Saul Bass

The great Saul Bass revolutionized the Graphic Design world with his simplicity and great creativity. Saul Bass pushed the made the simple complex and made the complex simple, his unique approach to design was and is a standard for any designer today.
One of my favorite designs by Mr. Bass is the BELL logo he created. In this logo witch is simplified to its essence is the logo he created for the phone company it witch he place a bell in the center of a circle. What made this logo so great was the simplicity that surrounds his ideas. The bell logo was carefully though out and well executed.
Another one of Mr. Bass designs includes the one he did for United Airlines; witch is still used to this day. In this design we can see an abstract letter U and letter A, side by side.  The letter U is in a light ocean blue color while the letter A is in a red color. In this design Mr. Bass literally united the two letters to as a play on word to the company name United Airlines. In the center we can see the right side of the letter U and the left side of a letter A to “unite” the two letters and in theory parts of the world.

Mr. Bass can summarize his career alongside the historic iconic symbols of American companies. Designing original logos for Quaker, AT&T and the Girl scouts, he gave America and identity in the world. 

Puma "Carson" Sneaker

Now and days everyday athletic shoes are the craze. I just recently purchased a pair of Puma "Carson" Athletic shoes. These shoes have a lightweight slick design that is meant to hug the foot. That is how design gets you, never would I guess that I would be buying Puma shoes, not because I couldn’t afford them, because the designs were never appealing to me. The designs that Puma has made in their sneakers were always way to flashy and tacky for my taste.

Getting to the Puma sneakers I bought, they are black with a white sole and neon green highlights throughout. The design of the sole lifts the heels up to add further comfort to the foot, when running, hiking etc.The laces are close together and lifted closer to the leg, this specific features allows the shoe to bend in a way where the laces don't get in way of the top crease. As I wore these shoes I am able to stand on my feet all day, without feeling exhausted.

The sneaker, has Pumas signature 3 stripes on the inner and outer part of the shoe, in a shimmer grey. The neon color highlights makes the shoe pop but can only be seen in logo in the rear of the first two holes where the laces go through. The PUMA letters are on the tong and the puma logo is on the heal of the shoe. If you look closely at the fabric material used to make the shoes, a patter of random position rectangles are visible in a dark grey.

What I found unnecessary were the crater circles put on the sides of the shoe sole, it seem like the designer didn’t like he smooth, but sometimes adding nothing should be option. The shoes don't give ankle support because they are a low top design. Maybe I'm just getting picky now but that is very important when making an athletic shoe.

I recent years I have seen the changes made in designing new sneakers, they aren’t bulky or futuristic like before. Now they cater to the everyday person whom is seeking a comfort shoe with casual style.

 

MAC lipsticks

Recently I was hovering over the cosmetic lipsticks that my girlfriend has and I noticed that one specific lipstick look different from the rest.  Picking up the lipstick I noticed how different it was and began to wonder why, and I soon came to a conclusion. First I looked at it and said to myself "this looks like like two things, a bullet and a women's pleasure toy".  Its clear that this is being marketed towards women 21-35. That make so much sense, it hit me how the design of this lipstick casing is genius. Girls love their toys whether they are lipstick toys or  pleasure toys. Its no coincidence that the casing looks like a miniature sexual pleasure toys. Although the design is so simple the message is there, and that is what makes it such a great idea. These are the designs that are the most successful, the ones that stimulate ideas without the customer not even knowing. And since these lipsticks come in different colors they become collectables, this allows the company to push the boundaries of their markets.

The type face used looks futuristic and puts the idea of the "future of cosmetics". Its unique design is creative and very eye catching. Although i have to say I'm not a fan of how the the letter A connects to the letter C. I'm still trying to comprehend the two dots to the left and right of the letter A.

As far as the typeface design im still trying to break the code, but the design of the lipstick casing is genius.

Levis Commuter

So recently I purchased a pair of Levis Jeans, not 501,or 522, but the "Commuters".These jeans are revolutionary in the sense that they capture the necessity of those with bikes as a form of transportation. The idea of these jeans to have a comfortable pare of jeans when commuting through the city on your bicycle. These jeans are revolutionary for the detail and specific put in to the jean design. Levis pared up with 3M to bring this light pare of jeans to the world.

Reflectors.The jeans were designed to be rolled up from the legs, when rolled they the plans have a reflector sewed in to the pant leg. This is genius because this acts as another light to bee seen at night by the vehicles. The issue that I have is that is is position in the side of the pants, not in front of you or behind you. Usually a commuter is riding along side traffic so a car perceptive id in front or behind of the commuter.

