Why graphic designers live tortured lives

My friend told me the only reason he knows about kerning is because of this comic (www.xkcd.com).

Inspiration: Vanishing Point

Here is another good example (from motionspire.com) that links sound and visuals in a compelling, abstract way. I also really like the progression, in which an object appears to be whole but is then a part of some other whole... as the motions progress there is continually larger and larger wholes (if that makes sense). I think this is important, especially if there is no clear story line in a piece.

Vanishing point

Kimberly-Clark inspiration

In the AIGA collection (volume 365: 31) from 2010 I found this funny product that I thought was really appropriate since summer is coming. Because of our products this semester I guess I've been thinking a lot more about product design and this one really stood out to me. It's eye-catching but also a little confusing... are we supposed to want to eat the tissue box? By the design firm Kimberly-Clark.

Reel FX inspiration

Lately I've been interested in investigating motion design companies and I've found that their self-promotions tell a lot about them and are examples of extremely good work. Since it's their time to 'show off' and convince clients that they produce high quality materials, self-promotional pieces are also usually very creative. Here is an example from Reel FX below.

http://www.reelfx.com/entertainment/work/reel-fx-rebrand

I like how the logo of the company, the letter R, is transformed into several different things, showing off creativity and the variety of formats the company uses. I thought it was clever that the squiggle 'investigates' the R, and the audience discovers new and interesting things as the squiggle does. So, there is a little story and discovery in the piece, which is almost always effective in graphic and motion design.

Inspiration of Method

Method is a brand of household products that are environmentally and socially conscious. They also have great product design and won the AIGA 2010 Corporate Leadership Award. The design of their products is very clear clean, which is good for cleaning supplies. The design visually and to the products (which have plant-based formulas or feature biodegradable corn-plastic) are hopefully leading the way to a future in which businesses and companies are more conscientious of their products.

Jacqui Oakley inspiration

Jacqui Oakley did this illustration for an album cover, featured in AIGA. The colors and shapes within the lion's head gives the illustration vibrance and movement while the color palette is, although colorful, still regal. The layout and design of the cover was done by Poly.

Inspiration by Lobo

I liked this ad by Lobo, and I thought it was good motion design because there is always something changing or moving. Not only is the camera moving through the scene, but parts are moving or growing across the space or rotating. And the space also incorporates a 3D sense with depth (moving through Z space).

Andy Gilmore inspiration

AIGA's blog design envy featured artist Andy Gilmore, whose work looks very geometric close up but far away is more organic and emotive.

I think the piece shows a lot of unity through color and balance because it is almost symmetrical. I think what keeps it organic is the rhythm present in the patterns.