Jack's blog of creative glory

The Secret of Nike Air

2010-04-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Just found this great video on the Creative Review Blog :)

2010-03-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

I'm finding The Design Cubicle blog very inspirational at the moment. Written by graphic designer, Brian Hoff, it covers many design themed subjects and gives good advice on essential design skills.

A thank you

2010-03-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'd just like to give thanks to Ebi Atawodi, a fantastic designer and illustrator who has kindly helped me with my design contracts. Check out Ebi's great design work here!

Say Cheeeese!

2010-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Camera's are great aren't they? I'm itching to purchase a new SLR camera to fulfill my photographic needs. Now that Summer's approaching, I'm looking forward to getting out there and taking some shots of nature without freezing my bits off!

In the meantime, I've been out on my bike with my camera, taking some shots of the great outdoors and anything else fanciful. Check out the others on the second page of my site. Enjoy! :)

Bulletproof (no, not the La Roux song!)

2010-02-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been a while since my last post here, hasn't it? Since last writing on here I'm excited to say that I've secured a Summer placement with Bulletproof, the fastest growing brand and packaging design agency in the UK. This will be a great opportunity to contribute working on live briefs for big clients and learn much from the experience of the seasoned pros. Good times!

ECB Logo Development

2009-12-22T03:18:00.000-08:00

Initial sketches when designing my entry for the Essex County Buses logo competition:

Developing selected ideas on the computer. The logo-mark is based on how bus routes appear on a map. The circles represent bus stops while the dynamic lines represent the route-path itself.:

After much tweaking and testing the final logo emerges:

On the buses

2009-11-23T01:16:00.000-08:00

I've just designed a logo for Essex County Buses, a dynamic transport company offering a variety of travel services - not just bus travel despite the name! It's a simple and unique looking logo inspired largely by the way bus routes appear on the map. I'll upload the result in the next couple of days...

Hearing Shapes

2009-10-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

We are all capable of "hearing" shapes and sizes and perhaps even "tasting" sounds, according to researchers.

Read more here

Patience, and persistance

2009-10-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Jay-Z's not your typical role-model: as a high-school dropout he sold crack before he began his music career. But his ambition, work ethic, quest for perfection and sheer talent—never-mind his wild success—is inspiring.

Site Update

2009-10-09T16:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, it took a while (ok, 2months) but I've got round to updating the my website with my work at Propeller, an identity for Video Rescue. Check it out on www.jacklarner.co.uk for a closer look.

Food for thought

2009-10-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

My time at Interbrand

2009-10-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Two months and a fair few train tickets later my two months at Interbrand have flown by!

Whilst there, I was involved in work for several global brands at various stages - from research to development. I enjoyed my time there and learnt first-hand the thorough design and research process larger agencies go through compared to smaller ones. I also got to know my way around a lot of central london on foot too in my attempts to avoid the tube!

I am now getting on with some freelance jobs while I search for either a full-time job or more placements.

Designer Vs Client

2009-10-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

haha so true!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfprIxNfCjk

From Ipswich to London!

2009-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a great week at Propeller where I have been working on a new identity for a successful storage area network company. I had a lot of fun working with the friendly and talented team and learnt a lot from the whole experience. It's a shame the week went so quickly!

Next week I begin Interbrand in London, which I expect will be a big contrast to Propeller's relatively small studio. I'm looking forward to the challenge and expanding my design skills further over the next month.

I shall upload my latest work on the site very soon, so watch this space!

Jack

Some train sketching

2009-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Some sketches I did for a placement project while on the train to Propeller Design. It's design designing a bug-like mascot for a Storage Area Network company.

Placement at Propeller Design

2009-07-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to beginning a placement with Propeller Design in Ipswich tomorrow. Specialising in Design and Brand communications, you can check out their website here: http://www.propellerdesign.co.uk

Branding at it's best haha

2009-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

2009-07-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Had a great week in Zadar, Croatia, helping out at the Vivid gallery. It was great to meet the others involved and check out the artwork. Zadar is also a great city full of friendly locals and interesting bars - check it out!

