Showing posts with label Graphic design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graphic design. Show all posts

Saturday, 23 November 2013

Imaginary Forces - 'The number 23' opening sequence (2007)

Watch online: http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-number-23/

The opening sequence of 'The number 23' designed by the team at 'Imaginary Forces' features a mix of typography and blood spatters to create a series of simple, yet striking images.


The traditional typewriting font creates not only a universality but adds an ambiguous element as the simple and plain sequence doesn't reveal much about the nature of the film. However, this font combined with the crimson splatters is what creates the elusive element of fear, mystery and intrigue.

However, the opening sequence wouldn't be so effective without the clever use of the number '23' which is the focus of the film. They use the number to create visual patterns and sequences, as well as picking out important dates and numbers which all somehow add or relate to the title of the film.

It is also interesting how there is a strong relationship between the text and numbers; scrolling through numbers until the word forms in letters before disappearing again into a numerical sequence (e.g. Jim Carrey: J9M 31RR5Y).

All of these techniques create a visually exciting opening sequence, while using simple, blank backgrounds to not detract from the sense of ambiguity and striking effect that the use of typography creates.


Friday, 4 October 2013

Bruno Michaud (BMD design) - 'Scriptography'

Novum -  World of Graphic Design,
International Issue German/English October 2013
Article 'Vintage Ink' by Marta Almeida

"Scriptography is the art of combining, meeting, merging, marrying, blending and mixing texts and drawings. It s a kind of graphic alchemy." - Michaud


The title of Almeida's article in the 'Novum' graphic design journal seems to summarise the whole concept of BMD. 'Vintage Ink' perfectly describes their work concisely, in just two words. Unlike a lot of modern graphics, Michaud prides himself on using a number of different processes to create authentic and rustic looking pieces which incorporate the main features of graphic design as it has evolved through time, building and working ino each piece with different media until he has created a classic and bold result.

The image above is an excellent example of the type of work that is produced under his company. As Almeida points out in her article; Michaud's preference for handwriting 'evokes a nostalgia,' a yearning for the simplicity of writing, text and communication in the past. He creates this appeal through combining processes; lettering created through painting with watercolour, combined with thick ink and ballpoint pen to create sharp, bold outlines as well as a 'harmonious' balance between the bold image and text.

What is so exciting about Michaud's work is that in a world obsessed with technology, minimalism and modernism, his designs appeal to the mass. This represents the timelessness of classic graphic design work and directs thoughts back to an age before computers.