mellowdesign - design notebook

Year-long exposure of Toronto skyline produces 'dreamy' image

2012-01-02T20:43:00.007Z

The following article is by Jim Rankin, Staff Reporter at The Star, Toronto

Photographer Michael Chrisman used a pinhole camera fitted with photosensitive paper to make a 365-day exposure
of the Toronto skyline from Jan. 1, 2011, to Dec. 31, 2011.

A year ago, Michael Chrisman placed a pinhole camera in Toronto’s Port Lands and aimed it — as best one can aim such a camera — at the city skyline.

For 365 straight days and nights, light has crept through the pinhole, slowly building an exposure on a piece of photosensitive paper.

Ponder that.

A typical exposure with a digital SLR on a bright sunny day, depending on aperture and ISO, might last between 1/250th and 1/100th of a second.

In Chrisman’s pinhole experiment, the “shutter” — there really isn’t one on a pinhole camera, just a piece of electrical tape or a removable cap, perhaps — has been open for 31,536,000 seconds, give or take a few.

On New Year’s Eve day, Chrisman trudged out to retrieve the camera and exposed paper inside.

“I’m thrilled with it,” Chrisman said Sunday. “It’s a very dreamy photo. This one has a soft and kind of foggy feel.”

Think of it as a time-lapse painting. The physical progress of the sun leaves a streak that shifts minutely each day. The daily on and off of building lights leaves only light, not dark. Once exposed, there is no way to undo it.

The camera, a simple black box, was mounted to the side of a rusty metal box next to a shipping beacon near the shipping canal. Chrisman used tape and a few bricks to “secure and position the camera for its long wait,” he said in an email exchange with the Star.

Chrisman, a 31-year-old freelance editorial and art photographer, put it there on Jan. 1, 2011, knowing a lot could go wrong. Mishaps could include the camera being stolen, which has happened in some of his earlier time-exposure experiments.

“The biggest difficulty,” he explained, “is trying to ensure the camera will be there when you return.

“As I’ve become more brazen with regard to installing them in more public or more populated areas, more and more cameras have gone missing. I mark down the dates to retrieve the cameras on a calendar; it is such a slow process that the best thing I can do is forget about the cameras so I don’t obsess about them.”

The nature of the exposure will likely result in a muddy look. There will be no shadows, no sun flares off windows. The cumulative effect of a moving light — that would be the sun and moon — will flatten the image.

The most intriguing aspect of the photo, said Chrisman, may be the “trails left by the sun as it moves through the sky both throughout the day and as the seasons change.”

Chrisman uses photosensitive paper in his cameras, as opposed to film, because it is less sensitive to light. A typical daylight exposure with a pinhole camera loaded with film is several seconds long, or less.

Even so, with the length of Chrisman’s exposures, the paper is extremely overexposed. There is no need to use chemicals to bring up the image. After so long, it is there on its own and visible to the naked eye.

“If I were to try to develop the paper in a traditional darkroom, the image would be lost,” said Chrisman.

Instead, he uses a scanner to capture the image from the paper, and in doing so, destroys the paper image itself. “The bright light of the scanner slowly erases the image, inch by inch, as it captures it.”

What took a year to make is gone in moments, but lives on in a digital form.

“Time is always a major component in photography, but is usually dealt with in fractions of a second,” writes Chrisman, explaining his interest in lengthy exposures. “Exploring the limits of the medium is part of what drew me to attempting this photograph.

“These photos are a constant experiment, and with each test taking months or years, it is a very slow experiment.”

One that involves a bit of luck, as well.

Where did 2011 go?! A brief look back...

2012-01-01T18:39:00.004Z

Wow!

I can't believe I've gone so long without posting anything. I appear to have skipped 2011 completely – it just goes to show how busy (or distracted) I've been!

I'm hoping to be more proactive in posting in the year ahead, especially as I enjoy blogging and sharing creative ideas. So, starting as I mean to go on, I've decided to refresh the design of this site a little. I've tried to make it cleaner and simpler, changing the stark white background to something slightly with more of a 'notebook' feel.

Three work highlights of 2011

I enjoyed a good year work-wise and had projects on the go for most of the time, which as a freelancer is great! It's hard to choose just three from them, however I think these have been the highlights:

01. First of all, this funky booklet for my local church, 24 pages set out like a scrap book - a lot of fun and something a bit different! This involved a lot of sketching, scanning and Photoshop work to be realistic - something I enjoyed immensely.

02. Secondly, the 28pp summer brochure for Richmond World Holidays, working with the wonderful Eileen Fletcher who took most of the stunning photographs. For this brochure, we decided to go to A4 landscape from the A5 landscape format we'd been using previously – thrilled with the result.

03. And last but not least by any means, a project which will be continuing into 2012 – something a little different - a butterfly icon for a new perfume bottle design. I created it in Illustrator. I've also enclosed a scamp of the bottle design (although this is still a work in progress).

So there are a couple of projects continuing into the new year, but hopefully more on the horizon! I'm looking forward to it!

So, here's wishing you a successful and prosperous 2012!

Another awesome paper artist/illustrator - Andy Singleton

2010-08-11T13:04:00.001+01:00

My sister sent me the link to this website of Andy Singleton - his work is beautiful. Click here to go to his blog.

Simon Rivett - artist

2010-08-09T14:22:00.003+01:00

Here's another very cool landscape artist I've come across - Simon Rivett - who is an artist in the Outer Hebrides.

Love the style and colours.

Amazing paper artist - Peter Callesen

2010-08-05T15:59:00.002+01:00

This week I came across the work of this amazing paper artist - Peter Callesen

Check out his website

Here are some samples:

Richard Pearce - artist

2010-05-30T14:05:00.003+01:00

Check out these gorgeous paintings by the artist Richard Pearce. Makes me want to get my acrylics going again, but great inspiration for watercolour too!

Richard Pearce

single sailboat 24x24inches box canvas £850

Catch up...again!

2010-05-30T14:00:00.000+01:00

Hi!

Apologies for not posting anything for a while.

I've had a very nasty virus for the last ten weeks and been fitting my work in around it without time/energy for much else. I'm finally on the mend and preparing to go out to Samos and the French Alps from next week coaching watercolour painting until the end of June.

There's so much to do - not least of all to pack!

I'll also be taking my camera as I'm going on a photo coaching course in the week between taking my two courses. I'm looking forward to the break and meeting the folks I'll be tutoring myself.

Hopefully I'll have lots to update you with before long!

TTFN!

Visit to Riverprint to press pass the Richmond 2010 brochure

2010-02-12T15:39:00.001Z

The brochure for Richmond World Holidays finally went to press today.

I went over to the printer, Riverprint, to press pass it and look around. The colours looked great - subtle hues which made the photographs (many taken by Eileen Fletcher) look fantastic!

It was particularly great to meet the faces behind the voices! Many thanks to Pippa and Darren for the opportunity. I also met the Director, Simon, who kindly added water to my washers which had run out on the way there!!

Also, it is surely of no coincidence that today is also Richmond's Director, Ben Turner's birthday! Happy Birthday Ben!!

