In The Studio

"Oh, you shouldn't have"

2010-12-20T15:06:00.003Z

Earlier this year we had been invited to design this year's Christmas card for our printer Gallpen in Norwich.

Not an easy task, as there are so many cliches but I still prefer design to possess an idea and in this case, make you smile. So here it is, the jumper you never want but forever associate with Christmas. With more time and budget we could have had a few knitted and created something viral but I'm pleased with the classic end result. And being print, the front cover detail was foil blocked too.

Merry Christmas to all Studio clients, friends and collaborator's – all the best for 2011.

Newspapers – Not Dead

2010-11-26T14:41:00.002Z

One of our favourite clients, Access to Music walked into the studio recently and announced, "I have no prospectus, I have no promotional materials and I have an Open Day in a couple of weeks – what can you do?"

After a considered sip of tea, and the offer from our client of a Disco biscuit, we suggested a newspaper. They are very much in vogue at the moment in certain design circles, and apart from their usual function as a carrier of news, the format had been rarely utlized commercially. We had already discovered Newspaper Club, a brilliant new printer who create cost effective newspapers and for short runs too. With our tea and the Disco biscuits finished, our decisive client gave us the green light to proceed.

Designed by NUCA graduate Billy Thorpe, who had just completed a successful Studio internship, Billy also recommended the illustration talents of another graduate Lauren Marina. It was one of those enjoyable projects which seemingly design themselves. But that's because of a great idea, and the momentum of a print deadline. And Newspaper Club only print every Tuesday at 2pm.

I love this project – Studio created a desirable object which would be irresistible to pick-up and take home if you are discovering a new university or college campus. But there was an added twist – during the project I attended the Future:Content design conference, organised by the good people of It's Nice That.

One of the inspirational speakers was Russell Davies, Head of Planning for Oglivy and Mather – who gave a brilliant talk on new methods of communication, the limitations of the screen and print finding a new purpose. I had a tingle when he told us he was the owner of Newspaper Club and how it was fun to re-purpose a format which the digital evangelists continually tell us is dying.

Find out more about Newspaper Club here.
And please view the Access to Music Open Days newspaper there.
With thanks to Billy, Lauren and Ian.

A Reason to be Cheerful

2010-11-01T11:52:00.014Z

It's important to occasionally have a day out from the Studio.

And it's especially important if you're being culturally re-charged by seeing a new exhibition or hearing an info-rich lecture (Billy and Scott will be soon attending V&A talks by Angus Hyland and Neville Brody – lucky fellas). I recently visited Chelsea Space with photographer Andi Sapey to see the retrospective show of the work of designer Barney Bubbles.

Barney isn't instantly recognisable as Saville, Garrett or Farrow, maybe it was because he never put his name to his work. But his work was amazing, a real explosion of style which possessed charm and wit. And you find it in his work for Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, Stiff Records (and many, many more). I especially liked his numerous full page adverts for Ian Dury in NME. And the full set of wallpaper covers for his LP, 'Do It Yourself'.

For designers of a certain age and pedigree, it's a reminder of previous working methods. Here at Chelsea Space, you see all of Barney's original artwork, alongside the still-stuck-bromide, cow gum, rotring pens and air brush – the original tools of the designer's craft. Sadly, Barney died in 1983, before the arrival of the Apple Mac and its revolution of change. It's a shame because he would have had a riot with a Mac.

'Process: The Working Practices of Barney Bubbles' is a brilliant show and will hopefully open next year at the Norwich University College of the Arts. Certainly, Andi and myself will do our best to spread the word. Afterwards, we enjoyed a couple of drinks with Chelsea Space manager and curator Donald Smith – a lovely guy, who told us all about Jerry Dammers and various ex-members of Big Audio Dynamite and other characters in Barney's working life who had recently attended the Private View.

Please see the rest of Andi's photos of the show here.
And, as a special treat, a couple of the rare videos Barney directed.

Late But Timeless – The Headstone for the Manchester Man

2010-10-23T13:24:00.003+01:00

It maybe typically late, but Peter Saville, Ben Kelly, Paul Barnes and Matt Robertson have created an immaculate grave stone for Tony Wilson, the former head and self-proclaimed idiot of Factory Records.

Three years late in fact, as Tony died in 2007 but like most of Saville's work (and his collaborators), it was worth the wait. The black granite headstone features beautiful typography, a considered layout and a quote chosen by Tony's family, from 'The Manchester Man', a 1876 novel by Mrs G Linnaeus Banks.

Tony was no idiot and helped create a superb record label which nurtured creativity, eccentricity and independence. And the work left behind is timeless and a great example to any budding designer or musician.

Tony's resting place is in the Southern Cemetery in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, Manchester. I must plan a pilgrimage in the near future. Here's Tony's favourite Joy Division track, 'Atmosphere' – and my favourite version from the Live LP 'Les Bains Douches'.

Save the Arts

2010-09-27T15:04:00.001+01:00

Sometimes the thought of Coalition government cuts in the UK make me more nervous than the recent recession.

Obviously, common sense cut backs are necessary to avoid the UK lurching further into economic meltdown. But to make more cuts to the Arts sector would be a mistake, given its vast contribution to the economy. The importance of the Arts has been illustrated here by this superb animation by David Shrigley - funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. You quickly get the idea.

Sign the petition and visit the Save the Arts blog.

St George & St Peter

2010-09-06T16:20:00.001+01:00

Here's a project to disturb the hornet's nest of graphic design commentary.

Peter Saville, purveyor of arty design (and creator of Studio's favourite LP sleeve, ever) has been commissioned by Umbro to design the new England football shirt. And it ticks all the classic Saville hallmarks – understated cool, colour-coded and divisive. I know little about football, but I do know that genuine fans care to an almost religious level. So this design project will cause quite a reaction.

I like it, but then I would. The shoulders of the garment are decorated in multi-coloured crosses of St George – which on a white shirt, are hard to spot from a distance. Apparently it was St Peter's original intention to cover the entire shirt, instead this will be a limited edition. Following his classic colour-coded typo for New Order's 'Power, Corruption and Lies', I wonder what these array of crosses spell out?

It's interesting to see such an iconic designer operating in an unexpected sector of design. But it's not the first time, as he previously designed New Order's World Cup single in 1990. Hopefully it will signal a change of fortunes for the England football team, as indicated by the recent success in its match against Bulgaria where players wore the shirt for the first time.

Here's Umbro's promo film:

And a link to Peter's recent interview on designing for such a 'potent symbol'. The comments section gives you an idea of the strong reaction. It reminds me of when pop stars such as Morrissey or Ian Brown have worn a football shirt in concert - a contingent of adoring fans suddenly scream for their blood.

Arty Fish & Chip Paper

2010-08-09T16:03:00.005+01:00

You know how it is. You visit a gallery or an exhibition and the gift shop has a tremendous pull - time to look at postcards, books and stuff. After you've been culturally enriched, it's just nice to leave with a memento of your visit.

And so it was, with this year's BA Graphic Communication graduation show at Norwich University College of the Arts. Following the recent trend for design journals using a newspaper format (thank you Unit Editions) graduates had this additional platform for their work, and for visitors to enjoy as an irresistible freebie.

It did mean more work for third year student Billy Thorpe, who designed it at the Studio (with print sponsored by Archant). Everyone was pleased with the end result and Billy earned himself an internship at the Studio. Which was nice.

You may remember from the previous post that a fish tank was available to win from the graduate show at Norwich and D&AD New Blood. Interested visitors were encouraged to give their details to Andy Campbell or students on the stand. Studio can exclusively reveal that the winner was...(drum roll)... Emma Booty of Landor – a branding designer who covets supermarkets as our 'new church' and 'temples of temptation'. Congratulations Emma.

Racing Goldfish - views from the fishbowl

2010-08-02T16:47:00.002+01:00

I'm a bit late with this blogpost, but having lost but now found my camera, I can finally share some shots from this years BA Graphic Communication graduation show at Norwich University College of the Arts.

Throughout the past year, Course Leader Andy Campbell and I had occasionally discussed the look of the show; it was time to up-our-game and present the work differently, and create more of a gallery exhibition experience. The presentation of the third year's work drew more upon Andy's fine art background, dumping the nasty foam board and spray mount, in favour of A0 and A1 sheets each hung from the same horizon, by large silver clips.

And it was still a layout task for each student, using the larger format to display a chosen project which featured a campaign across communication media. I'm pleased to say each exhibiting graduate succeeded and met the challenge. Film and digital was also embraced, I especially liked the addition of the showreel, bringing to life each presentation.

When it came to a theme for the show, Andy had a thing about goldfish. Each student would be a numbered goldfish racing into the industry, from river to ocean I guess. For me, it was the fairground image of winning a goldfish, but instead the racing goldfish would be potentially awarded with an internship or that valuable first job.

The course's best students had another challenge of creating another show for D&AD New Blood, this year being held at the Truman Brewery at Brick Lane, London. Here, they would have wider industry exposure. In the centre of both shows, stood the goldfish bowl, which each visiting agency had the chance of winning.

The show received great feedback from industry visitors, so the hard work and presenting the work differently had certainly paid off.

A newspaper was also produced for the Racing Goldfish, designed by Billy Thorpe and put together at the Studio. More about that and the winner of the goldfish bowl in the next post.

All the best to all graduating students from Norwich University College of the Arts and big pats on backs to all the students whose hard work helped put together the show.

Farewell Grafik

2010-07-19T10:25:00.011+01:00

This was a shock. Studio was saddened to hear the news of the closure of Grafik magazine. And in this era for instant communication, I feel the last to know.

Discreetly announced in late June, (I stumbled upon the news on the Process Journal web site) Grafik's publisher had gone into liquidation. Previously funded and published by its editors, Grafik had been recently bought by an ambitious private investor with desire for rapid growth. All looked to be rosy, especially as their last issue was devoted to their successful Grafik awards.

I've enjoyed it ever since its days as Graphics International. It re-launched itself as Grafik in 2003, and continued to be the champion of small design studios and individual designers – each issue richly designed and printed to a high standard. Sometimes more arty than industry leader Creative Review but unmistakably passionate about graphic design and its practitioners.

I do hope it returns in the future, but as yet there is no news regarding it being saved. Like other well loved magazines, such as The Face, it will be missed. Below, is the front cover of what would have been the latest issue.

Please raise a Mad Men glass of whiskey and toast a fine magazine. Grafik – rest in print.

Ad Break

2010-07-17T16:46:00.006+01:00

There is a current trend in TV advertising to use vintage names from the music industry.

Some are more palatable than others, I still struggle with Iggy Pop selling car insurance, but these commercials must be successful as new scripts are commissioned building on the original theme. Famously, John Lydon (ex-sex pistol) boosted the sales of Country Life butter by 85%. The reason why is that they simply make great telly, each being superbly scripted and enhanced by John's personality. And it has worked for him too, recently revealing that his payment fee has been invested into the reformation of his post-punk band Public Image Limited, who had previously been held in financial limbo by their uninterested record company.

And now Gary Numan has entered the arena – this american ad for Die Hard batteries has a unique twist, and I love the expression on his face throughout.

I like that.

Many of us find the thought of our favourite pop stars in advertising abhorrent , which I guess has its root in the fear of 'selling out'. I think if the resulting film is creative and entertaining, then the participating pop star can retain some credibility but as album sales decline and a tour needs funding, we could be seeing many more pop stars during the ad break.

But let's not get too carried away – I don't want to see Morrissey selling veggie friendly cat food.

