Ask me: I'm a Design Lecturer...

As I get lots and lots of questions about help with design, projects, and general design advice- instead of having to sift through my jamesydesign blog, I though it beneficial to have a blog that you can ask questions to and see what problems others are having and ask for any advice you may need!
lauren-harpum: My current dilemma. I’m hurtling towards the yellow area like never before. Don’t.Ever.Give.Up.On.A.Design.

lauren-harpum:

My current dilemma.

I’m hurtling towards the yellow area like never before.

Don’t.
Ever.
Give.
Up.
On.
A.
Design.

: As a graphic designer, I feel I’ve missed the boat. No matter where I...
∞

jamesydesign:

As a graphic designer, I feel I’ve missed the boat.

No matter where I go from here I know that I will never work for a major (or even minor) graphic design agency ever.

It annoys me that to be a success you have to know the right people and be in the right place, and i know no matter what hard…

Please excuse the non posting

I’m just dying under paperwork at the moment - I’m answering all asks though!

jamesydesign: Explaining infographics to students by creating one for a Big Mac meal… #mcdonalds #bigmac

jamesydesign:

Explaining infographics to students by creating one for a Big Mac meal… #mcdonalds #bigmac

A mock up of an idea I will discuss with my students about their end of year exhibition - thoughts?

A mock up of an idea I will discuss with my students about their end of year exhibition

- thoughts?

Anonymous
I'm in 3rd year studying Graphic Design. This semester we have two new tutors who have mocked me in front of my classmates. As a 3rd year I've had my share of negative feedback and can use it constructively however I often feel belittled by these tutors and I'm aware of other classmates feeling the same. It's not what they say, it's their tone and attitude which I find distressing. Is this something you have experienced as a student or lecturer? I don't know how to move forward with this.

I think the first thing you could do is talk to other students on your course and if like you say they are feeling the same, then the first thing would be to do is approach a senior lecturer within the faculty to express your concerns.

Friendly banter amongst everyone is one thing, but constantly mocking students abilities is unprofessional, and can cause disengagement and cause unnecessary worries and concerns.

I have experienced in the past a similar thing when I was a student, but rather than it being the lecturers, it was actually another student that actually had the gall to tell me when I scored my first job in a graphic design agency “why did they employ you? I’m a much better designer.”

(friends - who needs enemies eh?)

You can either brush it off and use it as a catalyst to spur you on to bigger and better things - or you have to go down the official route of expressing your concerns to a senior leader. Attitude and tone are powerful weapons in critiques, and they need to be used in a considered way - or it is just pure bullying.

So, my advice is to complain - you’re paying the university - you are the customer, they (the lecturers) are there for you, not the other way around!

I hope that helps!

J

jamesydesign: Pacifico is the new Comic Sans. If I see another ‘Apparel Company’ using it I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. It’s lazy and not creative.

jamesydesign:

Pacifico is the new Comic Sans.

If I see another ‘Apparel Company’ using it I don’t want to live on this planet anymore.

It’s lazy and not creative.

