What's the Story?

Well, we are already well into 2010 and I haven't posted in quite awhile. Last year was very busy, thankfully. Looking ahead, I can only hope that this year is even more promising. With the state of the economy being so-so, it is easy to feel a little down about it. Whenever I feel down, I combat those feelings with some color, as color has been proven to affect moods.

I love color! Especially color stories! So here is my color story for this year broken down into seasons. The colors I've chosen for this year's color story represent change, struggle and optimism. I think we've all been dealing with change in our government/society, struggle with the economy and hoping things get better soon.

Creative Cover

Sometimes when creating signage for buildings or entryways, we forget that there are other elements that can play a crucial role in the overall design. By collaborating with Architects and the structure of the building, awnings, canopies, and other elements of architecture can be cleverly integrated with sign graphics to create a unique environment and impactful design scape. Below are some unique canopies that are creative and inspirational.

Design for the Environment

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with work and side projects. I am happy to report that in addition to my signage projects, I've been working on some print projects, as well. It has been a nice reprieve. Not only have I been working with a paper medium, I've been dabbling with canvas in an effort to be more 'environmentally' aware.

For some time now I have been setting aside time for my own crafty projects. I love to spend time getting dirty with paint, ink, etc. and channeling my inner artist. Sometimes Environmental Design can be very 'left-brained' work. It is nice to massage my creativity with other forms of art. A few summers ago, some friends of mine started printing their designs on reusable bags. Their message and design was pretty bold. I thought it was a great DIY project idea.

Grocery store chains have been catching on to the trend of reusable bags and I've seen many people buying the bags that the grocery stores sell. I definitely didn't want to spend my money on bags with some grocery store logo on the side or one with produce photos printed on it. The best part about my friend's bag was that it could be toted anywhere. Grant it, the message was targeted against the use of plastic grocery bags, but I started taking it to the book store, Ikea, and Target.

Then I got to thinking. Why not print a design that is low-key enough that I could take the bag to any store that I would typically need a bag for purchases? So, I came up with a few designs that I could make myself and that were subtle enough to take anywhere. Below are two of the patterns that I've designed. I designed several patterns, but have yet to print them. Most have an environmentally friendly theme. I will post more photos when I have printed more designs. The patterns below are called Sustainable Forest and Windfarm. So far, these designs have been the most popular. My sister-in-law takes hers everywhere. It makes me smile everytime I see it.

Boutique Bungalow

I ran across this post a week or so ago from Desire to Inspire about a new boutique hotel opening in New Jersey. The designers of this hotel are the talented Sixx Design. If you want to see photos of the interior, Desire to Inspire has quite a few. I pulled the sign photos from that post. It's so refreshing to see how simple and inexpensive materials can be used in such a creative and unique way. The design of these signs looks high end, but the material choice was budget friendly. If you see the interior photos, the money was well spent elsewhere! Fantastic job all around.

Keep it Simple

With the ever growing worry about the economy and corporate spending, less is more seems to be the new trend. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, you don't have to sacrifice good design and aesthetics while working with a low budget. A good designer knows how to make the most of any budget. A good designer also knows where to scale back and also what is absolutely necessary for a successful piece.

The sign in the photo above is for a newly renovated apartment community. They had a limited budget for a new sign since they were spending the majority of their budget on interior renovations. In order to make the most of their budget, the existing sign structure was refurbished and salvaged for the new sign. The photo below shows the old sign.

By using simple materials, an existing structure, and a fresh new panel design, the sign looks more expensive than it was. In order to save cost on lighting, the sign panel is a bright brushed aluminum and the letter faces have a reflective surface. Simple details such as the dimensional letters, the aluminum surround on the cap, and the spaced off main panel, give the sign a more complex look and richer feel. Again, good design can be affordable. You just have to find the right designer.

The Objects of Inspiration

Many Artists and Designers can agree that the most mundane everyday items can be a source of inspiration. Sometimes the inspiration lies in the way these items are constructed, the color of the item, or simply the material used to make them. Below are some examples of items that inspired some of my designs. For instance, an ordinary metal IKEA trash bin served as inspiration for a perforated mesh sign face for MAC Fitness.
The material and construction of metal venetian office blinds was my inspiration for a restaurant entrance sign.
The edge of my laptop's monitor served as my inspiration for construction of a fabric awning frame.
The translucent material of a ballpoint pen inspired some of my translucent sign letters. Lastly, the translucent cutting mat with printed surface served as my inspiration for a custom, translucent, matte finish ADA elevator floor level indicator.
Inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. You just have to be open to finding it.

Design by Committee

This is just a random post linking to a YouTube video clip of one of my favorite scenes of 'The Fountainhead'. It is a good scene. Not as good as Howard Roark's defense speech, which I also highly recommend taking the time to watch. There are also clips of his courtroom speech on YouTube.

Design by Committee - 'The Fountainhead'