2. The Project – UEA Annual Report

2010-06-08T17:36:00.016+01:00

Pitching a charitable direction for the UEA Annual Report was a daring proposition. Studio was buzzing to win the opportunity to design this project, so it was interesting to see how our clients would meet this challenge.

Their response was very exciting – to further the awareness of the University's international work and its achievement of the Queen's Anniversary Prize, the UEA Africa PhD Scholarship Programme would be established. Its objective to raise at least £120,000 to fund four african students for a three-year course – providing them with a life-changing opportunity they would not other wise have. It was brilliant to hear this level of ambition. Now to make it happen.

In comparison, Studio's role was simple – creating an Annual Report with a prestigious feel, befitting of the University and announcing this new programme. Its visual theme features landscape imagery from Rwanda, from a region known as the Thousand Hills in Nyungwe an area worked in by the University's School of International Development. Faculty members were then revealed in the inside front of the Report – positioned opposite, the Queen's Anniversary Prize logo which can be used by the University for the next four years.

Additional views of the Thousand Hills (or 'Darren's Hills' as they became known by a few clients) were also applied to UEA Court, the event which launches the Annual Report and celebrates its achievements.

For Studio, this year's Annual Report was not only a victory for the idea, but a design which genuinely makes a difference for an educational programme which could potentially change lives. Nice, eh?

Please visit www.uea.ac.uk for more details on the University of East Anglia Africa PhD Scholarship Programme. And if you know anyone wealthy, please tell them too.

With thanks to Anne-Marie Triggs, Suzy Gook and David Street.

1. The Pitch – UEA Annual Report

2010-06-07T15:10:00.006+01:00

The prospect of a pitch for any designer is a challenge, testing our creativity to win new business.

Earlier this year, Studio pitched for University of East Anglia's Annual Report for 2008–09. It's a prestigious project to work upon, but firstly there's a competitive selection process where the effectiveness of your work is measured alongside your peers (nine agencies on this occasion). I've worked on many pitches and it's always exciting but it doesn't get any easier.

For new clients, it's building trust in your abilities and your service – but more importantly, the chemistry between client and designer is vital to the process which creates exciting work.

Studio enjoyed its presentation, putting forward three great ideas – but we were keen to present just one, because it felt right. The University had recently won the Queen's Anniversary Prize for their international research work, helping communities to address poverty and climate change. Taking their work in post-conflict Rwanda as a visual theme, Studio pitched an idea of how the Annual Report could be a charitable booklet and raise money for african charities. After all, it would be good for the soul and not just another corporate document.

After the presentation, there's a huge sense of relief – you've met the challenge – but then you wait, and wait a bit more. Until the phone rings.

Thankfully, Studio were successful, later meeting an excited client with ambitious ideas. More to follow in the next post (with pics!).

Geoffrey Lefever Exhibition Catalogue

2010-06-05T16:29:00.001+01:00

Studio have recently created the exhibition catalogue for artist Geoffrey Lefever of the Norwich 20 Group.

Designed by Darren and Scott and printed on two contrasting stocks - text pages were set upon a textured uncoated stock, sitting nicely alongside the image pages, printed on an absolute white Naturalis. Ideal for Geoffrey's equally textural art. All this and perfect bound too.

Geoffrey Lefever's Selected Works 2000–2010 is being shown at The 'Stew' Gallery, Fishergate in Norwich until June 15th. Catalogues available at the show.

What a Load of Rubbish!

2010-05-22T14:16:00.009+01:00

Studio recently took a short break in Amsterdam and when we arrived, it was bin day. Or so we thought.

Turns out there had been a ten day strike by the dustmen and this beautiful city had been turned into a rubbish tip. I love the nine streets area which borders the Jordaan and on every corner and each picturesque bridge – piles of the rotting stuff. Plus, there had been some opportunistic fly-tipping with an arm chair, sofas and even a washing machine being dumped in the nearby Noordermarket.

Hopefully the striking bin men got their settlement and Amsterdam and its visitors re-claimed the streets.

More pics from this visit over on the Studio Flickr site.

A Riot of Our Own – Mick Jones Rock & Roll Archive at NUCA

2010-05-21T14:55:00.012+01:00

When I first heard that the Mick Jones Rock and Roll Archive was coming to Norwich, I was gob smacked. I'd missed it last year when it had been first staged in London. What made it doubly sweet was that it was being hosted by Norwich University College of the Arts.

It's a unique collection of ephemera that Mick Jones of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite has obsessed over for, well, since he was a kid. And it's not all music related - my favourite part of the show are some of his childhood toys, in particular the tin soldiers which recreate Rorke's Drift from the film Zulu. But the Clash memorabilia is inspiring – featuring stage outfits and guitars all placed next to graphics and fanzines from the punk era - as you can tell from the pictures featuring my son Billy, the organisers are not precious about this stuff being handled.

A few NUCA students helped to put the show together – apparently wherever the archive is staged, it is always bespoke to the space. So their judgement for display was crucial to how you enjoy and navigate the show.

Mick recently visited the art school to thank the students personally. It was a treat to meet him too. A very nice guy and very pleasing to see that he had 'english' teeth - you know what I mean - not the perfect X Factor ultra-white kind.

More pics over at the Studio Flickr site.
Now I must go and play the first B.A.D. LP very loud.

Type Only Solutions - nicely done.

2010-04-27T08:48:00.004+01:00

A quick blog post, as this superb work by Up Creatives has just caught my eye.

Up have created posters and the catalogue for the London International Documentary Festival, and the work are examples that sometimes, a type only solution is the way to go. Either that or the designer is currently fascinated by the work of Josef Muller Brockman. Which is no bad thing.

Plus, the fragmented typography animates well too.

As I occasionally say when a student has designed a piece of superbly executed work - more please.

www.upcreatives.com www.lidf.co.uk

U - T - U - T - Viral Brand Awareness

2010-04-15T09:16:00.006+01:00

How else can you promote a brand without stating the obvious? Uniqlo are a clothing company who embrace online marketing with originality and good humour.

They are the same guys that produced the widgets on this blog - the dancing girls telling the time, the weather with global views - each good examples of the combination of idea and cool design (plus some nifty coding too). Uniqlo recently launched another online viral campaign, which links nicely to Twitter users. Give it a try, it will please and amuse you - plus, you will feel encoraged to share it with others.

Tough marketing cynics may sneer and ask 'does it sell knitwear?', but this is just one feature of a promotional campaign. We can state the obvious elsewhere. Besides, I met Phil Baines once and he was wearing a superb Uniqlo cardie. And if it's good enough for Phil...

UTweet here.

PS. I haven't discovered yet who created this bit of fun - please comment if you know.

Back The Bid - Norwich City of Culture 2013

2010-04-07T15:37:00.009+01:00

It's been a bit of a buzz recently. I know many agencies say this but its true, so it's good to pause and reflect on recent Studio developments. One of which was being asked to design the logo for Norwich's bid for UK City of Culture in 2013.

I think it's a great opportunity for those living in Norwich to display some civic pride and not feel beaten down by some of the cheap jokes and cliches we so often hear. Especially by those who can't believe life actually exists outside the M25. Besides, Norwich has grown into a cool little european city, there's plenty going on once you scratch the surface. Just one example is the Norfolk and Norwich Festival which continues to bring left field talent to the city. It's comparable with the same arts festival in Manchester (just not with Kraftwerk, but give it time).

It was exciting to work on this brief, despite the challenge of a tight schedule. And it was team effort, between myself and NUCA graduate Scott Robinson - I was very pleased with Scott's typography which gave the logo a contemporary edge. We also explored a visual approach where different photographic backgrounds can be applied behind the type. Which was nice. The campaign web site was created by Keri Lambden at Wintercorn – Studio's digital partner. I don't think Keri got much sleep in the days that lead to the launch. She did a fantastic job.

Please visit the Norwich City of Culture site and back the bid. It would be a brilliant for the city which could bring a potential £200 million boost to the local economy. But more importantly, give more exposure to an often surprising and genuinely creative city.

More press info here and there.

With thanks to Marion, Scott and Keri.

Save 6Music

2010-03-03T09:17:00.005Z

The recent announcement to close 6Music and the Asian Network and halve the BBC's web pages has shocked and baffled the Studio here.

But I think Adam Buxton has the answer. Utterly delightful and well argued. And he lives in Norwich. Here's Adam taking on the BBC Director General Mark Thompson on the Channel 4 News.

Don't be idle and support the efforts to save these superb radio stations.
Find out more here.

1. Studio at Four Designers: 'The Logo is Dead'

2010-03-02T14:02:00.012Z

Yes, according to London advertising and branding agency SomeOne, the logo is dead, apparently.

It was Studio's second visit to the Four Designer's conference in support of Norwich University College of the Arts and Andy Campbell's Graphic Communication course. Always worthwhile, but seriously, I can't stay in the Generator Hostel again (see last years post). Prison like accommodation aside, Patrick Baglee's event consistently offers a lively programme of speakers.

But there was the controversial, which came with the ominous warning from SomeOneinLondon that they intended to start an argument. I'm an easy going fella, but even they succeeded in ruffling my feathers. So here it is, it's all over for logo design - the public's perception of branding is wildly expensive logos like the recent Olympic 2012 identity. The Daily Mail cries how much? And the result is a mistrust of designers and the creation of brand communication.

SomeOne hates logos - they believe in Brand Worlds. Which to you and me means lavish photography, film and swirly colourful patterns and I guess somewhere, the brand's belief, attitude and aspiration - all fused into the quality of their product or service. So branding then. As anyone in the industry knows, it's not just the logo, it's the application that costs all the money. But let's not forget, the logo is a symbol - all that Brand World stuff defined by one icon. Somehow, one line of nicely set typo doesn't quite cut it (sometimes it does, but not always). I'm rubbish at asking questions after these talks, but what I wanted to ask was, "how would SomeOne re-brand Superman?"

I consider designing a logo the most difficult task - it takes research and understanding to distill a client's meaning and desire (for your belief and loyalty) into one entity. Always instantly recognisable, regardless of where you are in the world. And as Mike Dempsey stated in his lecture shortly afterwards, how else does a company differentiate from its competitor?

It's good for events like these to offer a different point of view and stimulate debate, indeed poor old SomeOne admitting to receiving 'hate tweets'. But I think such posturing can be misleading - is the logo dead? Or do you agree with Tony Wilson when he said, "You're entitled to your opinion but it's...".

Anyway, I think SomeOne like to stir things up a bit - just take a look at their home page.

Studio: 34 Flights Up

2010-02-01T14:47:00.011Z

Last week Studio returned to the UEA London Study Centre, to begin work on our planned 2 day photo shoot. And with us, lensman Dave Guttridge (AKA DJ78).

This prestigious new campus for the UEA is located near Spitalfields Market in East London and just two minutes walk from Liverpool Street. It's a striking new build, which has to compete for attention alongside the Gherkin and Kings Reach Tower. More importantly, these plush new surroundings will be the home and centre of study for UEA's London based international students. The lucky lot.

Although only open for a couple of weeks, we were here to record campus life, the teaching facilities and get some external building shots in the bag too. Which was going to be a challenge given the arctic conditions of January. But we were lucky, as the first day though cold, had clear skies and the glow of a winter sun. Shooting the brochure front cover at dusk, the city sunset gave the accommodation building a wash of magenta - design by nature not by photoshop.

Day Two. The accommodation building is still in construction but we gained permission to visit the 34th floor to take shots of the stunning vista of the City which in the future will greet students everyday. See how lucky they are? Dressed in construction hats, boots and tastful fluorescent jerkins we gathered in the lift which swiftly climbed the building. And out on the balcony we got an eyeful of London - 'home of the brash, outrageous and free' (name that tune).