I promised you a good post! We’ve got an interview with an amazing individual, and an even more amazing illustrator Jordan Debney! We hope you are going to be just as excited as we were when New Zealander Jordan Debney and his amazingly crazy illustrations crossed our paths! Join us as we discover more about this fantastic illustrator and just actually what a ‘Quadricorn’ actually is… DL: Tell us about who you are Jordan and what you do?JD: Well I am a male human being, (self proclaimed) artist from New Zealand (it’s that tiny speck in the lower right hand of a generic map of the world). I have a great love for monsters and all things repulsive, horror movies and ice cream. I attempt to fuse all of those things into visually pleasing pieces of artwork.DL: Do you remember the first time you felt that design was the career path you wanted to take?JD: I have always enjoyed drawing as a child. I used to imitate drawings from comics and the collectable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ cards all through primary school and never actually knew I could make a career out of it. Although I always knew I wanted to work with art, I just never knew how. Enough drawing kind of made a career of itself. The more I drew, the better I got, the better I got, the more people started approaching me for artwork for their clothing line and album covers. Consider it a growing entity that can’t stop feeding. A: How would you describe your design style to our readers - and how would you describe your creative process?JD: I often find myself playing with mixtures of cornflour and water for hours, (you know, how it goes really fluid-like as well as a solid). I observe and concentrate on various parts the mixture as it flows down different shaped objects I find lying around. I do this for visual pleasure, as well as a creative study. I find it fascinating, as I try to share that fascination into my art work. It’s just a matter of making it flow and work well. I like to focus on folds of the flesh and disfigurements of the visual appearance while incorporating things that are usually considered ‘positive’ and bright colors. I usually get mixed reactions from people when they see my art, they don’t know whether to recoil in fright or give it a hug. Probably the only time a vomiting horned monster could ever be considered ‘beautiful’. A screaming monster riding the back of an ice cream is so ironic that it’s comical. DL: Has there been one person who has had a real influence on you, and your art work?JD: There have been many people that have influenced my artwork, as well have experiences. I didn’t want to be one of those alcohol driven people that don’t end up doing anything with their life. I want to succeed and be able to say I haven’t wasted my limited time on this earth. So I went with the one thing I knew I could do, and that was drawing. I look up to and admire the people I consider most creative. Trent Reznor for his music, Zack Snyder for his movies, James Jean and Alex Pardee for their art. I can always know that whatever happens, I will always have the things that these people do most creatively to keep me going. Seeing creativity fuels my creativity, and I have an unlimited source of it.DL: What has been your favourite piece of art you have worked on so far, what makes it your favorite?JD: That would have to be my ‘Quadricorn’ piece. (Shown at the top) What could be more awesome than a four horned horse with pincer hooves engulfed in gravity defying fluid?!DL: If there was one person from the creative world you could sit down with and have a chat with who would it be?JD: Firstly it would have to be Alex Pardee. Secondly, it would be more of a food fight, dressed as original gangsters, with marshmallow shoes and Chewbacca masks. During the violent toss of the pizza we would be telling a horror story that would make Rob Zombie’s head explode.DL: Have you ever been asked to do a piece of work that you turned down? If you did - how did you approach this to the prospective client?JD: A few weeks ago I got asked to commission a shirt design that infuriated me. They asked for me to design them a shirt with a specific character from a specific artist. I responded suggesting that they ask the ACTUAL artist to design the shirt instead. Artists should be approached because they like their style and their art, not to imitate another artists style or characters.DL: With the current climate in the world, how has this affected the art and illustration industry in New Zealand? JD: The art industry in New Zealand is very small in comparison to other art industries, everyone seems to ‘know of’ everyone. Using the internet as a tool to get your art seen is very achievable, but that can only go so far when you live in such an isolated country as New Zealand. The ‘word of mouth’ usually doesn’t even leave the shores of New Zealand, so being spotted for exhibitions in other countries best contemporary galleries and magazines is limited to ‘accidentally’ being stumbled across over the internet or books, and not to mention even more pressure to make a decent impression. Haha, I hope this answer is relative to what you were asking. (It was aha! .DL)DL: What advice would you give to other art and design students about how to develop their own creative style?JD: I’d suggest you first find your artistic medium and start from there. Each day just draw and draw and draw, you don’t even have to show anybody. Surround yourself with your favorite inspirations and artists you admire most. A style will eventually develop and your instinct will take it from there.DL: Finally, do you think that creative talent is being lost due to the lack of ‘obvious’ opportunities on offer to designers? JD: Yes indeed, and have discovered that it is very difficult to get your name into the art world, it will often require you to do work for free. You have to physically shove it into people’s faces and to do so making an impression that will be remembered. I’ve known of people with a huge amount of talent to just give up and do something that’s “easier”. So yes I do believe that talent is being lost and unseen. It’s just a matter of not giving up before the opportunities are available for you. I hope this was a great insight into the mind of a brilliant up and coming illustrator - and as an owner of a couple of fantastic pieces of work by Jordan I can honestly say that until you see his painted work or illustrations in the flesh you cannot honestly believe how fantastically detailed they are! (as i’m writing this i’m drawn to the huge Mars Attacks print framed and adorning my wall right now!) Hopefully we will have lots more up and coming designers being interviewed here to give you all a bit of a break from just my voice!!