Below are some photos I took of the brochure being printed.

Steve 'Spike' checking colour output by scanning

the coloured bar along the printouts - colours can be

corrected via computer which works out the

amount of ink required. Clever stuff!

The first few printed!

The litho print deck

The top of the printer where the inks are added

Close up of yummy yellow ink!

Stacks of paper waiting to become brochure!

Close up of all the paper

Loaded paper

(and I thought putting paper in my ink jet was a pain!)

Paper feeder

Dave adding a sealant to the print process which protects

the printwork, especially during finishing

Once chopped and collated, the brochure then gets put

through this wire stitching machine that adds staples

to hold it all together

Close up of the wire reels

Aurora borealis

2010-02-03T16:57:00.000Z

Aurora borealis: awesome pictures of the northern lights in Norway taken by Bjorn Jorgensen

New logo for Farnham Community Arts Project (FCAP)

2010-01-18T22:07:00.011Z

I'm just completing on a nice logo job for 'Farnham Community Arts Project' or 'FCAP'. All I have to do now is prepare it in various formats for the client.

The brief came via a design company - Redder - that I've been freelancing with since 2004 (ever since I went to visit the house of one of the partners as a potential room rental!).

FCAP wanted something to represent creativity and diversity which are both important to their vision. Hopefully this design incorporates that in a fun, modern and timeless way.

Since posting, a friend and graphic designer asked me, "Nice one Mel! Okay - can you explain to a fellow designer the rationale behind the colours and circles?"

Basically, Farnham Community Arts Project will be setting up large crate boxes in different areas for groups and/or individuals to decorate, while raising money for charity by selling them etc.  

There were a variety of different designs initially - not all of them circles. I may put them on my blog to show the process. I always supply clients with different kinds of ideas - helps hit the mark. After choosing the kind of logo they liked, the client asked me to try a couple of different things but they didn't work (text across the middle of the circles, for example).

I thought the circles would work well as expressing 'community', wholeness, inclusivity, the earth. Because it is about creativity, decorating, painting, freedom etc. I had a think about the colours while at the same time trying different things to see what worked.   I initially went with the three intersecting circles, and played around with colour combos. In the end I went with white at the centre (light, purity etc. and works against white background), going to primary colours and then the secondary colours they make (but choosing hues I liked rather than the exact ones they would be). I wanted to show that the idea for the Project is to get others involved...so just having the three circles interlocking seemed 'rigid'. I just drew the others, positioned them as I thought worked, and then played about with colour until it 'felt right'.  The lime green outer circle somehow worked well to 'contain' the other image...and gave it a bit more pizzazz that it otherwise had. I chose the lime because Farnham is a suburb and has some lovely green areas - thinking environmentally.

Snow logo!

2010-01-07T18:05:00.000Z

I created a mellowdesign snow logo when I was out on my walk this afternoon :o)

New mellowdesign photo gallery blog

2010-01-06T16:35:00.000Z

I have been working to put up a second blog as a showcase for my photos. Finally it's up and running, and I've added the first few images. Let me know what you think!

mellowdesign photo gallery

Twitter

2010-01-03T15:42:00.005Z

You can now find mellowdesign on twitter! Just add mellowdesign_uk to be kept up date with mellowdesign news, big and small!

New Year's Day

2010-01-01T17:02:00.000Z

Here are a selection of photos taken from my walk with my Dad this afternoon :o)

New Year's Day 2010

Trend Predictions For 2010

2009-12-04T21:25:00.007Z

Even by Spring this year companies are already writing articles and sourcing information on design/colour trends for 2010 and 2011! Here are a few interesting blogs/articles I've come across. I love how design covers such a broad spectrum - fashion, home, print, web etc.

Little Box of Ideas
howaboutorange

dexigner

Pantone (download PDF)
mypersonalartist
designsinpaper
boulevardinteriordesign

fashionising

Catch up...again!

2009-12-04T20:46:00.000Z

The weekend is here! Yay!

At the start of this week I wasn't sure I'd get here. For the first time in a long time (isn't that a song?), incoming work had suddenly slowed down to the point of scariness and I was wondering how I was going to make ends meet, even getting lifts from friends to rehearsals and other things, in order to preserve petrol. The joy of freelancing.

Work seems to have picked up again a bit, thank goodness. I don't know if the lull was seasonal or part of this recession. It hasn't helped that I've not had teaching this term, which I'm hoping will be remedied next year. Things are still tight, but it's been so good to be busy again over the last couple of days. Not that I ever seem short of things to do!

Today I completed a logo redesign for a local company which has taken weeks. Now that is done, I can crack on with their business stationery and then website.

Yesterday afternoon I also received a last-minute design job which meant working until 11pm last night. Managed to complete and get it printed and to the client by mid-afternoon. Result!

Now I'm about to enjoy a much needed class of wine, and sit down to veg in front of a DVD!

I'll post recent work in the next few days.

Be good and have a great weekend!

Networking for business

2009-11-26T01:18:00.001Z

While things have been quieter over the last couple of weeks, I've had the opportunity to catch up with various bits of 'house-keeping' (ooh yes, and just as exciting). I've finally sorted out a cash-flow record with the help of a friend who also happens to be a Partner in an accountancy firm (just have to put the necessary info in - the boring bit).

Of more interest is having time to look online at various design sites for ideas and inspiration. So much amazing creativity!

This unexpected lull, while I await client feedback on a couple of projects as well as prospectives, has also given me the opportunity to re-think how I bring in business and get involved in networking again - so far all work has come through word-of-mouth recommendations. I always have my business cards on me and I'm not shy of handing them out if a situation warrants it but if incoming work is slacking off a bit due to the financial climate, I need to be more proactive than usual.

I updated my Linkedin account this afternoon and joined a few groups - and have already had a couple of mails - great if they bring new design opportunities! I've also signed up to go to a local networking breakfast meeting next week - 7.30am-9am (unheard of for me as being freelance gives me the freedom to not have to be up at the crack of dawn!!!). Whether I will be any good at communicating at that time in the morning remains to be seen.

I've just finished the post-production of photographs I took as a gift for a friends' wedding. They didn't want an 'official' photographer so I offered my services as a keen amateur. I managed to narrow down the number of shots taken from over 1,000 to just over 400! It's taken almost a month to complete, in between work and life! Hopefully I'll finish getting them organised this week, and over to the newly-weds (whose relatives are champing at the bit!). I'll try and post some here too so you can let me know what you think!

Right, it's gone 1.30am and time for sleeps! :o)

Curtain fabric

2009-11-23T13:22:00.005Z

I've been helping mum choose some curtain fabric for my parents' lounge and dining room. There are some gorgeous graphic designs out there at the moment. We were looking for something quite neutral that would also make a statement. This is what we've decided - (they're going to look gorgeous!):

Lounge:

Hardy, Visconti Collection, "Caballero" Silver/black*

(Black, charcoal and silver beige colours)

Dining room:

Prestigious Textiles, Rodeo, "4771 Coyote", Onyx 905 *

(Black with embroidered silver/beige stitching)

*All samples from David French House Furnishings, Fleet, Hampshire.