Here's a bit of film I took on my phone. Guy Ritchie will not lose any sleep.

UEA London Study Centre from Darren Leader Studio on Vimeo.

Happy that we had completed a successful shoot, Dave and I left to catch our train, only this time to cross paths with another keyboard legend (see previous post). The tall, grumpy figure of Rick Wakeman walked past (sadly without cape): this can only be a good sign for this project.

Studio can't wait to start designing the brochure.
With thanks to Dave Amor and Rowenna Boddington.

Scouting at UEA London Study Centre

2010-01-25T14:45:00.021Z

It was a typical January day when Studio visited the brand new UEA London Study Centre. It was so cold it reminded me of film footage of The Beatles playing on the roof of Apple, on another bleak January day in 1969.

Outside it may have been slate grey skies but inside the new UEA campus it was technicolour. Studio were here compiling a shot list for a two day photo shoot scheduled for later in the month. Glamourous photographers call them 'reccy's' - is that short for reconnaissance? I guess. But to quote Ben Kingsley's character Don, in Sexy Beast, the key to a successful shoot is, "preparation, preparation, preparation". Just not with Don's intensity.

Together with Studio, is photographer Dave Guttridge (or DJ78 to those in the music business). We had previously worked together a few years ago on a prospectus for City College Norwich, so it's a pleasure to work with him again on such a prestigious project.

It was cool discovering the UEA London Study Centre for the first time and ahead of its official opening too. An exclusive preview of a building in a transitional state before its first students and tutors arrive, its teaching rooms being assembled – even the library awaiting its books.

Situated in Middlesex Street in the heart of the City, UEA London is an impressive building, with a colourful, contemporary interior complimented with superb furnishings. It felt more like a classy advertising agency (I had BBH in mind, or maybe Sterling Cooper) rather than a university campus.

And that's me, standing there like a delinquent Pet Shop Boy on the empty 5th floor - Dave and I thought this position would make an interesting profile shot for the Directors and Academics. Oddly, later on Chris Lowe passed me in the street – I take that as a lucky sign for when we return and populate our photographs with real people. UEA London will be undoubtedly buzzing with excitement.

More on Dave here. And more about DJ78 just there.

Further East

2010-01-18T13:20:00.008Z

The Studio/East Publishing sponsored photography exhibition 'Your East' at Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts has been a popular show for the cold, snowbound month of January. And at the weekend, featured artist Andy Crouch took a few promotional shots for our Results portfolio.

The show has been supported by good PR coverage (nice one Sal), which has been great to follow in the local press and online. Visit BBC Norfolk and hear the two Andy's being interviewed on why Norfolk and why Tokyo. Don't miss 'Your East' - the exhibition now ends 29th January.

Now where are my Kirsten Dunst pics again?

Your East – The Hanging Party

2010-01-07T13:42:00.011Z

It's not often you get the opportunity to see the work put into hanging an exhibition. And now Studio can reveal the preparation for the forthcoming 'Your East 私の東' exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich.

This superb show features the work of Andi Sapey and Andy Crouch, each with their own photographic interpretation of the east but from opposite sides of the world. Andi's collected work on his visits to Tokyo, are colourful and eccentric, while Andy's images of Norfolk are equally vibrant and bonkers. And sometimes, it's hard to tell them apart.

Here are the pics of the team hanging the show - very much a creative task in itself.

Studio designed the identity, wall graphics and publicity and sponsored the event with East Publishing. We were thrilled to help the guys with their first exhibition and show it first in Norwich. Afterwards, the Andy's plan to take 'Your East 私の東' to London but I think it would be great to stage it in Japan.

Your East appears at the SCVA from Friday 8th January until Thursday 28th January. Enjoy.

For more details visit www.scva.org.uk

Jason says, 'Yes'

2010-01-06T11:35:00.006Z

As we all return to work and shake off Xmas lethargy it was nice to see this image sent in by dear friend, fellow NUCA alumni and designer Jason Hyde.

Before New Year, he and his partner Kate Modern decided to leave this snowy island for Bratislava in the Slovac Republic. Doubtless seeking solace and anonymity from demanding relatives and turkey dinners. Anyway, Jason snapped this Pet Shop Boys billboard advertising their recent world tour. Yeah, the Pets had been in town.

So, a good excuse to post another example of the work of Mark Farrow - but instead, taking design off the page and to the cold outdoors. That should be pop too.

Thanks Jason, meet you for a Pet-off and a cheeky glass in the French House very soon. Happy New Year.

Studio Selects: Top Sleeve Art 2009 - 3 of 3

2009-12-31T11:56:00.015Z

3. Morrissey - Years of Refusal

Design by Anthony Lui, No Allegiances and Morrissey
Photography by Jake Walters
Band Photography by Travis Shinn

There has been a brilliant trilogy of LPs by Morrissey in this last decade, each featuring our fella pictured with a curious object - coveting a tommy gun, playing a fiddle in Rome and this year, left holding the baby. It plays nicely against his past image of celibacy and controversy. But it's more than just a great image: rather than dashing off the typo in a lazy flourish of Helvetica Neue, Anthony Lui drew inspiration from the decorative latin typography found on old Herb Albert LPs.

Morrissey's humourous use of photography can sometimes be over-looked. The campaign for this record featured several shots which play around with the image of his band, sometimes role playing in matching outfits (birthday suits pictured below). It's a detail I like. Seek out the inner sleeves to his previous three singles. I guarantee they will make you laugh out loud.

Any way, entertainment. Here's Moz playing this year at Great Yarmouth Pier. If you look closely you may see my nose.

Bubbling under, these covers also caught Studio's eye:

Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

The XX

Iron and Wine - Around the Well

That's your lot.

Studio would like to thank all of our clients, friends and collaborators for making our 2009 such creative fun.
Happy New Year - all the best for 2010.

More on No Allegiances here.

Merry Christmas from Darren Leader Studio

2009-12-23T16:16:00.003Z

Illustration by Scott Robinson.
(who successfully completed his internship and joins us in the New Year!)

Studio Booklet Preview

2009-12-23T15:59:00.006Z

Here's a sneak preview of the Studio Results booklet.

Well, the cover anyway. Lovingly printed on GF Smith's Colorplan stock (pristine white with Morocco embossing, yum). The outer and inner cover feature shots taken by Andi Sapey in Tokyo of the Tori Gates.

Meanwhile, the text pages (printed on Naturalis Soft White) are boxed and ready to be dispatched for hand-stitching in the new year.

Finally, here's a shot of the glamorous, though reclusive Jane Carter - whose support on this project has been tremendous. In fact, on most of the stuff that Studio has done this year. Thanks Jane x

Studio Selects: Top Sleeve Art 2009 - 2 of 3

2009-12-07T16:57:00.011Z

2. Pet Shop Boys - 'Yes'

Designed by Mark Farrow and Pet Shop Boys

Mark Farrow is one of my all-time favourites designers, so I may be biased but this design was a beaut.

Earlier this year Studio attended the D&AD President's Lecture by magazine editorial design legend David Hillman. When host Patrick Baglee asked David for an example of what is currently best in design, he chose this record sleeve and nothing from publishing. And why? Because it communicates a simple idea clearly and in a style which is entirely appropriate for the artist. And David likes ideas based design.

Plus, it gets round that challenge of how a record sleeve looks good when reduced to an icon in itunes.

Studio also recommends the re-issue of Spiritualized 'Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space'.
Again, a simple lateral concept which packages the CD as a sealed pill. Even the sleeve notes read like instructions accompanying medication - 'Do not operate machinery' - that kind of thing. Clever copywriting always improves a design 100%.

The rest of Farrow's work for Pet Shop Boys is superb too and a genuine masterclass in graphic design (sorry, I can't help myself).

Visit Mark Farrow here for more stuff. More on Spiritualized over there.

And so it's not all too minimal - here's the video to the single.

Studio Selects: Top Sleeve Art 2009 - 1 of 3

2009-12-03T13:59:00.009Z

1. Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications.

Designed by Ian Anderson and Jarvis Cocker
Photography by Rankin

Music is an obvious passion and sleeve art definitely influenced my desire to go to art college. Record sleeves have to work hard for our attention, define the attitude of the artist. And if they're lucky, capture the mood of the culture at that moment when the music is coming out of your speakers.

To kick-off this short series of Studio favourites of 2009 is this fantastic LP cover by Jarvis Cocker - dressed as that cool but pervy history tutor, Rankin's use of white space accentuates Jarvis' lanky figure and his desire to move, dance and get frisky. it's unmistakably him. And as a cool contrast, the typography is black, fat, bloated and rounded. I like it a lot.

Here's the video directed by Stephanie Di Giusto which builds on the theme.

It's a complicated boogie (and we don't know any better).

Visit Jarvis here.

Neville Brody: Wanker or Genius – The Verdict.

2009-12-01T10:00:00.017Z

Another unmissable event in the D&AD President's Lecture programme and provocatively entitled too. But it was all part of the fun and refreshing to know that while Neville Brody takes his role seriously as a designer in society, he can see through the facade of being regarded as a design celebrity.

The other widely reported quirk to this evening was the usage of twitter and its invitation for everyone to participate and ask questions with the all important hash-tag. Our host for the evening, the ever-readable Adrian Shaughnessy, keeping Neville on topic and occasionally browsing the tweets for those emperor-baiting questions.

And Studio intern Scott got the first question! He asked:

A valid question and one that perplexes most students, frustrated by choice. Neville stroked his chin and answered that "you can never have enough chairs" or "everyone should have their own font". For a designer famous for creating his own fonts, he would hardly restrict himself to his favourite three. Plus, mostly his letterforms are hand-drawn, like his recent title sequence for the film 'Public Enemies'. He gives good font does Neville.

The work exhibited was all recent examples from his Research Studio. Which was cool considering he could easily rely on the legacy work of the 80s - The Face and Arena magazines pretty much define the era. And here is where the theorizing began and much more chin stroking. Neville really needed a whiskey to complete the picture. He feels the decline of popular culture and societies use of design began with Thatcher, Reagan and Haircut 100. Seriously, this must have amused and befuddled the youngsters but this stuff could help your Critical Studies. For the record, he remains deeply suspicious of the Tories and fears the worst if Cameron gets into No.10 next year.

He is also frustrated by the way design is taught at art college. That there is too much focus on aiming for a career and not enough time to nurture creativity, stating, "college is to nurture your soul - your convictions". OK, but the times haven't changed that much. I went to art college to learn a trade and obviously graduates want jobs. But I do agree, there are too many graduates competing out there. But like all great thinkers, there was an element of self-contradiction. Neville thinks there should be 100% creativity and 100% skills. So, learn flash.

After Adrian branded a heckler a wanker it was our time to vote. The audience was all given voting cards, each to hold aloft in Apprentice style. And like a suited Dermot O'Leary I can reveal the result. From my seat it was 65% Genius / 35% Wanker.

Nicely done D&AD. Visit Research Studio here.

PS. Neville considers himself a genius because he is a Spurs Fan. And all you Arsenal supporters say... ?

D&AD President's Lectures: Making It Big with Paula Scher

2009-11-16T15:10:00.007Z

When The Clash first visited New York, they said when they looked out the car window it was like seeing a movie. And as a kid raised on American cop shows in the 70's, I can understand that (favourite show: Hill Street Blues). But what about the influence of NYC on graphic design?

