It’s all about the grid – here, here and oh look: here. GRIDS (title does exactly what it says on the tin), published by RotoVision not only serves as a compendium of exemplary designs (featuring the work of Matt Willey, Peter Crnokrak, George Adams and Airside to name a few) overprinted with their underlying grids, but includes an accompanying CD containing all of the examples in both InDesign and QuarkXPress. A truly indispensable resource to say the least, considering the modest price to go with it.

Whilst flicking through this month’s Artichoke, I came across an article about this interesting new-age artist of all mediums – Dan Hill. The work which was featured in the article – not shown here, but a series of photographic juxtapositions; aesthetically not too far removed from tDr’s ‘Impossible Architecture’ series a few years back, prompted me to dig deeper. Although relatively little can be found about him (for instance, a folio site of sorts) I have discovered he is first and foremost a practicing architect and has been working at the forefront of innovative information and communication technologies (ICT) since the early ‘90s and responsible for many innovative, popular and critically acclaimed products and services. Dan’s blog, CityofSound, features a Graphic Design’ section amongst other things and is definitely worth a look – if only to see how such a mulit-talented artist is applying is own unique take on the profession. It’s predominantly experimental work, but refreshing none the less.

Interesting write up and video discussion with designer Jon Sueda. Brings up some interesting points. I’m wondering if everybody is lucky enough to avoid commercial clients? Have a look see when you can.

Usually I’m not so eager to jump on the Christmas wish list bandwagon, especially seeing as how it’s way too early to even contemplate of course. However, if any of you are stuck for ideas this year (even if it’s for yourself) then you might want to have a look at CRITIQUE: How to do better creative work by Steve Harrison. Already coined as ‘a real page turner’, this little beauty promises to be the bible for anyone involved in the creative process; whether it be designers or marketings bods’ right through to client service.

Gary Sharpen, executive creative director at WDMP was quoted on Brand Republic as saying “‘How to do better creative work’ has managed a number of achievements…throw into the mix that the book is cleanly designed to support pertinent points, and you have a well-rounded piece of thinking in a very neat package.”

You can read the full review here.

Call me shallow, but I’ve already written to Santa based purely on the strength of the cover! If anyone out there has already got his then throw us a mail, and let me know what you make of it. If not – expect a full review in the new year.

Not that we are into client bashing here at Graphic Hug, but there has been a lot of discussion regarding the role of client and the difference in work produced depending on the intensity of the client (or lack there of). If you are frustrated at work, hopefully you can take solace in some of the stories on this Tumblr page. Happy Friday!

… of course, by the Swiss! “With LAIKA, there is finally a font that can seamlessly use the whole spectrum of its cuts. A font that is able to move between its extremes in real time. An interactive font that is able to respond to its surroundings. A font that questions deadlocked dogmas and throws up completely new design questions, and thus has the potential to revolutionise the understanding of digital typography.” LAIKA – Eine dynamische Schrift

An old co-worker of mine once frequently used the term “Junkolio”. He would often say, in a voice not dissimilar to Jack Burton, from Big Trouble in Little China, “Yeeeeep. Well, just gonna finish this up real quick and file it in the íol Junkolio.”

I bring this up today as Junkolio has much been on my mind. In conversations with other designers and in conversations with myself. For Junkolio actually refers to all that work that never makes it into your portfolio. The work that never sees the light of the day. The work that pays for your ham and cheese sandwich and your ability to use running water and electricity. Yep. You guessed it. Itís the work that was largely unglamorous but did the job and allows you to practice in this special profession we know all to well called graphic design. However these days, Iíve noticed an alarming increase in the Junkolio. I am myself guilty of this. There are some things I look back after a few months/year and cringe/shudder and carefully slide back under the rug. But I have noticed a great many folks who I meet and chat with are in under the same quandary. What to show? Does one take heed in the age old saying of showing only the type of work one wants to work with? Can one survive following such a mantra? Physically? Financially?

Iím becoming increasingly interested these days in what makes it into the Junkolio? It’s funny. In a day when print is becoming increasingly more difficult to survive with, I’ve found that many a website, big or small, makes their way to the Junkolio. I’ve seen portfolios with a broad section of ‘work’ and then a whole other section simply labeled ‘web’. As if to say, yep, we sweep this under the carpet as well. Hopefully nobody notices. Iím not sure where I’m going with this other than to wonder, who is making use of the Junkolio these days and what goes in it? Is anybody Junkolio free? Is anybody showing everything in the entire year they worked on?

The other reason I bring up Junkolio, is what appears to be the ever maddening state of design. For I’ve noticed in numerous conversations, that everything that ever did make it into the ‘work’ section of a portfolio had practically zero budget. A ‘fun portfolio piece’ or a project for a buddy that was zero in funds but allowed for some creative freedom. The sad fact is, that it appears that designers can not live from what they show? It is the Junkolio that makes that peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But poor Junkolio never sees the sun. I guess I’m curious if anybody else is making use of the ’ol Junkolio? And if so, what ’cha got in there? Can I trade ya for my PB&J?

The always inquisitive punk rock stallion, Mr. Swinehart, has just released a pretty stunning research project. Perhaps not stunning in the typical sense of the word, but stunning in the meticulous and uncovering an area perhaps forgotten to a generation with more attention deficit disorder than the previous. Anyways, have a look see and a read. Itís a pretty interesting break down of the choose your own adventure book over the years. However, the A.D.D. idiot in me was intrigued equally more so by the lovely animations and the ability to even play them and receive some visual reinforcement as well. Have a look see when you get a moment. Nice work.

Randomly ran into this interview the other day and thought it was quite inspiring. It’s with Jim Coudal of Coudal.com. I think what is so inspiring here is that he has paved a path, without a clear goal in mind but by letting things fall into place and seizing the moment. Sorry if that sounds like B school jargon but I really enjoyed reading this interview. He has amazingly taken out the client in his take on the design profession and I am envious! Here’s the nice interview from Design Glut.

Really lovely post over at Design Observer by Jessica Helfand. I loved the sincerity of this post and more so, the feelings she is discussing here. I think much could be said for defying logic every now and then. And letting things happen or fall into place without any explanation. Have a read if you have some time this morning or this afternoon.