Toothbrush? - check

2009-06-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I fly out to Zadar, Croatia where my friend Ray's vivid paintings are being exhibited. I'm looking forward to seeing the art and design there and meet new people...as well as the clear blue skys and golden beaches :)

The Future

2009-06-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

"I'll buy anything shiny and made by Apple"

Computer Arts Graduate Showcase 2009

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have just posted off my Royal Mail for this year's Computer Arts Graduate Showcase - fingers crossed!

Design Appreciation

2009-06-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this distinct identity created by Two Points for the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona. Check it out in full here: http://www.twopoints.net/en/project/montjuic-de-nit

Degree show photos

2009-06-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of my degree show stand from last week:

Thanks to Fresh Communications

2009-06-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had a good day working with the Fresh Communications team in Leicester today. Working on three test projects, it has reminded me of the importance of being able to work quickly as well with quality to meet tight deadlines. Andrew gave me a great logo creating exercise to improve my design speed which I shall check out by the end of next week.

New portfolio

2009-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

After a day of consistantsizing (if that's a word) my portfolio, it's ready to present at my interview at Fresh tomorrow morning.

Photoshootin'

2009-06-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

In in the process of updating my portfolio, Marcus and I got down to the photography studio to take some shots of my work. You can see the results on my website's project pages.

Ourworld, round 2

2009-06-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Following feedback from Saatchi, Matt and I are currently revamping the Ourworld project in an exciting new way:

All shall be revealed soon..

My Website Identity

2009-06-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

My website, and myself as a designer, is lacking a visual identity. Today I have developed my website's identity. Have a ganders at www.jacklarner.co.uk

The Degree Show

2009-06-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

After all the preparation, the degree show industry viewing went really well. It was great to see everyone's hard work and make new contacts. I'll go back when during the week when it's less busy to take some photos.

Coffee?

2009-06-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

With the industry degree show coming up tommorrow I have been preparing the Coffee packaging series from my Sesa project to present.

With the photogaphy studios fully booked until next week I created my own makeshift studio in the living room:

Business Cards

2009-06-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

In preparation to the degree show I have created a simple and clutter free business card to go on my exhibition stand.

Placement at Interbrand

2009-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have just been accepted for a month's placement at Interbrand this summer - goodtimes!

Late night doodle

2009-04-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm looking to expand the Berghaus Opti-Stud Project (shown earlier), expanding the campaign into magazine ads and posters. Here is a quick mock of an idea I've had to get the concept across.

To refresh your memory, the campaign is promoting a type of walking shoe grip. As with the booklet, the visuals represent map contours and the numbers, the altitude, like on an ordinance survey map. As the numbers increase up the hill, they begin to wobble and tilt, suggesting the uneven surface and the need for grip.

Looking at the mock, it may even make a good screen-print illustration. I'm going to aim to get this complete for hand-in on 15th May. Watch this space!

Getting messy

2009-04-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

..with linoprint. For my final major project I have taken on the task of creating the name and brand of a musical coffee house. From research and several mock concepts, I've decided to base the brand identity around ancient african tribe culture due to the heavy influence of music and community surrounding which they lived.

It's been a fun day experimenting with linoprint to create an authentic african style.

RSA Evening

2009-04-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

I've just come back from a portfolio crit evening at the RSA in "Landan" with friends from my course. Set in a funky brick basement, it was a great opportunity to view the rest of my course's work and meet people from the industry. The next show like this will be the NTU degree show in June!

Feelin' Lucky?

2009-04-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a break from the project to work on some othe briefs I have completed my booksleeve for the 'On This Day' brief. My day? Friday 13th (wooo)

Inspired by the day's mythlogical roots, heavily involving Paganism and Christianity I decided that a more biblical style would be the most appropriate to get the right vibe across.

The final design uses a combination on hand drawn patterns and vector drawn shapes. I have also designed some page layouts for the inside of the book which document the history and fables of this widely-feared day.

Reach Your Peak...

2009-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

For this years YCN Awards entry I have been tasked effectively communicating the benefits a unique type of footwear grip by Berghaus, Opti-Stud, to the potential customer.