As most Graphic Communication students may tell you, I bang on a lot about european design; I think of myself as very much a european designer. But what about american design? Well, when ever I imagine the design consumed by the cast of Seinfeld or the officers in blue on the Hill, it was always the work of Paula Scher (with great respect to Milton, Bob and Paul). I was really excited to hear Paula talk about her work, especially in her irresistible accent. And she did not disappoint.

This will please fans of The Beatles - her earliest influence was the cover of 'Revolver' and its swirly illustration by Klaus Voormann. And that is significant as she describes her work as decorative and the exact opposite to the precision of 'boring' swiss design. Although her talk was mostly a greatest hits resume of her career, I liked the fact she is not defined by her earliest work, when she was fancy free in her twenties. And she designed record covers back then, freely admitting that while designing 150 covers a year for CBS - she only felt six truly represented her true potential. But she found the creative freedom and confidence to create good work at Pentagram.

Paula likes BIG type - it literally shouts of the page. Her poster work for The Public Theater is jammed with information. But just as designing simply is more difficult than it looks, going for typo overload also takes great skill and control.

She has a hang-up about helvetica. Her design communication is guided by a social and political conscience. But let's hear from Paula herself. Environment is also important - here she is on NYC:

Paula is constantly going forward and excited at the prospect of what she will create in her sixties. So there's hope for all of us woeful late developer's out there.

Enjoy a Pop Life

2009-11-16T12:52:00.011Z

The rain may have poured but it was all sunshine and good vibes inside the Tate Modern. It's currently staging the exhibition 'Pop Life' and boy did it put me in a good mood.

Featuring the selected works of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Takashi Murakami it was all feel-good colours, fun-loving and very saucy too. Pop Life takes the Warhol quote 'good business is the best art' and reveals the crafted persona of these artists as brands. There's even a Pop Art Shop in the middle of the show - with a great disco. But mostly, I thought it was all just good fun. From Warhol advertising TDK to Jeff Koons getting fruity as a viril adonis - you can't help but shyly smile.

The best for me (and the most fun) was found in the final room and it was like stepping into a Japanese playroom, only imagined by Takashi Murakami. Look up at a vibrant 50ft high manga character fitting perfectly into the streets of Tokyo. Then you hear the mad pop music - is that Spider-man's girlfriend? Yes, it's Kirsten Dunst in a cyan wig singing 'Turning Japanese'. Delightful. And what better excuse than to post lots of pictures of Kirsten.

Enjoy Pop Life until January 2010.

www.tate.org.uk

And Finally - What on Earth Has Studio Been Up To?

2009-11-10T14:00:00.017Z

Firstly, big apologies for the delay in updating the Studio blog. It's been a busy few months. And I'm not just saying that. But one confession - I have been distracted by twitter.

Loads of news, but where do I begin?

In August Studio took on the tenancy of Rigby's Court which was very exciting and I immediately treated the new Studio space to one Charles Eames and a Wassily chair for visitors. Plus, our new intern Scott Robinson began work here and instantly settled in. A recent graduate from the Norwich University College of Arts, Scott is keen to explore digital work. The NUCA internship scheme is worth supporting and gives graduates their first valuable step on the ladder toward employment.

Late September, I was re-united with the tall, curly haired Andy Campbell and gentleman of the industry Selwyn Taylor and together plotted the first term of the Graphic Communication course at NUCA. But first we sought to be creatively enriched by the D&AD Xchange conference. Must say, in the beginning the atmosphere was a bit sombre with too much talk of recession and not enough positivity to inspire us to work smartly despite it. Plus, the over-used term '360 degree skills base' really grated on me.

I got over it. And working my way through the numerous tea breaks, the fun began with Damon Murray and Stephen Sorrell of Fuel. Quite an arty pair these guys (their next door neighbours include the Chapman brothers, Gilbert & George and Tracey Emin) and not your conventional graphic designers but still love to work with image and type. Publishing their own magazines, their strange leftfield view of the world was soon appropriated by the ad industry with commissions for Virgin and Diesel jeans, which funded more ambitious projects. They love creating books, whether it's documenting Russian criminal tattoos or post war football programmes.

What I found the most rewarding was hearing about a different way of working; creating inter-grated brand campaigns which embrace social networking to sustain public interest, way beyond the casual impact of a poster or advertisement. It got me thinking, 'is conventional design dead?'. I got over that too. Ed Elworthy of Nike walked us through a superb campaign, dedicated to urban five-aside football, its objective to nurture brand loyalty and a love for the sport. Encouraging local enrollment and ramping-up regional rivalry toward a championship event. Interest was stimulated by crude youtube movies featuring Wayne Rooney being 'nutmegged' by a teenager:

If football is not your thing, I'm sure Mark Chalmer of Perfect Fools could interest you in his Nokia Unloader, which promotes a business phone for a cleaner working life. What these dutch guys did was amazing and would have made Heath Robinson proud. Creating a fascinating contraption, which exists somewhere in Stockholm and within your reach online. Visit their site to upload all your useless documents and then watch them being destroyed in real-time. Thoroughly useless or useful? - you the consumer can decide. But how can you resist not to find out? www.the-unloader.com

That was ages ago - now back to my own design reality.

I'm currently planning the first Studio portfolio booklet which will be available in the new year. Featuring selected results from our first two years and lovingly printed on GF Smith papers. Details to follow. Anyway, I promise to keep the blog updated - the next month will see Studio attend the D&AD President's Lectures, featuring Paula Scher and Neville Brody. And let's not forget The Specials at Hammersmith Apollo and Paul Weller at the UEA.

Stay with-it.

Off The Wall

2009-08-19T08:38:00.007+01:00

It was one of those more quirky meetings. Having been requested to gather in the Registry reception at the University of East Anglia, Studio soon learnt that our client wished to redecorate and get something more interesting on the walls. "It hasn't changed in twenty years, we have a good budget – have you got any ideas?". Not 'alf.

Anyone familiar with the University can instantly recall the grey concrete, so my first suggestion was to paint the reception white and turn it into a proper gallery space. With big photography. In five minutes everyone was agreed and Studio was then charged with making it happen. By July 31st please.

Although loving a challenge and a deadline, for this project to be successful it would have to be a collaborative endeavour. And talking with friends and colleagues I could only describe my own brief as being 'Tate standard'. It was the main reception at the University, so it had to be perfect. Andy Crouch, photographer, Who fan and fellow Studio dweller recommended Spectrum Photographic in Hove, Sussex. They could produce our prints at a massive size and 'Tate' like too.

And they were great. We researched various print formats, my fave being a C-Type print with a satin finish and mounted onto an aluminium base. Costly but cool. But finally the client settled on canvas as it was cost effective to produce new prints in the future thus keeping the Registry fresh.

I opted to work with Andy to resize the original images, colour balance and the other stuff that photographers do (they speak their own language, don't they?!). I worried about getting my measurements right. And Klair at Spectrum managed the project her end from production to delivery. Only trouble was that the courier lost them between Hove and Norwich. That caused a few heart stopping moments, I can tell you. But thankfully, they magically turned up on a sunny Monday morning. Sweet relief.

So here they are. With thanks to Klair, Helen, Andy and David for signing the cheques.

Visit Spectrum here - they are superb.

Studio Stonehenge

2009-07-09T10:47:00.004+01:00

Studio has been recently commissioned to produce trophies for Rapid Enterprise Competition 2009. And here they are.

We are very pleased with the outcome. Studio also created the branding, work books and certificates for an event which is similar to The Apprentice but for budding entrepreneurs in schools. Over 100 students took part from 8 schools and were mentored along the way by product designers and various work shops at Hethel Engineering.

The awards ceremony is at the Open venue in Norwich, Friday 10th July and Studio is looking forward to seeing the work of the winning schools. Nice to know that no one has been fired though.

Photography by Andi Sapey.
(With thanks to Spinal Tap for the post title)

Beyond the Wizards Sleeve

2009-07-03T10:56:00.007+01:00

This is a cool part of the job. Having worked with our client on their latest design project, finally seeing it on press for one final approval is a thrill.

And the project in question is the 'Made in the University of East Anglia' booklet - from briefing, presentation, design and sign-off, it's been a pleasure to work on. You can tell that Studio is pleased with it. This was a good opportunity to document its time on press. No special finishes like varnishes or embossing - just good old CMYK, thus saving our client money to get it printed on a cool stock like Naturalis. The final booklet has a feel of lasting quality.

It's great to hear the loud print presses and the smell of the ink in the air. We maybe in the early years of a new age of digitaI, but I think print will always have a place, because we like to engage with an object and experience what the designer and client intended. In years to come it will occupy the same place in our hearts as vinyl records and will continue to surprise.

Many thanks to Jane and Jamie at Gallpen.

Mehr Show! Mehr Show! Part Two

2009-06-25T10:31:00.002+01:00

The Private View at Norwich University College of the Arts is always a buzz. And not only one of the highlights of the summer but the culmination of the work of the graduating students.

We arrived early for the Principal's reception and it was great to catch up with a few old faces. But it was seeing the student's work that we're here for, which was a criticism from one of my colleagues. It was too crowded to see it - and they were right, perhaps in future there should be a few hours set aside for industry to stroll around and see the work unhindered. Much like the set up at D&AD's New Blood private view. I think I've gotten used to the chaos over the years, because it's a delight to see the relief and satisfaction in all the students.

Studio had a great time this year working with the third year of the Graphic Communication course - We wish you all the best for the future - do well. Next stop for twelve of them: D&AD New Blood at Olympia.

Vaughan Oliver and the Making of Minotaur

2009-06-11T11:23:00.006+01:00

There are only a few bands that are defined not only through their music, but by their design too. One example of this exclusive gang are the american band Pixies and the graphic designer Vaughan Oliver.

His work, together with photographer Simon Larbalestier was instantly recognisable and stood out in the record racks. In fact Oliver's design practise became a style in its self – decorative typography, sometimes three dimensional, imagery that was surreal, macabre or just odd - take a look for yourself and discover men with hairy backs, eyeballs, breasts and heavenly monkeys.

Oliver is now tasked with doing it all over again, with the new Pixies boxset 'Minotaur' and it's huge. Literally. Vaughan is a lecturer now at the University College of the arts in Epsom and together with a team of selected students, are re-designing the entire Pixies back catalogue. Please take the time to see this film on its making - it's inspiring to see designers working like artists - hands on, getting dirty, using film, drawing - and not a mac in sight.

Minotaur is available from June 13th - more info from www.ainr.com.

Wim Crouwel – What Makes Him Go?

2009-06-07T08:39:00.010+01:00

I found out at his recent lecture at the Royal College of Physicians.

Firstly, I have to say what great shape he's in considering that the chap is 81. And quite a gentleman too. The tall, silver haired dutch design legend talked about his hugely influential work while being entertaining and free from ego. Even referring to his famous 'new alphabet' font as being unreadable. I came across it when Saint Peter applied it to the front cover of Joy Division's 'Substance'. And it looked like the future, or how I imagined it might be. What was in the water in the 1960's? As we know, the invention and creativity was incredible which still resonates today.

And despite creating illegible fonts, he was an advocate of readability and functional design. And he loves a grid system, so much so he was nicknamed 'Gridnik'. Inspired by Bauhaus and swiss design, he was buzzing when he discovered the font Akzidenz Grotesk (Helvetica's Big Daddy) telling us that it was unavailable in the Netherlands, so he would cut it out from magazines. On the way, he tipped his hat to Univers and Fruitger, to finally exclaim, "I like the Gill". In a dutch accent.