One of the cats certainly found the sample books of interest ;o)

Looking for new design opportunities

2009-11-22T00:22:00.000Z

I am now looking to take on some new clients so will be spending the next week or two sourcing possible new design opportunities...anything from logo to website design.

I am also now free to take on more private tuition, so if anyone in the Surrey/Hampshire border location is seeking to learn or improve their Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign skills, please get in touch!

Other than that I have a couple of projects in the offing which are currently awaiting client feedback before moving forward...more on these later!

For a quote or a chat, call the mellowphone on 01252 404830 or email studio@mellowdesign.co.uk!

-- sent from my iPhone

Bloglights 04 - fudge graphics

2009-11-19T12:27:00.005Z

Interesting posts from this blog which describes itself as "freebies, tutorials and inspiration for design lovers." Take a look and be inspired!

fudge graphics

New website design - Avisa

2009-10-02T13:35:00.000+01:00

Great to see one of my website designs go live...

Avisa

I worked with developers from Redder, who also provided the brief.

How to remove the irritating ads from facebook in Safari

2009-09-23T17:07:00.000+01:00

Paste the following code into a text edit or equivalent:

#ssponsor, .footer_ad, .banner_ad, .social_ad, .ad_capsule, .sidebar_ads, .adcolumn, .admarket_ad, .sidebar_item.sponsor, .emu_sponsor, .home_sponsor, .UIHomeBox_Sponsored { display: none !important; }

Make sure you change the format to 'Plain text' and save the file somewhere you'll remember as 'usercontent.css' (if you don't change to plain text, you can't save this with the .css extension).

In Safari go to Preferences>Advanced. Under the Style sheet menu, choose 'Other' and select the file you've just created.

Restart Safari/facebook...and voila! NO MORE ADS! Fantastic!

:o)

Bloglights 03 - web designer wall

2009-09-03T12:04:00.004+01:00

Here's a little funky site. There are some great articles - well-written and informative. These are of special interest to any web designers, but also to anyone who loves design in general...

web designer wall

Logo trends 2009

2009-09-03T11:58:00.002+01:00

See the following article from LogoLounge (great logo design/reference books if you don't already have them!)...

Logo trends 2009

Catch up...again!

2009-09-03T11:49:00.005+01:00

I can't believe it's been two months since I last posted! Where does the time go?! Lots has been going on in my life, both personally and with work and I think the days have just fled! Work has been coming in thick and fast tho which is great!

Here's a poster I recently designed for a local music festival that happened last week - some funky bands!:

I'm also currently working on a couple of website designs and a logo/brand redesign. I'll post once they're completed.

Eileen Fletcher

2009-07-04T14:18:00.006+01:00

I just want to highlight the work of photographer Eileen Fletcher. Her work is amazing, and she's also a lovely person.

She has recently been working on taking photos for the Christian Holiday company - Richmond Holidays...see the website to view her work! Richmond Holidays

Please see her blog for more examples of her gorgeous work/info!

Equinox Photography

Debra Stroud

2009-06-30T16:37:00.004+01:00

I want to highlight the beautiful paintings of British artist Debra Stroud.

http://debrastroud.com/

Mini Biography: (from: www.westovergallery.co.uk)

"My first creative attempt, at the age of two and a half, was to peel off the nursery freeze that my Mother had applied to the wall minutes earlier.

I have always had a creative mind and as a child I used to send my inventions to various toy manufacturers. One of my designs was for an all enclosed sledge encapsulated in a sort of gyroscopic pod so that you stayed in a stable position as you hurtled down a snowy hill. The company – ‘Triang’- liked my design and sent me a kind and heartening letter and a doll’s cot!

Creativity was very much encouraged at my first school in Guildford. Music, art and drama were a daily activity. Unfortunately, the School closed when I was nine and subsequent Schools failed to nurture the creative spirit. It was later, at the age of fourteen, that I was inspired by Guildford School Of Art and their Photography course. I took armfuls of information home from the careers fair and enthusiastically told my parents. My Father said ‘No way’! so I lost heart and left school.

Much later I took myself to College to sit my exams and went on to read Psychology at Sussex University. I then left Sussex to study Philosophy in London.

Artistically, my background has been geared more towards photography. Painting has been a natural evolution for me and I find I am able to express different qualities. My entire family are creative and artistic, so I have had a firm foundation.

I was born in Guildford and have travelled far and wide, having a variety of really diverse jobs. I have worked as a freelance photographer, as a courier to New York, an executive in sales and marketing, and in Noise Pollution for a local authority.

I now live in Hampshire, not far from the sea and the South Downs.

From my earliest childhood, the sea with it’s continually changing moods, has always been the greatest source of inspiration for me. There is a great sense of calm and tranquility. The sound of the waves crashing, that distinctive smell and the wind on your face - in fact the whole 3-dimensional experience. I can never tire of it and it still evokes the same excitement now as it did when I was a child – running over the pebbles and sharp shells to be first to get to the sea. It is so evocative that it drives me to try to re-create it in my paintings.

There is a wonderful luminosity and reflective light quality that surrounds the coast. Everywhere else is very flat by comparison. This light quality creates ideas and inspires me.

The wild white breakers of the great Atlantic coast in Cornwall, such as Holywell Bay and Sennan Cove, and the translucent azure aquamarine tints around Studland in Dorset and Salcombe in Devon.

Although I draw most of my inspiration from the coasts around the South West, I have been very much inspired by places further afield such as the Seychelles, California and South Africa.

I like to walk over the great rolling hills of the South Downs in Sussex and Hampshire. From Butser Hill and The Trundle the sun beams down in shafts onto the sea in the distance. I try to re-create the brilliant blues that are almost tangible. Much of the way I interpret colour comes from my photographs, with the strong chromatic colours you get from transparencies.

I have also been influenced by minimalism - clean, clear lines, uncluttered, and un-chaotic - symmetry!

I like to paint in peace and to focus, and for that I need quietness.

I work in both watercolour and oil- each is very different and which medium I use depends on my mood, but it is the sea which draws me back each time.

It starts with an idea generated from perception, either from my mind or a direct perceptual experience. I then transfer the idea to a sketch or a smaller painting. What I am trying to achieve is a feeling of being able to walk straight into the sea – immersion!. I work quite fast, and whilst I am painting time takes on a different dimension.

The names of paints are so evocative. Ultramarine, Alizarin Crimson,Burnt Sienna, each one is a painting in itself. I mix up the colour I want to use and work sweepingly across the paper or canvas. With oil, I build up layers of paint to create visual strength and depth of colour. Colour is a kind of catharsis for me and is therapeutic and calming. I want to transfer that feeling through my paintings to those who view it.

I set myself a work plan with strict time schedules. I have to be very disciplined with myself as I tend to get sidetracked into lots of trivialities. Once I have started to paint, usually about 10.30am, I tend to keep going until 1pm. I have to remember to stop and eat, otherwise I forget and get very grumpy.