Crotch. The Crotch of this particular set of jeans is made with a second layer of jean to add comfort in that area. This allows for comfort in those longer riding distance. I have these pants but I cant help but feel like I'm wearing a diaper when I'm not riding. The extra weight of this area ways the pants down, when walking normally, so make sure a belt is within reach.

Belt line. In the belt line there is and extra strap in which a bike lock attaches too. This particular strap is located in the rear and does not get in the way. You wouldn't even notice it if you weren't trying to feel the belt strap.

High Rise. The pants are made with high rise to help with the exposure of your rear when riding through the city. The high rise ads comfort as well.

Overall these jeans are designed well and you can tell a lot of though was put in to the overall features. I will continue buying them as I believe they will work out the kinks and make them better.

The Grilled Cheese Truck

In the last 5 years we have seen and explosion of great food trucks all through Los Angeles. All these trucks have specific design that are meant to catch the attention of anyone in the streets as they are zooming by. The most interesting one is that Grilled Cheese Truck. Of course its the food that makes it most memorable, but the design is what encourages the public to approach the food trucks.

The grilled Cheese truck is painted bright yellow, so of course its going to catch everyone's attention. Besides the color we see a flood of cheese everywhere and the design of the truck gushing cheese by the tire. That clever little mark is very appealing as it leaves the customer with that idea that cheese is going to gush out when you bite the sandwich. Everyone loves overwhelming amounts of cheese in their grill cheese. Another detail is how type was played with. It is in bubbly letters and reminds me of that yellow cheese that's in a can. These little details I really admire.

I do have and issue with the logo they have. The logo has a truck coming out of a grill cheese sandwich. I don't agree with a truck being drawn on the side of the Truck, the reason for this is, we know its a truck, and the name is "The Grilled Cheese Truck". With that said we don't need a picture depicting those exact nouns, it just too much and too literal, as designers we should be able to think past the obvious and dig mentally to create something clever and not literal. Another issue is that the truck drawn is white, but the grilled cheese truck is yellow.

A quick solution could be to add the color brown to represent the bread. Or even incorporate the textures seen when you grill a cheese sandwich. The design is interesting but I feel a lot could be said without saying too much.

"Temmpus"

Their have been several design projects in witch I have been a part of. One of the designs that I am proud of is the one created for my personal clothing line, TEMMPUS. The clock design was original created by me as the emblem for the clothing. This design is the most recent one that was created.

 When creating this brand I was heavily influenced by a Salvador Dali painting in witch be portrays the clock in a melting fashion, indicating the idea of Purgatory. The clock is melting as well in the logo but not in the same manner that we would find in Dali's painting. In this logo the clock is melting but looks more like a splatter than a melt. The use of negative space puts the idea of the 12,6,9, and 3 that are commonly found in a clock. What I don't like is how cramped it looks where the big hand meets the center piece, this specific area make it uncomfortable for the eye. The negative space in any design allows the eye to explore, but when the eye is not allowed to travel, it gives for an uncomfortable design. The logo could use a second look to work out the kinks and make it very eye friendly.

In this specific design I wanted to put the word "time" as a statement. Based on the feedback I was receiving on the design, I noticed the public not really being able to distinguish the design of the clock. So this design came from the frustration of certain people not recognizing the logo I designed. The two circles represent the seconds and the minutes. The thin circle represent seconds and the thick circles represent minutes. The typeface was accidental, even tho I'VE been taught how accidents shouldn't happen in design, and everything should be on purpose.

This design is well balanced but lack certain tweaks that can make it POP!

With that said, back to the drawing bored.....

Chipotle Restaurants, Grand and &th

Recently I visited a Chipotle in Downtown LA and I couldn't help but notice the way the interior design was set up. Because its down town  their are usually groups of people going out for lunch. The design platform is that of a lounge area with low seating and high roofs. The lights that dangle are meant to emphasizes the high roofs and light the food your eating. One thing Chipotle has, is fresh food, and with lights hovering over your food one can clearly see how colorful and fresh the food is while eating. What is fascinating was the lounge feel of the restaurants, but the lack of public outlets within the building. Besides the food quality that is another reason my the public gravitates to Chipotlet, because one feels comfortable lounging and eating but its meant to one go in and out. The interior designer wanted to encourage the atmosphere to "chill" but only if you have food. Because Chipotle is base on Mexican cuisine there is Aztec gods in back (at least in this one). The design of the chairs is that with no back to it to encourage conversion with a group of people. The chairs that have the back piece are design to encourage conversation almost two people.

