HNC graphic Design & Ilustration

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Packaging Project Evaluation

An Evaluation Of My Packaging Design Process

Considering how overwhelmed at the beginning of this project I was, I really enjoyed this brief in the end and have acquired an appreciation for packaging projects. Once I had decided on a concept, I found the process fun and inspiring. The only real issue I faced was sticking to the concept properly and not veering off in some other direction, which I struggle with sometimes, as my style is constantly changing. 

This design concept was easy to stick to as it made a lot of sense to me. After researching a lot about the nature and history of the location I had chosen (Tick Knock, Wicklow Mountains), and discovering the Irish Goddess Danu, it made sense to tie this Celtic theme into a modern and contemporary design concept. This is where the wind symbol comes from and I also think it adds to the concept location as it’s atop a mountain viewpoint where it’s windy and the air is clean and pure. 

Having looked at other labels for non alcoholic spirits at the moment, I feel like most of them were soft and feminine in their design and palette, especially the “gins”. This being that most gins demographic would be women or potentially younger drinkers or people interested in botanicals. This made it easy to come up with a design as the palette is one that I really love. I am also a gin drinker and therefore would appreciate and recognize a well designed and aesthetically pleasing label. 

Trying to tie in a lot of the aspects of the location was where I struggled slightly, as I wanted to include a pattern but felt as though the best way to tie in these features would really work with creating a “scene”. It took some time to figure out how I would include both of these things without really over doing it and making a mess. This is where I came up with the idea of adding a transparent pattern to the bottle and then the label on top. This is also because originally, I wanted to have a bottle with textured glass, however, I couldn’t find one as a mockup. This adds texture while tying in to the concept and location. 

In the future when it comes to packaging projects, I will have to practise a lot with Photoshop as there were a few things that I struggled with too. Yet, all in all, I really enjoyed this brief and the process, even if there were some bumps in the road. I feel like I stuck fairly rigidly to my concept and colour palette. However I do need more practise with Adobe. 

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Typography Research

http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/

David Carson, Los Angeles.

David is an American graphic designer, art director and surfer. He is widely known for his experimental use of typography, with a widely imitated layout aesthetic which is also known as “grunge typography” 

Having a handful of two-week to 2-month short courses and lessons in actual art or graphic education, he took an internship in Action Now magazine in 1982 where his tutor, Hans Lutz became his main influence, and he has been very much active ever since. David likes to explore the unconventional and his ethos with design is that, generally, if at least someone doesn’t oppose or dislike your work then you’re not doing something right. Which has been inspiring to so many designers in the world to push themselves and not try and stay so tightly inside what are seen as the the “norms” or “rules” of design.

What I like about his design is how miss-matchy it is in terms of fonts, he mixes up different fonts in one sentence and also his experimentation of layout. “It’s a thin line between simple and powerful, and simple and boring.... often simple is just boring” is a direct quote from one of his instagram posts which I think essentially proves this point. 

Using a plethora of skills and expertise, David mixes photography, montage, photoshop, type, analogue, collage and more to create these messy, yet thought-provoking designs that are so well known through the design industry. The American Center for Graphic Design has exalted him as having made “the most important work coming out of America,” while Creative Review has called him “the art director of the era.” In 2014, he was awarded the AIGA Gold Medal. (http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/)

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Carson_(graphic_designer))

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Typography Research

Joan Quiros, Valencia.

Joan is a Spanish designer who has worked in London for a few years and then relocated back to his hometown Valencia. This is where he obtained his bachelors degree in Graphic Design. 

Joan specializes in custom lettering and calligraphy. Influenced by underground culture and music, he started drawing letters at the late nineties, when he became interested in graffiti and urban calligraphy. During his professional growth as a co-founder and art director of Voltio, he has developed projects for clients from Spain, Canada, USA, UK or South America. (https://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/24953)

He was asked by Sam Roberts, founder of Betterletters to create an alphabet for Mike Meyer’s new book ‘Sign Painting: A Practical Guide to Tools, Materials and Techniques’. And was also commissioned by Santillana, one of the biggest Spanish publishing houses, to create a cover for the book ‘Antología Poética de los Siglos de Oro’, a compilation of poems from the Spanish Golden Age. 

