Graphic Design Puts Art in Your Life

Whether You Realize It or Not

I was struggling recently, to design a t-shirt - "you're the artist, just do something nice" - I've heard that so many times before, signs, logos, posters, you name it...if you are an "artist" you should be able to whip up a little something, right?  So WRONG.

Artists are not all created alike and if I get my wish of 9 lives I have decided that one of them will reincarnate me into a GRAPHIC artist.  You know, those folks who probably invade our lives more with their work than any other type of artist on earth.  Even in a foreign country you can spot Coke, McDonald's and Nike, right?  Because graphic art speaks a universal language, a language of symbols that, at its best, transcends the spoken word and becomes an immediate visual icon.  You recognize those product symbols because some artist took time, input and a 1000 iterations to produce that piece of art.  Talk about powerful.

Back to my t-shirt....

I was struggling, and floundering, and trying really, really hard with little success.

My son, on the other hand, seems to have a knack for this thing (with only 1 junior high art class I might add.) So I sent him my best design for instructions on how to convert to a printable piece.

"Mind if I take a try?" he replied.  Mind? I thought. mind?  thanks, have at it.

His design was, not only superior to any of mine, but a winner for saying a lot with very little....

This started me on a hunt to learn more about other graphic designs we encounter regularly...next time you see a symbol or logo study it more carefully, you may see it differently, for instance:

* do you notice a white arrow between the E and x in the FedEx logo?  no mistake for implying speed, 

* have you ever seen the party people dipping a chip into the bowl on top of the i in Tostitos logo?

* and yes, I could replicate the Amazon.com logo in a heartbeat...but only then would I recognize the subtly of the arrow going from A to Z....and smiling!!

I am thanking my son publicly, he used to design web pages so is no novice to this sort of design, but I am keeping his contact a secret....he no longer does this work and is expecting a son so he will be a tad busy, but here is a mock up of the t-shirt we ordered:

Cool, huh?

and if you want to dive a little deeper into some of the fun things designed into common logos just check out these sites:

http://twistedsifter.com/2011/08/20-clever-logos-with-hidden-symbolism/

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo

http://www.boredpanda.com/clever-logos-with-hidden-symbolism/

So see? artists are coloring your world whether you realize it or not...might as well try and enjoy the nuance and messages in their designs.

GRAPHICALLY YOURS,

Cindy

Steal Like An Artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

I can't remember many books I have recommended via this blog but I have been sitting on this one a while and can't wait any longer!  If you have even the tiniest creative bone in your body (or wish you did) this little treasure should be in your library:  Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.

Even before you open it the book will charm you: it has a nice feel, a different size, large type and an easy flow format.  Great to read straight through and easy to pick up for a 10 minute refresher.  But what else?

So many "self help/creative" books are a version of positive thinking.  And while Kleon is positive he is also proactive.  "Steal" is an action verb and it just so appealed to the goody-two-shoes side of me.  Even Picasso is quoted as saying "Art is theft."  HOW to steal is the key.  After explaining how to steal the author goes on with 9 other meaty pieces of insight all designed to unlock your creativity.  Each is creatively (of course) laid out and illustrated (being a visual person I can "see" the advice while I read it which helps my memory).  And, as he confesses early on, these are very autobiographical tidbits brought to life by real experiences and real failures. 

Here's a 'fer instance': #4- Use Your Hands.  We are all fabulous in our heads and most of us are quite free with criticism flowing from our mouth; what are my hands doing?  While the computer has opened up great new sources of ideas, all by itself it really is not making a darn thing.  Use Your Hands.  When my hands are engaged my mind goes into a totally different mode and works on incredible things I am not even conscious of.  I often knit (and I mean "knit" as that is the only stitch I know) just to work out a problem in my head.  And when painting my hands are the most important tool.  What are your hands doing?  Simple, huh?  Are they writing (or thinking about the book you want to write), are they creating in the kitchen (or watching the cooking channel); use your hands, they are the God-given tools of your trade.  (My summation does not scratch the surface, in about as many words as I have used, Kleon goes miles further!)

The 'mother' in me is also partial to the #9- Be Boring chapter; but I will leave that one for you to discover. 

I got my copy from www.Amazon.com for $10.95 and it was the best $11 I have spent this summer...fits in my purse and I can get re inspired when ever I have to kill time waiting on an appointment I am inevitably too early for.

Finally, if you don't believe me, just check out his website by clicking on the book photo above and meander through this guy's head for a bit.  You'll either take notes (and lose them ) or you'll invest the bucks.  Have fun and let me know what you think.  Meanwhile I am off for a long walk in the woods because #5- Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important.