What is Graphic Design For?

Owls by unknown illustrator.What I like about these is the simple geometric shapes and patterns that have been used to make up the forms of the owls bodies. I also think that the simple and restrained colour palette works well. It is made interesting by the colours and the shapes.

This use of type and image conveys a simple and fairly novel message. The image is used to support the text and reflect the theme of cake as a simile for love.

'Grow Side burns' by Marc Johns. I really like the simplistic, almost child-like illustrations and the abruptness of the message. It instructs rather than questions or persuades, but the message is slightly ridiculous which I think is why it works. You assume instantly that it is not assumed that you will take it seriously.

Typography print by London based illustrator Sarah A. King

I love this type/image based piece for its incredible detail and use of line. I also like the formulaic patterns that the feathers make up, making it even more decorative. The theme of the imag is 'Thou shalt communicate' and the layout of the bird is actually a post card. I like the way that the illustrator has used the idea of a bird or perhaps carrier pigeon as a metaphor for communication.

'Postcards to my parents' by Carolyn Sewell

I love the simplicity and innocence of these designs. They are lighthearted and funny and could be appropriate to a huge audience of people.

'Tree of Life Bicycle' by Electra Bikes. I think that these bikes are beautiful. The illustrations on the bike emphasise the eco-friendly message that is associated with cycling.

Images from book called 'Alphabet Truck' by Eric Tabuchi. I like the simple concept behind these photographs, and I think that it is facinating that Eric Tabuchi managed to find all these letters.

Patterned prints from Studio Lyon

I love the encorporation of maps within the designs. I also love anything that involves birds. I don't know why, i just like drawing them.

Poster advertising documentry about underground poster culture in North America

Illustration by Jennifer Tong

I have always been massively into childrens book illustrations, despite my addement refusal to ever work as a childrens illustrator myself. This is the first one i've seen in a while and really thought 'wow'. I love the kind of oriental style of the artist. Its such a magical fantasy image.

Image of cupcakes from 'Wondermilk Bakery', a shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which was set up by six graphic designers. Those cakes are absolutely INSANE

Typeface made from taxidermy animals 'Life can be so Nice' by Iris Shieferstein

seriously rank, and i wouldnt say that it physically reflected anything i want to achieve as a graphic designer, but i love the twisted irony and shock factor

'Pianobell' by Li Jian

I just think that this is brilliant. I love the idea of being able to make up your own ring and i think it looks hilarious. anything that encourages unnecessary creativity is right up my street

Do do list style note pad by unknown artist

I love the simplicity of this pad. i can really relate to it in the way that sometimes,

when everything gets on top of you, its great to just get one of the many things you have to do done. im

a big list maker, i rarely complete all of the things on my list, but making the thing makes me feel at least half way there! everyone needs a positive outlook even at the most hectic of times

bubble-wrap calender by unknown designer

love it. it would be like having an advent calender every day of the year but you wouldn't get fat. plus everyone loves bubble wrap

3D instalation by unknown artist

I've always wanted to have a go at one of these

'Personal library kit'

i think this is massively geeky, and i dont even own that many books, but i love the idea. bit o.c.d though to make your

friends sign out your books when they borrow them. i guess secretly everyone wants to be a librarian?

illustration part of 'enormous tiny art show' by ian dingman

this is so cute and i love his illustrative style

clothing lamps by designer Marcella Foshi for Private circle shop

cool how they're made from re-used materials. frames support any number of clothing items!!! i always chuck my clothes over my lamp

but i actually thought that was a fire hazard. maybe not

image by Robert Gligorov

i find it pretty weird and not that nice to look at, but i love the way he has played with imagination and reality using photography.

we automatically trust photography, so when something looks as weird as this we are really taken aback

Teabags by TWBA

i love the fact that eaach teabag has a different character! as a big tea drinker, this would really appeal to me.

teabag strings are not the first place i think of when looking for graphic design, but considering how many people (especailly brittish people) drink tea, its probably a brilliant asthetic to play with. maybe even for advertising and promotion?

'The reusable range' by natalie thakur

these shopping bags are really cool, if not slightly ridiculous, and probably very over priced.

probably appeal to silly rich people but if i was rich i'd buy one so i must be silly

Photograph from Laura Kicey's 'construct' series

i love the colours and textures of this image, and the way that the typography is so subtle

poster by unknown artist

i chose to put this in because i kind of relate to it in the way that as much as no-frills, no-gimic type faces can look striking and work extremely well with image, i love a really

embellished over the top type face more than anything else

durex campaign

really eerie but hard hitting and a point well made. i like the lack of visual distraction from the message. mirrors the

matter-of-fact tone of the ad.

vinyl text stickers by 'wonderful graffiti'

this is just one of many they do. i just like the concept of bringing typography and statements in general into interior design

Garment Graffiti by Thomas Voorn

I like this tactile approach to typography, and soft and gentle approach to graffiti

photograph by u.k based photographer Chris Leah

castle by ann wood for halloween

VISUAL LANGUAGE_What is a line? Gary Hume

I like the way that Gary Hume layers line drawing style images on top of one another to create even more abstracted shapes. Although I do not like the white bear piece, I like the idea of working with the idea in a 3d format.

Asop Rock - None Shall Pass

Johnny Cupcakes

Alice et Polly - Communication is a Virus

Johnny Cupcakes is a company that was suggested to us as research during the progress crits. It is primarilly a men and womenswear company, but the they also heave a small childrens range. I like the little characters that feature as a theme, much like our designs in which the same/similar characters feature in each design.

Tim Burton

Alice et Polly - Communication as a Virus

Tim Burtons work is extremely popular with children, which draws us to some conclusions about appropriate styles of illustration for children; initially we felt that some of the drawings were a little bit too dark or eerie but after further investigation we feel that children like the dark and mysterious things in life, they are naturally intrigued and excited by it.

David and Goliath

Alice et Polly - Communication as a virus - Research for t-shirt designs:

David and Goliath specialise in childrens clothing which carries a similar tone to the way we

want our clothing to come across. In the same way as this, our clothing is designed for children, but in fact the target audience is adults. I like their designs, although I actually think that in some of them the humour is a bit too dark. I want our designs to bridge the gap between light heateted and humourous to adults, and at the same time innocent.