#phoenix design week

[osephj]

this is too great. phxdw 2011

[blakerdesign]

Hillman Curtis, a Confessional

Written for Phoenix Design Week

I loved watching commercials and was fascinated by advertising. This was my first insight into the process involved in advertising - creating concepts, research, copywriting, design, packaging, production - and to an 11-year old girl, dreamy John Stamos made that process magical.

Fast forward years later and I pursued my dream in becoming a graphic designer. While I don't write jingles, I love being able to take a product or a message and make it appealing to the masses. The combination of design and advertising is especially why I admire the work of Hillman Curtis. Originally well-known as a web and flash designer with impressive and influential sites such as Yahoo, Adobe and The Metropolitan Opera, he also brought his skills as an interactive expert into the world of advertising with his collection of short films and is a leading designer of New Media.

In addition to his "Artist Series" on influential designers Paula Scher, Milton Glaser and Stefan Sagmeister, Curtis' commercial film work, especially his shorts for IBM, are a beautiful combination of design artistry, color, emotion and messaging.

I am in awe by the level of detail, thought and research that has been put behind these IMB spots that I find myself buying into the message and feeling like I'm part of the story along with being mesmerized by the visuals and music in each segment. I find myself inspired to make sure my own design work conveys emotion and beauty all while conveying a message that would reach everyone who sees it.

I have a confession I'm proud to make - to a 30-something year old designer, dreamy Hillman Curtis has once again made that process magical.

IBM: Road

   IBM: Perceptions

IMB: Future