Working on macs makes the design process so easy for us today. I marvelled at how on earth Wim created his work. Just take a look at his posters for the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, which are a triumph of simplicity of structure, colour and modernist typography. Each of these projects fed directly from an encouraging yet honest relationship with the client, who once remarked, "Gridnik – this is automatic". Wim favoured strong criticism at the conclusion of a project, enabling you to "keep your lessons" for the next job.

Studio had the pleasure of meeting the man afterwards in the Dorchester Library. Introducing ourselves as first generation mac designers, he surprised us again when he told us that he had been designing on macs since 1993. I was cheeky enough to ask whether he would speak at NUCA – but his lectures are rare. But he did have this pearl of wisdom - if a school has good architecture – something good will come out. For sure.

And to answer the question – "System and grids make me GO". What a superb evening.

Secret squirrel photos by Jason Hyde. More info on Wim Crouwel this way.

Mehr Show! Mehr Show!

2009-06-02T09:40:00.010+01:00

Yes, Degree Show season is almost upon us.

Apologies for the poor pic above, shot on my mobile. But I wanted to record work in progress at the Norwich University College of the Arts, where Year 3 Graphic Communication students were getting their graduating shows together. And Studio was helping out, calming nerves and giving direction for hanging their work.

And that big white space is a layout design task in itself, so we firstly positioned work on desks to create that pleasing arrangement, then onto the walls. Bit to the right - bit more. Nice. All the work had to be up and ready for assessment by 6pm, so the room was a buzz with excitement and chin stroking. Plus, special mention for the floor - replaced only last week by order of NUCA's new principal John Last. The room has a white aura now and feels like a proper exhibition space. Cheers John.

Please come and see the Degree shows from Thursday 25th June to Thursday 2nd July 2009. Mehr Show! (Top marks for anyone who spotted the obscure Beatles reference. No? Nevermind). nuca.ac.uk

Mad Men – I Want Season 3 (please)

2009-05-07T13:10:00.009+01:00

The second season of Mad Men reached its finale this week with mergers, confessions and homecomings - and I'm gutted that it's over.

I know we can catch up with i-players and gorge ourselves on DVD boxsets, but I still like to make an effort with my favourite shows at the time that it's listed in the TV guide. And Mad Men is unmissable. Set in a New York advertising agency in the early sixties - everyone is superbly dressed and chain smoke despite a Cuban missile crisis and loose sexual morals. As one character claimed in series one, "I've been on shore leave for the last 20 years".

Here is a selection of some of its best moments (beware of spoilers if you're already hooked and catching up).

Mad Men season 2 DVD is out in July. And I think the US are screening season 3 in August. Lucky sods.

London Loves

2009-05-06T11:47:00.006+01:00

Another post about David Hillman. And so soon, but why not - especially when there is work to be celebrated like London Life.

At his recent D&AD lecture, when talking about his work in the sixties, the title that created the biggest interest was this magazine. But at the time of writing the last post I could find no examples, but with the magic of the interweb, here they are and I'm thrilled. Take a look at that masthead; making the date of publication bigger than the magazine title is genius, plus the illustration is by a young gun called Ian Dury - a blockhead who was good with the words too.

Despite such originality, the publisher deemed it unsuccessful so a more conventional style was adopted. But by losing faith in its creative, London Life lost readership and ceased trading in 1966. Shame. It goes to show that it pays to keep to a ground breaking formula, as The Face and Arena went on to achieve later on in the '80s. Nice one Neville.

Fancy a road trip? A retrospective of David's work can be seen at The Hub in Lincolnshire. Details here.

D&AD President's Lectures: David Hillman

2009-04-20T11:41:00.013+01:00

Unfortunately, Studio slunk in twenty minutes late for this event thanks to delays on the rail network. Typical. Anyway, stood at the back I was still in time to hear David Hillman talk about his work in the sixties and take his guided tour through the decades that followed. In conversation with Patrick Baglee, it was a relaxed evening and like the many magazines that David's worked upon: content packed.

Is David the Austin Powers of the industry? Behave – but he was in London just as it was beginning to swing, working on the Sunday Times Colour Supplement and being appointed art director of London Life magazine in '65 at the style hungry age of 20. The word 'colour' is key to the sixties, where the UK was leaving behind the black and white world of post-war austerity and dazzling all with its creativity.

Working on Nova magazine from '69 until its closure in '75, he helped create a richly photographic and lavish publication for men and women (which confused potential advertisers). Its content, forever striving to break taboos such as reporting on homosexuality, VD and other confrontational issues. The design would also challenge the status quo - David's favourite example being a front cover featuring a pair of legs instead of the required formula of printing a Big Face. Such a crusading spirit resulted in a desirable magazine you didn't mind being seen reading on the tube.

Step into Patrick Baglee's D&AD tardis and you'll promptly appear in 1988 where David has been asked to re-design The Guardian. By making such radical decisions as placing the masthead on the right and the ultimate heresy of placing text content above it. Plus, a belief in quality photography and designing around the Big picture. There's a feeling throughout David's career that he continues to be in the right place at the right time, but with the talent to create era-defining design.

Of course that was a long time ago, and The Guardian has had another facelift since then (David dislikes the blue bar masthead) - here we are in 2009 and local newspapers and national magazines alike are facing closure. But for David he doesn't believe the threat is from technology alone. It could be the publishing industry itself. Where is the imagination? We still enjoy the printed word, greedily absorbing magazines and newspapers in depth and at our leisure, rather than the quick hit of the interweb. But we will only be appeased by provocative, stimulating content – superbly designed. For David, he sees too much repetition in news stand racks - the same celebrity faces staring back at a fame deluded public. The future can learn from the simplicity of the past - content to be driven by the 'idea', and the vital combination of style and substance.

Visit David Hillman's Studio here

Far East and Far Out With Andi Sapey

2009-04-03T09:50:00.021+01:00

Andi Sapey is one of Studio's regular collaborators and takes a great picture. And I'll tell you a secret; designers love working with photographers - as we sit chained to our macs, we envy them as they race around taking fabulous pictures, talking casually to models and generally recording a more glamourous world. And here is your exclusive preview of his recent second trip to Japan.

Andi was like an over stimulated child when he first returned from Tokyo. He absorbed its fluorescent and dizzy culture, seen its eccentric youth tribes which ram raid the 20th Century for inspiration. And he took a lot of pictures. Even the crowded street shots tell their own story, with the occasional face in the crowd disguised by a surgical mask - respectfully not spreading germs.

"While you're out there, take plenty of pictures of young people", I asked him before he left, "I want to see what they're wearing". I wanted to see its youth culture – and the Japanese appear to have borrowed much from the bored and disinterested of the west and ran with it. And created an identity strange and fascinating but still their own.

These guys are the Bōsōzoku, a 50's style motorcycle gang who look to have been cloned from Gene Vincent's DNA. Their exaggerated quiffs threaten the ozone layer and doorways alike. They hang around, rev their bikes and dance to a weird electronic rock and roll, stomping madly and binding their winklepickers with black tape so they don't fall apart.

BBC Four's recent 'Hidden Japan' season, featured the photographic work funded by Albert Khan, a wealthy retired banker who while travelling the world despatched a photographer to document his journey - and in colour too. He first visited Japan in 1908, and discovered a country on the cusp of change, their national identity still proudly routed in the past but about to be consumed by the wider world. It's weird to compare Khan's shots with Andi's – 101 years apart but still revealing an amazing culture. Japan still respects its traditions, but with a wicked sense of humour.

Here are the links: Andi's Flickr - Albert Khan on BBC Four. And Andi's main site.

Wild Thing...

2009-03-27T12:47:00.011Z

Warning: parents may get a little misty eyed at this post. Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, 'Where The Wild Things Are' has finally been made into a movie, and will soon be competing against the latest pixar creation, for our children's attention.

I first discovered this wonderful book when I was at art school in the late '80s, we were working on a brief for a children's pop-up book at the time. And I was immediately struck by the imaginative illustrations, which entice you further into the world of the wild things. I was 19 – what must it do to the mind of a 3 year old?

Ten or so years later I got to find out, as each night I read this magical book to my son Billy. It was his favourite bedtime story, and each time I re-told it there was the opportunity to embellish the story, while his eyes marveled at the imagery. Perhaps, he imagined he was Max, the boy in the story who was banished to his room for making mischief, and once there escapes to the land of the wild things.

Billy is ten now and will soon see the movie (he's always loved cinema) - I wonder what he'll think of it? The first signs are good, as it's directed by Spike Jonze - famous for music videos for artists such as Bjork and Fat Boy Slim and directing the movie, 'Being John Malkovich'. The kind of weird stuff perhaps perfect for where all wild things are.

Boys and girls, Mums and Dads – Here's the trailer, now weep:

D&AD President's Lectures: Peter Saville

2009-03-12T13:47:00.013Z

I know what you're thinking - not another post about Peter Saville. But what can I say, I'm a fan and in that spirit I am going to write this account in the style of Heat magazine and not mention design at all.

Raven haired Peter Saville took to the stage this evening at Logan Hall, Institute of Education for the first of the D&AD President's Lectures. The event was a sell out, allowing standing room only for those skinny jean students still knocking back pre-talk lager. Perhaps they thought that given Peter's disregard for deadlines, there would be time for one more. But no, he was here, sat waiting to begin, all smiles and engaged in enthusiastic conversation with Adrian Shaughnessy. Maybe laughing about being duped into thinking it was due to begin an hour earlier.

Then someone grabbed his eye. It was Neville Brody, another 80's typo legend and sat only two seats away from Studio in the next row. Peter clad in white levi's, bounded up the stairs toward the man famed for The Face and Arena, to embrace and exchange continental kisses. It was quite a moment kids. Now on with the show.

Adrian took the role of Paxman and warned us that Peter was a talker - once he starts, forget about being home in time for The Apprentice. Never mind the telly, as we're told tonight, the brand of Peter Saville is probably his best creation. A designer without a home, who chose to live at work - and he does have plenty to say.

The students present must have been comforted by the tale that when at art college he asked his friend Malcolm Garrett where to get a copy of 'Pioneers of Modern Typography' - Malc told him 'in the college library' - Peter replied, 'where's that?'. Mal now incredulous says, 'Peter, you're in the third year'. Adrian loved this – 'is Malcolm here - are you here Malcolm?' he asked the silent dark Hall.

Then some students in the Hall had their hearts broken, when they heard from Lord Peter that perhaps us hacks from the sticks try harder - and that maybe Saint Martin students consider themselves already brilliant. Controversial stuff, which perhaps prompted a few asymmetric haircuts to grab their bags and leave. Perhaps with art, sex and takeaways on their minds – who knows.

Studio was disappointed that Kerry Katona, Girls Aloud or even Dale Winton didn't make the show. But those guys missed out on the designer who helped Wham! make it big. Or as Peter often tells Manchester City Council, 'make it better'.

(Studio now takes off Heat mask) Obviously there was much more. Interesting to hear that despite his stressful stay at Pentagram (Alan Fletcher told him that his work wasn't graphic design) that every day since he has drawn upon the business wisdom he learnt there. And how did he get the job as Creative Director of Manchester City Council? He had been considered by the selection board as being extremely rude and very honest regarding his home town. But he was successful despite his frankness because the board felt that the reason he was so rude, was because he cared.

Here's St.Peter on Banksy and Damien Hurst. Hold tight.

Peter Saville Q&A: What do you think of Banksy? from D&AD on Vimeo.

Normal Studio service will resume in the next post with exclusive pictures of Brad and Angelina (only kidding, or am I?).

More on the D&AD President Lectures here.