Kamel Red Cigarettes Packaging

Tonight after work I was thirsty, so I bough a beer. Ready to drink my beer I found the register and something read caught my attention, of course they were cigarettes. Once again Graphic Design was a success, I bought the cigarettes, Kamel cigarettes.
 The packaging of this product was Red as the name of this specific style of cigarettes. At the top we see the words "KAMEL" in a Sans serif typeface with some wide kerning. The box is smaller than the other cigarettes boxes. The color scheme is red with a cream yellowish border and black type and think black stroke. What is interesting about the design is how the letter in word "RED" are arranged. We have the R in a on top of the letter E & D. The letter are is a bigger typeface. The overall design has a vintage feel to it to compliment the product that it is trying to convey; and old style of cigarette. At the bottom we can the old school illustration of the camel colored in the cream yellow and outline with black. The simplicity of this design is complimentary to the time the product was created. This design is still strong today because of the great type, kurning and color templet used.

Cantinflas Movie Cover

Recently the film depicting the Mexican film character "Cantinflas" portrait by the late Mario Moreno was released (2014). Usually film covers are to represent what the film is about without saying much and hinting upon a human feeling. The cover for the film Cantinflas did not fulfill those needs that a cover should hold. In the cover we see the character Cantinflas as he looking above over his shoulder in to the sky where the hot air balloon from "Around the World in 80 Days" is floating, the film that established him in American film. Tho the film follows the story of Mario Moreno and his claim to fame as the character Cantinflas, the cover suggest the role he played in Around the World in 80 Days as the grand success of his life. The film does follow Mr. Moreno's life as well as  toggles back and forth  to the director of "Around the World in 80 Days" and his struggles on trying to make the film. This is what is puzzling about the cover as it is titled "CANTINFLAS" but the actual film focuses on a American Director being just as important (in the film) as Mr. Moreno. The design of the cover suggest that Mr. Moreno is dreaming of playing role in the film, even thoe he was sough out by the american director. Admired by many  and very popular the chracter of "Cantinflas" was not his only role, but the design of the cover suggest that it was. Mr. Moreno does not play "Cantinflas" on the film "Around the World in *0 Days" which makes this cover so troubling. Some would say his best film is "Un Dia Con El Diablo" ( A Day With the Devil). The design of this cove should recognize the actor Mario Moreno and Cantinflas as he struggled between these two characters. The typeface used is clever as it is all different color and upper case, this typeface summarizes the character of "Cantinflas"

Wacom tablet

So about a year ago I was given a Wacom sketch tablet for Christmas. As a designer its one the greatest gift I have ever received . The tablet is not difficult to use but does take some time, I have a year with it and I'm still trying to get a feel for the mechanism. I do enjoy how the device is a plug an play, it quickly links up with adobe suit programs. When you connect the tablet it makes it great to sketch and save. The accuracy of the pen and the program can lag but that depends on your computer. The sketch tool feels like a regular pencil/ marker and the weight is as similar. I do have a problem with the size of the pad. I know I didn't get the pro but the other pad has a black rectangle that is 1/4 of the pad and limits the use of the pad. The portion of the pad is where the sensor picks up the pen, but I don't understand why we have to waist 1/4 part of the actual tablet. The sensors that pick up the pen are less then a quarter inch wide. The tablet is not to thick and it is  convenient to carry around. Although I lack the finances to purchases the professional tablet, I am well satisfied with the tablet and would highly recommend it to my colleagues.

2015 Corvette stingray

A car that I always found fascinating in its design, because it has always pushed the boundaries of design is the Corvette Stingray.  Always with a slick and stylish design that has set a standard. This car has been used to be the bat mobile for its contortionist design and futuristic feel. That is where my problem lies the 2015 Corvette Stingray is  no longer a corvette stingray it looks like every other super car available in the market today. In the older designs we were able to distinguish a regular corvette from the stingray, but this one right is to similar to the ones out there. I understand the new approach to design is to be less dramatic but as detailed as possible. I believe being dramatic can capture the essence of a car as well as add character to the car. The 2015 Corvette looks appealing and slick but does not capture the character that a Corvette Stingray hold. I do appreciate how the designers made the headlights shapes to the old couture lines seen on the 80's hood. The 2015 model is shorter and longer as well as smoother from the top. The front end still hold the V shape which i highly appreciate. I do like how the reflector lights are no longer square but they are rectangles that hug the end of the frame.The simplicity but extravagant original design said more about the cars character then the new  design. The new design replaces the couture lines with air vents. The new model looks likes more like a Dodge Viper. I do like the new design but I don't appreciate the lack cof character the Stingrays have always had.