…and i’m still banging through the questions so if I haven’t answered yet I will!! Hope you enjoyed the show!J. Find more out about Jordan at www.eyerupture.com I promised you a good post! We’ve got an interview with an amazing individual, and an even more amazing illustrator Jordan Debney! We hope you are going to be just as excited as we were when New Zealander Jordan Debney and his amazingly crazy illustrations crossed our paths! Join us as we discover more about this fantastic illustrator and just actually what a ‘Quadricorn’ actually is… DL: Tell us about who you are Jordan and what you do?JD: Well I am a male human being, (self proclaimed) artist from New Zealand (it’s that tiny speck in the lower right hand of a generic map of the world). I have a great love for monsters and all things repulsive, horror movies and ice cream. I attempt to fuse all of those things into visually pleasing pieces of artwork.DL: Do you remember the first time you felt that design was the career path you wanted to take?JD: I have always enjoyed drawing as a child. I used to imitate drawings from comics and the collectable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ cards all through primary school and never actually knew I could make a career out of it. Although I always knew I wanted to work with art, I just never knew how. Enough drawing kind of made a career of itself. The more I drew, the better I got, the better I got, the more people started approaching me for artwork for their clothing line and album covers. Consider it a growing entity that can’t stop feeding. A: How would you describe your design style to our readers - and how would you describe your creative process?JD: I often find myself playing with mixtures of cornflour and water for hours, (you know, how it goes really fluid-like as well as a solid). I observe and concentrate on various parts the mixture as it flows down different shaped objects I find lying around. I do this for visual pleasure, as well as a creative study. I find it fascinating, as I try to share that fascination into my art work. It’s just a matter of making it flow and work well. I like to focus on folds of the flesh and disfigurements of the visual appearance while incorporating things that are usually considered ‘positive’ and bright colors. I usually get mixed reactions from people when they see my art, they don’t know whether to recoil in fright or give it a hug. Probably the only time a vomiting horned monster could ever be considered ‘beautiful’. A screaming monster riding the back of an ice cream is so ironic that it’s comical. DL: Has there been one person who has had a real influence on you, and your art work?JD: There have been many people that have influenced my artwork, as well have experiences. I didn’t want to be one of those alcohol driven people that don’t end up doing anything with their life. I want to succeed and be able to say I haven’t wasted my limited time on this earth. So I went with the one thing I knew I could do, and that was drawing. I look up to and admire the people I consider most creative. Trent Reznor for his music, Zack Snyder for his movies, James Jean and Alex Pardee for their art. I can always know that whatever happens, I will always have the things that these people do most creatively to keep me going. Seeing creativity fuels my creativity, and I have an unlimited source of it.DL: What has been your favourite piece of art you have worked on so far, what makes it your favorite?JD: That would have to be my ‘Quadricorn’ piece. (Shown at the top) What could be more awesome than a four horned horse with pincer hooves engulfed in gravity defying fluid?!DL: If there was one person from the creative world you could sit down with and have a chat with who would it be?JD: Firstly it would have to be Alex Pardee. Secondly, it would be more of a food fight, dressed as original gangsters, with marshmallow shoes and Chewbacca masks. During the violent toss of the pizza we would be telling a horror story that would make Rob Zombie’s head explode.DL: Have you ever been asked to do a piece of work that you turned down? If you did - how did you approach this to the prospective client?JD: A few weeks ago I got asked to commission a shirt design that infuriated me. They asked for me to design them a shirt with a specific character from a specific artist. I responded suggesting that they ask the ACTUAL artist to design the shirt instead. Artists should be approached because they like their style and their art, not to imitate another artists style or characters.DL: With the current climate in the world, how has this affected the art and illustration industry in New Zealand? JD: The art industry in New Zealand is very small in comparison to other art industries, everyone seems to ‘know of’ everyone. Using the internet as a tool to get your art seen is very achievable, but that can only go so far when you live in such an isolated country as New Zealand. The ‘word of mouth’ usually doesn’t even leave the shores of New Zealand, so being spotted for exhibitions in other countries best contemporary galleries and magazines is limited to ‘accidentally’ being stumbled across over the internet or books, and not to mention even more pressure to make a decent impression. Haha, I hope this answer is relative to what you were asking. (It was aha! .DL)DL: What advice would you give to other art and design students about how to develop their own creative style?JD: I’d suggest you first find your artistic medium and start from there. Each day just draw and draw and draw, you don’t even have to show anybody. Surround yourself with your favorite inspirations and artists you admire most. A style will eventually develop and your instinct will take it from there.DL: Finally, do you think that creative talent is being lost due to the lack of ‘obvious’ opportunities on offer to designers? JD: Yes indeed, and have discovered that it is very difficult to get your name into the art world, it will often require you to do work for free. You have to physically shove it into people’s faces and to do so making an impression that will be remembered. I’ve known of people with a huge amount of talent to just give up and do something that’s “easier”. So yes I do believe that talent is being lost and unseen. It’s just a matter of not giving up before the opportunities are available for you. I hope this was a great insight into the mind of a brilliant up and coming illustrator - and as an owner of a couple of fantastic pieces of work by Jordan I can honestly say that until you see his painted work or illustrations in the flesh you cannot honestly believe how fantastically detailed they are! (as i’m writing this i’m drawn to the huge Mars Attacks print framed and adorning my wall right now!) Hopefully we will have lots more up and coming designers being interviewed here to give you all a bit of a break from just my voice!!