Highlights, Hangovers and Four Designers

2009-02-28T10:59:00.004Z

As any reader of the Studio blog may know, I enjoy a lecture or two. So when Andy Campbell of NUCA invited me to accompany him and a group of design curious students to this years '4 Designers' conference – I had to go. But was I prepared for itchy bunk beds, neon-lit bars from an 80's nightmare, or Andrew Shoben's balls? Not really.

Our two day trip, away from the comfort of home and Studio firstly took us to the Generator Hostel – I'm still trying to blot out the horror. But at least the security told the rowdy young people to 'shhush'. But still, we had the conference at the Odeon in London's Leicester Square to look forward to. Spread over two mornings, as the title of the event suggests, we had the work and wisdom of Martin Grothmaak, Francis Jackson, Adrian Shaugnessy and Andrew Shoben to soothe our pains. Not only but also, our host was 4 designer's chairman, Patrick Baglee of Navy Blue. So plenty here to take our minds off things.

First up – Martin from Berlin's Projekt Triangle and their work was a treat to behold - his sublime approach to design makes me feel good some how. Maybe it's the consideration of texture, or the understated typography - or is it because he likes big drawings of birds? Because PT had drawn loads of them at a Hugo Boss store in Metzingen, Germany. Martin likes the strange – the odd one out. And that's what he is looking out for in a graduate's book. You could tell the students loved PT's work, one of our lot was suitably inspired to declare Martin his new mentor. Cool.

After fresh air, coffee and so forth we gathered back inside for Francis Jackson and a presentation of the work of OPX. It was good stuff and perhaps a more down to earth contrast to PT. And I like idea-driven design - I agreed with her that some designer's can be stylists, happy to just apply helvetica typo to a nice image. Not sure about the assertion of just presenting one idea to a client. What if they don't like it? But that's just me. Mind you, it's important to make a confident recommendation to your client.

The Q and A was entertaining, when Francis was joined by Patrick and Martin. First question: "What's all this about Helvetica?". Martin appeared rather confused and answered that PT used serif fonts too. Another game student asked whether either of them had noticed any howling mistakes after completing a project – and like many of us, Francis admitted to a few (top tip for students: proof read). But when the same question was put to Martin he answered, "we make no mistakes". Big smiles - I think he's now my new mentor (sorry Peter).

Day 2 – Adrian and Andrew. But what about last night? Let's put it this way, there was much more than just a few hangovers around the crowded Odeon that morning. And Adrian was a little jet lagged. I could detect a little unease among the students, as Adrian talked about the business of design practice – the importance of presentation and understanding the responses of our clients (top quote: 'listen to your client - listen for clues'). If you've read his book 'How To Be a Graphic Designer and Not Lose Your Soul' you'll know how essential this information is. And I soaked it up – I was happy to be coached, as I was about to embark on a pitch once I returned to the Studio. OK, the students wanted to see cool design. And there it was, in his work with Intro and my favourite being the missing vowels and cut-up art of Primal Scream's 'Exterminator' record sleeve.

That collective hungover mood was raised by Andrew Shoben, founder of Greyworld – a collective that creates public space art. Andrew was a delight and as much a stand up comic as an outstanding creative. He even produced a bunch of flowers from up his sleeve, though thankfully no white rabbits. He began by sharing with us that an ex-girlfriend had finished with him on the back row of this very cinema – despite this trauma he told us about creating musical railings, and robotic statues which wink at you and copy your movements. It's called 'Monument to the Unknown Artist' and sited near the Tate Modern. Imagine, it's there right now, teasing the passers-by.

Andrew's account of creating the spectacle of rising balls in the atrium of the London Stock Exchange was another comical episode. Andrew's balls (yes, I know) are intended to rise and fall during the hours of business, brilliantly symbolising boom or bust - champagne or alka seltzer. Greyworld had five months to create this project and strictly in night shifts – 162 cables rising eight stories high, each with nine balls moving freely and occasionally spelling out the odd word. Called 'The Source', the balls did rise in time for an opening by the Queen. Nice one Andrew.

Special mention for Patrick Baglee, not only a great host but a gentleman too. As he walked across the stage to stand under a spot light to close this years conference, I almost expected Patrick to sing us a song. Maybe next year, please write in with your requests, but here's mine Patrick. Many thanks for a great event – all together now...

All the best to Andy, Rod and Selwyn and big thanks to David Pearson for sanctuary.

Want more? Visit here: PT / OPX / Intro / Greyworld

Studio Gets The Bug

2009-02-09T10:33:00.007Z

I was stuck for ideas for what I wanted to do for my birthday. But inspiration arrived in one of my client's emails, recommending me to go along to BUG – The Evolution of Music Video at the Norwich Playhouse.

It was the first time this event had been hosted outside its regular venue at the BFI Southbank in London, which I guess could be because its presenter Adam Buxton now lives up here. Bearded, very funny and prone to breaking into a Christian Bale type rant, Adam presented a night of the latest in music video innovation. I guess most of us are now more used to seeing this kind of film making on youtube, so it was cool to see it on the big screen.

My favourite was 'What's A Girl To Do' by Bat for Lashes and directed by Dougal Wilson. It reminded me of Twin Peaks - but with animal masks and BMX bikes. Plus, we had the additional treat of an interview with Dougal who told us about a rejected video proposal for Coldplay – involving chattering false teeth and Chris Martin getting his dentures mixed-up with Noel Gallagher's. Now that would have made a good promo.

The night finished off nicely with the Oscar nominated 'I Met The Walrus', directed by Josh Raskin. More a short film than a music video, the soundtrack features 14 year old Jerry Levitan in 1969 interviewing John Lennon, back when he was staying in bed for peace. It was a cool bit of animation but it's John's wisdom that shines. But I thought the Walrus was Paul? Enjoy.

www.bugvideos.co.uk

Nadav Kander and Obama's People.

2009-01-23T12:33:00.015Z

Wasn't Tuesday a great day? Like many, many people Studio were excited to watch Barack Obama finally being sworn in as President of the United States of America.

I had spent the day at the Norwich University College of the Arts, providing tutorials for Year 3 students – as they all booked in for their 10 minute slots (which always over run) I charged one student with the task to make sure that one mac in the studio was ready with a live news feed of the inauguration at 5pm, our time. I'm glad that I didn't miss it – watching the two million spectators that flocked to Capitol Hill, Washington to witness this historic moment. Many of whom were excited and emotional that potentially, here was a President who could make a significant change for the better. So, no pressure then.

And here are the people behind Obama – the guys who will hopefully help to affect a positive change to all of our lives. This Sunday (25.01.09), the New York Times will publish 52 full page photographs of Obama's government team who were shot last December by photographer Nadav Kander. He was an interesting choice to shoot these portraits, as he is famous for his work in advertising for brands such as Nike and Levi's.

But his landscape and portrait photography are worthy too, though sometimes have a sense of sadness and emotional detachment. What I like is, that when he takes a the picture of a celebrity, there is no glamour – just their character and life experience engrained on their face. But would Annie Leibovitz (who took the recent portrait of the Queen) have taken a more flattering picture? Maybe. Then again, these are politicians and each of these portraits convey a stark honesty.

If want to see all of these portraits, click here – then familarise yourself with the individuals, who together with Obama shoulder a remarkable responsibility and the expectation of millions – and don't miss the Back Story, there you'll hear the background to this prestigious project. The behind the scenes images are cool too.

And because I know you want to, visit Nadav Kander's site here.

You Ad Is Not Here

2009-01-16T11:51:00.010Z

It's cold, it's January and they keep telling us there is a recession. There is such doom mongering in the media at the moment that I expect to see men in flap caps stalking the streets, wearing sandwich boards proclaiming, 'the end is nigh'.

But it is bad out there. And heart breaking too. Having heard that a big printer went under this week it brings it all very close to home. As my London link and fellow NUCA alumni Jason Hyde observed this week, even some advertising spaces are standing empty. Strange days indeed. The poster pictured above reminds me of the kind of promotions that you see when travelling on the train, telling the stressed commuter 'if you lived here, you'd already be home'.

We must keep positive - as many of us of a certain age would agree, we have been here before. And the way forward is to continue to be innovative in our work and our clients to keep communicating to their customers. It's all best summed up by the poster, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' - first designed by the government to soothe moral of the nation in the early years of the second world war as we faced possible invasion. They thankfully went unused, but all these decades on it's message is relevant and poignant for today.

Is it the best motivational poster of all time? The BBC think so – find out more.

Design at Duke Street No.2: Alice Rawsthorn

2008-12-10T15:35:00.015Z

Following David Pearson's lecture we returned once again to Duke Street for 'The Culture and Business of Good Design' – an event organised by Richard Denyer of Norwich University College of the Arts and Lucy Marks of Norfolk Network.

Tonight's guest speaker was international design critic Alice Rawsthorn who was joined later by an industry panel featuring packaging design guru Nick Farrow (Farrows), product designer Alastair Kingsland (Minima), Head of Design School Hilary Carlisle (NUCA) and Tim Lynch, Marketing Services Manager of Britvic. And the chair in charge of the tea party was brand purposer Simon Middleton - so in all, a rum bunch to feed our brains.

Alice knew her stuff. Opening with an image which featured football hooligans throwing plastic chairs, she declared that the public's broadest understanding of good design was the chair – as we can all judge if it is comfortable, attractive to the eye or merely functional. Or getting straight to the point, ask how ethical is its design – unfortunately for the bruised and battered chairs thrown by the boys on the terraces, these products are indestructible and will be massed in landfill for thousands of years.

The technology industry is driven by the new and the innovative, creating a need for products which are arguably inessential (it reminded me of a great Paul Weller comment that before mobiles we used to manage, now everyone has to have one). But times change and we grow to rely on these new products, but where do they go when they die? This grim reality was defined by an image of a rubbish tip of computer hard drives and monitors – once desirable but now lifeless and resistant to decay. However, Alice likes the iphone as it bundles several products into one and reduces space when it's tossed into the twilight zone of disposal. Whether it's a chair or a sleek iphone, brands of the future will have to design and manufacture their products with a clear conscience.

Printed graphics weren't touched on, but it brought to mind the latest Bernard Matthews campaign which is endevouring to restore consumer confidence after being savaged by Jamie Oliver and his loathing of turkey twizzlers. You can clearly see that they are trying to communicate a message which is considering health, taste and even employee pride. They've even re-branded as Bernard Matthew Farms to make it more rural and green. Still makes me wonder if they've improved their farming methods though.

After having to decide whether a honey comb vase or a chair made from ice was the most efficient (the bees won Studio fans), Alice had another surprise up her tailored sleeve. Have you heard the one about the car made of fabric? I hadn't but here it was, created by BMW and it's a real marvel. Its fabric skin, reminicient of an ancient World War One bi-plane is stretched over a light weight frame, the engine accessed via a clean line similar to a surgical incision. So it's renewable, dent proof but what about safety? Great concept though. I would love to know what my engineering client Active Technologies makes of it.

You now know that the theme was responsibility not recession. As a delegate later said, 'we've heard enough about that'. But I think there is another event there which could discuss the importance of design and delivering a clients message effectively when times are tight. And celebrates great work and client product and service too.

It was an enjoyable evening, and thought provoking stuff for students, design professionals, and the Norfolk Network members – all representative of a variety of industries – everyone was buzzing in the reception area afterwards. Plus, it was great seeing Alice Rawsthorn – she has superb taste in shoes you know.

More events like this please.

For more information on Norfolk Network and future events, click here.
Plus Studio recommends Alice's blog, here it is.

