Bean Board

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Mervin Manufacturing are making boards with a top sheet that is made from beans. They then print the graphics on using water based inks "(The majority of the snowboard industry uses toxic solvent-based silk-screen inks with thick solvent-based gloss curtain coats)".




My favourite line from this article is:


"Snowboarders are attached to the natural world... they are going to be more apt to buy something that he or she feels is ecologically better for the planet." said Alex Warburton, product line manager for Salomon Snowboards of France.


I hope more boarders will begin to feel like this, as surfers are more common for, and start 'saving snow'.

Warm Beer Chart

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How to explain global warming to Joe Sixpack.

How will we cope when the beer wont stay cool?! Maybe this will help Mr Sixpack understand climate change and start, as a basic, recycling his many beer cans.

Topos | Society 6

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Some Threadless tshirt design submissions. This image is something our studio could relate to. Quite a few of us are either looking at maps or mountains. And the visual style of the two is well matched.

Perhaps something to remember when considering the logo.

Simple Shoes

A nice eco-friendly shoe from Simple Shoes. It can be hard to find eco friendly clothes that actually look like something you might wear.

These trainers are made from certified or organic sources, and the sole is made from a recycled tyre.

Especially like the ribbon laces.

Climate Change Doodle

I love this little doodle, which is actually very clear and easy to understand. It does very well at relating all the different issues of climate change in a fun manner.

Because of its character, it does that thing that I keep harping on about - it talks about climate change without preaching.

Strangely interesting but hugely depressing stats

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As seen on the BBC, this page is a counts rates of ever changing world stats. It covers everything from politics, environment, population...

Understanding the effect of population on the environment makes the info a bit depressing.

It will be interesting to come back to this snapshot even in just a few hours to see the huge difference in numbers.

Volcom

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Since  started this project I would say that I have noticed Volcom making the most initiatives and changes for a greener company.

The are a member of multiple green organisations and are starting a New Future programme which will effect its environmental impact and social consciousness.

I like Volcom.

Rising Temperatures Disappearing Coastlines

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You never really get to the effect of rising sea level on Europe but this little animated graphic shows the effects on all areas of the world.

The Foorprint Chronicles - Patagonia

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Patagonia have been at the forefront of being green within snow sports. Although Protect Our Winters seem to be the most popular. Patagonia have created the Footprint Chronicles which allows you to track products through their production so that you can make an informed decision about buying a specific product.

Hopefully more brands will follow in their green footsteps.

P.S. I also like the little mountain range at the bottom of the screen.

Blog sweet blog studio sweet studio

Studio Sweet Studio is my new favourite blog for looking at pretty handmade things that also have the environment in mind.

Take a peek.

Melt Tag

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As brilliant and sustainable this idea is I just dont take to it for some reason. How many people actually take the manufactureres recommendation and wash their new garment before they wear it? No one I know. I would have to save the ticket until I was ready to wash the top. And then, would the soap tag be strong enough to clean? Does it depend on setting? Are the chemicals used to produce the tag more environmentally-friendly than those used to create a normal label which can be recycled?

Stephan Tillman

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These images were created by capturing an image of a tube television as it shuts off. What a random idea, I wonder what possessed him to study this? But it was a great idea, the images are great. They have an illustrated/sci-fi/retro/textured feel that would be difficult to recreate as effectively.

Puerto Despertar CD Packaging

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A new take on CD packaging with a nice method of sealing the packaging. I would like to see the CD held on a pulp backboard. This can be moulded to any shape easily and would protect the CD without use of plastic.

SLS Hotel Branding

Love this cheeky branding. Shows that a serious chain and business doesnt have to have a dry, corporate style.

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Andrew Holder - Mountain Town

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Came across Ander Holder's Mountain Town whilst looking for imagery to help with my piece for Celler Sessions Fundraising (22nd April - Cellar 35 - come along!!).

I think I actually love it; the colours, drawing style, combination of curve and straight, the proportions. Definitely something to inspire work.

Resources to remember

A useful link that I have posted more for myself as much anyone else. Must remember!

Sustainability

K2 Eco Pop

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K2 have developed a womens board that aimes to be environmentally friendly by being lighter and uses minimal materials. However, being lighter can impact the performance hugely so this board will only appeal to a small part of the market. Also, is it as sturdy as normal boards. I recently read and agreed with Jeremy Jones in Cooler Mag -

'An eco product that falls apart is worse than a well-built product that will last for much longer but is more toxic.'

