Design Jones

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.

I know, I know! I seem to be posting an awful lot of these design studio interior sites but I just can’t seem to get enough of seeing other agencies creative spaces. Here’s another one to add the the list, Where We Design, you can check it out HERE.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Hopefully it will be a lovely mix of relaxation, partying and meeting up with friends & family.

After today the Design Jones studio will be closed all the way through to Monday 4 January. We’re already really looking forward to another great year building brands that make a difference!

If you’d like to work with us in 2010 you can email hello@designjones.co.uk. Please tell us as much as you can about your idea or project and we’ll get back to you as soon as we get back!

On Monday’s I’m excited to get started on the week’s workload. Some weeks there is a lot to get done, this week is certainly one of those. I found this desk that is just the ticket for focussed working. “Copenhagen designers GamFratesi have designed a prototype desk with a cave-like shield on top to create an intimate working environment called Rewrite”. Found via Kanye West’s blog you can view more images HERE.

I found this really useful list of great design magazines via a tweet from SwissMiss this morning. There are a few here I’ve not heard of and a couple more that I can only find every so often as they are US imports but it’s a really good list and well worth checking out HERE. I’ve had to clear my shelves in the studio to make room for all the books and magazines I’ve recently added to the library so it looks like perfect timing!

Whilst away over Christmas, I treated myself to this limited edition print by Anthony Burrill. These posters are produced using a traditional wood block letterpress process. Each one is signed by Anthony and sums up a good approach for any design agency! They are available to purchase here.

Váscolo are a design and animation studio located in Buenos Airesworking for clients like Cartoon Network, Mtv, National Geographic and Coca Cola.

What caught my eye is the way they manage to combine their passions for photography, illustration, annimation with a great understanding of branding and design. Their love of what they do really shines through in the finished product.

Well the Design Jones studio is now complete! Having managed to fit in building furniture (with serious help from my brother), setting up my lovely new laptop, backup & filing systems, books etc etc. It is now in a fit state for clients to visit. The only thing it’s missing at the moment is my giant blackboard (for brainstorming and reminders) and some artwork on the walls, I’m currently working on some inspirational quotes! Here’s a sneak peek!

One of the great things about having a creative space all to yourself is choosing your own soundtrack to work by! These are my current ‘most played’ songs in iTunes…

1. Time to Pretend by MGMT
2. Wonderwall by Ryan Adams
3. Embryonic Journey by Jefferson Airplane
4. Chicago by Sufjan Stevens
5. New Soul by Yael Naim
6. Cath… by Death Cab for Cutie
7. Everything is Borrowed by The Streets
8. Blackbird by Rachel Unthank
9. Night Cab by Tina Dickow
10. Hometown Glory (High Contrast Mix) by Adele

The first day of a new job is usually a time for nervousness and getting to know your new role and the people around you. This first day was different! Design Jones officially launched this morning and I began my new role of Managing Director, Designer, Freelancer and Tea Maker.

Having been dreaming of this day for years I was excited to get started, however, Michelle, Ray and I made sure we started things as we mean to go on; sitting down for a family breakfast with a wee drop of Bucks Fizz to celebrate!

This week is going to be a busy one but I can’t wait. Already there is the first branding project to get underway but I also have to set up the new studio, buy new software and of course a beautiful new MacBook Pro which will be the hub of all my creative activity.

It’s a tough life but someone’s got to do it and I couldn’t be happier that someone is me!

Bucks Fizz, Coffee and Pancakes!