RIP Grafik!

Sad to see that the company behind Grafik Magazine has gone bust, or rather their investor got cold feet and pulled out!

A cracking magazine though this news hasn't surprised me. Over the last few years I've been amazed at the continual price rise of the magazine. I bought the last one and it was £10! I know it's really not a lot of money – but when you compare that to the vast library of free blogs, design sites and reference you can find on the web, are you truly surprised this has happened?

I do hope it is able to find a way to bounce back and maybe lower its price! Almost subscribed last month too (T.F I didn't)!

Cut n paste from Grafik Facebook page

"Dear all,

Of course we understand everyone's frustration at loosing their subscriptions, and indeed, as people have said above - we have all lost our jobs and livelihoods.

The situation is just as Robert describes, Adventures In Publishing ...was owned by a venture capitalist who had 'deep pockets' - he was effectively bankrolling the company, but got cold feet and decided to pull the plug. The management team did attempt to take the company and debt on, however there was too much debt to handle and these are very difficult times to ask banks for loans.

The hands of those who actually worked for Grafik (i.e. the people who sweated blood and tears for it) were tied and we were unable to communicate any more than we have up until this point as the assets were frozen by the administrator.

The long and the short of it is that HMRC takes what they are owed first, the staff will get some redundancy money and the rest will go to the largest creditor, the previous owner.

This is not to say that Grafik is dead however, we are unable to say any more at present though. Hopefully it will live on in another form and we will always bare those of you who lost subscriptions in mind and try show our gratitude however we can.

We would suggest that anyone who think that we took subscribers money, had a party and 'did a runner' should try working in the publishing industry for a year or so and see how bleak things really are.

Many thanks to all of you who have shown your support over the years, and more importantly through these difficult times.

To those of you who think we're having a ball on the subscribers money, then we'd like you to invite you to dinner at ours... beans on toast ok?

Grafik x"

BP - Photoshop Madness!

Some cracking Photoshop Buggary!!

CRAZY CRAP

Working on a new branding I.D for a very funky photographer and in my research have stumbled across some horrendous logos... So bad I wouldn't even link them in this blog...

Bad logos, Bad.

LIVING IN A BOX

Sadly, my mom passed away a few weeks ago and part of the process of arranging mom's funeral was choosing the appropriate casket. Imagine my surprise when we're presented with a huge folder of all the options available, it was like a carpet mix-n-match swatch book. From a very basic MDF/Plywood creation to a hand carved solid oak casket depicting the last supper and all it's shenanigans. All very elaborate!

But, what really grabbed my attention was the range of 'eco' coffins you can now buy. Ranging from multi-coloured cardboard* coffins with bright imagery of your choice (No Star Wars designs I noticed) to 'green' willow caskets that would look just as good in the bathroom as well as a funeral home.

Intrigued I looked on the web for some other versions and stumbled across the Ecopod. A peculiar creation which is a cross between a hospital bed pan and a 7 years old's paper-machè project! The Ecopod is described as 'A revolutionary and beautiful new design in coffins that brings together artisan skills with style, elegance and a respect for the environment'.

I couldn't help but admire the thinking behind these caskets. In a world where every resource is precious that I could be whisked off to funeral in a paper-machè, futuristic Egyptian looking egg. Not only look cool, but would hold solid green credentials which would make me feel that little bit better of my final journey.

*Mom would have never forgiven us if we gave her a cardboard box to be cremated in.

'That' Volcano

I know we're not supposed to say the V word (Volcano, not Voldermort). I also know that a few thousand tanned holidaymakers are trapped in sunny, hot, holiday resorts trying their hardest to blame someone for the recent eruption for their difficult journey home. But one beautiful thing that has emerged from this whole little episode is some stunning photography!

Here is a link to some spectacular pictures...

If only I could grab my camera and charter an ash repelling plane to Iceland!!

Enjoy!

Decoded

Still in awe about the Decode exhibition I visited last night! Absolutely stunning!

One of the greatest successes of the installation was its tactile-ness... immediately upon entering you were surrounded by a forest of digital reeds, which, as you brush past pulsated with dazzling display's of light. This was followed by a collection of unique and awe inspiring pieces. Personal favorites were the weave mirror, Dandelion and the body paint exhibit, both amazing!

But, the thing that truly grabbed my attention was that the exhibition split the audience into two groups. The first group (the general public) became completely absorbed in each display and really allowed their inner child to interact with each individual element. The second group (which included me) was creative, their [my] reaction was initial wonderment (with a little bit of inner child sillyness) followed by analysis (how have they done that? Why does it do that etc) and then ultimately admiration!

Decode has successfully highlighted how the digital world can be more than just visual, you can feel and hear it as it is happily no longer trapped behind a piece of glass.

Go see it (closes on April 11th)

iPad not so iPap after all?

After the initial outcry of horror at the inveiling of Apple's new iPad, it seems that companies are now are jumping on the iPad wagon to highlight how their print could look and helping to promote digital reading. Some lovely (yes I used the word lovely) presentations and ideas!

More impressively it's made me change my mind about the whole thing - may get saving!!

I want one!

Just stumbled across this page through fffound.

Amazing stuff... The overall visual style of Inglorius Basterds was pretty impressive - but these are outstanding!! See the other prints here

Couldn't have said it better myself

Great article about the new Halifax Ad. Can't believe I'm going to say this but BRING BACK HOWARD!

Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Just back from the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the National History Museum.

Over 43,000 people from 94 countries entered the competition and again you we're not disappointed, all we're stunning! I have to admit I did have a bolt of jealousy when I saw the 10 and under entries!

Funnily the image that was gaining the most attention was not on display. The image ‘The Storybook Wolf’ by renowned photographer José Luis Rodriguez was the overall competition winner. But his entry was disqualified on the grounds that the wolf was tame, which was in breach of the competition rules.

In its place was a message from NHM explaining why it was disqualified.

Now the image was indeed impressive, but in fairness to the other entrants I feel this was the right decision. Having seen past entries where photographers have spent months in the wilderness trying to get that perfect shot really does bring to home how much patience, effort and ultimately luck comes into play for that winning shot. Fundamentally Rodriguez unintentionally undermined the skill of the other entrants by entering this image.

Hopefully, he will come back fighting and produce an even better image for next year’s show, one that isn’t in breach of the rules!!

Either way – go and see the exhibition as it finishes in April.

What a load of crazy crap!!

Just, amazingly dropped a cup of coffee into my Crumpler bag! In the mild panic to empty the bag I came to realise how much rubbish I carry around with me.. like a designers car boot sale!...

Mental note: Buy more pens.

Receipt torrets!

Made me laugh


iPhone: Blogging on the move!

Shuttle Silhouette

Shuttle Silhouette

Die Bradley, Die

Sadly tonight I watched the 25th Anniversary live edition of Eastenders.

By no means am I an avid viewer of the show. I simply wanted to watch it in the slightest hope it would mess up. Which I imagine is the reason a lot of people watched it too. As I'm sure your aware Stacey did it - let Bradley take the fall... Literally, and, the daft ginger is now dead.

Anyway, an hour later I'm browsing through Facebook and could not believe my eyes when I saw a group called ‘I saw Bradley of Eastenders die 19/2/10’.

What astonished me more was that in the short time since the live show had finished over 2800 members had joined this group and I’m sure it’s even bigger now!

It truly goes to show how integrated Facebook has become into our day-to-day lives and how it can unite so many people so quickly. Granted – using it for this is sad as f*ck but I guess all the weeping Enders fans need to feel some closure by joining this group rather than wallowing in a bucket of ALDI icecream or gin.

I think I’m trying to say that I just wanted to reflect how different things are now Facebook is around.

I may even start a group saying ‘He was a rubbish character – glad he’s dead’ but that would be waste of cyberspace. RIP Bradley you pleb.

Anyone got a pen?

A friend just sent me this link to this great illustrators portfolio. Who needs fancy Apple Mac's and markers when you can create such magic with a humble blue biro...

http://www.juanfranciscocasas.com/galeria.aspx?idm=en

I LOVE HOWIES

I really do - it's sad but I can't help it!

Today I saw the new Howies newspaper and had to get it – I had to own it. it's an obsession which I'm happy to admit!

I’ve also just re-registered for their catalogue (recently moved house) and after signing up I was left with a little note saying that Norman was wrapping it as we speak and it was on the way... a little detail that made me smile.

And when it does land on my doormat I can't help get excited. The first impulse is sniff the wonderful smell of printers ink!! (An old habit from college and a sign of quality)! Then I get immediately jealous! Why haven’t I ever produced something this cool? Which is followed by silently vowing to produce something similar (if not better) ASAP!

Now I know people out there will be tutting for ordering a hard copy but I do try my hardest to be environmental, but sadly in this case being green does not give the tactile lovelyness that you get from a fresh off-the-print copy! I'll happily sort bins of rubbish for recycling just so I can get hold of a copy!

Moving on... Their website is a simply blissful, minimalist and none conformist. I love stumbling upon it whilst researching for a new project!! As a brand they ooze positivity and really do give a toss about sustainability and their impact on the environment, yet, still manage to leave me with a cosy 'just hugged' feel!

I admit it – I love the Howies brand!

Now just need to actually buy something from them.

Tube

Been pondering what this blog should be about and realised that the usually bland journey home could infact be dedicated blogging time to chat about how naff tube advertising truly is! As I type I'm surrounded by confused.com ads which are typeset in a rather hard to read font (confusing) and and array of London underground adverts, who seem to be trying very hard to ensure that their endless closures or engineering works will one day benefit us! Needless to say that this blog is simply mild rambling, still fun to do!

Cracking little site Gromit

A friend just sent me the link to a new website for Wrangler Jeans! Frankly it's amazing!

I remember the days when websites were single, static pages with little or no interaction. The fact that you can fling this guy around the room as part of the navigation is stunning! Kept me occupied for... well minutes!!

http://eu.wrangler.com/bluebell/

Strike a light

I can now post from my iPhone! Brilliant!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Back to Basics

All these agencies wasting heaps of cash on over the top advertising campaigns, where this tube ad says the message without any fancy mac visuals or celebrity endorsements... shame the guy in front hadn't paid more attention!!

New Day, New Blog

I find myself everyday randomly spotting good and bad design. Yet never have anyone around me to blart my opinion at.

So, you dear reader are my guinea pigs!

Expect lots of musings, cussing and gushing about design, photography... generally anything!!

Rich
Too Much White Space

www.toomuchwhitespace.co.uk