Before I start to paint I find I get quite a build up of creative energy where I am subconsciously working out my ideas - a bit like an impending storm. I am very energetic and I don’t like standing still, so I go to the gym or go for a walk. If I am painting until 1pm, I then have to go out and reunite myself with the rest of humanity, in other words - shopping! Otherwise you can feel too detached. I then work from 3pm until 6pm – sometimes later.

Dinner is an important event of the day for me and a time to relax and become a human being again with the person I live with."

2009-06-30T16:37:00.002+01:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! There's been so much going on - some good, some bad...but the main thing is I'm still here!

Bloglights 02 - the paper place

2009-03-17T19:13:00.004Z

I recently came across this site while looking at paper with regards to my sister's up coming wedding (and also because I love anything 'stationery'!!). I came across this cool, and colourful site:

the paper place

Bloglights 01 - decor8

2009-03-16T01:34:00.008Z

I want to hi-light any cool blogs I come across that I consider a useful design resource. While my interest is primarily in graphic design, various trends show themselves in other areas - wall paper designs, furniture, fashion...and can all provide inspiration...

My first choice is:

decor8

There are some gorgeous articles and designs here...definitely a great one to start with!

Catch up!

2009-03-15T18:45:00.013Z

Wow - I didn't realise it had been so long since I last posted!

Lots has been happening, although January was a quiet month work-wise. I thought this was down the the credit crunch etc., but I think Jan is usually quiet for me.

I've done some more website design (and have a couple of on-going projects which I won't post about yet as they're still in progress). Below show the final designs before going to the developer:

The new site for www.bulembu.org

(I did the original a couple of years' ago)

The new website for www.catalyst.co.uk:

I also completed the invitation for my sister's up-and-coming wedding. I've excluded the inside because of date protection. Amazingly it turns out that the bridesmaid dresses are the exact same kind of red used here (originally used in the Save the Date cards before colour had been decided).

I've had other bits and bobs to do, but these have been the main things.

I've also come first again in the Photos.com challenge at Graphics.com. The image below was basically made out of clouds from two out of six provided images, with some added brushes and layer effects...

In January I came across a site called Photoshoptalent.com. I've posted a few entries now. At first I thought it was hard work as you have to provide all your source image, and a step-by-step as to how you made your design etc. However, it's grown on me - I enjoy the challenge and the other users seem really nice. There are a variety of prizes that can be won for first place entries.

So far, I'm chuffed that I've had two first places, one second and one third, among others. It's not about the winning so much though, as about the taking part. As you win votes etc. you climb levels and can enter higher level challenges. I like this site because it helps me to improve my skills and keeps me on my toes!

Here are the two entries that made it to top place! Normally you either get given an image that you have to photoshop into something different (as in below), or you might get a 'theme' to inspire you!

Original source image
"Gallery before opening"

Original source image
"A little bit of magic..."

mellowdesign's Christmas cards

2008-12-05T16:54:00.004Z

Way back when I was at school I created some chicken characters called "cock-a-doodles" (copyright) using watercolour and ink. They've stayed with me ever since, and this is their first outing in Christmas card mode! The card is A4 folded to A5, with a little image on the back too :o) So, you know what I'm going to be doing most of the weekend - yep, writing my cards!

Latest work

2008-12-05T16:11:00.007Z

It's been a hectic couple of weeks work-wise, especially with clients needing stuff in the pre-Christmas period.

Below are some recent finished projects.

Flyer for Christmas Carol Service
I used a similar design two years' ago but amended and refreshed it.

Church brochure for extension/community work
This is a 12pp A4 landscape brochure, with spot varnish on the cover over the architect's drawing of the building (and a smaller version on the back). I also did some small cartoon scenes of people to illustrate some of the intended uses for the renovated building.

NewLyne Stationery
Following the recent design of the logo/brand, I completed the stationery design. Each business card has a slightly different arrangements of blocks, to emphasis individuality while retaining the brand id. The with compliments slip has another set of blocks. I also set up a Word document using the branding for the client to use in-house until such a time as they can print their letterheads.

Reaching the stars?!

2008-12-04T17:42:00.007Z

I've been designing a wedding e-invite for a friend of mine. He has grown up in my church where his brothers and parents also attend. He's now in Ecuador (where his wife-t0-be is from) where he will be marrying next year and then eventually emigrating to Australia.

The guest list is very small, but I was amazed to discover that they include the Bedingfield clan - singer-songwriters Daniel and Natasha and Nicola! I've made sure that my website address is on the artwork (as I normally do anyway!) just in case they need someone to design their album covers etc.!!!! I've even been invited, which would have been amazing, but I've sadly have had to decline due to cash flow!

Here's a copy of the general design, with the details blurred to protect my friend's privacy. The brief was to use a sky blue. I sent over a number of different hues for them to pick. They provided the text and guest list info (each actual invite is addressed to the guest). This is the first design I came up with it and I'm pleased to say they love it!

Another win!

2008-11-24T19:42:00.006Z

Ravages of War

I entered the Photos.com Philter Phrenzy 5 on the graphics.com site and came first with my design (above) created by using Photoshop brushes created by Ron Deviney. His brushes are for sale on the Renderosity site here. The image I created is much darker than my usual style, but somehow this is what the brushes inspired...something futurisitc.

As a prize, Ron is providing commercial versions of his brushes. The thumbnails below represent the eight brush collections from which samples were provided for this Phrenzy. From top-left they are: Clearwater, Concrete, Cracks, Dead Tech, Watercolor, Flourishes, Rips and Rusty Metal. Buy Ron has also added his Fog brushes as an extra.Thanks Ron! I enjoyed working with them!

Photoshop interface rendered in real world objects

2008-11-07T19:59:00.002Z

This mystery picture is quite stunning real-world imagining of the Photoshop interface, but no one seems to know where it is from tho it has popped up on a few sites.

mellowdesign - 5 TODAY!

2008-11-01T12:20:00.004Z

I am excited to be celebrating ***5 years*** of mellowdesign today! My heartfelt thanks to all friends, family, clients, associates and suppliers who have supported me during this time!

I'll be celebrating by having a party (black and white dress code!) this evening in a local hall...with dancing, wine and nibbles...what more can a girl ask for?! Hopefully I'll have some photos to post next week.

My website has gone live too although I need to complete the portfolio section - watch this space :o)

Factors Driving Color Trends by Jeff Fox, (Oct 2008)

2008-10-31T21:09:00.003Z

"A look at popular color trends and the influences that drive them, as well as how these trends can all work together to form original and unexpected end products

Have you ever taken the time to truly examine the colors that surround your everyday life? Whether you are a city dweller encompassed by the bright, electric shades of street lights, billboards and storefronts or prefer the quiet company of the muted palettes of nature, color is a constant component defining the environment in which you live. While the outdoor enthusiast may not enjoy the same hobbies as the savvy city shopper, the colors both see can work together to form interesting, aesthetic design pieces.

Color has always been an essential characteristic of design, and traditionally the most popular colors have been influenced by central movements happening in the world around us. The primary factors affecting recent color palettes have included the green movement, cultural influences and technology.

