Design Jones

I thought I post links to a few interviews I’ve been reading this week. I’m trying to gather my thought for a free handbook aimed at clients who are looking to commision a re-brand or new identity. there seem to be many books for designers on the subject of good branding but nothing for a client struggling to understand the difference between a logo, a brand and why they are worth investing in. Anyway, here’s a few good reads, mostly from Computer Arts – perfect for your Thursday afternoon coffee break!

Australian designer Chris Bowden interviews Michael Bierut over at Pentagram New York, HERE.

Nick Carson talks with Michael Johnson the founder of the studio Johnson Banks, HERE.

Tom Dennis asks LogoLounge’s founder Bill Gardner what makes a perfect logo HERE.

Garrick Webster discusses Michael Wolff’s latest project for Russian bank Pyjom HERE.

(Image: The BT Brand Book created by Johnson Banks)

Hard to believe it’s been 3 years since the controversial launch of the London 2012 brand. However, yesterday saw the introduction of the official mascots of the Olympics. I’m keen to hear what people think. Personally I’m loving them and in particular the story behind them and the even emphasis of the Olympic and Paralympic games. They seem to have really done there homework on this one to ensure they are a hit with kids. You can read all about them HERE and even keep in touch via Twitter!

As you know, I’m rather fond of the odd cup of coffee! Saw this re-brand of Seattle’s Best Coffee this morning over at Brand New HERE. It’s certainly a bold change but personally I’ve yet to make my mind up on it. Perhaps it’s just sour grapes because I would have loved to work on this one but hey ho! You can check out the launch video HERE – I particularly enjoyed the cheeky sticker placements considering they are owned by Starbucks.

Just thought I’d share a glimpse of a self initiated project I’ve been working on this morning. Would love to hear any thoughts or feedback as usual.

Some really cool work from 24 year old designer, Kyle Fletcher HERE. Anyone that can work a pigeon into a logo deserves some respect in my book!

This would be a really interesting project and quite challenging to think outside the box for something you live with everyday. I really like this idea for re-designing the US bills (notes to you and me!). Created by Michael Tyznik, you can read more about the process he went through HERE.

(Via The Best Part, a fantastic design blog well worth checking out!)

Loving this poster from Grid London. “self-initiated project based on the stereotypical  ‘must haves’ of the graphic designer from mind set and values to tools and appliances.” I found myself grinning and nodding as I read through them, that is until I got to the gun! Not sure I’ve run into a situation requiring that one yet. Check out their work HERE, you can also buy prints.

A glimpse into the creative process of author and artist Oliver Jeffers, focusing on his latest book ‘The Heart And The Bottle’.

THE HEART AND THE BOTTLE by Oliver Jeffers from Expanded Books on Vimeo.

A quick catch up of some useful resources or articles from the last week or so.

‘Branding Starts With A Purpose…”
Great article over at Processed Identity HERE all about creating brands from the inside out and reflecting the heart of an organisation.

“11 Ways to Make Your Space Collaborative”
Having worked in a few different studios over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a few of the ideas in practice, this article is well worth a read if you need to shake up your creative spaces. Read it in full HERE.

“The Current State Of Web Design”
Smashing Magazine taking an in depth look at the latest in web design from 2010. Key things to look for; strong, rich typography and heavy influences from print design. Check it out HERE.

Found this coffee loving blog via a tweet from SwissMiss. Some nice stuff on there, lot’s of nice packaging work, amusing posters and cool shop interiors. Check out ‘dearcoffeeiloveyou’ HERE.