Posts Tagged ‘Graphic design’

Salvos appeal

Richard Foster | 17.06.2010

It’s not often that I’m stopped in my tracks by direct mail.

Flicking through the usual clutter the other day, I came across what appeared to be a handwritten note on a plain envelope signed by Christopher. It made me look twice because it looked so real, not just the writing itself but how it was written. There was no stamp, no branding, just the handwriting. It forced me to open the envelope.

christopher_envelope

On opening the envelope you discover that the handwriting is a copy of an actual letter sent by 7 year old Christopher to a Salvation Army Crisis Centre – part of their 2010 Red Shield Appeal campaign. At

a time when charities are fighting more than ever to be heard, and looking at new ways to stand out, this piece certainly made an impression on me. Why?

It was honest. It was powerful. It was original. And it was controversial. It made me feel slightly uncomfortable, and going by what I’ve read on the Salvos website, it’s clear other people had a similar response. But I don’t think in this case that’s a bad thing. It made me think, and made the issues facing the Salvos real. Isn’t this what every charity is trying to achieve? To elicit a response.

For some, the fact that they used the hook of Christopher’s letter could detract from the power of the communication – it didn’t for me. It compelled me to read about Christopher and understand his story behind the letter. How he was in fact given a job by the crisis centre to provide some pocket money and respect. How the issue of domestic violence can effect a family.

Most importantly, it compelled me to donate to the appeal. When many charity requests go into the bin, this one didn’t.

Tags | , , ,

Categories | Advertising, Graphic design, Inspirational, Tank

Some of the books, mags and websites that keep us inspired

chrisevans | 20.05.2010

BOOKS:

How To Be a Graphic Designer, Without Losing Your Soul Adrian Shaughnessy

No Logo Naomi Klein

It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be Paul Arden

On Brand Wally Olins

Profile Pentagram

Life Style Bruce Mau

Soak, Wash, Rinse, Spin Tolesson Design

Ogilvy on Advertising David Ogilvy


MAGS:

IdN International designers’ Network

Australian Creative

Creative Review

Desktop

Grafik The Magazine for Graphic Design

Eye The International Review of Graphic Design

Monocle

Inside


SITES:

ted.com

casemovies.wordpress.com

ffffound.com

butdoesitfloat.com

yayeveryday.com

dropular.net

itsnicethat.com

brandsoftheworld.com

adsoftheworld.com

ibelieveinadv.com

thedieline.com

lovelypackage.com

sharesomecandy.com

dzineblog.com

logopond.com

logolounge.com

underconsideration.com/brandnew

graphic-exchange.com

youworkforthem.com

typography.com

thefwa.com

theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com

Tags | , , , , , , , , , ,

Categories | Advertising, Branding, Digital, Found, Graphic design, Illustration, Inspirational, Video

Paul Rand

Jim Antonopoulos | 5.02.2009

I found this amazing reference of Paul Rand’s work today. A site which hosts everything he has achieved in his career with lots of case studies, a timeline and reference material.

Responsible for some of the 20th century’s most recognisable identities, from IBM to Enron and author of this little gem of a quote:

“I was just doing what they were doing in Europe. I didn’t claim that this was any great, original stuff, because it wasn’t. It was influenced by Surrealism and Picasso.”

Enjoy.

Visit Paul-Rand.com here.

Tags | , ,

Categories | Found, Graphic design, Inspirational