What I find so impressive and inspiring with Joan’s take on typography is how much analogue work he brings into his final pieces.  With calligraphic work, this is takes so much control and genuine artistic skill. It also takes a lot of theoretical and historical learning and research into these gothic style fonts which have been around for centuries and are timeless in my opinion. He takes this skill into his other services and ventures of Sign Painting and Illustration. I know for a fact that this has inspired others like him to do the same as there is a Dublin based letter artist, sign painter and illustrator here who is from Brazil named @ilustraody on instagram. 

Using Adobe applications for this developments and digital designs, Joan has also created some animated lettering for some branded work which I have added at the end of the images although it doesn’t move. This shows the skillset Joan holds and the dedication to his craft as he pushes himself to limits. 

https://www.joanquiros.com/

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Typography Research

Alec Tear, Amsterdam.

Alec is an independent British designer based in Amsterdam. He has a Diploma in arts and a BA Honours Degree in Graphic design. He’s been active since 2010 until present, starting his very own company in January 2020 called Alec Tear Ltd.

Alec is an independent designer who’s work focuses predominantly on depth, dimension and lighting. And in doing this, one of his most notable works for me in his series 36 Days of Type in 2020. Because Alec works mainly in commercial and branding as this is where he has extensive experience, 36 Days of Type was a major outlet for his own style and expression.

His inspiration for these were purely dimensional and exploring the ways in which you can manipulate letters or numbers into shapes and objects that go far beyond what you could imagine. I also really appreciate his use of texture as I find the more research and practise I get with design, I have realised that this is an aspect of design that really inspires me. It looks as if you reached out and touch it you could already hear the sound it would make if it was a real object.

I think Alec’s style here inspires me to really look at shapes more openly for what they are- shapes, meaning they are not limited only to what you are used to seeing. In his process, Alec sketches out everything again and again so that he can look back and see what can be done with it, he then creates these beautiful typefaces in Illustrator and Photoshop. 

https://www.alectear.com/

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Typographer Research

Alex Trochut, New York.

Alex is a Barcelona born Designer, Typographer and Illustrator. He has been active for about two decades, graduating from Elisava Escola Superior de Disseny and then opening his own design studio in Barcelona before relocating to New York. 

Mostly working freelance, Alex has been awarded many times over the years for his work and has worked for many major brands such as Nike, Mac, Adobe, Apple and many music collaborations. Influenced by people like Mayo Hugo, Si Scott, Milton Glaser and also by nature.

Creating a few typefaces, Alex has two font families within the Adobe Font archive. UTOPIAN is a colour font family based on primary colours and pure geometric shapes, influenced by Bauhaus, DeStijl and Art Deco. DYSTOPIAN, the black and white family, represents a close sibling in appearance and structure, that carries an opposite meaning, with a darker look and feel.

His work with type and lettering is so expressive and it really pushes the boundaries of what you would expect from design. So many instances of his work, especially commercial, relates so directly to the brand/product which I find so interesting. How he turns lettering and type into something so touchable and interactive. His ethos of “more is more” is nice in a day of so much minimalism, there’s something to be appreciated by the originality in the familiar. 

I think what’s really admirable about Alex is that he has managed to not pigeonhole himself into certain styles, which is why I believe he has probably inspired so many designers out there. In terms of type, I believe he has definitely pushed a more experimental agenda and has inspired even myself to really push myself to learn and never stop trying. The idea of using Adobe Illustrator to create something so unexpected and out there really portrays to viewers and designers alike that the only real limitation you may encounter is your own imagination and ambition. 

https://alextrochut.com/

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Contemporary Packaging Research ~

Seedlip Grove 42

In my research so far, Seedlip packaging stands out to me among the rest. Mostly in its simplicity and colour palette, which is similar to what I had in mind for my own, but in the clever Illustration. 

I find the use of their ingredients to create such a beautiful impression of a squirrel is clever and effective. This would most definitely be something I would notice and veer toward if I had seen it on a shelf, whether it be in a bar or in a shop. 

The bottle itself is sleek and modern, a shape were seeing a lot more now in the drinks industry as opposed to the standard square and/or flat bottomed bottles.  The use of a copper finish on the cap with a small sticker over, which ties into the colours of the main label is a very nice touch. 

