Designers are social commentators of their time. We design in response to things that are happening around us. There is much inspiration to be found… all you need to do is look! I wanted to put this theory to the test. My best friend and I decided to walk from our place in the East Village, NYC to Soho and back. Camera in hand, I grabbed shots of images, signs, ads, illustrations, (anything really) that piqued my interest. Here is what I found along the way.
I believe each of the elements included in this image were placed individually but are working together to create a striking, layered effect. The vintage 50s flare illustration married with the red, abstract paint and the blue dahlia flowers creates an alluring composition.
Talk about brand recognition! More than half of the letterforms in Google are missing or covered and I am still able to make out the brand elements. It must be one recognizable mark!
Store signage made of industrial steel. I love the exploration of materials and how the color and texture of the sign will continue to change as it is exposed to the elements. I have a HUGE issue with the bad kerning though. Look at the amount of space between the O and C in café. A rule of thumb I use for kerning is place a lower case l between words to determine if there is too much room between them. In this example, “OlCAFE” remove the "l" and you achieve better kerning.
Here is a digital mock up of what the sign should look like! ;)
The image was printed on individual pieces of 8.5 x 11 copy paper and mounted to the wall with tape. Exposed to the elements, the ink has begun to run, the paper is warped and peeling. Now the visual has some emotive power! So much more engaging in this state than the original and intended one I am certain.
I have no idea what this is communicating, but the bold color and union of bazaar imagery caught by attention. I’m not much of a fan of vertically placed type. We read left to right and are used to seeing letterforms placed in that fashion. When letterforms are placed on top of each other in a vertical format, the space between the letters becomes more important than the letters themselves. That being said, adding dimension to the letterforms helps them connect visually.
The similar size of the Beast and Hombre text visually competes for attention. One or the other should take a more dominant role in the communication to avoid causing a visual tug of war.
Laser cut metal letterforms with the counters removed. The sign offers a subtle sense of dimension throughout the day. The shadow on each letterform moves as the light changes. In the evening, the sign is lit from within causing the shadow to disappear.
Outdoor sign stating Studio Salt is looking for a Junior Architect and an Interior Designer. Upon closer inspection, this sign is loaded with typos. I’m embarrassed for the designer who created this. All I have to say to you is have some respect for our craft and learn to spell check! I hope this helps you:
> InDesign the key command is Apple > I
> Photoshop the key command is Edit > Check Spelling
> Illustrator the key command is Apple >
Utilizing non-traditional medium for store signage. Stencil letterforms are cut into a huge piece of plywood. The plywood is varnished to protect it from the elements. The design is simple, bold, modern and industrial.
Bold color and imagery. Take notice of the man talking on the phone to give you a better idea of scale.
If you are ever walking around NYC, take notice of the traffic light poles, well any pole really. There are tons of tiny ads and stickers posted on them. In this example, create your fate is typeset backwards.
A QR (quick response) code used in ambient fashion: spray-painted on the sidewalk. Smart placement for there is no other competing messaging anywhere near it.
Mixed media collage of one angry George Washington. Repetition of form and a very aggressive scribble leave an impression. Talk about emotive!
A poster promoting A.S.V.P., an online independent street art and graffiti photo community that grades street art that has been posted to their site.