Persepolis Film

Recently for my English 102 class, I was assigned to read the graphic novel Persepolis. Along with reading the novel we watch the film in class. This film is  entertaining and well put together, the illustration are simple but the message is clear. From the first time that I saw it back in 2008 the film still holds up. The novel/film follows the story of a young girl growing up in Iran and the struggles she comes across as a female in the country. Through out the story we are introduce to character of her family and the individuals stories and struggles they faced. The illustrations of the book are very simple but the message is clear, as a reader and audience you are able to distinguish nouns being described.  I should mention that the graphic novel mainly uses black and white to reference the story. This is where simplicity does not matter, the illustrators design concept was in the use of negative space to distinguish movement, emotion and overall characteristic. the black and white concept is used to reference the main character telling her story from the present. In the film we see movement of the human form in the solute form contrasting with the textural background. The characters do look similar but we are able to distinguish characters trough hair style, eye color with to fill and just stroke. I found it fascinating how the illustrator introduced the main character with a black mole to distinguish her. I know what your thinking what is so fascinating about that, well the simple reason is, the mole becomes the identity of that main character, Through out the story we get a sense of physical and emotional identity through that simple dot in her face. That the beauty of art and that the beauty of this Graphic Novel, of course the creative writing help.



This is a perfect example of the creativity behind the illustration.  We all remember grade school, where we had older school staff members creeping up like snakes to tell you what your doing wrong that day, well this is whats happening in this scene. This is a small example of the great reading and design you can find in this novel.

Keurig Coffee Machine

So lately I have been intrigued my the Keurig machine as we recently obtain on in our household. This machine goes far beyond a regular coffee maker, not only by its design but buy its simple ability. 

So the machine is well design allowing the operator to make coffee without having to turn on a flame or burn any fingers.

The water is pour on the container in the left which is the filter through the machine. The machine cuts a whole through the cartridge where the water then flows through and you get your coffee.

The design of the machine can be a bit intimidating at first because of its futuristic design but as soon as you play with it you begin to get the routine of its operation. The color used in the machine area a chrome trip with black and dark silver, also encouraging that futuristic look. When you look at the Keurig you can help but appreciate the overall design with its curves and style and simplicity, it does look like something that would be found in the Star Trek, Enterprise. I'm sure its been said but this is the future of coffee making. The chrome latch at the front opens up allowing you, the operator to change the coffee you desire. The machine is about a foot and a quarter high, a foot long and a foot wide and it fits great in any counter.

Alex Pardee Design Poster: Digging Up the Marrow

So one of my favorite artist is Alex Pardee a graphic illustrate who belongs to the upper playground collective. Alex recently designed a poster for an up coming horror flick called "Digging Up the Morrow". Alex Pardee is a great horror illustrator and has his unique approach to type face. In the poster we see the word, "the Marrow" used in a light tan color as if it was written with some sort of water based ink, then scaned and rasterrized on Illustrator. What i find fascinating is how the artist communicates a sense of feeling through the type face. Looking at it I feel like he is  trying to get a sample of my own marrow. That is very important for the artist to give the audience a feeling through a poster. This type face illustrations is similar to that seen by the artist Ralph Steadman (FIlm: Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas). The Type face sits on top of some creature with dark shadow covering his face. The background of the poster goes from a gradient yellow to a red, with the type face covering the eye sight of the creature in the back.

I wish Alex Would of illustrated the creature rather then using some sort of photo image, with textures. But the overall poster hold up, I appreciate the feeling I get through this design and I get a great idea of what the film is about

2008 Mini Cooper S

So I'd like to take this opportunity to review my car. Since I've bought the car everyone is always curios about what I think about it and  its features.

From the outside the vehicle is how you see it, small,  compact and sits very low to the ground. The front end design is similar to that of race car with the oval lights and and the extend grill. I have to say I do appreciate the fog lights in the lower part of the front end.. As you turn to the back its not as interesting. The rear end is small and the lights look like that of an SUV Escalate in a rap video, (not to fond of that). The car slants in and angle with the rear end hire then the front end, another thing i found annoying.

