Mckerron Design

For this assessment, I just experimented ruthlessly until I found something that resonated with me.

I liked the idea of a Native American Headdress. Simply because I wanted to deliver the best design. "Chief" Design. I am fascinated by this culture and I like the way that the shapes bloom around the text.

I tried to reference some Saul Bass designs. Bass is a major influence on me and my work. I don't mind this showing through my work. Although I do want to be distinctly original. That is my goal.

Experimenting

I really liked this logo. Although it looks like something for a sporting brand. I might reference this at a later date to help me with another project that would suit that.

People have always said that my long, curly and sometimes wildly messy hair is my identifier. It is how people recognise me. I tried to play with this idea.

Direct reference to Saul Bass. I really like this, but I feel it is more a tribute to him than a proclamation of myself, which is what a business card is meant to do.

I really like the angle and colours in this. Although it looks a lot like a cigarette pack.

I played with this style and meshed it with the idea of the feather to form a nice "swish"

These last two are my favourites. And will be used for both sides of my business cards. I like that my logo and identity can be ever changing or chameleon like, as long as the angle, typeface and feathery edge are kept. Anything else can be reversed or altered. 

Letterhead.

Manyana Wine

Manyana - "Tomorrow"

Client wants view of Blue Mountains included.

Blue Mountains are majestic, big, but sharp. There are no peaks (besides the 3 sisters in view) But the top of the mountain range is completely straight. I like this idea of straight lines.

Camaraderie. Wine brings people together. It also has biblical significance.

Wide range of wines. This label must stand out from the crowd. Must also look respectable.

I like the idea of overlapping and colour that this photo portrays.

I like the abstract style of these wine bottles. However, I do not think that the 'client' would appreciate labels this abstract.

I enjoy these wine labels, but I think that they are targeted at a more alternate audience to the Manyana wines. I think Manyana needs a focus on elegance.

I think typography is important for this assessment. I like the boldness of type in these wines.

I love the idea of a series.

Wine is a luxury. The design must reflect this.

Here is my design solution. I have tried to create a modern feel with straight lines, and paired it with 'wine colours' that are complimentary. Elegant typography.

Tall and thin to compliment the shape of the bottle. 

The only thing I look back on now and dislike is the bulkiness of the bottom information on the back labels. Other than that, I am quite proud of my work.

Cat Power

ALBUMS I LIKE

These are my favourite albums of all time. Cat Power's "The Greatest"

Devendra Banhart's "What Will We Be", The Doors Debut, Black Key's "Brothers",

Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and Patti Smith's "Horses".

I find that if I choose an artist and album that I love, I will be further driven to design 

something great and meaningful.

I have decided to go with Cat Power because her music is lesser known, more personal and most importantly, the album designs are quite amateur. Because she has a large and impressive body of work, I would like to make a Box Set Collection.

Cat Power's audience are quite Indie, and 'bluesy'. They are blues enthusiasts and creative minds. Cat Power's decade long career and multiple styles has garnered her a wide variety of audiences. Ranging from corporate business people to arts students.

When listening to Cat Power's music, I think of textures dually rough and soft. Her voice is a peculiar one that through it's soft delivery contains rough undertones. It reminds me of charcoal. Her songs also reference nudity, sex and love. These themes remind me of figure drawings and nudes.

The pure acoustic nature of her music and lyrical references to horses is also quite cinematic.

  

Here are some examples of CD packaging that I find intriguing. I like the use of metaphor.

I think for this assessment, I will produce a box that will contain both the CD holder and a book.

Here is a scanned sketch of Cat Power I created. I used charcoal to try and reflect the feel of her music. She looks quite sombre as most of her music is blues and about the loss of love. In turn it is about enjoying life, just like she enjoys the cigarette in her hand, although it is not necessarily good for her, for the moment, it will do.

I desaturated and cropped the sketch. Played around with the contrast.

I found these images on the internet. I would like to allocate a section of her work to each image. Music about herself to the nude. Songs about relationships could perhaps be used for the two faces. Songs about places and lifestyle put with the city sketch. And songs about blues and freedom to the horses.

4 CD's

CD cover. I like the idea of multi layered pastel. It has become very modern, but remains quite subtle and gentle. I like this contrast.

Box Set Complete.

www.behance.net/blakemilne for bigger images.