EYE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
No doubt about it, now is the time to “go green.” With the environmental movement receiving a lot of attention and momentum, it will continue to have an impact on design. The strengthening of the greening concept and environmental sustainability has influenced the use of natural tones. Colors in nature form muted palettes of grays, browns and whites. In addition, a natural palette includes warm basics like the colors of sea grass and rattan. Shades of khaki, moss and thyme are perfect examples of just how beautiful these simple shades can be.

While the eco-driven marketplace will be interested in earth-toned palettes for projects, it is important to note that clients will also be looking at the project’s sustainability. With print pieces, for example, audiences now pay attention to a paper’s construction, the percentage of post-consumer waste content and any independent environmental certifications. A paper’s composition and the manufacturing processes that were employed to produce the project are important steps in achieving authentic, sustainable design.

Muted colors paired with a bright, vivid red or deep magenta create intensity by drawing upon the fierce contrast of the two palettes. Bright colors seem brighter in combination with the nature-inspired lighter, softer shades.

Tip: Try a four-color process with the combination of bright green, yellow, red and blue against gray stock—the colors will stand out, creating an exotic and vibrant end product.

IT’S A SMALL WORLD
Just as we are driven by environmental factors in our own surroundings, we’re finding motivation from other countries and cultures too. Color palettes are taking on much more of an international flair. The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, have influenced Western color and fashion, as well as design—providing color palettes with deep reds and greens. In addition, as designers take a more worldly view—drawing inspiration from Latin America, and ethnic influences from India and Asia—we are seeing prominent reds, oranges and golds become popular choices.

Tip: A strong red paper paired with black, gold or green can create a piercing effect, with the combination of these deep colors jumping off the page. Because these colors are typically darker, use them to convey mystery and complexity.

TECHNOLOGY AT HAND
Lastly, technology continues to have an immense influence on developing color trends. Digital cameras, iPods, DVDs and cellular phones have all played a role in defining this year’s popular colors. Palettes include tones with intensity; think bright, vivid and futuristic hot pinks, silvers and purples. Metallic and pearlescent finishes have also become increasingly popular. The use of metallic papers and inks conveys sophistication by utilizing conceptual, futuristic patterns to achieve the monochromatic, high-tech look and feel.

Tip: Whatever color paper you select, it is generally a good idea to give it two hits of opaque white as a base for the process printing or solid ink coverage.

TRENDY COMBINATIONS
The decisions designers make about color, paper and process at the start of a project determine how the finished product will be perceived. Much as the use of technologically inspired papers can represent strength and sleekness, each color trend discussed here can be used in different ways to achieve the desired effect of a design piece.

For instance, if you want to communicate an organic, hand-crafted appearance, combine natural elements to create a contemporary yet approachable look and feel. If practicality and classic simplicity are the words used to define your piece, using the blue-and-gray palettes inspired by the sky and quarried stone will create a traditional, old-world finish. Bright, high-energy shades of color create an unconventional, fresh look to reflect a youthful and positive approach. Combining abstract images with strong, vibrant colors will illustrate the sense of optimism and renewal the piece is meant to express.

MY BLUE HEAVEN
The Pantone color of the year, Blue Iris, has had designers experimenting with unique ways to incorporate this calming, blue-purple shade in their projects. While the obvious choice when using Blue Iris in your design may be a white coated or uncoated grade, using a color paper will achieve unusual and surprising results.

Many designers shy away from color papers, afraid of the end quality or finding difficulty in selecting the correct image. In actuality, color papers can open up a whole new realm of design possibilities. Color paper can provide a different look, feel or point of view that may not have been captured if using white paper—using color paper adds a whole new element to the final result.

You can, for example, create a dramatic effect with the bold blue against a shimmering yellow stock. A pearlescent sheet transfers a beautiful shimmer to the inks by representing both warm and cool colors, bringing a lot of attention to your design. While this combination can make any piece pop, other color paper combinations such as reddish browns, yellow-greens, grapes, grays and deeper plums can also be paired with Blue Iris for an artful finale.

LOOKING AHEAD
Count on these color trends to continue to find their way into many areas of design. Concern for the environment will not diminish anytime soon, nor will the corresponding colors. We’ll continue to see the subdued tones and untreated textures representing fashion, business collateral, art and design. And while new avenues for inspiration will develop, the tips, techniques and color palettes discussed here will still be valid options and areas to consider when designing a new project in the years to come.

SIDEBARS:
Recommended papers:
Author Jeff Fox suggests using the following Wausau papers with the palettes presented in this article: Pair the more muted colors of Wausau Paper’s Royal Resource line, like Natural or Gray, with bright, bold colors for great results and a palette inspired by nature. Wausau Paper’s Royal Fiber and Royal Resource papers convey a sense of warmth and earthiness—perfect for a sustainability or environmental project. Use Astrobrights Re-Entry Red when creating print projects using black, gold or green palettes, inspired by Latin American, Indian and Asian cultures. Astrobrights Glisten Solar Yellow will create a dramatic effect with Pantone’s color for 2008, Blue Iris, against the paper’s shimmering yellow. Also, try the new Royal Complements Chocolate Truffle and Royal Fiber Ice Blue papers with Blue Iris.

TOOLS FOR SAMPLING COLORS
So how do you extract that perfect color from your source of inspiration? A number of resources exist that can help you pick the ideal combinations, whether you’re looking for inspiration, a fresh color palette or feedback on your own creation. Here are just a few worth mentioning:

1. ColorMunki: The color-tool family (www.colormunki.com ColorMunki Photo—$499, ColorMunki Design—$499 and ColorMunki Create—$149) burst onto the scene this past spring. Designed to provide the ability to create, control and communicate color, ColorMunki is an easy-to-use, convergent technology. Of the three ColorMunki products—ColorMunki Photo, ColorMunki Design and ColorMunki Create—the latter two are most useful for designers. The more basic of the two, ColorMunki Create, focuses on color palette creation from sources such as libraries and images. ColorMunki Design comes with more advanced features—like stored, calibrated color palettes that can be seamlessly imported to applications like QuarkXPress, InDesign and Photoshop. You can even automatically create color palettes from photographs. All three ColorMunki products are supported by a website, which provides a community forum for things like palette building and sharing and tutorials.

2. Adobe Kuler: This web-hosted application (http://kuler.adobe.com—free registration required) specializes in helping users develop color palettes for projects ranging from websites to graphic identities to interior design. And once you choose your colors, you don’t have to wait until the client presentation to get feedback. The site invites visitors to rank fellow users’ palettes, and if you find one you like you can even download it. Kuler also makes creating a theme a breeze. Just select a base color and customize your palette using the color wheel, harmony rules and slider tools. And if you find an image that inspires you, upload it and the color extraction tool can generate a color theme based on that.

3. Big Huge Labs: Big Huge Labs (http://www.bighugelabs.com/flickr/colors.php—free) also has a tool to help you craft a pleasing color palette. Just upload a photo, or copy and paste in a URL link of an image, then hit the “create” button and the site will automatically generate a palette of coordinating colors—complete with the hexidecimal numbers and a sample CSS."

