The District - Interview

1.     What makes a successful identity?

Thought, hard work, a bit of magic, perseverence and the odd
metaphorical (or in some cases actual) bloodied nose. That is what
'makes' a successful identity, the characteristics of a successful
identity are creating something that transcends fashion, challenges
people, and forms an emotional connection with people, that sounds
awful, but you get my point. I compare a good identity with a good
record, the ones that have lasting power are they ones you don't like
the first time you hear/ see them. 

 2.     Can you list any clichés in identity design?

Contrived post rationaling, over rationalising or simply no
rationalising at all. 

 3. What are your most admired logos/identities and why?

Flying logo for Gatwick Express (Hedger Mitchell Stark). A beautiful twist.
Kaffe Coffee shop (Felix Lobelius). Fit for purpose.
Apple. An obvious choice, but awesome.
Channel 4 (Lambie-Nairn and the developments and sub-brands since).
The flexibility and the way it has grown is just brilliant.

May get a different response on a different day.

Film Festival - Popcorn

Popcorn has a big relevance to cinema. I plan to use this link in my film festival brief and create a popcorn box. Here are some examples, all have similar traits such as as tapered base, made from card, di-cut stylistic openings and colourful prints.

Film Festival / yearbook Inspiration

Here are examples of the style of design I am trying to achieve in my film festival brief, the use of bold type, strong colour and overlaying the two with image creates a strong visual style I feel suits the film festival. Also this style would work well on the yearbook cover to provide a strong, design focused view of the course.

Yearbook - Layouts

Here are a few selected examples of innovative layout techniques, taken from the book 'Graphis - Annual Reports 2009'.

Paul Rand Quotes

I have found some quotes from Paul Rand to use throughout my context work. 

‘A logo is less important than the product it signifies; what it means is more important than what it looks like.’

‘Design is everything. Everything!’

‘Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated.’

‘Providing, meaning to a mass of unrelated needs, ideas, words and pictures - it is the designer's job to select and fit this material together and make it interesting.’

‘Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations.’