Writing Memoir

A little something for the writers out there. Slate has been running a series of articles on the process of writing memoir. I haven't read all of them, but it's an interesting perspective -- writers facing challenges of recording real-life experiences. I've enjoyed reading about the process of different writers, and how they handle issues such as writing about those who've passed away or announcing to loved ones their life story is soon to be published.

http://www.slate.com/id/2162677/fr/flyout

Title Sequence Design

In thinking over ideas for the iMovie project, I went back to a bookmarked site I'd forgotten. This page features the work of famed designer, Saul Bass. When you have a moment, check it out. This particular site focuses on his title sequences, and it's put together nicely. You can watch the sequences in a series of stills, which is great for studying the various elements he uses (both typography and image) to create drama and motion.

This work also demonstrates Bass' ability to capture a client's vision -- an extremely valuable skill for any designer. Reviewer Jason Woloski explains:

"Bass’ most consistent gift may have been his ability to recognize complexity in others’ work, coupled with an ability to simplify complexity without reducing the impact or breadth of the ideas being examined. In this sense, Bass was a true collaborator. He never imposed themes or obsessions onto his title designs, but rather used his creations to accent the larger works his sequences were a part of, by drawing out the most relevant and interesting aspects of a film, most often before the feature has even begun."

Saul Bass Title Index

Just for the fun of it

OK, I know there is more to Jackson Pollock's work than what is represented here, but this little Flash program has amused and even inspired me upon occasion. It's a great "mindless" activity while pondering your own artistic and design solutions. Have fun!

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

To the tired and downtrodden, I offer . . . bubblewrap!

Just a little stress relief for any and all overwhelmed by their work load this week. I highly recommend the "manic mode."

Click here.

Typography Title Sequence

The opening title sequence for the recent film "Thank You For Smoking" made great use of typography -- a wide variety of styles creating a series of classic and current cigarrette boxes. I wasn't crazy about ALL of the typfaces they chose, but the overall result was effective. You can see it here.

Typography as Image

When designers use type to create the illusion of image, it usually gets my attention. These are some examples that caught my eye lately.

They are both headlines for magazine articles. One plays on the "eye chart" theme. I liked the idea and the composition, but I thought the message was a little muddy, considering the context. The article is for men dressing to impress women, but this treatment suggests it's going to be something about eyesight or "looking closer."

The sandwich headline works very well. Whimsical, easy to read, and telegraphs the article content perfectly. And I love the byline serving as a toothpick through the olive. What a way to put your type to work.

Speaking of the RED Campaign

Hmmm . . . marketing and charities (this morning on IMBD).

Bono's Red Campaign Slams Financial Assessment

Sources close to rock star Bono's charity campaign Red are slamming media reports claiming the organization has spent more on marketing than raising funds. The high-profile campaign raises money for the Global Fund to Fights AIDS in Africa by selling red products such as iPods, clothing and mobile phones. Advertising Age reported the campaign "raised a meager $18 million" despite a "marketing outlay by Gap, Apple and Motorola (which) has been enormous - with some estimates as high as $100 million". A source close to the campaign slams the report, telling the New York Daily News, "First of all, Red didn't launch products until mid-October. And they raised $25 million. "Before that, the fund had taken in about $5 million over a four-year period. Before that, they had one T-shirt out and a pair of sunglasses. And on marketing, Bono's Red campaign didn't spend anything. "The companies they work with spent a few million each. The $100 million is a phantom number Ad Age pulled out of thin air. It's off by tens of millions of dollars." But Red director Bobby Shriver has put a positive spin on the controversy: "This can only help us all stay focused on the fact that 5,500 Africans are still dying needlessly of AIDS every day."

Old WW Recipe Cards

OK, I'm posting this link because it's hilarious. But I think it's also relevant to designers and image makers. Interesting how not just personal style and tastes change over the years, but also trends in composition, color, and layout. Learn while you laugh!

http://www.candyboots.com/wwcards.html

Classified Gifts

This series of spreads appeared in Newsweek magazine around the holiday season last year (these are just some sample pages). The items are classified by dollar amount. I liked how the class was clearly and colorfully defined at the top of the page and how the items were in a "scattered" layout. It had a window-shopping, "grab bag" effect, but it was still orderly and easy to follow.