Jeff Fox is director of marketing for Wausau Papers printing and writing sector, a leading manufacturer of color uncoated printing and imaging papers. He is responsible for supervising all strategic marketing efforts for the segment, including project branding and the communication of the divisions environmental initiative.

Check out your perspective accuracy!

2008-10-21T10:56:00.002+01:00

http://woodgears.ca/eyeball/index.html

(The lower the score the better)

I got 2.82 which is pretty good, but surprised me because perspective isn't usually my strongest point...

Let me know how you get on...!

Teaching again!

2008-10-13T15:20:00.002+01:00

I've just been invited to do a day a week teaching CS Suite stuff at Basingstoke College of Technology (or 'BCOT'). This will be up until Christmas at least, so it's great to be earning some extra pre-Christmas cash!

New logo for NewLyne

2008-10-02T13:09:00.005+01:00

Over the last few months I've been working with the construction company, NewLyne, to create a new logo/brand for their business.

The logo is now completed, and so it's just left to design the business cards, letterheads, invoices and compliments slips.

The logo will also be used on t-shirts for the employees as well as publicity.

'Talent Night' flyer

2008-10-02T12:56:00.004+01:00

My local church is holding a talent night in December and I was asked to come up with something along the lines of the 'Britain's Got Talent' logo.

It took some time to get it looking as I wanted. I used the Britain's Got Talent design as a base but I didn't want to copy it exactly (an infringement of copyright to start with!), but here is the finished product:

Another win!

2008-10-02T12:37:00.008+01:00

I am pleased to have won another three months' access to the ablestock.com photo and illustration subscription site, after my entry came first for the AbleStock Design Brief 11 at the Graphics.com website. There were 32 other entries.

The ficticious brief was:

Project:
A cover design for the launch of a new magazine: New Food.

Client:
The client is a publisher of lifestyle magazines that is hoping to capitalize on the growing interest in not just healthy, tasty food, but an approach to eating that is grounded in a preference for local products, created with a respect for the environment and in a sustainable fashion. New Food will focus on new trends in the production of raw ingredients, as well as the producers, chefs and restaurateurs that embody this philosophy. Content will include feature articles, columns from food experts and recipes from "new food" chefs. Audience: The interest in "new food" is part of a lifestyle choice on the part of mostly well educated and relatively affluent consumers.

Design Requirements:
The size of the cover design must be 568 pixels wide by 750 high. All creative aspects, including the choice of type, illustration(s) and masthead design, are left up to the designer, but the demographic of the intended reader should be kept in mind. Photos illustrating some of the feature articles in the inaugural issue have been provided, but alternative or supporting imagery from the stock.xchng site or other sources for which the designer has permission may also be used. The following text must be displayed:

The magazine's title:
New Food Article titles:
Decorated Food Trends
Fred Marx: New Food King?
Guilt-free Cookies
The Joy of Fruit
Other text: Inaugural Issue Small text: October 2008 - $4.95

PLUS!

I also received 3rd place for the Photos.com Philter Phrenzy - meaning 3 months of access to Photos.com, providing subscription download access to over 360,000 professional stock images, as well as the Glitter and Light CD Pack, which provides nine brush sets, including Light Beams, along with a commercial license for their use.

The fourth round of the Phrenzy was devoted for the first time to the use of Photoshop brushes. We featured brushes from Stephanie Shimerdla's Obsidian Dawn site, which provides a large number of original sets of brushes for free download. The set to be used for this Phrenzy was Light Beams, which is made up of various light beams and rays of light. It includes such beams as: spotlights, sunlight, lighthouse light beams, sunburst-type effects (full circles as well as half and three quarters of the burst), and even some particles to add to your beams of light to make them look like floating dust. These are high resolution, averaging about 2250 pixels in size. Participants could use these and/or the related JPG images in the Image Pack to create original works.

I did this very quickly before going on holiday for three weeks and given the quality of entries, was surprised to find myself in the top three. I used the provided brushes to create a 'being', rather than just using them for a ray of light. However, I used some dust specs in the background.

Angel of Light

It's definitely worth checking out sits like graphics.com and photoshopcontest.com if you have time. Entering the challenges allows you to experiment as well as learn new ways of doing things...my Photoshop skills have definitely improved.

Another win!

2008-08-03T14:16:00.007+01:00

I am pleased to have won another three months' access to the liquidlibrary.com stock photo and illustration subscription site, after my entry came first for the Identity Challenge 7 at the Graphics.com website. There were 23 other entries and I was amazed mine won as it was a) my only entry, fairly rapidly put together and b) there were lots of good entries!

The ficticious brief was:

Project:
Business card and letterhead design for Wise Rabbit Learning Centers.

Client:
A repidly expanding early childhood education and care provider, with a goal to have 500 accredited child development centers in place by the end of 2009. Services range from infant care, through preschool and kindergarten. The centers provide a safe and caring environment that promotes learning and child development.

Design Requirements:
The board of Wise Rabbit Learning Centers has requested a fresh new look, based on the commissioned illustration.

The design should emphasize the joyful, warm and safe environments provided for children in the Learning Centers. A secondary emphasis could be the special curriculum developed for the firm by educational experts. Color and typography should reflect the mood of the illustration, from which at least one of the signature rabbits must be used.

This was the winning design:

I loved the fact that the name on the card was for a 'Fred Lapin' - lapin meaning 'rabbit' in French!

Design your own font at FontStruct...

2008-06-24T12:51:00.003+01:00

Fontstruct

Great calender design concept (08)

2008-06-22T18:42:00.009+01:00

I love the simplicity of the idea, and the fantastic colours. Designed by Jonathan Davies.

First PhotoshopContest win!

2008-06-21T17:25:00.054+01:00

My PhotoshopContest entry 'Moonlight swim' has just won first place in the three-day voting which is very exciting! :o)

(The aim of each daily contest is to take the provided image, and make something different of it but including some or all of the source imagery.)

Source image:

____________________________________________________________________

Here are some of my other past entries...(you can sometimes have a couple of entries) some of which have won 2nd/3rd places...(incl. orig. source images). Some concentrate on atmosphere, others on humour, others on technique, others on a simple animation... it's about what the source image inspires in me at the time!

Festival dancers

Chapel by the sea

Hedgehog

Propelling forward

Chopping through

Plant life

About to blow (gif)

Blizzard

Treasure trove

The frog princess

Darth goes skiing

End of the day

Twilight zone

After the storm

Stairway to heaven

Lost

Golden Hawk

Watching

Deserted

The Fall

Hot dog

Holy Grail

The Meeting Place

Landing Lights

Vantage - the skill - brand design work

2008-06-21T17:07:00.007+01:00

Following the successful design of the Vantage logo, the company's book 'The Skill' (with my cover design!) has now been published! I look forward to getting my own copy when the client visits the UK at the end of the year!

The website design is also finished and can be now seen online, along with corresponding blog:

The business cards (designed to US/Canada size) are also completed:

So all that's left to do in the week ahead are the letterhead and with compliments slip designs.