Design at Duke Street No.1: David Pearson

2008-12-03T15:08:00.013Z

In collaboration with Andy Campbell at NUCA (and with a little help from our friends) Studio had been planning this since the Summer – inviting book designer David Pearson to the Norwich University College of the Arts to give a lecture on his valuable work for Penguin and beyond.

And like a much desired Routemaster - we also had the treat of another design luminary, visiting the Duke Street lecture theatre on the same day – the design critic Alice Rawstorn (more on Alice's lecture in a bit). So with great anticipation, Andy and I had our very own design festival (with better catering and no portaloo's).

David learnt his typographic craft under the watchful eye of Phil Baines at Central St.Martin's, which soon earned him an exciting work placement at Penguin Books. And here is where David's talk began, with an image of Penguin's archive – endless rows of every book it ever published. The holy grail is probably buried somewhere here, not that would interest David – he was too busy archive raiding and consuming Penguin's rampant design invention.

And if you love paperback books, but more importantly judge a book by its cover, you'll be familiar with Penguin's commitment to producing challenging book cover designs which inspire new generations of readers. Even the most casual observer could re-collect the classic characteristics of a Penguin paperback – the iconic parallel orange bars, the bold black san-serif typeface and the curious symbol of the Penguin standing to attention, but distracted by something over his right shoulder.

Penguin began in 1933 by founder Allen Lane, who knew the importance of publishing good writing for the masses but also the value of it's book jacket, stating "I have never been able to understand why cheap books should not be well designed – for good design is no more expensive than bad". And Penguin attracted many great designers – Jan Tschichold practising his new typography in the late 1940's, produced a whopping 500 book designs in three years. In keeping with post-war austerity, his design method relished the challenge of working within limitations such as using black and one other colour and consistent positioning of title, author's name and that distracted Penguin motif. Later, if there was a famous author, perhaps one more colour could be added to the palette.

Influenced by US sales figures and their extravagant full colour front covers, Penguin flirted with imagery too. Coming to life in the 1970's with the design work of David Pelham – this lucky chap actually used photography which would have alarmed Allen Lane and his accountant.

You can appreciate, when David began at Penguin he was following in the foot steps of some design greats. But his work soon had a lasting feel of quality – classic typography but still mixing modern styles, which are explored in his 'Great Ideas' series. Complimentary illustration pops up in the 'Great Journeys' series, but you can imagine Penguin's founder wincing at the sight of the many colours applied throughout the collection. I love the 'Penguin Classics' range (£2 each - buy them while you can) which celebrates consistent copy positioning and colour restriction. You can sense Mr Tschichold nodding with approval.

It was a pleasure meeting David and seeing not only his inspirational work but the timeless legacy of Penguin Books. Just imagine those dusty volumes at rest in the Penguin archive – I'd love to explore it one day. Before I sign-off I feel a tangent coming on – I must apologise if David was distracted by some idle student chatter from the back row – they obviously know it all. But being a Seinfeld obsessive I was reminded by this scene and how to silence disruptors at the cinema. We could have used George Constanza at David's talk. But then, maybe not.

Find more of David Pearson's work here.

With thanks to Matty and Jason Hyde X

Enzo Discovers The Lost Levels

2008-11-12T15:03:00.007Z

Studio enjoys the occasional opportunity to design record sleeves. This year, we've been working with the Lost Levels, producing two designs which had a 'Roxy Music' theme. If you are familiar with their iconic sleeves, you'll know what I mean.

For their latest single, the Levels commissioned Steve Jones, a graduate from the Games course at Norwich University College of the Arts. And boy has he created something special. The animation follows the adventures of games character, Enzo the Explorer who escapes his colourful 2D environment into the real world.

The animation took a mighty four months to complete, but it's been worth the effort. It's already created a buzz in the creative industry and has been profiled by Computer Arts Projects (the real 'how-to' guide - recommended reading) and The Guardian.

Studio wishes all the best to Steve with his future career - on this form he will do very well.

Visit the Guardian Blog for more details and download the track for free here.

Peter, Richard and a Blueprint for Living

2008-10-24T15:01:00.009+01:00

I've been recently talking to students at NUCA about which examples of design inspire me. Or as a friend of mine put it, 'a desert island' selection of design.

My first exposure and understanding of design were the Two Tone sleeves by Jerry Dammers and David Storey. And that economic approach to design is also evident in my love for sleeves by Reid Miles for Blue Note. But 'Power, Corruption and Lies' by Peter Saville is a design masterpiece which continues to intrigue. So it was smashing to find this short film of Peter talking about what inspires him.

As part of the Tate Shots series, Peter explains his fascination with 'Toaster' by the pop artist Richard Hamilton and how it can be seen as a blueprint of his work for Factory. And it's clear to see why - clean, understated and textural - an experience which draws you in. Only to read promotional text from Braun advertisements. Apparently, the work reflects Richard's love of Braun's product designer, Dieter Rams. I wonder what he would of made of the iphone?

Here's what Peter makes of 'Toaster':

'Toaster' was created in 1967 - a year later, Richard Hamilton was commissioned to design the white album by the Beatles. An obvious minimalist classic and a reaction to Peter Blake's Sgt. Pepper. I love the story of Paul McCartney watching Hamilton at work - building up the collage which made up the poster found inside the sleeve. It was a visual treat for Beatles fans, featuring candid shots of the Beatles at home, at play - you get the idea. But rather than reveal more, Richard was masking-off areas of the composition with sheets of white paper - creating complimentary space. I've always thought it was very cool of Paul McCartney to trust the practise of artists such as Richard and not allow his ego get in the way.

We never tire of what inspires us the most, plus it's the reminder for us to create great work ourselves.

See more of Richard Hamilton's work at Tate Britain

New Studio Lectures at NUCA

2008-10-15T11:52:00.010+01:00

It's October and autumn already. A new year has begun at Norwich University College of the Arts (formally NSAD) and over the last two weeks, Studio has contributed four lectures across all three years of the FDa/BA Graphic Communication course.

I love talking design, even over a quick cup of tea (I promise, I'm great company) so it's been an irresistible opportunity to raid the Studio think tank on subjects ranging from an introduction to typography, agency structure and branding. That last subject is probably the most discussed across all sectors of industry. And to grab the attention of Year One, my first slide featured the symbol of the cross; illustrating that with no title or description, these two converging lines communicate belief, values and an offering. This was then further explained by the branding of Apple Computers - what does their logo mean to you? If it's cool design, modernity and temptation - great! Me too. In conclusion, it takes more than a snazzy logo to capture the imagination and investment of any brand audience. The unique product or service must be right first.

Year Two were presented with 'Brands Which Challenge Our Way of Thinking', which featured interesting examples such as the challenge from Volkswagen in the sixties to convince american drivers to give up their petrol guzzling Buick's in favour of the beetle (or the bug as it was known in the US). And this was achieved by classic advertisements such as, 'Lemon', which had the daring to make fun of the product, but as a result made a virtue of its perceived deficiencies.

Controversial imagery was explored by looking at posters from Amnesty International and it's raising of human rights issues in China after the Olympic games. Gory stuff. Plus, examples of Oliviero Toscani's work for Benetton was shown. I'm not so keen on the shock tactics of these advertisements. To his credit, they stimulate debate and get the name of the brand out there, but I can't get past the fact that it's all for knitwear. And hey, they show the product too!

We closed by examining the promotion of the current US presidential campaign between John McCain and Barack Obama. There is great work to be found over there. The artist Shepard Fairey of Obeygiant has produced a series of superb posters for the Obama camp, and in each the candidate appears dependable and statesman like. The confidence embodied in each portrait is supported by simple one word headlines such as, 'hope', 'progress' and 'change'. These have also been ripe for political satirists, where the image of McCain has been paired with the title, 'Dope'. That can't make Sarah Palin very happy at all.

They are managing to capture the youth vote too by running poster competitions to help galvanise interest in the importance of the election. Plus, comedians like Sarah Silverman are producing their own viral campaigns to help gain support in states which crucially swing the vote. Please take a look, but avoid if easily offended. It's potty mouthed Sarah after all.

Our next talk on publishing is in November, but until then, it's back to the Studio for our latest design projects and watching the outcome of the election. Come on guys, don't mess this up.

Please visit see more of Shepard Fairey's work here, plus loads on Obama's campaign here.

Branding a City and Talking Design With Peter Saville

2008-09-22T10:26:00.015+01:00

Last Friday morning at the Studio had been the busiest of the week, with clients calling more than usual and working toward getting a major project to print. Plus, I was due to catch a 2pm train to London to see Peter Saville speak at the V&A that evening. With all my work complete and arrangements made, I headed-off to town.

The event was staged in the Lecture Theatre of the V&A, an impressively ornate victorian space with a double-height ceiling. As you enter, you have the feeling of being watched because as you choose where to sit, you're flanked by a portrait gallery of artists and scholars. Rather fitting as you're about to face a softly illuminated setting, imagining the many figures from history who would have spoken beneath the vast half-dome high above.

As we patiently awaited the arrival of tonight's guest, idol chatter disturbed the stillness of the auditorium - then he arrived, dressed like a scruffy Bryan Ferry - the designer who contributed classic work for Factory Records, who for me were as much an art movement as they were a record label. And now it too has past into history.

Peter Saville is also blessed (or cursed) with having to re-tell its story. But it's one I'll never tire of hearing; the coming together of seemingly ordinary individuals in Manchester who created extraordinary music, graphics, events and buildings. But maybe the biggest achievement was transforming their shabby home environment into something vibrant and inspirational to the rest of the world. And of course, it happened as a result of seeing the Sex Pistols at a locally organised event which revealed that anything was possible. That art, creativity or self-improvement doesn't have to be the preserve of the upper classes.

I had seen Peter speak before at the Norwich School of Art and Design and wondered if it would be a re-run of that lecture. He did detail his design background but there was much more. Interviewed by critic Alice Rawsthorn (wearing fantastic shoes) she did ask him about his iconic work for the music and fashion industries, but also his more recent role as Brand Consultant to Manchester City Council. This proved to be great stuff - how do you brand a city? And the trick for a city to communicate is through what it does, whether it's culture, heritage, architecture or sport. But there is also the challenge to improve the cities environment - setting a brand profile and living up to it. Or as Peter put it, 'make it better'.

Post-war Manchester was a shadow of the progressive, industrial city of the late 1800's. A place which had created inventions such as the computer (and freaky dancing). Peter's suggestion was to brand Manchester as the 'first original modern city' - and encourage its citizens to be just that. This positive endeavour also saw the launch of the Manchester International Festival in 2007 and its celebration of the work of new artists with a focus on the issues and stories of our time.

The Factory spirit of originality and confidence is still evident today in city projects such as these and an example for wherever we live. There was one more story, which was not planned for this evening and it came from a question from the audience regarding Peter's involvement with the Pennine Lancashire identity. Peter had been encouraged to get involved by the late Tony Wilson, and act as creative director to the Manchester agency Creative Concern for the project. This lead to Peter and Tony spending two days together, driving around to explore the Pennines for inspiration. And it proved to be the last time Peter saw Tony, as he sadly succumbed to cancer, shortly after.

Tony was truly proud of his city, and gets the last word,

"Your city cannot be a derelict shit hole, if the young people of your town believe themselves to be the equal of Cardiff or Birmingham, but believe themselves (in what is most important in the world: the creation of popular culture) to be better than Paris, Tokyo and L.A. – And if you've got that pride in the central feature of your town - that is something to build on."