…and i’m still banging through the questions so if I haven’t answered yet I will!! Hope you enjoyed the show!J. Find more out about Jordan at www.eyerupture.com I promised you a good post! We’ve got an interview with an amazing individual, and an even more amazing illustrator Jordan Debney! We hope you are going to be just as excited as we were when New Zealander Jordan Debney and his amazingly crazy illustrations crossed our paths! Join us as we discover more about this fantastic illustrator and just actually what a ‘Quadricorn’ actually is… DL: Tell us about who you are Jordan and what you do?JD: Well I am a male human being, (self proclaimed) artist from New Zealand (it’s that tiny speck in the lower right hand of a generic map of the world). I have a great love for monsters and all things repulsive, horror movies and ice cream. I attempt to fuse all of those things into visually pleasing pieces of artwork.DL: Do you remember the first time you felt that design was the career path you wanted to take?JD: I have always enjoyed drawing as a child. I used to imitate drawings from comics and the collectable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ cards all through primary school and never actually knew I could make a career out of it. Although I always knew I wanted to work with art, I just never knew how. Enough drawing kind of made a career of itself. The more I drew, the better I got, the better I got, the more people started approaching me for artwork for their clothing line and album covers. Consider it a growing entity that can’t stop feeding. A: How would you describe your design style to our readers - and how would you describe your creative process?JD: I often find myself playing with mixtures of cornflour and water for hours, (you know, how it goes really fluid-like as well as a solid). I observe and concentrate on various parts the mixture as it flows down different shaped objects I find lying around. I do this for visual pleasure, as well as a creative study. I find it fascinating, as I try to share that fascination into my art work. It’s just a matter of making it flow and work well. I like to focus on folds of the flesh and disfigurements of the visual appearance while incorporating things that are usually considered ‘positive’ and bright colors. I usually get mixed reactions from people when they see my art, they don’t know whether to recoil in fright or give it a hug. Probably the only time a vomiting horned monster could ever be considered ‘beautiful’. A screaming monster riding the back of an ice cream is so ironic that it’s comical. DL: Has there been one person who has had a real influence on you, and your art work?JD: There have been many people that have influenced my artwork, as well have experiences. I didn’t want to be one of those alcohol driven people that don’t end up doing anything with their life. I want to succeed and be able to say I haven’t wasted my limited time on this earth. So I went with the one thing I knew I could do, and that was drawing. I look up to and admire the people I consider most creative. Trent Reznor for his music, Zack Snyder for his movies, James Jean and Alex Pardee for their art. I can always know that whatever happens, I will always have the things that these people do most creatively to keep me going. Seeing creativity fuels my creativity, and I have an unlimited source of it.DL: What has been your favourite piece of art you have worked on so far, what makes it your favorite?JD: That would have to be my ‘Quadricorn’ piece. (Shown at the top) What could be more awesome than a four horned horse with pincer hooves engulfed in gravity defying fluid?!DL: If there was one person from the creative world you could sit down with and have a chat with who would it be?JD: Firstly it would have to be Alex Pardee. Secondly, it would be more of a food fight, dressed as original gangsters, with marshmallow shoes and Chewbacca masks. During the violent toss of the pizza we would be telling a horror story that would make Rob Zombie’s head explode.DL: Have you ever been asked to do a piece of work that you turned down? If you did - how did you approach this to the prospective client?JD: A few weeks ago I got asked to commission a shirt design that infuriated me. They asked for me to design them a shirt with a specific character from a specific artist. I responded suggesting that they ask the ACTUAL artist to design the shirt instead. Artists should be approached because they like their style and their art, not to imitate another artists style or characters.DL: With the current climate in the world, how has this affected the art and illustration industry in New Zealand? JD: The art industry in New Zealand is very small in comparison to other art industries, everyone seems to ‘know of’ everyone. Using the internet as a tool to get your art seen is very achievable, but that can only go so far when you live in such an isolated country as New Zealand. The ‘word of mouth’ usually doesn’t even leave the shores of New Zealand, so being spotted for exhibitions in other countries best contemporary galleries and magazines is limited to ‘accidentally’ being stumbled across over the internet or books, and not to mention even more pressure to make a decent impression. Haha, I hope this answer is relative to what you were asking. (It was aha! .DL)DL: What advice would you give to other art and design students about how to develop their own creative style?JD: I’d suggest you first find your artistic medium and start from there. Each day just draw and draw and draw, you don’t even have to show anybody. Surround yourself with your favorite inspirations and artists you admire most. A style will eventually develop and your instinct will take it from there.DL: Finally, do you think that creative talent is being lost due to the lack of ‘obvious’ opportunities on offer to designers? JD: Yes indeed, and have discovered that it is very difficult to get your name into the art world, it will often require you to do work for free. You have to physically shove it into people’s faces and to do so making an impression that will be remembered. I’ve known of people with a huge amount of talent to just give up and do something that’s “easier”. So yes I do believe that talent is being lost and unseen. It’s just a matter of not giving up before the opportunities are available for you. I hope this was a great insight into the mind of a brilliant up and coming illustrator - and as an owner of a couple of fantastic pieces of work by Jordan I can honestly say that until you see his painted work or illustrations in the flesh you cannot honestly believe how fantastically detailed they are! (as i’m writing this i’m drawn to the huge Mars Attacks print framed and adorning my wall right now!) Hopefully we will have lots more up and coming designers being interviewed here to give you all a bit of a break from just my voice!!