industry, these young and trendy lumberjack shirt wearing cats regale us with the visually refreshing and unexpected. Their web portfolio is fantastic, they are certainly one to watch.

Tw. @madebyshape

Cartlidge Levene {London}

14/02/2012

by DJ

Awesome agencies

Founded in 1987, London’s acclaimed Cartlidge Levene are renowned for their intelligent, creative and beautifully crafted solutions. A portfolio built over twenty five years includes award-winning work for a tremendous range of clients including Dyson, Unilever, Nokia, HP Labs, RIBA, Phaidon, Guardian, Tate, Crafts Council and the V&A.

Sumptuous print and identity work there maybe, but it’s perhaps their wayfinding and environmental work that has defined their reputation, having worked extensively with museums, galleries, schools, arenas and in retail sttings. Their work for the Barbican Centre is iconic and the Selfridges system is stylish both functional and chic.

“Our designs are underscored by our clear and rigorous methodology and we believe that effective design is achieved by building meaningful relationships with our clients. We foster this partnership to ensure that we not only meet the brief but exceed expectations.”

Tw. @cartlidgelevene