Simple but highly effective, this series of illustrations photographed alongside ordinary, everyday objects is the work of Ecuador-based artist Javier Perez.  A graphic designer by trade, Javier loves to take any little object and redefine it into something else, something that will make us smile. Known as his 'Instagram Experiments', he uses everything from forks and straws to food items and coins, along with simple drawings to complete the concept.

Launched in 2004, Squarespace has become one of the world's many online website builders.   Despite providing an automated alternative to employing a professional web designer, the company's keen attention to design principles and responsible attitude to web standards meant it's still managed to maintain a fairly good reputation among the design industry.

Launching a new service called Squarespace Logo, they have decided to apply the same thinking to logo design, here we had a play on it and produced the below:
(BTW- Pants was not a reference to a new Hip Clothing outlet or for that matter a sneaky swipe at this particular service).

Aimed at the business or individual who can't afford the services of a professional designer the tool is said to, "help anyone design a simple logo themselves".
We have to admit that the online software was so easy to use, with some great resources available packaged in a slick looking interface.  Possibly most significantly was the price $10 for a high res logo- aimed at the cash-strapped or thrifty!

It has come in for much criticism from some corners of the design industry, with others backing it -as more than likely, if a client only wishes to spend $10 on their identity, they do not understand the value of engaging with a design professional to develop a unique brand for them.  

We are interested in hearing your opinion, will the development of these types of software save design professionals the grief of working with clients who do not truly value their design input, or is it a step too far- devaluing the work that we do?

Give us your opinion, no need to be Brief...

Taylor Simpson dreamed up the use of genuine deer antlers in the place of standard handlebars. Interestingly, apart from the natural asymmetry of the horns, the general form of them bears quite a bit in common with a range of more conventional components -- minus the pointy offshoots.

The designer enhanced this eccentric concept by using recycled metal, epoxy and paint to sharpen the product up. Special packaging was also designed for the Moniker Cycle Horns to accommodate their broad and awkward shape.  
Love the concept and the execution.

www.taylorsimpsondesign.com

The Pop Art movement emerged in the mid-1950s in Britain and in the late 1950s in the United States.  
Pop art presents a challenge to traditions of fine art by including imagery from popular culture such as advertising, news, etc. You can recognize it by the little dots on the image.
In this campaign, however, they have used the lack of dots to good effect.  Made for Nivea in Ecuador by MAYO DraftFCB .

ec.mayodraftfcb.com

We have had a recent encounter with a famous little bear, who is making a long awaited return.

Another exciting licensing project, we designed packaging and promotional material, plus organised the design layout files for the client to produce a range of layered wood products.

The fact we had good experience of dealing with licensing approval meant that the process was fairly straightforward, we then also helped design a show stand and promotional polo shirts for a recent trade show.

Wishing Tirquin Ltd the very best with this exciting project.

Read more about the project here

We have just completed an exciting project for a local distribution company- we designed a range of Vintage themed clocks with Kelloggs Vintage branding and imagery.
Wishing Nigel and his team all the best with this range and with future ranges.  keep an eye out in your local stores for the new clocks, and remember who designed them!

See more of the designs on our portfolio page: Kelloggs

Brazilian illustrator Mr. Peruca has created a fun set of illustrations that shows iconic characters' bald heads. From television and movie characters to a real-life leader, these men aren't just known for their lack of hair, they're famous for their distinct personalities. The series is called Notorious Baldies.


Mr Peruca website

Are you aware of the new Food information Packaging requirements?  If not, then you need to be, and pretty soon!
We have already been involved in a number of projects for clients that have changed their overall packaging design in the last month, they took the opportunity to go for a total redesign when they were required to address the back of pack change requirements.
Font size, allergen information, nutrition tables, storage instructions plus more now come under scrutiny, we have posted some links at the bottom of this where you can get more information on your legal requirements.

If you have not changed your packaging now for a number of years, why not take this opportunity to look at the overall design- we would be glad to help you with this, if you want to talk to us in more detail, why not get in touch via our Contact us page, alternatively drop me an email: jason@blackthorndesign.co.uk

More info:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/food-information-regulations-fir-2013
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/foodlabelling/proposed_legislation_en.htm
http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2012/nov/defra-consultation#.Us6UFWRdVm0