Watch this space!

Our beautiful world

2008-06-21T17:00:00.003+01:00

I came across this gorgeous photo. I love the colours, and the way the light is coming through. Absolutely beautiful.

New fashion: water dress making a splash!

2008-06-21T16:47:00.009+01:00

I love these designs! Water is so difficult to produce graphically!

The 26-year-old Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen has unveiled a revealing new ad campaign that shows her in a see-through liquid dress. While all eyes are on her knock-out body, the former Victoria's Secret model actually stripped down to promote her own line of eco-friendly sandals called Ipanema Gisele Bundchen.

Flogos! Company makes floating ad 'clouds'...

2008-05-10T16:53:00.008+01:00

www.flogos.net

By Andrea Thompson (LiveScience.com)

As kids, most of us spent time lying in the grass, watching clouds roll by and imagining the shapes we could see in the fluffy white masses.

Now, one company aims to indulge those flights of fancy by actually making "clouds" in the shapes of, well, anything, from the Atlanta Braves' tomahawk to Mickey Mouse's iconic head.These clouds are actually a mixture of soap-based foams and lighter-than-air gases such as helium, something like what you'd get if you married helium balloons with the solutions that kids use to blow bubbles from plastic wands.The company uses re-purposed artificial snow machines to generate the floating ads and messages, dubbed Flogos.

The machines can pop one Flogo out every 15 seconds, flooding the air with foamy peace signs or whatever shape a client desires. Renting the machine for a day starts out at a cost of about $2,500.Designers use computer software to make a stencil that when placed into the snow machine, "cuts the foam in the exact right shape," said Flogo inventor Francisco Guerra

The Flogos are about two feet long and nearly a foot wide, and generally last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on conditions in the atmosphere, according to the company."They will fly for miles," Guerra said. "They are durable so they last a while."They generally bob to heights of 300 to 500 feet (90 to 150 meters), the inventors say, though they can rise up to 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) in the air.Guerra says that Flogos are environmentally friendly as the soaps that make up the foamy shapes are derived from plants, and that eventually a Flogo "just evaporates in the air."

"It does not pollute the skies," he told LiveScience.

Guerra also says the floating ads are not a danger to airplanes, because flying through one is "like going through a cloud." Nothing from the Flogo sticks to the surface of a plane, even if it goes through the aircraft's jet engine, he said.

'Save the Date' design finished

2008-05-09T13:47:00.005+01:00

I've just sent to print the following on A6 cream card for my sis' wedding.
I'm trying to get lots of things finished before going on my hols to Crete on Mon - I'm SO ready for it after a bizarrely stressful week :o)

Bridesmaid dress...

2008-04-24T12:06:00.003+01:00

I've just bought a dress! It doesn't happen very often! This is a dress my sister has her eye on for myself and another to wear as bridesmaids at her wedding next May. I love the graphic detail on the skirt part. I've ordered one to have a look at (fortunately I'll be reimbursed for this!), but it's a great incentive to get in shape and lose weight...tho a scary way to do it! I'm going to have to pin this picture up somewhere to combat those chocolate urges!!! Hopefully the style will suit...but either way, it's a gorgeous outfit...If it's all okay, I plan to incorporate some of the design into her wedding stationery designs...

My first 'proper' animated gif!

2008-04-22T23:05:00.007+01:00

I just created the following for one of my entries for the photoshopcontest.com site...it's not perfect, but I'm quite pleased!

Tax...bleugh

2008-04-18T16:40:00.006+01:00

I've just had a reminder from the Tax Office that my tax for 2007-8 will be due in the next few months. Only just seems like yesterday since I filed the last lot...only last time I had to pay double in advance...urg. I'm glad I've got an accountant now...!

I came across this cartoon (click to enlarge) somewhere the other day...rings very true :o)

Photoshop Contests

2008-04-10T22:17:00.015+01:00

There's nothing like a light-hearted challenge to test one's skills and I've recently come across a site that concentrates on Photoshop contests: PhotoshopContest.com. I guess the name speaks for itself!

They post an image, and you just use your imagination to post something using the same content, but chopped in Photoshop. People vote on what they like and the most number of votes wins. I'm new to this site so I can't vote until I've posted 10 images... You can also pay more and get to see the contests in advance and therefore post earlier...I'll see how I get on!

It's always good to have something like this to sharpen the old brain and get the creative juices flowing!

Here are mine so far:

Contest name: Plug in

My entry: 'VIRUS GUARD'

Contest name: Clown Game [I hate clowns - freaky!]

My entry: 'RAIN CLOWNS'

Contest name: Kirche

My entry 01: 'CLASSIC ROCK'

My entry 02: 'HANDEL'S WATER MUSIC'

New stationery for mellowdesign!

2008-04-09T15:10:00.006+01:00

Today's been busy in the 'print' department! I've just received my first ever full set of business stationery back from the printer - RCS. I've used this printer many times.

I had business cards made after I setting up in 2004, but I've now redesigned them, with letterheads, compliments slips and mail stickers. It's all very exciting to see it, although anyone who has ever designed for themselves will tell you that it is very tough - more so than for clients!

The colour scheme is just black and Pantone 299 on bright white stock. I decided to make my stationery more interesting by adding rounded corners. I think this works well with the logo and brand feel. The back of the stationery is just plain blue with a larger, 'introverted' version of the logo mark in the centre.

This will also tie in with the website design which is almost ready (I just need to finish the text and decide on some imagery). I can't believe it's taken me so long to get organised!

Bombardier card - proof signed off!

2008-04-09T14:31:00.006+01:00

A digital proof for the Bombardier card came back from the printer today - very happy with it...all signed off now :o)

Winner - Graphics.com LiquidLibrary identity challenge 04

2008-04-08T13:42:00.014+01:00

I am very pleased to learn that my one of my two design entries came first in this challenge, thereby winning 3 months worth of photo/illustration access at the LiquidLibrary site!

Doing these challenges is great in that they are fictional but they allow you to try out different things, perhaps away from the type of work you generally do. It's great to interact with other entrants - providing comments, encouragements and critiques on each other's work. Winning is an added bonus and free access to these stock photo sites is fantastic!

This was the fictional challenge:

"Design Requirements: The supplied logo must be used for both a business card and letterhead [info supplied], with the design also being suitable for use in the creation of the 'Dream of Provence' site (this will be built by the client's in-house designers). The supplied graphic can be used in its entirety or just parts of it can be employed. The choice of typeface and color scheme is at the discretion of the designer, but the colors should be evocative of the Provence region."

I didn't particularly like the 'face' aspect so I decided to remove that and then use the elements in a slightly different way. Having done some image research on the Provence region, I settled for a simple colour scheme using a gentle Mediterranean blue with silvery tones on white. I wanted something that looked classy but simple...with an emphasis on space. I opened up the circle of the logo to give the effect of movement, enhanced by a graduation of colour from grey to blue. I played around with the layout and thought a die-cut corner would add to the overall sense of motion, as well as adding interest by moving away from the standard format. Once I was happy with everything, I felt something was missing and so I added the bird graphic, to add a sense of uplift...hence the 'Flight of Fantasy' title for the work.