It would be great to have a test shot of this board.

The environment is definitely becoming more of a priority to snow sports.

Foldy Books

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I am thinking of including some folding pages in my snow sports book. These are some examples of books that have used folding out pages or intricate cutting.

By using a fold out pages I could design an infographic that becomes more of a 3D object - more interesting for the reader than a data heavy page.

Unbranded logos

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When you see logos in a large format like this, without their branding, you appreciate more the design of the logo. It is taken out of its everyday context and becomes almost unrecognizable. 

When I read the headline - 'Which logo is more recognizable without its name -- Mastercard's or Coca-Cola's?' -  I thought to myself 'Cola doesnt have a logo, the text is the logo', but of course it does. As soon as saw the white through red swoosh I immediately knew it was cola. And, it was much more recognisable than Mastercard.

Sarah Lee (no cakes) surf photography

Im preparing myself for moving to Newquay in August and cant help but caught up in the surf art scene. These photos are beautiful, I cant wait to get back in the water!!

A brief history of title design

A Brief History of Title Design from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.

A summary of some great title scenes tied together with a great RJD2 song. I've never been good with design for the screen or animation but this animation pretty much sums up some of the best.

Peep Board Trend

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I made a snow scene peep board for the interim show. Today I found fashion peep boards which are really cool! I think they possibly show my board up, although its a completely different style.

6 Easy Steps

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So you think your company may need to do some advertising to drum up business in this down economy?

Smart idea.

But before you hire an ad agency, or do it yourself, I’d like to arm you with some information that will make your job easier, and your ads more effective.

Keep it simple.

A cluttered ad screams “small-time.” Savvy advertisers know that people don’t remember a complicated message. If you give them more than one main point, or throw a bunch of graphics and copy into the mix, chances are pretty good they will either skip it, or quit before you get a chance to ask for the sale. Keep your message, your headline, and your visual clean, simple, and singular.

Exude brand personality.

All brands develop personality, whether you want them to or not. Which is why smart marketers make sure their brands reflect the personality they specifically craft. What is your brand personality? Your ads – and all your advertising and marketing materials – should always reflect your brand personality so that your target audience will have constant reinforcement of your well-crafted, deliberately thought out brand.

Cut through the clutter.

The average American is exposed to hundreds of commercial messages every day – some experts say as many as 3,000! So you want to do everything you can to make sure your ad is the one that gets noticed. Do this by having a great offer, keeping your ad simple with lots of white space, and having a memorable and creative concept that exudes your brand personality.

Keep it strategic.

There are basically two kinds of ads: 1) ads that have a specific offer, and 2) image-building ads. Both types of ads are important and should be used in conjunction with each other. While the first type of ad is designed to have fairly immediate benefits (such as sales or attendance to an event), the second type of ad is designed to give you long-term benefits by creating top-of-mind awareness so when your target has need of your service or product, you’re the first company they think of. My advice is to use both as part of your overall strategic marketing plan.

Look professional.

Very few things hurt your brand like an amateurish ad. People viewing the ad will perceive your company as being second-rate. So I strongly encourage you to think very carefully before doing the ad yourself, or letting the newspaper design it for you. Think seriously about hiring a professional to create an ad campaign for you with a look and feel that will last for at least a year. Consider having them develop four different ads that you can easily have resized for different publications and rotate throughout the year. Also, think about having a “template” ad developed that can work for special sales or invitations to events.

Give them a reason to buy.
Whether you’re creating an offer ad or an image ad, be sure you give your target a great reason to chose your company, product, or service over your competitors.

Now more than ever, advertising is a smart idea. Use these tips and you will create ad campaigns that cut costs…and the clutter. 

After Eight Ad

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The After Eight advert that was on our screens a few months ago was based on a real man in Paris who throws a dinner party every Sunday for anyone to go along to. You book a place and go along for some food and mingling.

This would be a brilliant marketing campaign to get people eating new foods that they otherwise wouldnt be trying.

If I eventually make it to Paris I am very tempted to sign up for one of these dinners!

Hard Rain A-Gonna Fall - on campus

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Siobhan told me about a lecture happening at Aberdeen Uni.

The headlong collision between humans and nature will be brought to life in words, pictures and music as an international photographic exhibition and leading environmental speaker arrive on the University of Aberdeen campus this month.

