design:related - Ronnie's inspirations

The Real Trend-Setters

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:32:04 GMT

Over the years I have accumulated a good library of work in the motion industry, for the purpose of putting together a "history of design in motion." In doing this, I find the MoGraph community incredibly fascinating - not so much the practice itself, but its impact on Western (and even global) culture. Studios and designers in this industry maintain a different dynamic than their Design cousins; Print, Environmental, Inustrial, and Interactive, in that the survival of those working in the MoGraph industry are dependant upon "trend-setting" practices. In fact, they have perfected the art of "I lead, you follow." Essentially, this is what happens when your "design" has instant distribution to a massive, highly dedicated following. The opening graphics to ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" may not be ground-breaking design, but Millions of people are exposed to it on a weekly basis. The shear power of this exposure ultimately defines design amongst the masses. Trends are set, and other mediums are racing to follow suit. This stikes a bad tone for those designers who strive to express culture - as opposed to simply making it "sizzle." Note Worthy Individuals » Nik Ninley » Matt Owens » Anders Schroder » Perttu Murto MoGraph Communities » Motionographer » Strash Media » Mograph Wiki Schools Focusing on Broadcast Graphics » SCAD Broadcast Design » Otis College of Art and Design Image by Perttu Murto

Asian Culture and Beyond

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 16:56:10 GMT

The influences of Eastern culture play a huge role in what I now see as "western" pop. Being pounded by client-demands to produce the "apple" aesthetic to even the most unrelated brands, I am constantly looking for another angle. Appropriating art/aesethics from another culture may be naughty (denying the true meaning of origin), but it keeps me in the clouds and out of the mud-pit of American influence. Since I tend to live in a politically anti-progressive environment, stores like GiantRobot give me a breath of fresh air. Check out the goodies and you'll see what I mean. » GiantRobot (Asian culture and beyond) Image from the "Sing Ding Aling" exhibition at the Museum Het Domein Sittard. Artist, Thomas Campbell.

The 15 Things Charles and Ray Teach Us

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 21:29:18 GMT

Excerpt from: An essay by Keith Yamashita

Keep good company
Notice the ordinary
Preserve the ephemeral
Design not for the elite but for the masses
Explain it to a child
Get lost in the content
Get to the heart of the matter
Never tolerate "O.K. anything."
Remember your responsibility as a storyteller
Zoom out
Switch
Prototype it
Pun
Make design your life... and life, your design.
Leave something behind.