The winning design 'Flight of Fantasy':

My second entry 'Pure Indulgence':

Congratulations also to the other winners:

2nd place (mrogers):

3rd place ('Gentle Breeze' - tscpgraphics):

15 photos of part of the East coast landscape of Northern Ireland

2008-04-07T15:37:00.026+01:00

Here's a small selection of 15 photos I took while over in Northern Ireland at Easter. I'm hoping to use some of them for painting inspiration when I get some time - landscapes, seascapes and buildings are some of my favourite subjects (especially in hot and sunny places abroad!). The weather was very changeable (it even snowed at one point with no clouds in the sky!!?) but that did create some striking contrasts and stormy colours.

01 Three people enjoying a stroll along the beach...it was blowing a gale!

02 A neglected ruin off-track...very 'gothic'!!!

03 The backdrop of rain clouds pushes the sunshine into the
foreground creating deep shadows from the dry stone walls.

04 Low tide - I love the pale pastel blue//pink hues

05 This castle ruin silhouette almost disappears in the afternoon mist...and the white sky reflected in the low tide water creates some interesting textures amid the mud.

06 These breakers look very serene in this gorgeous blue sea.

07 This castle ruin cast some amazing linear shadows as the sun came out.

08 There are many architectural ruins dotted around the landscape...I'd love a month to explore! This working farm has a castle in the back yard!

09 This was a driveway at the end of a row of houses...what a view...a dream of mine is to live by the sea :o)

10 I love sheep! I collect the soft toy version and one day I want a pet sheep :o) These two posing made me smile!

11 I like the way the light is coming through the clouds and reflecting back as a slither of white on the water.

12 This pretty cottage set in the hillside caught my eye as we were driving past (incidentally, I wasn't driving!)

13 There is something almost ethereal about this picture with the way the light reflects off the picnic table.

14 This harbour village almost has a fish-eye lens feel, but I didn't use one.
15 I love the lights and darks in this one and the different textures.

Card design for Bombardier Skyjet International

2008-04-06T22:15:00.014+01:00

I have just completed the design for a generic birthday//congrats card for the private//business jet company 'Bombardier Skyjet International' who are based in Farnborough, Hants - just 15 minutes down the road! For those of you who watch Formula 1 racing, Lewis Hamilton is one of their members!

I worked with them to design their Christmas card last year, so my friend who works there briefed me for this job as well and I am pleased to say they were very happy with the results and this was the chosen design! The brief was to use a black//silver//red (Pantone 187) combo and their learjet graphic in a funky, modern way...and in a similar vein to the design of the Christmas card.

It has just gone to print via hi-res PDF. I'm using a printer (L&S) I haven't used since I left my last place of work to set up on my own, but we've kept in touch and I'm looking forward to the finished result (as I always do!)...

Bottoms up!!!

____________________________________________________________________

Here is the design for the Christmas 07 card - a snowflake made out of different learjet formations...in keeping with the skill of these pilots!

March 2008 Photos.com Challenge entries

2008-04-06T21:58:00.011+01:00

I was pleased to see one of my entries came 3rd in the March 2008 Photos.com Challenge on the graphics.com site. The first three winners get 3 months access to the Photos.com stock library, and the next three get one month...all very helpful in my line of work!

HEAVEN SCENT

Here was my other entry:

FLOWER POWER

___________________________________________________________________

...and congratulations to...

1st place ( 'METAMORPHOSIS' - DavidMac):

2nd place ( 'GARDEN' - beki):

Pantone announces this year’s colour trends

2008-04-06T21:28:00.011+01:00

Pantone recently released its yearly Fashion Report.

The top 10 Autumn 08 colours are:

Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943)
Pantone's favourite colour for 2008!
Blue Iris, a beautifully balanced blue with an undertone of purple, is a favourite among designers, as it combines the calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple.

Royal Lilac (PANTONE 18-3531)
Dramatic Royal Lilac brings purple to the forefront of fashion and generates a bit of heat with its exciting red undertones.

Shady Glade (PANTONE 18-5624)
Serving as a wonderful base colour, Shady Glade delivers a natural elegance to the autumn palette. Taking green in an interesting direction with its true green characteristics, this hue is a departure from greens of seasons past, which have had distinctively yellow undertones.

Caribbean Sea (PANTONE 18-4525)
Serene, sophisticated Caribbean Blue is another popular hue this fall, especially in jewellery and accessories, but it can also add a colourful intensity wherever it is used in the wardrobe.

Aurora Red (PANTONE 18-1550)
Reds are a steadfast favourite for the autumn, and Aurora Red is no exception. Versatile and universally appealing, this true red adds a splash of energy to the palette.

Shitake (PANTONE 18-1015)
The complex yet modest Shitake is an intriguingly understated shade.

Withered Rose (PANTONE 18-1435)
Soft, dusky Withered Rose, with its pinkish qualities and brown undertones, is a versatile hue that blends with every shade.

Twilight Blue (PANTONE 19-3938)
Twilight Blue, a twist on a classic navy, shows the transitional aspect of spring segueing into autumn.

Burnt Orange (PANTONE 16-1448)
Orange has had a long run, and now, more than ever, consumers are gravitating toward intense shades like Burnt Orange, bringing this once steady background colour to the foreground.

Ochre (PANTONE 14-1036)
Ochre, a beautifully mellow yellow with a hint of mustard, adds a touch of lightness and spice.

For more information on Pantone colours, visit the company's website...

Book launch in Northern Ireland, Easter 2008

2008-04-05T19:02:00.010+01:00

I enjoyed the book launch weekend in Northern Ireland over the Easter weekend (well, until I got ill with some nasty lurgi!). The little book, 'Fishy Tales' has so far been a success. The book, published by NIWIF (Northern Irish Women in Fisheries), whose logo I created last year, contains a collection of stories, recipes and other memorabilia concerning those men and women folk involved in the fishing trade. NIWIF is a European-wide organisation. See their website for more information.

The book launch itself was on Good Friday morning in a local Kilkeel hotel conference room. Some photographers were there from the local press. The ladies involved in the group lay on a fine selection of fishy nibbles and refreshments! Many women have lost husbands and other family at sea. Fishing is one of the most dangerous trades...have you ever thought about the price paid we pay for our fish? I never had before.

During my stay, with friends involved with the NIWIF, I also got to visit Kilkeel Harbour where I got to see another one of my logos on an office building located in the harbour area. ANIFPO (The Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation) is involved in prawn fishing in the area. Here is the logo on their website (incidentally, I wasn't responsible for the wink tho I think it's a fun touch!).

I got to travel a little bit around the local area (or 'dander' as they say 'round these parts!) taking loads of photos so that was fun...as well as spending time with some lovely friends I met on holiday a couple of years' ago!

Here's the view of the Mourne Mountains from my bedroom window! They were the inspiration for the 'Narnia' books by C. S. Lewis.