Artist Mark Edwards, one of the few environmental communicators to have personally witnessed the global issues that are defining the 21^st century, will speak at 6pm on Tuesday 22 March in the Regent Building Lecture Theatre on the King’s College Campus.

It sounds really interesting. I plan on going, maybe I could get  few moment with the speaker to ask his opinion on climate change and snow.

Cadbury's Advertising

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This is a really interesting article about Fallon's approach to Cadbury's advertising - the famous gorilla that was seen all over our screens.

My favourite quote from the article is;

"Chocolate is about joy and pleasure. For years Cadbury has told us that it was generous, through the glass and a half strap line. We thought, don't tell us how generous you are; show us. Don't tell us about joy; show us joy."

Beautiful paintings by Theo Altenberg

Save our snow

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This article is pretty much exactly what I want my guide to be like. It is friendly and informative without hassling or intruding the snow boarders right of choice.

My guide will obviously be different to this - I plan to explain climate change in a 'climate change for dummies' type way and then relate it to snow sports.

Street Art

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I recently watched Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop which has made me a bit curious about street art. The following day I came across this street art by a ten year old who had also been influenced by the film. The innocence and un-insulting nature of this 'street art' is lovely.

Yoh Nagao

Yoh Nagao has a common method of working but a very unique style. I love the combination of colours, patterns and textures.

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Competition Brief

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If only I had found this before the day of the deadline! An eco design competition.

Snowboards and Graphics

Aaron Draplin: Part One from YoBeat Magazine on Vimeo.

Idea Paint

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Idea Paint is another solution for a reusable writing surface. The paint creates a white board surface which can be used just a like a traditional white board.

Doodle Cloth

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My tutor sent me the link for this doodle cloth. A cotton tablecloth that can be drawn on. Washing at 40 degrees will wash all scribbles out and you simply start again. Re-usable and fun.


This material would be useful for an idea I have for the D&AD The Partners brief where I need a reusable writing surface for use in hospitals.

Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation

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Singapore's much more light-hearted approach to raising breast cancer awareness to women. I think this is much more effective than the serious, hard hitting adverts we see here. The comical images attract attention but also highlight the issue.

Inspired by Iceland

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Visit Scotland has it so wrong when you see how Iceland does it! Make it fun!

Information is Beautiful

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A great source for beautiful information graphics. May come in useful when I have to consider what the easiest way to explain climate change is.

Twinty Two

Handmade card for my twin sister on our 22nd birthday! yey!

Titbits*

Click here for Titbits* Facebook Community page

Our class exhibition has now been taken down from is hosting bar The Athenaeum. Items are still available to buy from the Facebook page above.

The exhibition was a success, everyone who submitted work received positive feedback - some even selling pieces. Congrats! 

The branding for Titbits, mostly done by Karla and Siobhan, was also a success. The idea of Titbits* coming from the idea that although we are all Graphic Designers on the same course we all produce pieces of different work from a variety of materials. Coming together to create a collection of Titbits. We exaggerated this by using a mix of different frames. The branding was lighthearted but also didnt give much away about the exhibition which encouraged curiosity. The opening night showed that the advertising and word of mouth had been a success as The Athenaeum was full to the brim.

The Foyer

I have always considered my part time work in Aberdeen very separate to my Uni work. I have been working at The Foyer Restaurant and Gallery for several months now, seen many exhibitions go by and never realised that it is completely relevant to my studies! Maybe the previous exhibitions, although always very good, were not my cup of tea. However, the current exhibition and the one previous to it I have enjoyed working along side so I thought I had better start making a note of them.

Currently running is an exhibition by Donna Briggs.

I was so excited when I walked into the restaurant for my shift and saw this exhibition. It is so different from the previous shows. The work displayed is like lots of old scrap books that are almost 3D but also very delicate and fragile. Most of which are encased in an open wooden box. Some are quite graphic and like something out of an old medicinal book. But others are dainty and antique looking. I am a little worried that I will go around the back of a table to clear some plates and completely knock one of the pieces off the wall - my wage for the year would be going into someone else's hands if that happened!


The exhibition that was on the walls over the Christmas period was 'Altitude' by Anne Moore.

This image does not give the paintings justice. Although they were relatively small squares of canvas they were beautiful paintings. If I could have afforded one I would have real difficulty choosing one because they were all so good! Each one seemed simple yet detailed. And being Christmas, surrounded in snow whilst working on a snowy project in the uni studio, the paintings just completed the story.