…and i’m still banging through the questions so if I haven’t answered yet I will!! Hope you enjoyed the show!J. Find more out about Jordan at www.eyerupture.com I promised you a good post! We’ve got an interview with an amazing individual, and an even more amazing illustrator Jordan Debney! We hope you are going to be just as excited as we were when New Zealander Jordan Debney and his amazingly crazy illustrations crossed our paths! Join us as we discover more about this fantastic illustrator and just actually what a ‘Quadricorn’ actually is… DL: Tell us about who you are Jordan and what you do?JD: Well I am a male human being, (self proclaimed) artist from New Zealand (it’s that tiny speck in the lower right hand of a generic map of the world). I have a great love for monsters and all things repulsive, horror movies and ice cream. I attempt to fuse all of those things into visually pleasing pieces of artwork.DL: Do you remember the first time you felt that design was the career path you wanted to take?JD: I have always enjoyed drawing as a child. I used to imitate drawings from comics and the collectable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ cards all through primary school and never actually knew I could make a career out of it. Although I always knew I wanted to work with art, I just never knew how. Enough drawing kind of made a career of itself. The more I drew, the better I got, the better I got, the more people started approaching me for artwork for their clothing line and album covers. Consider it a growing entity that can’t stop feeding. A: How would you describe your design style to our readers - and how would you describe your creative process?JD: I often find myself playing with mixtures of cornflour and water for hours, (you know, how it goes really fluid-like as well as a solid). I observe and concentrate on various parts the mixture as it flows down different shaped objects I find lying around. I do this for visual pleasure, as well as a creative study. I find it fascinating, as I try to share that fascination into my art work. It’s just a matter of making it flow and work well. I like to focus on folds of the flesh and disfigurements of the visual appearance while incorporating things that are usually considered ‘positive’ and bright colors. I usually get mixed reactions from people when they see my art, they don’t know whether to recoil in fright or give it a hug. Probably the only time a vomiting horned monster could ever be considered ‘beautiful’. A screaming monster riding the back of an ice cream is so ironic that it’s comical. DL: Has there been one person who has had a real influence on you, and your art work?JD: There have been many people that have influenced my artwork, as well have experiences. I didn’t want to be one of those alcohol driven people that don’t end up doing anything with their life. I want to succeed and be able to say I haven’t wasted my limited time on this earth. So I went with the one thing I knew I could do, and that was drawing. I look up to and admire the people I consider most creative. Trent Reznor for his music, Zack Snyder for his movies, James Jean and Alex Pardee for their art. I can always know that whatever happens, I will always have the things that these people do most creatively to keep me going. Seeing creativity fuels my creativity, and I have an unlimited source of it.DL: What has been your favourite piece of art you have worked on so far, what makes it your favorite?JD: That would have to be my ‘Quadricorn’ piece. (Shown at the top) What could be more awesome than a four horned horse with pincer hooves engulfed in gravity defying fluid?!DL: If there was one person from the creative world you could sit down with and have a chat with who would it be?JD: Firstly it would have to be Alex Pardee. Secondly, it would be more of a food fight, dressed as original gangsters, with marshmallow shoes and Chewbacca masks. During the violent toss of the pizza we would be telling a horror story that would make Rob Zombie’s head explode.DL: Have you ever been asked to do a piece of work that you turned down? If you did - how did you approach this to the prospective client?JD: A few weeks ago I got asked to commission a shirt design that infuriated me. They asked for me to design them a shirt with a specific character from a specific artist. I responded suggesting that they ask the ACTUAL artist to design the shirt instead. Artists should be approached because they like their style and their art, not to imitate another artists style or characters.DL: With the current climate in the world, how has this affected the art and illustration industry in New Zealand? JD: The art industry in New Zealand is very small in comparison to other art industries, everyone seems to ‘know of’ everyone. Using the internet as a tool to get your art seen is very achievable, but that can only go so far when you live in such an isolated country as New Zealand. The ‘word of mouth’ usually doesn’t even leave the shores of New Zealand, so being spotted for exhibitions in other countries best contemporary galleries and magazines is limited to ‘accidentally’ being stumbled across over the internet or books, and not to mention even more pressure to make a decent impression. Haha, I hope this answer is relative to what you were asking. (It was aha! .DL)DL: What advice would you give to other art and design students about how to develop their own creative style?JD: I’d suggest you first find your artistic medium and start from there. Each day just draw and draw and draw, you don’t even have to show anybody. Surround yourself with your favorite inspirations and artists you admire most. A style will eventually develop and your instinct will take it from there.DL: Finally, do you think that creative talent is being lost due to the lack of ‘obvious’ opportunities on offer to designers? JD: Yes indeed, and have discovered that it is very difficult to get your name into the art world, it will often require you to do work for free. You have to physically shove it into people’s faces and to do so making an impression that will be remembered. I’ve known of people with a huge amount of talent to just give up and do something that’s “easier”. So yes I do believe that talent is being lost and unseen. It’s just a matter of not giving up before the opportunities are available for you. I hope this was a great insight into the mind of a brilliant up and coming illustrator - and as an owner of a couple of fantastic pieces of work by Jordan I can honestly say that until you see his painted work or illustrations in the flesh you cannot honestly believe how fantastically detailed they are! (as i’m writing this i’m drawn to the huge Mars Attacks print framed and adorning my wall right now!) Hopefully we will have lots more up and coming designers being interviewed here to give you all a bit of a break from just my voice!!…and i’m still banging through the questions so if I haven’t answered yet I will!! Hope you enjoyed the show!J. Find more out about Jordan at www.eyerupture.com

