AIGA @ Ferris

Mar 27

Yes, please!

Great imagery + musings from Christopher David Ryan, a “graphic artist, illustrator, daydreamer…”

Mar 15

Handmade Type is a typographic experiment by designer Tien-Min Liao wherein shapes painted on her hands are transformed by gestures to create letterforms. However she gave herself a unique constraint: the painted figures on her hands for each individual letter had to be utilized for all variations of the letter, both upper and lowercase and sometimes even italic and handwritten. See more examples and the full alphabet over on Behance. (words via ThisisColossal)

(via Handmade Type on the Behance Network)

Feb 23

Photography

Photography is one of the most creative image-making techniques to use. Digital photography is quick and provides instant results. Film is a patient, rewarding craft. Today we’ll be looking at inspiring photography and tips.

David Hill – Using photography and manipulation, Hill creates high-impact images that are a treat to view
David Schwen – Good ideas and work are captured with Schwen’s photography
Bo Burasco – Great color and a broad range of topics populate Bo’s Flickr
Parker Fitzgerald – Film is Parker’s format of choice and hosts a 365 project and unusual portraits with texture
Smashing Magazine – This is one of many useful articles on Smashing Magazine when it comes to photography – here, learn quick color correction and touch-up techniques
Lytro – A camera fitted with new technology that lets you focus after taking the shot
DIY Bokeh – Wide apertures can be easily utilized to our creative advantage with this easy craft

Feb 21

[video]

Feb 16

Poster

Posters are great because they’re interesting to look at, but above that they are usually packed with interesting techniques and styles.

Feb 14

[video]

Feb 09

Process

Many professionals have different takes on the design process, and learning from others helps us better craft our own. This week we hope everyone takes a critical look at their process and that of others to make improvements and work with confidence!

The Hungry Workshop – Letterpress involves an intriguing process, check out this video to see it.
Designing the Obama Campaign – Scott Thomas (a member of the Post Family) explains how he managed the huge task of directing and designing the 2008 Obama campaign. There is also a book and iPad app for sale here.
Michael Bierut on Process – Pentagram partner Michael Bierut shares his experience.
Artcrank 2011 Process – Just viewing the steps someone takes to take one of their ideas to completion offers knowledge. Here we see how various techniques are layered together to create the final image.
Wireframing Resources – In web, wireframes are key to nailing down the information architecture. These resources can help you get the most out of that process.
Taking the Guesswork out of Design – It’s easy to get bogged down in one or two ideas; this article can help us refocus and keep a clear plan throughout our projects (both web and print).

Feb 07

Mr. Bingo likes mustaches.
We like Mr. Bingo’s illustrations.

Feb 02

Vector Resources

Hello! This week we’ve curated a list of vector tutorials and inspiration sites that can help and inspire us to craft cleaner, more efficient images to communicate design concepts.

Vectips – A combination of tips, tutorials, and inspiration
VectorTuts+ – Tutorials upon tutorials for creating a wide range of vector art
Abduzeedo – Features mostly simple tutorials full of useful refreshers and tips
Vector Movie Posters – Gorgeous and inspiring posters created primarily with vector art
CrisVector – Portfolio web site of full of stunning vector work by Cristiano Siqueira
Vectorism – A book chock full of the latest vector styles (see better photos here) brought to you from the same publisher of Logology

Jan 24

Design For Good

“Good Design is Good Will.” —Paul Rand

The latest hot topic in the world of Design has been “Design For Good.” Designers have the skill set to make positive changes, and this week we’re going to highlight articles and websites that are examples of brilliant work and ideas for a cause.

Nice Ride: Duffy & Partners Case Study – one of many related articles on AIGA.
AIGA West Michigan: Design For Good Event Blog – our parent chapter, AIGA West Michigan, hosted a DFG event in the Fall and this blog highlights their day-long process
Square 1 Design: Happy Holidays – Grand Rapids-based firm, Square 1 Design, spent their day giving out 6 cartons of lunch supplies, 1 carton of children’s clothing, enough quarters for 80 loads of laundry, 25 gift cards, 30 red scarves, 20 boxes of cookies, 6 red umbrellas, and 100 cups of hot chocolate
Top 10 Design Initiatives to watch in 2012 – a feature of 10 programs making progress in 2012
Design Ignites Change – this site supports DFG initiatives and showcases projects they are currently fueling