Looking at their physical packaging as well, they make their products with sustainability in mind. This is something i’m looking at for my own label and packaging, as I feel it appeals to many people these days. Especially with the climate crisis we are currently facing. 

pics via:

https://www.seedlipdrinks.com/uk/shop/selfridges-seedlip-grove-42?variant=Default%20Title

Forager Gin

Coming across this gin in my research I remembered stocking this in a bar I worked in in Dublin. Forager is a Welsh gin, it’s alcoholic, so in that sense it doesn’t relate to my personal label. Yet, in design, I am so fond of this packaging.

Both examples I’ve shown here are quite illustrative, which I do want to incorporate into my design, yet also trying to push myself in the sense of graphic design. I love the idea of the label being quite old fashioned, and maybe having a rough, textured feel to it. This points towards the history of gin and how it started out many years ago, as medicine. 

I love the idea of a nice handwritten type on the label, giving it a “small batch” feel, with the batch and number on it. I think this is a beautiful design that is definitely timeless.

I also really like the cork top which is another design influence from the past which is very popular as opposed to screw caps, but I think it gives such a nice authentic touch. 

pica via:

http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com/spirits-forager-gin 

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Printmaking Methods

Etching; Gina Rosas.

“Etching is an intaglio printmaking process in which lines or areas are incised using acid into a metal plate in order to hold the ink.”

The artist in question here, is Gina Rosas, a Columbian printmaking artist based in Germany. What I like about these prints specifically is the simplicity of them. They’re inspired and based off of the South American land and culture where Gina grew up. I also find the monochromatic theme between these prints enjoyable as it allows you to focus on the subject of the print more, which is telling an abstract story. 

What’s more interesting and inspiring is that, generally, and for these prints, Gina freehand sketched these onto a metal plate for printing. 

https://ginarosas.com/

Relief Print, Marlowe Lune.

“Relief printing is a family of printing methods where a printing block, plate or matrix that has had ink applied to its surface, but not to any recessed areas, is brought into contact with paper.”

I really love this artists work and I really enjoy relief print as an art form itself. Marlowe Lune is an American relief print artist, who specializes in a style of art that can be described as historic story telling. They explore Edwardian, vintage, 1900′s style and has written an entire fairy tale book made of prints among this kind. 

I like this kind of print making because I feel like you can be as simplistic and artistic as you like in terms of style, especially with lino. 

I especially find the detail in this work very inspiring. I feel like it ties into the heritage and aesthetic of New Lanark and has potential as inspiration for my work. 

https://www.marlowelune.com/

Screenprint, Laurie Hastings.

“Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.”

What I love about screen print art and Laurie Hastings specifically, is the amazing finish of the print. It’s a wonderful quality and a lot better for large orders, slightly less personal but beautiful. 

What I love about her work is how ethereal it is in some cases. Laurie creates beautifully toned pieces of work with stunning detail that sometimes borders abstract surrealism. Her use of dots and shapes to create simplistic, yet interesting prints is influential. 

https://www.lauriehastings.com/

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Penguin Book Cover Research

The book I’ve chosen is “Talking Turkeys” by Benjamin Zephaniah. 

“This book is an unconventional collection of straight-talking poems about heroes, revolutions, racism, love and animal rights, among other subjects, that will entice many new readers to poetry.”

Given that this book is primarily aimed towards teens and young adults, I’d like to keep the imagery related to this demographic. Benjamin Zephaniah is a British Rastafarian dub poet, which is cool enough in my opinion. I would like to base my design around this idea as I feel as though a lot of young people lean into reggae and enjoy that kind of art. 

I chose these three book cover designs as they all have a couple things in common. The first being the colour composition; as I said, I want to keep the “rasta” theme. Therefore, colours like red, orange, yellow, and green will feature. Secondly, they all have one strong focus image in the centre which catches your eye. I feel like with a book called “Talking Turkeys”, you would want to have striking imagery to catch the eyes of young ages and encourage them to want to look inside. 

Although this book looks at serious ideas through the language of poetry, which wouldn’t have been my first pick as a teenager to be honest, I feel as though the imagery and design should contrast this, to give perspective readers the idea that it’s cool and hopefully lean them into the world of written word. I want to keep the imagery light hearted and fun.  

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Self-evaluation

Final Piece and Evaluation. (POEMS.YOGA.SISTERS)

El Bunker Del Carmelo, Barcelona. 