I promised you a good post! We’ve got an interview with an amazing individual, and an even more amazing illustrator Jordan Debney!

We hope you are going to be just as excited as we were when New Zealander Jordan Debney and his amazingly crazy illustrations crossed our paths! Join us as we discover more about this fantastic illustrator and just actually what a ‘Quadricorn’ actually is…

DL: Tell us about who you are Jordan and what you do?

JD: Well I am a male human being, (self proclaimed) artist from New Zealand (it’s that tiny speck in the lower right hand of a generic map of the world). I have a great love for monsters and all things repulsive, horror movies and ice cream. I attempt to fuse all of those things into visually pleasing pieces of artwork.

DL: Do you remember the first time you felt that design was the career path you wanted to take?

JD: I have always enjoyed drawing as a child. I used to imitate drawings from comics and the collectable ‘Dragon Ball Z’ cards all through primary school and never actually knew I could make a career out of it. Although I always knew I wanted to work with art, I just never knew how. Enough drawing kind of made a career of itself. The more I drew, the better I got, the better I got, the more people started approaching me for artwork for their clothing line and album covers. Consider it a growing entity that can’t stop feeding.

A: How would you describe your design style to our readers - and how would you describe your creative process?

JD: I often find myself playing with mixtures of cornflour and water for hours, (you know, how it goes really fluid-like as well as a solid). I observe and concentrate on various parts the mixture as it flows down different shaped objects I find lying around. I do this for visual pleasure, as well as a creative study. I find it fascinating, as I try to share that fascination into my art work. It’s just a matter of making it flow and work well. I like to focus on folds of the flesh and disfigurements of the visual appearance while incorporating things that are usually considered ‘positive’ and bright colors. I usually get mixed reactions from people when they see my art, they don’t know whether to recoil in fright or give it a hug. Probably the only time a vomiting horned monster could ever be considered ‘beautiful’. A screaming monster riding the back of an ice cream is so ironic that it’s comical.

DL: Has there been one person who has had a real influence on you, and your art work?

JD: There have been many people that have influenced my artwork, as well have experiences. I didn’t want to be one of those alcohol driven people that don’t end up doing anything with their life. I want to succeed and be able to say I haven’t wasted my limited time on this earth. So I went with the one thing I knew I could do, and that was drawing. I look up to and admire the people I consider most creative. Trent Reznor for his music, Zack Snyder for his movies, James Jean and Alex Pardee for their art. I can always know that whatever happens, I will always have the things that these people do most creatively to keep me going. Seeing creativity fuels my creativity, and I have an unlimited source of it.

DL: What has been your favourite piece of art you have worked on so far, what makes it your favorite?

JD: That would have to be my ‘Quadricorn’ piece. (Shown at the top) What could be more awesome than a four horned horse with pincer hooves engulfed in gravity defying fluid?!

DL: If there was one person from the creative world you could sit down with and have a chat with who would it be?

JD: Firstly it would have to be Alex Pardee. Secondly, it would be more of a food fight, dressed as original gangsters, with marshmallow shoes and Chewbacca masks. During the violent toss of the pizza we would be telling a horror story that would make Rob Zombie’s head explode.

DL: Have you ever been asked to do a piece of work that you turned down? If you did - how did you approach this to the prospective client?

JD: A few weeks ago I got asked to commission a shirt design that infuriated me. They asked for me to design them a shirt with a specific character from a specific artist. I responded suggesting that they ask the ACTUAL artist to design the shirt instead. Artists should be approached because they like their style and their art, not to imitate another artists style or characters.