Here's what it looks like:

The Berghaus brand’s vision statement is, “We are on top of the world’s highest mountains. We are at home in the most inhospitable places on earth. We are found on the backs of the best outdoor athletes out there. We are in front of everyone else. This is where we have been for over 40 years and it’s where we are going. We’re on an adventure. Join us.” and the "Potential Customer" is a passionate Outdoor Athlete, always looking to reach their full performance:

The first concept I had for the campaign revolved around the insight; "Get a Grip". The shoe would be presented instore upside down and have a general muddy, gritty style.

After getting feedback from fifty Outdoor Athletes I talked to (my Saturday job is at an Outdoor Shop), the general thoughts were that this slogan, although snappy, seemed too cliche, condesending and did not fit in with the brand values.

My second concept, 'Reach Your Peak' went down much better with the outdoor enthusiasts. The tagline can be interpreted either literally, as in the footwear will get you to the top of the hill or metaphorically, as in peak performance. This got great feedback all round and was the clear winner.

Visually, a map contour style was used. This is as they represent altitude on a map, making for a familiar visual language:

I tried several illustrative experiments using a developed map contour style before coming up with the final promotional piec for Berghaus:

The final piece is inspired by the visual style of the Ordiance Survey Maps widely used by Outdoor Athletes.

Which leads me nicely to my final piece. This booket explains the benefits of Opti-Stud in a clear way with supporting infographics. The logo is inspired by the contour symbol on many map keys. The illustration makes the shape of an Opti-Stud in the centre with contours branching out, suggesting that Opti-Stud is at the peak:

Our World

2009-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

A collaboration with Matty Ivy, a D&AD brief this year was to 'Create the brand for a radically new customer reward scheme'. You can view it by logging on the D&AD Awards site here.

We were tasked with creating a global brand name and identity for a radically new customer reward scheme, where customers will be able to form groups around their shared interests, passions and tribal loyalties. They will be able to ‘lobby’ for incentives from brands that match their profile and brands will be able to be ‘bid’ for these customer’s loyalty, no matter how unique the interests are.

From our research we came up the brandname Ourworld and created the visuals and campaign around it, making sure to keep things simple and globally recognisable.

Our research included lifestyles, globally iconic designs and symbols, marketing and business strategy:

...and who's this Zack Marmer guy? ;)

Royal Mail 2020

2009-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

My next Futurebrand entry is complete! It involved a lot of research into the current Royal Mail brand and the problems it faces as well as a range of visual research, I'll get it up on my website soon.

Futurebrand 2020

2009-01-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

I've just discovered my Royal Mail rebrand design for the Futurebrand 2020 competition has gotten through to the next round of judging - goodtimes!

They've given me lots of feedback to keep me busy before the next round of judging commences. Watch this space!

Who controls the Brand?

2008-12-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

I go into this on my dissertation topic but I've just discovered this interesting site via the Purple Circle blog which expresses the public's view of many brands.

http://uk.brandtags.net/browse.php

Well worth a look!

The Degree Show Calander

2008-11-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

One dissertation drafted, a book on Paraskeviphobia storyboarded, and an advertising campaign for Berghaus on the go... The third year is well and truly underway!

We have just finished shooting a calender where everyone who took part and created their own letter corresponding to the theme of the month.

The results were excellent and everyone made a real effort! The calendar goes on sale next week....heres a few snippets from the photo-shoot.

Learning the Print Process

2008-11-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

I visited Fineprint this week, a Nottingham based printing and finishing company to learn more about the print process first hand and get advise for my current Uni project. It was great to see the printing process in action rather than learning from books alone. It has made me much more aware of many printing and paper options to consider when designing my work.

"Laaaaaaser beam"

2008-11-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

For my current uni project I'm creating a very tactile, biblical-like book on Paraskavedekatriaphobia (that's fear of Friday 13th if you don't have a dictionary near by) As a result it's important i learn a lot about paper stock, print processes and binding to help me getting it looking as well crafted as possible. One print method I've been looking at for printing on bible paper is Intaglio printing, which involves using the laser cutter to engrave the letters on wood before filling them with ink.