Click here for more information on the Manchester International Festival and Pennine Lancashire plus, Manchester: Original, Modern

Studio at D&AD Xchange

2008-09-05T14:32:00.000+01:00

I was out and about again this week, accompanying Andy Campbell (Course Leader of the FDa/BA Graphics Communication, NUCA) at the D&AD Xchange.

If like me, you were disappointed by the lack of Summer and your holiday wasn't long enough, then you probably need to re-charge your batteries by hearing from some creative minds. And Andy and I found plenty (twelve to be exact) at this exclusive two day event which featured leading speakers from varied areas of expertise such as, graphic design, branding, advertising, the inter-web and photography. And as the lights went down we heard details about their work, how they got there and how we can inspire our current art students.

I had my faves. I really enjoyed Alan Young, Creative Director of St.Lukes - laid back because he had recently broke his leg (stepping onto a skateboard!). We could have sat together round a log fire, cradling a fine whisky as he shared his wisdom - he wants to see work that makes him fearful. Work that possesses an emotional energy which challenges the 'old thinkers who are set in their ways'. God he was scary - Imagine presenting to the guy. But how I wished I had worked for him.

Andy was very moved by Janet Kestin, (Co-Chief Creative Officer of Oglivy Toronto) and her work on the Dove soap campaign. It stirred quite a debate with its campaign for real beauty and its challenge to our visual perceptions - is this model fat or fab? - tick the box. But the whole challenge is best summed up by the example below. This was indeed thought provoking work which didn't state the obvious about the product. Selling a point of view as well as the brand.

The typographer and letterpress legend Alan Kitching touched everyone with tales of his career (he was even too choked to speak when he remembered another friend who had passed on). Alan was more than old school. He had started back in the fifties, arranging metal letterpress type for layouts inspired by the 'new typography' of Jan Tschichold. At this point I wasn't making notes, I was sketching his poster layouts!

Today, Alan is famous for his letterpress - and the typo is stunning. This is where design becomes art. He brought along a few prints for us to get up close and feast our eyes upon. How I wish I could afford to buy the poster, 'Electricity Kills Darkness - candlelight illuminates it.'

Andy and I had a great time – especially watching the delightful Rosie Arnold (BBH) and her work of wit and joke telling as seen in campaigns for Lynx, Pretty Polly and my favourite below. As Rosie said, the best work explores truth, humour and our life experience. Think on.

The Art of the Poster in Amsterdam

2008-09-05T09:10:00.000+01:00

During a recent visit to Amsterdam, I spent most of my time taking snaps of their superb poster art.

And it got me thinking. Why isn't there more of this kind of thing in my own town of Norwich? Amsterdam has various dedicated poster sites, promoting many local events – each poster an absolute visual treat and complimentary to the local landscape. I love poster design; it's similar to the 12" canvas of the record sleeve and the ideal format for the designer to express themselves and spread the word of their client.

The only trouble is, once you've completed your fabulous poster there is no where to display it. I can understand Norwich Councils' dislike of fly-posting - but my reason is that many of them look awful. I like DIY design by talented amateurs, as long as it's good. The cut and paste designs (or anti-design) of Linder Sterling and Jamie Reid are good examples of design which doesn't have to be highly finished. So all you designers for clubs and live gigs, please up your game.

I would love for us to have poster sites like Amsterdam - but it would also be a result for the Council to run regular pitches or competitions which promote local events with effective and stimulating design. And judged by the local design community. These posters could be genuinely creative and not have to be slaves to brand culture. Just great design art which communicates the message.

Wouldn't it be cool to see someone from Amsterdam taking snaps of our posters?

Please see some great examples of dutch posters here.

Studio Visits The Factory

2008-08-08T15:16:00.000+01:00

It was one of those 'pinch me' moments. No, I hadn't just met Paul Weller. This was something altogether more holy and closer in spirit to the art of design. It was meeting the makers of the work that has inspired me for the last 25 years.

Along side my work with the Studio, I've been working as a part-time tutor for the Graphic Communications at the Norwich University College of the Arts. It's a great, industry-focused course with a busy work experience schedule, organised by my esteemed colleague Rod Green. Rod is a geezer - he likes my shoes. But more importantly, he knows of my fascination for the history of Factory Records and the design work of Peter Saville.

Peter has two studios - one in London and a second, unbelievably located 8 miles from Diss in Norfolk. It's run by Howard Wakefield, and his partner Sarah Parris and it's here that Rod had placed Connie, one of our students who had recently finished a successful two month work placement. Rod planned a visit to follow-up on Connie's progress - and he invited me along.

Having been picked up from Diss train station, we soon arrived at a barn conversion, in the middle of a field where three horses grazed lazily in the sun. Once welcomed and offered tea, conversation turned to New Order and the abysmal CDs that London Records had packaged in the 90s. Howard and his team are now re-packaging these valuable recordings and restoring the detail and tactile quality of Saville's original designs.

Howard has worked with Peter since 1991 and continues to play an important role - producing memorable work for artists such as Suede, Pulp and of course New Order. And let's not forget his part in the pioneering 'Waste Painting'. projects. It was a pleasure to meet him and Sarah and be treated warmly as a guest with a lively interest in all things Factory. And he spoke about this work with equal affection and enthusiasm.

Once invited upstairs to their design Studio, we were firstly shown the superb box set that they had designed last year for the Joy Division re-issue series. I've only previously seen expensive copies on ebay, to hold one felt precious. And then we saw the CD mock-ups for the New Order re-issues which are not expected in the shops until 2009. Connie had been fortunate to work on these, and Sarah had taught her the valuable method of replicating these packs from A3 colour run-outs. Not only that, she had also contributed ideas for a proposed run of t-shirts, all featuring a twist to Saville's original designs. Howard was particularly interested in her input to the creative process and her role in the Studio.

The visit was obviously magical for me, but must have been a valuable gateway for Connie to the rest of her career. What a great start. Plus an accolade for the Rod's work for the students on the Graphics Communications course.

We didn't get to meet Peter, but I am going to a talk that he is giving at the V&A next month - watch out for my post in September. Until then, treat yourself to one of the Joy Division CD re-issues - they are remarkable.

Visit the Saville Parris Wakefield site here

Studio Maps Out SCVA Safari

2008-08-06T17:04:00.000+01:00

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts recently staged a family fun day - in the centre of activities such as Fabulous Beast Face painting and an opportunity to make your own jungle drum was the Gallery Safari - and Studio were pleased to design and sponsor a unique map for this special event.

Children used the Safari Map to discover the many animal exhibits located around the collection and decorate the map with stickers once found. And along the trail, learn interesting facts (did you know Boars can leap 4 feet in the air?) while being distracted by word searches and pics to colour-in. Complimented by illustrations by Gary Laidlow, it was a real treat for the children taking part - as tested and approved by my two kids Billy and Evie.

The theme of the day was linked with the city wide summer art project Go Elephants! and despite it being too wet to play outside, the event was a great success and the map proved to be an interesting new way for kids to explore the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection.

If you missed the event, don't worry - there is a superb Constructivist exhibition at SCVA which runs until December, plus Kabir Hussain's Mapping Norfolk exhibition is worth a visit too, pick up your Studio designed Gallery Guide and enjoy, but get a move on - it ends 31 August.

Photos by Andi Sapey.

Dancing In The Streets: Norwich Vs London. You Decide.

2008-07-23T14:09:00.000+01:00

Here at the Studio, we've enjoyed watching London based Road Sweeper, Zbigniew Colbecki cutting a rug with his Michael Jackson dance moves.

According to NME.com Zibgniew, or Ziggy Dust as he is now known, is currently gaining 21st Century styled fame and taking the net by storm. The boy is a mover at no mistake, but how does he measure up to our very own local legend, the Puppet man?

I walked through town recently with my son Billy, and there was the Puppet Man, his right leg moving madly like a cross between Joe Strummer and a young Paul Weller. His hand puppets, bug eyed in all their Bez like glory. I gave my son a nudge and told him that this guy was a genius.

Anyway pop pickers, here is Norwich's favourite son, the Puppet Man. The pavement truly lights up, just like in the Billie Jean video every time he ventures out. I propose a dance-off between our man and Ziggy then let the shoppers decide.

Stay with-it.

This man?

Or this man?

Adieu NSAD. Viva the Degree Shows.

2008-06-29T18:29:00.000+01:00

"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?

2008-06-29T17:48:00.000+01:00

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

2008-06-10T17:29:00.000+01:00

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.

The Third Post

2008-05-08T13:21:00.000+01:00

Have you heard the new LP from Portishead? It's extraordinary.

And as this is my third Studio post and this superb record is entitled 'Third' what better way to celebrate than to include their recent appearance on Later… with Jools Holland.

Plus, keep an eye out for the box set, which features double vinyl and an etched 12" copy of their single 'Machine Gun'. You'll also find this vital recording stored digitally for your MP3 listening pleasure on a 'P' shaped memory stick. Weird. Prefer the vinyl myself. But you will find a few films on there too. All this and a print from artist Nick Uff.

It's limited to 10,000 copies. Buy it.

Blue Monday Owners’ Club

2008-04-16T14:19:00.000+01:00

Do you own an original 12" copy of Blue Monday by New Order? Then you too can join the Blue Monday Owners’ Club.

There must be a fair few of us, because it was the biggest selling 12" single of all time.

But it has to be the version released in 1983, with the elaborate die-cut design which referenced the thin, flexible computer floppy disks originally invented by IBM. And the legend goes that it cost so much to manufacture that it wiped out any profit that the group made.

That Peter Saville, eh? Give him an inch and he'll specify a special fifth colour - no, he'll make it a metallic silver. Which he did on a second print run which left off the expensive die-cuts. Tony Wilson at Factory Records must of had a right laugh when he picked up the bill for that one. But what a designer.

Anyway, back to the Blue Monday Owners’ Club. It's put together by the artist Spencer Graham, whose latest project is to create a photo collage of the many owners of Blue Monday worldwide, all pictured proudly holding this amazing disc.

Simply get a snap of yourself taken and visit the site here

God Save The SCVA – 30th Birthday Celebrations

2008-04-09T16:31:00.000+01:00

Saturday 5th April 2008

As an occasional record selector, I was thrilled to be asked to provide background music for the Sainsbury Centre’s 30th Birthday Reception.

It's not often you get a chance to play records in such modernist surroundings as this superb Norman Foster building. And there I was, positioned in the exhibition area much like an art installation – Will I qualify for next years Turner Prize? Marooned along side the current Cloth and Culture Show, I was thankful I was granted permission by its owner that I could have a glass of wine or two.

As the SCVA opened its doors in 1978, the record selection policy was strictly seventies – so the well dressed arty crowd were treated to such folky delights as Tim Buckley and John Martyn to glamed -up David Bowie and Roxy. This was no exercise in guilty pleasures, as David Essex made a glorious appearance after the speeches. Rock on.

An appearance of Olivers Army persuaded a brave few to cut a rug. And later, feeling a bit cheeky, I played the Sex Pistol’s God Save the Queen. Sadly, it did not provoke scenes of spitting or pogo-ing. It is the stately SCVA after all.

There were no requests for ABBA, though I was prepared with The Name of The Game. The Bee Gees sat on the substitute bench just in case of demands for Disco. Perhaps appetite’s were sated with Donna Summer’s lascivious, I Feel Love.

As the last of the wine was consumed, the evening was brought to a dignified close, in typical Daz fashion with Neil Sedaka and The Last Waltz by The Band. Nice.

Happy Birthday SCVA!

Love and thanks to Kate Carreno and Sally Goldsmith