DL: With the current climate in the world, how has this affected the art and illustration industry in New Zealand?

JD: The art industry in New Zealand is very small in comparison to other art industries, everyone seems to ‘know of’ everyone. Using the internet as a tool to get your art seen is very achievable, but that can only go so far when you live in such an isolated country as New Zealand. The ‘word of mouth’ usually doesn’t even leave the shores of New Zealand, so being spotted for exhibitions in other countries best contemporary galleries and magazines is limited to ‘accidentally’ being stumbled across over the internet or books, and not to mention even more pressure to make a decent impression. Haha, I hope this answer is relative to what you were asking. (It was aha! .DL)

DL: What advice would you give to other art and design students about how to develop their own creative style?

JD: I’d suggest you first find your artistic medium and start from there. Each day just draw and draw and draw, you don’t even have to show anybody. Surround yourself with your favorite inspirations and artists you admire most. A style will eventually develop and your instinct will take it from there.


DL: Finally, do you think that creative talent is being lost due to the lack of ‘obvious’ opportunities on offer to designers?

JD: Yes indeed, and have discovered that it is very difficult to get your name into the art world, it will often require you to do work for free. You have to physically shove it into people’s faces and to do so making an impression that will be remembered. I’ve known of people with a huge amount of talent to just give up and do something that’s “easier”. So yes I do believe that talent is being lost and unseen. It’s just a matter of not giving up before the opportunities are available for you.


I hope this was a great insight into the mind of a brilliant up and coming illustrator - and as an owner of a couple of fantastic pieces of work by Jordan I can honestly say that until you see his painted work or illustrations in the flesh you cannot honestly believe how fantastically detailed they are! (as i’m writing this i’m drawn to the huge Mars Attacks print framed and adorning my wall right now!)

Hopefully we will have lots more up and coming designers being interviewed here to give you all a bit of a break from just my voice!!

…and i’m still banging through the questions so if I haven’t answered yet I will!!

Hope you enjoyed the show!

J.

Find more out about Jordan at www.eyerupture.com

I promised you a good post if I couldn’t blog today….

…so there will be a brilliant interview with a fantastic artist/illustrator here tomorrow!

I’ll try to fit in a post tonight…

jamesydesign:

But I’ve got a late meeting with some clients so may not get the chance - but fear not ill make sure the next is extra special if I can’t :)

So, how do you design a decent logo?   Here are a few tips that will hopefully give you a heads up on some good (and maybe obvious) points to consider when starting out designing a logo. I’ve seen this before… You should design a logo to suit the needs of the project or client. Don’t fall back onto a logo you’ve designed before - the logo and branding of a company go hand in hand, your responsibility as a designer is to create something memorable and unique for your client! What is it…? Every logo should convey a message to the viewer.  If potential consumers know or understand nothing about your client after looking at the logo, you have failed as a good designer (sorry). WHY IS MY LOGO ALL PIXELLATED?!  Your logo needs to be scalable so put down Photoshop, use the right tools for the job - Illustrator is pretty much the program you need to be using - never use Flash to design a logo (or Microsoft Word….) I have a gold membership on Stockphoto… Steer clear from anything expected. Remember, your logo should be memorable for the customer.  By adding cliché, clip-art  images, your logo will look unprofessional and be quickly thrown on the rubbish tip. What is it? Some designers complicate their logos by adding lots of detail, too many words, taglines, colours etc.  Keep it simple. You’ll be more memorable - think Nike. I found the filters on Photoshop - I couldn’t decide which to use…so I used all of them! For the most part, you should avoid excessive bevels, shadows, textures, filters. This will allow your logo to be used across many mediums - not to mention won’t be rubbish. Typography Issues. There are a number of common mistakes that are frequently made when designing a logo. Consider some below: The Spacing. Fonts are built a certain way for a reason. Excessive spacing between letters or very narrow spacing can really affect the readers interpretation of words (or cause confusion) Predictable Fonts. Helvetica is a brilliant font - but don’t use it for everything. Research new fonts, design your own! Just try to use something that isn’t predictable or the default. Crazy Fonts. Don’t use fonts like Party Let or Papyrus or Jokerman to create your logo. Try using simple, professional, legible fonts. Don’t use Comic Sans. Period. Ultra-thin fonts. Many extremely lightweight fonts may look nice on the computer screen but they may be difficult to use when trying to print on paper, screen on fabric, or embroider. Lightwieght fonts are also hard to read from far distances. Too many fonts. Try to stick to one font-style (maximum of two) in your logo design. This rule is especially true when you are doing JUST the logo design and not any of the other design work. What do you think? Excessive input from your client, his Mom, the secretary, your dad, your postman, the guy who sweeps the road outside your house and anyone else who will give you the time of day is well, excessive. Keep the design pure and clean by only involving those who absolutely need to be involved in the design process. Unable to be used in grayscale. One important thing to remember about logos is that they frequently will be used in strictly grayscale circumstances. (Faxes, copies, one-color prints) Make your logo as powerful in both color and black & white. Non-scalable. This is one of the most common tips around for creating logos.  Make sure your client can scale their logo. Most logos  should be usable in anything from a giant billboard to a tiny web icon. Not made for all mediums. People often design logos without taking into consideration their future use. Be sure to deign your logos with the intent that they can be used on the internet, in print, on a street sign, embroidered on a backpack, and screen printed on a t-shirt. Look at MY design. Don’t design a logo with the goal in mind that it will make your portfolio look great.  The first, and most important, goal of any logo design should be to help your client reach their target audience more effectively. Too abstract. While an abstract logo can be very professional-looking for a company, what does it really say to the customer? “We weren’t really sure how to visually represent what we do or how you will benefit from our services, so here’s a square with a swoosh”. Copy Cat Logo. BE ORIGINAL. Bad combination of colors.  Try to match the colors to your target audience, think about using complementary colours - neon green and red is never going to be a good look - be sensitive to the clients wishes, but design with consideration. Sketch it out first. Don’t just jump on a Mac - research and sketch out some ideas first - not many good logos are born out of an instant jump on the Mac session!! I hope this helps you all out a little bit! And remember if you need any other advice please just drop me a message here at DesignLecturer!