Plus Festival at Birmingham

2008-11-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

I attended the Plus Festival which had some interesting workshops and design work, and talks included Airside and Studio Output. It was great experimenting around with the letterpress letters. The amount of ink, bleed and the how the ink transfered to the paper all made for a more tactile design.

It was great to see Gabriel from Hummerstone doing some actual stone carving. He hand rendered the letterforms over the course of the event and began carving them in slate for a headstone for John Baskerville as part of the Baskerville Project. A real craftsman at work. (see image below)

Royal Mail Rebrand for 2020

2008-10-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

This is a recent project I have completed for the Futurebrand 2020 competition. The brief was to reinvent a brand for the year 2020, I chose Royal Mail.

Research revealed that Royal Mail is struggling as rival European postal operators have entered the market and picked the most profitable parts such as business delivery.

In 2020 Royal Mail will not be restricted to primarily UK household post. It will have expanded to deliver mail worldwide to businesses, rivaling companies such as DHL and Federal Express.

The Design

As the Royal Mail will be a global postal delivery service by 2020 it is important to reflect this in the logo while maintaining its distinctive British heritage. The iconic crown has been simplified and sits upon the globe, suggesting the organization’s proud international status.

The simplified style gives the brand a contemporary/innovative look.

The rounded type has a modern look to it conveying efficiency and reliability.

The brand’s main colours remain red and yellow, as they are energetic and stand out.

A criticism that came up over and over in my research was that the Royal Mail needed to be move beyond the functional and become more human and engaging: eg. In their non-delivery notes. I’ve reflected this in the design and copy of the new visual identity.

Royal Mail currently lacks a strong visual consistency throughout its touch-points. It should see every touch-point with a customer as building the brand. With more time I’d like to re-design the interior of the local collection points and sorting offices themselves, as they often look dreary and generic.

The core brand values are: Innovation, Efficiency, Friendliness and Reliability.

Sick of hordes of wasteful junk mail? Tired of queuing in line at your dreary local collection office? Well 2020 is the year you’ve been waiting for! In 2020 you’ll know what mail to expect and when before it leaves the sorting office. Research revealed a big annoyance of Royal Mail is how tedious it is to obtain your mail if you’re out. This problem can be solved with technology. Introducing the virtual ‘Doormat’ system.

1. Every complying household will have a unique delivery code (for example, house number and post code combined).

2. As the package enters the sorting bay the address is scanned and a visual email is automatically sent to the recipient’s inbox showing the letter/parcel that is soon to be delivered with information such as the sender, weight and E.T.A.

3. If needed, the recipient can now manage how the package is to be delivered via the Internet. Possibilities include:

• Alter the estimated time of arrival.
• Transfer the package to another address.
• Request for the package to be recycled.
• Add a delivery comment such as “Please leave behind bin”.

4. Direct mail, which the Royal Mail depends on for revenue, will be digitally integrated via the online Doormat system and be present when the recipient views their virtual post. This will not only be eco-friendly but also allow the advertisements to be more relevant and immersive.

Since most people only read a small percentage of the mail they receive, Royal Mail’s Doormat system will see an environmental benefit with its service as well as the added convenience. Similar to how mobile phones have made it unnecessary to wait at home for an important phone call, Doormat will change the notion of checking the mailbox for letters or parcels.

Must be brief time!

2008-10-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

The first batch of my year three design briefs.

Thanks to everyone at CHI&Partners

2008-10-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Product Truth > Consumer Insight > Corporate Ambition > Company Culture

I've been on work placement at creative advertising agency, CHI&Partners this week. Working alongside the guys responsible for great campaigns such as Stay Drenched and Dangerous Ground

I learnt a lot about the roles and structure of the agency and got first-hand insight into the 'big ideas' process. I really appreciate the great opportunity!

It's amazing what you can do with a $10 Sharpie!...

2008-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

In the post-advertising age, any business man with some balls will hand out bagfuls of his product to artists and tell 'em to mess around, do what they will. You could get lucky and end up with this.