When I found the words I eventually chose, I had a very specific idea of what I wanted my final piece to be. I think this was one of my downfalls, as I then found it difficult to look outside the box to other possibilities for research and process. I think my sketchbook shows evidence of this as it it looks rushed In my opinion.

I’m proud of this piece as I feel as though I portrayed a good interpretation of the words, with engaging, abstract images and managed to tie in the place as well. Looking at it now I think I should have fixed the symmetry as the waves and moons are not the same on both sides. In future, I will make a better effort to fill the sketchbook with more ideas and broaden my visual process to give a better idea of my thought process behind my ideas.

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Final Development

Final Piece

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Mural Development

POEM.SISTER.YOGA

The location chosen is El Bunker Del Carmelo in Barcelona, a full viewpoint of the city and sunset just before Mt Tibidabo. 

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MURAL RESEARCH

I.AM.COOPER

I’ve mentioned cooper in my previous research and i’m going to pop him in here too because in the sense of murals, he really brings something cool to the table. 

Similarly to Rafael (mentioned down there), Cooper works with large block bright colours, however, his work is a little different in that it’s more wobbly and not as crisp, but in a good way. 

Cooper has one very noticeable design that’s very frequent in his work, which is the flower design. This is his staple design which he uses everywhere, making it easy to know who has painted the mural.

What I love about his work is that he works on so many different canvas’, such as cars, vans, basketball courts, small ledges, fences and many others. He also generally works very large scale as a standard, bringing so many little and large nooks in LA to life. 

https://www.cooperart.me/murals

Rafael Mayani 

Is a Mexican illustrator and art director based in Canada. He’s done only a few murals, however I am a huge fan of his work and have been for quite some time. 

Generally, I am drawn to colourful and expressive artwork, usually in the form of large shapes with block colours. Something that tells a story or portrays a scene. Slightly like poetry, it can have many meanings and metaphors and so on. 

In my opinion, these kinds of murals really bring to life the area or place it is in and this style in particular, is very true to the vibe of Vancouver, where Rafael is based. 

https://www.rafaelmayani.com/#1 

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ALBUM ART

“Bounce at The Devil” - Republic of Loose (2010)

Republic of Loose are one of my favourite bands and they just so happen to be Irish. What I like about this cover is the slight comic book style of art. I like how there is no black here, simply darker shades of the colours used for shadow. The colours are very complimentary yet they tell a story of who is who (red is devil etc).

It’s chilled and funky and its very 2010 style for this band. Their music reflects this. 

“Thank you for your service, we’ve got it from here” - A Tribe Called Quest (2016).

I like this art work because its very symbolic to rap and the style of music, also the art style used often for this group. I like that the album cover is written as if it’s signed on the album. 

The drawing is a simple scribble of a dude over some dominos. I like how messy and hand made it so clearly is. The subtle pop of red and green is staple with Tribe’s album art. 

“The Milk of Human Kindness” - Caribou (2005) 

What I like about this album cover is the bright colours, firstly. Then I like how abstract and hand-made the artwork is. It’s clearly corrected and edited digitally but the pen and pencil markings are done by analogue and they make a massive impact. 

The art here really depicts the style of music caribou make, which is mellow and funky while also being slightly chaotic, almost explosive. I like how the font is slightly hidden or erased among the design. It’s mellow chaos. 

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CONCEPT BOARDS

Three different concept boards to further develop for redesign on album cover. 

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TALKING HEADS - SPEAKING IN TONGUES (ALBUM COVER RE-DESIGN)

Contextual understanding and personal response to the album Speaking in Tongues by Talking Heads. 

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DOT LINE SHAPE: COLOUR THEORY

Wakelet submission of assignment 3: Colour Theory

https://wke.lt/w/s/vN3MYv

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~KAJA MERLE

Kaja Merle is an illustrator based in Hamburg. Her focus lies on creating exclusive illustrations, with a vibrant feel and charming, flirty characters. I feel like the lack of detail in the characters allows the colours to speak for themselves. 

I really resonate with art like this, where shapes and colours are the main focus, where they portrait a certain feel or emotion. I think Kaja is really able to embody a strong female illustration with her use of colour and shapes. 

 https://www.instagram.com/kajamerle/?hl=en

https://www.kajamerle.com/

Impressum. “Freelance Illustrator | Kaja Merle Illustration.” Kaja Merle, 2019, www.kajamerle.com/.