So, how do you design a decent logo?  

Here are a few tips that will hopefully give you a heads up on some good (and maybe obvious) points to consider when starting out designing a logo.

I hope this helps you all out a little bit! And remember if you need any other advice please just drop me a message here at DesignLecturer!

amelialangma: Practice in Context - The Visitor Baking Cookies This is the cookie box I will be taking to the second interview this afternoon as a little thank you. I have colour co-ordinated the packaging with The Visitor’s current branding, monotone. Inside is a business card for The Visitor and cookies wrapped in black tissue paper. My home-baking may not be the best but at least it looks the part! Tonight I will be creating more business cards with the blog address on it, ready for the launch next Friday. This is what I mean about making an impression! amelialangma: Practice in Context - The Visitor Baking Cookies This is the cookie box I will be taking to the second interview this afternoon as a little thank you. I have colour co-ordinated the packaging with The Visitor’s current branding, monotone. Inside is a business card for The Visitor and cookies wrapped in black tissue paper. My home-baking may not be the best but at least it looks the part! Tonight I will be creating more business cards with the blog address on it, ready for the launch next Friday. This is what I mean about making an impression!

amelialangma:

Practice in Context - The Visitor

Baking Cookies

This is the cookie box I will be taking to the second interview this afternoon as a little thank you. I have colour co-ordinated the packaging with The Visitor’s current branding, monotone. Inside is a business card for The Visitor and cookies wrapped in black tissue paper. My home-baking may not be the best but at least it looks the part!

Tonight I will be creating more business cards with the blog address on it, ready for the launch next Friday.

This is what I mean about making an impression!

Ask me: I'm a Design Lecturer...: Portfolios: 9 ways to make your portfolio suck...
∞

designlecturer:

We all think we have the perfect portfolio. It is because we’re designers, we can do no wrong (sarcasm). But yet, we keep getting over looked for jobs and perhaps falling at the last crucial interview stage - this is a handy little list of ways to make your portfolio suck, if you can tick any of…

An old post about how to make your portfolio suck!

Phew.

All the questions have been answered! Took a long time!!!

However, if you still have a burning question anon or not just get in touch!

890841057
I am a college junior living in the DC area. I want to apply for internships in the near future, but I constantly fear that my portfolio isn't good enough! I have a lot of design experience in my background compared to most of my design peers at my level. How can I win over employers and how can I stand out from the rest?

I think that you’re over worrying!

You mention that you’ve been able to gain lots of experience so that is something you should definitely be looking as a big positive within your portfolio!

To make you stand out to employers give them a reason to hire you!

Think about what you like as a designer, remember that companies can see hundreds of portfolios a year so make yours stand out by creating something that makes you rememberable. Whether your portfolio comes with a batch of cupcakes or lots of cool little things that will be cool to keep, research the company and find out what they do and like.

Button badges, tshirts, foldables, bags, cards, games - whatever shows off you and your creativity, and don’t forget when it comes to the interview, again, make yourself rememberable - leave something fun behind!

If you can get across your imagination and creativity within the whole package then obviously they will stand up and take notice! Although none of this matters if the work in your portfolio doesn’t reflect your creativity - read my portfolio post and see 9 ways in which you can make it suck (and do everything not to make it like that haha!)

Best regards

J

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