Adieu NSAD. Viva the Degree Shows.

"Games or Graphics?", decides my daughter Evie at this years’ Norwich School of Art and Design degree show exhibitions.

Our design studio created the exhibition signage system, together with promotional invitations to the Alumni. Always great to be involved with our local art college, whether its commissions such as these or part-time tutoring on the FDA/BA(hons) Graphic Communication course.

The show ends Wednesday July 2nd, so hopefully you've had an opportunity to get down there and survey the fantastic work on display. Plus there are changes in store, as NSAD has been granted university college status and from August 1st transforms into the 'Norwich University College of the Arts'.

Does that mean more dancing and less art? Who knows. But we are looking forward to the new identity and as The Jam eloquently stated, amidst stuttering feedback, 'this is a new Art School'.

Is This The Best Creative Pitch ...Ever?

Thank god it's Summer. The weather is getting better and there's a new Paul Weller LP in the shops. And it's ace. Only trouble is there is nothing on telly. And one thing that got me through the Winter months was the superb TV series, 'Mad Men'. A drama which finally made the advertising industry convincing entertainment. And boy, do I miss it.

The real master stoke was setting it in New York right at the cusp of the sixties - where every chain-smoking copy writer and art director looks like Cary Grant and lusts after doubles of Grace Kelly with misogynist glee. It can be quite uncomfortable to watch at times, but at least it signifies that at least we've come a long way.

But I'm not about to harp on about the battle of the sexes. For me this series captures the ad industry brilliantly and none more so than in this clip, featuring Creative Director Don Draper pitching to a potential new client. His presentation is inspirational, and attempts to elevate his client's product to something invented by HG Wells. And while he's at it, reduces one of his account executives to tears. Which must be a good thing.

Here at the Studio we're thrilled to have won our second pitch. We've created the new identity for the University of East Anglia, Jubilee Project - which promotes awareness of the 50th anniversary in 2013 and will raise funds for charity along the way. There were no tears during our presentation and thankfully Darren is no Don. But he does want to dress like him.

Mad Men Season One is available on DVD now.

Studio Pick of the Pops '08… so far

Yes, we love design - a lot. But we also love music lots too.
Here is a list of the top tunes which have kept us inspired and distracted in the best possible way.
And of course it's not always Weller Live bootlegs either (that's just in the mornings).

Cat Power - Jukebox


Paul Weller - 22 Dreams


Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus Dig!!!
Portishead - Third
Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant EP

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree


Spiritualized - Songs in A&E
The Fall - 50 Year Old Man
Elbow - One Day Like This
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

If you haven't heard these records yet (and I can't recommend Cat Power enough, because as you see, she's amazing) plus you urgently need life enhancement, seek them out and enjoy!

Stay with-it.