:)

2008-10-01T15:41:00.001-07:00

Ads to tackle binge drinking

2008-10-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

I love these brand new 2008 public information films about binge drinking. Judging from some of the online comments I've read at tvs-worst-adverts.co.uk it's made a lot of people all defensive but if anything it makes you think and evokes emotions.. A great insight

As a woman prepares to go out for the evening, she rips up her clothes, vomits in her hair and pours wine all over the carpet. You wouldn't start a night like this, so why end it that way?

I found this one of the campaign's supporting website. It goes on a bit but ends memorably!

Blyk Sessions with YCN

2008-10-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've been at the new YCN studio in London Monday and Tuesday this week taking part in some advertising and market research exercises for the phone company, Blyk. It was a great couple of days which included talks from the creative director of Blyk's agency Contra and illustrator, Elin Svensson.

I also had my photo taken presenting the Towel of Commendation as part of the recent YCN Awards where my illustrated portrait appears along with the other commended designers and illustrators, drawn by David Sparshott.

What is Graphic Design?

2008-09-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

"aaaaa load of slosh!"
"designing graphics"

..I found this video on the CR blog and thought I'd steal it :)

Album cover image in process

2008-09-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneaky peak at an album cover I'm making for a local DJ duo, Health&Safety. Using their 'brand' colours - red and blue I've given the album a seductive but sinister feel, reflecting their music.

Loving this music video for Flobots

2008-09-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Very slick design and concept.

Ad Land

2008-09-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit of a book worm, researching for my final year dissertation on advertising. I've really enjoyed reading Ad Land by Mark Tungate. It's a great insight into how the advertising industry has evolved into what it is today and some of the main people involved. Great quote from 1960s Ad man Howard Gossage the relationship between advertisers and consumers:

"Advertising may seem like shooting fish in a barrel, but there is some evidence that the fish don't hold still as well as they used to, they are developing armour plate. They have control over what type of ammo you have, when the trigger gets pulled, and how fast your shot moves. Oh, and they're not all in the same barrel anymore'.

Developing the characters for 'Roadmannerz'

2008-09-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

I've been designing the quirky character personalities for the Roadmannerz website. Here's how I came about the design for the Mumbai Traffic Cop:

After sketching out a rough version, I created the final character in Illustrator, exaggerating his glasses to give him his too cool for skool personality.

With the style decided, I found reference material to make sure the cop was recognizable.
I looked at several character styles. I favored the bizarre and distinctive style of the South Park cast.

Another inspiration was the simplistic style of the characters on The Cuban Brothers designed by Clusta

Visit to Interbrand, London

2008-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

I visited global branding company, Interbrand today where I recieved helpful feedback and advice on the presentation of my print portfolio. I feel that branding and advertising is the direction I want to head in.

So, you need a dose of RoadMannerz...

2008-08-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is what commuters to Mumbai, India face every day...(!) To combat this I am currently working with Amol Sonavane to create RoadMannerz.com, a brand that promotes carpooling via the web.

The brand has feel good vibes as a happy alternative to the frustrations of being caught in traffic! Website coming soon.

The YCN Expo...and some colourful things on the way

2008-08-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

These funky psychedelic pastel doodles a hippy-ish fella was drawing all over Trafalgar Square.
Like a rainbow but more colours.
The most impressive limbo attempt I've ever seen performed at Covent Gardens.
The lighting in at YCN Live was brilliant..
and it was packed with mahoosive helium balloons!

"Here's my (playing) card.."

2008-08-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

I've been getting hands-on, creating an updated version of my business card for the expo tomorrow. The old method involved screen printing the info onto the back of the card, which was a fun, but slooow process. I've made the process faster second time 'round using glossy radiator paint and acetate...

Any suggestions on what to do with the 48 left over cards from each pack? Send me an email!

YCN Live invite arrives!

2008-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

The very fancy YCN Live! invite. The exhibition's tomorrow in London at The Village Underground (www.villageunderground.co.uk) judging from the website it looks like an amazing place!

Hope you like JAMmin' too...

2008-08-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

I recently designed the logo for a starting up Video Production organisation; JAM! Specializing in special effects, the red splatter can be interpreted as jam, or blood, depending how twisted your mind is!

:D

2008-06-02T14:26:00.000-07:00