When sitting inside the car, it is comfortable in both the driver and passenger seat. I cant say the same for anyone sitting in the back, as it hold room for four people, or three and a half.  The first thing you noticed when in the Cooper is the overwhelming size of the speedometer located right in the center of the dash. This thing is so big it and resembles Big Ben, which makes since because the car originates from England. The interior design is so convenient for the driver to access and component within the vehicle.  The design of the interior is centered as all the interior light switches and power window switches are located in the center bottom  portion of the car. The designed of the stirring wheel allows the driver to change setting of the car. It does not encourage to have the driver and his hands at 2 &10 rather at 3 &9. Overall the car is fun to drive and fun to play with, the design is so convenient for the driver which allows for focus on the road.

Eric Koston 2 Skateboarding shoe By Nike

Nike is one of the most popular sneaker shoes ever made. In recent years Nike has made waves in the skateboard industry by taking its sneaker technology and putting in the feet of the most elite skateboarders out there. One of those products includes the Eric Koston Nike 2.

The overall design of this sneaker incorporates the concepts of past Nike classics that include Jordan and and the golf sneaker design. This skateboarding shoe is very comfortable and hugs the ankle tight. The comfort aspect is very important due to the fact that skateboarding  involves a lot of harsh landing to the the foot.

Although I have followed the skateboarder since his day with ES (another skateboarding company that manufactures shoes) his sneaker designs have never been to appealing to the eye, as he always sough to make his sneakers clunky. I do appreciate this design for its simplicity but I still see his approach and admiration for basketball. Although I admire his personal interest towards basketball i don't agree with having the same approach in designing a skateboarding shoe. The "lunarlon" in sole add to the comfort of the shoe.
The  shoe laces on this particulate shoe are too tight and narrow in the front, which make your foot look bigger than what it actually is. I feel like my foot looks like a size 10, even tho I'm a size 8. Like I mention earlier I do appreciate the caressing of my ankle. Small details in the design which distinguish this sneaker model from the rest of the Nike SB design include the overlapping of the stitching on the "Swoosh" em-bloom. I also like the weigh the shoot puts on the foot, as this is ideal for skateboarding. The series of patter behind the Swoosh is similar to that seen on the Kobe sneaker signature shoe. I would prefer the shoe to be a bit more narrow from the front.

What Nike does so great with all its sneaker designs weather SB or Basketball shoes, is print them in several patter and colors. This quickly makes the individual prints and colors to become collector item. Overall I'm very satisfied with this product and surprised it has lasted me overall a year, I do look forward to more Eric Koston signature Nikes in the future,

The New "Blood for Our Brothers" (BFOB) T-Shirt Design

I like to review the new B.F.O.B t shirt that was released last week. B.F.O.B is a local death-core band originating from Los Angeles and just like to point out they are good friends of mine.

Getting to it...

The shirt is entitled "Mislead the Loyal" t-shirt.

In this t shirt we have the image of a squid creature similar to the character from Pirates Of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.  The squid character is wearing a pope wardrobe as he hovers over a group of lost individuals (backs facing the viewer). All this is taking place in the woods while space shifts hover around. The bands signature type face is placed over the image while the title of the t-shirt is placed under the image.

What is working in this Design...

Considering the bands lyrics, that question the idea of a God and embrace the idea of extraterrestrials, I do like the concept behind the design. The actual illustration is symmetrical and well balanced. I also appreciate the negative space that help form the silhouette of trees in the distance, that helps eliminate the feeling of cluttered square.

What is NOT working in this Design...

The concept is there but execution didn't sit well with me as I felt like the use of the squid character made no sense. The header type face should have been bigger than the title of the shirt in the lower part. That alone did not give the design a proper well balance feeling vertical, just made it too bottom heavy. The use of yellow on the design would have made the design a bit more vibrant and appealing to the eye. Yellows were only use on the type faces.

Overall this design has potential but it lacked on several aspects.

Negra Modelo Beer Label

I like to take some time and review the beer label for one of my favorite Mexican beers, Negra Modelo. The packaging of each individual bottle is wrapped with a gold trim similar, witch reminds me off the golden chocolate bar wrapping from Willie Wonk and The Chocolate Factory. Already you feel somewhat prestige unwrapping a drink with the gold trim. Getting to the main label its shape as a square, witch compliments the short thick bottle. The label has a yellowish band cutting through the label from corner to corner holds the black type slight italic with a white outline. The yellow label does not do the design any justice (in my opinion) although it does make the name pop, its color is random and not repeated through the overall design Behind the yellow band I see a water mark on s goldfish tin. The water mark depicts a code of arms with two lions with handwritten words to the left.

Id like to say this is a successful design in my opinion due to the simple fact that its elegant  and I feel like royalty when I drink this beer.