TANK | 2010

On his way to take part in the upcoming Sydney Biennale British typographer Jonathan Barnbrook graciously stopped by to share a few candid stories and pieces of advice with Melbourne designers young and not so young.

I was first introduced to Jonathan’s work during University, where his typefaces like Manson and Exocet were used by many students in a ‘devilish’ manner*. His video work for Radio Scotland lead me to appreciate the value of storytelling in graphic design. Its hard to capture the passion, eloquence and humble nature in which he spoke about topics from typedesign, to Starbucks, Adbusters to Japanese Funeral Directors in a few words. But I have endeavoured to do so by gathering a few points that resonated with me on the night. I hope they inspire you.

Ten points of wisdom and quirky facts:

1. Typedesign is the poetry of language.

2. Virus (Jonathan’s typefoundry) was named after a William Burroughs quote… “language is a virus from outer space”.

3. Typefaces speak in the spirit of the age.

4. Have bravery in your work, have passion in your folio.

5. Only when technology is invisible is it of any use.

6. Exocet, has become shorthand for Gothic, this was not his intention.

7. Designers don’t talk enough about how to make the world a more beautiful place.

8. Language is the ammunition we use to change society. Typography is the weapon.

9. David Bowie is a good guy.

10. I put my whole world into my typefaces.

Inspirational stuff to reflect upon. Many thanks to Jonathan for sharing his experiences with us.

*I indeed am also guilty of using Exocet and Mason to support a homage to Buffy the Vampire Slayer on a friends 21st birthday card.

Tags | agda, barnbrook, inspiration, Typography

Categories | Advertising, Graphic design, Inspirational, Video

The Little Big Picture

Jim Antonopoulos | 5.05.2010

THE LITTLE BIG PICTURE – our 2010 Agideas Studio Access event.

On Tuesday 27th of April, TANK opened its doors to a group of 16 Agideas attendees for a night of pizza, drink and creative thinking.

A facilitated brainstorm was conducted around the premise of ‘The future of media’ using a national newspaper as a sample client.

Ideas were thrown around, as was wily discussion on the cultural, technological and social impact media will have in the next ten years.

We hoped all of our attendees took away a little bit from the behind-the-scenes look at what happens on a large-scale branding project.

Our 2010 Agideas Studio Access event.

On Tuesday 27th of April, TANK opened its doors to a group of 16 Agideas attendees for a night of pizza, drink and creative thinking. A facilitated brainstorm was conducted around the premise of ‘The future of media’ using a national newspaper as a sample client. Ideas were thrown around, as was wily discussion on the cultural, technological and social impact media will have in the next ten years.

We hope all attendees took away a little bit from the behind-the-scenes look at what happens on a large-scale branding project.

Click here for a good look at proceedings.

Tags | agideas, brainstorm, event

Categories | Branding, Digital, Strategy, Tank