Wednesday 21 November 2012

Can't beat hand drawn lettering

I hadn't been on Pinterest for quite a while as it is just something else that you feel obliged to keep up to date. What prompted me to delve back in was having had a few emails of new followers and I wanted to remind myself what I had previously kept. The one good thing about it is you have a ready made scrapbook of inspiration but you are limited to just visuals that are on Pinterest.

So as I am currently trying to develop some hand drawn type for some packaging and branding projects, i thought I would see what Pinterest would throw up to have a look at. Let's just say that I have a long way to go!!














Thursday 1 November 2012

The Beauty of Handwriting

I was reminded again today of one of my favourite artists, Seb Lester. His handwritten pieces are extremely charismatic and make you feel a little inadequate but also wanting to try harder. I have always envied people who can draw letters freehand and get them all the same weight and size, it is truly a skill to marvel at. I was directed to a new video of his which is on Vimeo, which I have shown below along with some of his other great pieces of work. Tempted by the second picture for a Christmas present. Well it's got to be better than socks again!












Tuesday 30 October 2012

Latest Packaging Inspirations

It's that time again when we have a look at some of my recent favourites.

First up is by one of my favourite studios, Turner Duckworth who I would love to work for and is actually top of my dream list of potential employers. Nothing like aiming big! Anyway it's a redesign for Conte a Paris pencils, charcoals and pastels. They have been around for years and I can remember using them when I was at school, which shows just how old they are. I admire how they have looked at  the brands Parisian roots instead of showing illustrations or drawings that you can do with the products. The result is a range of stylish packaging that looks more professional and carries the company heritage better.






Next up we have some great branding for Hawthorne and Wren who sell exclusive gifts. I have chosen this one because you get to see a full range of associated stationery and packaging that carries the whole brand ethos throughout.











On to the next piece of packaging delights. Atomic Roasters Coffee packaging has a great retro look and feel with some great simple imagery backed up with a considered limited colour palette and a lovely set of simple information icons to be used on the various packs.








Quite a simple design next but still a lovely detailed re brand. Granny's Secret is a range of organic food products. I especially like the little labels which detail how much fruit goes into the products. A nice simple addition along with the delicate die cut label which has an old fashioned doily effect to re-enforce the 'granny' aspect of the brand name.









Pet food isn't known for being that exciting to look at but the Natural Instinct range look great. The original brief was to make the product look more of a premium brand but at the same time enforce the natural ingredients contained within. The simple use of the silhouettes work really well and I like the whole range of colours which work well together as a complete range.






Not quite the last one is Fentimans and Bloom Gin and Tonic. Re branded by Keen and Able in London who have worked on some other great drink packaging. Working on drink brands who have such a long history can be quite difficult as you have to consider there long established place in the market but you then have a great wealth of history and credibility to research and develop from. The colours and type treatment work really well together along with a delicate pattern which backs up the ingredients.








Last but by no means least is a great seasonal approach by Design Bridge for Tate and Lyles black treacle. It is based on their Diamond Jubilee design and features three different treatments that can also be used when empty with candles inside so you can have glowing facial features especially for Halloween. You can also see on the last picture some of the development work from their own website.