Design Engine

One to watch. Haiti Poster Project

2010-04-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

http://thehaitiposterproject.com/

New Work. Holey Moley

2010-04-09T02:39:00.000-07:00

We recently had a somewhat unusual client brief to 'Design a flyer to promote a mole removal company'. Taking a quirky approach, we designed a flyer whereby the veiwer looks down on a beautifully manicured lawn... covered in mole hills. The centre of the mole hills were die-cut from the flyer.

We hope it makes you smile too and would value any feedback.

Logo. Made in Medway

2010-03-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks logo focus is all about the project Made in Medway. Their website is www.madeinmedway.com It's well worth a look at the talent of the artist involved in the project.

Design Engine are loving.... Giant Letters

2010-03-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

Is it just us or are there Giant letters all over the place at the mo?

Created by we do marketing for the launch of one of the first three buildings that will form the core of the Boho Zone in Middlesbrough, Boho One.

This rustic approach was for a wedding where the initials were made out of moss covered letters. Lush!

from style me pretty

You can see these unique tactile knitted ones at lauraslefthook on etsy.

This couple found gigantic letters from an old Blockbuster Video sign. The letters became the signature piece of wedding, and flanked the entry to the reception area.

packaging & identity. Pandora Bell

2010-03-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

This piece is by our friends at Studio Output, Nottingham and London.

Not only have they created a truly graceful identity for Pandora Bell, but they have added their signature contemporary twist through the use of different production techniques for the graphic components.

typography. the 10 commandments

2010-03-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

Amazing typographic representation of an unusual subject by Vit Ryznar. Definitely worth a look.

http://www.xroad.cz/portfolio/?p=139

design - rainbow in your hand

2010-03-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

A clever bit of design by Masashi Kawamura.

It's a simple and quirky take on the flip book.

www.masa-ka.com/

designer focus

2010-03-25T03:28:00.001-07:00

Unique, eye catching and a tad odd in places, this work isn't everyone's cup of tea. But we sure like the unusual approach and techniques of Meredith Dittmar - www.corporatepig.com

Packaging. The Challenge of Packaging Water

2010-03-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

In the studio this week, we have been looking at water packaging. These are some corkers we found along the way...

Racquel Youtzy of Toronto, Canada designed the Tap Water™ bottle in response to the growing demand for safe refillable water bottles: See the associated website here www.tapwater-bottle.com

Above, this design comes from the Swedish company, Malmberg.

This one is a limited edition design from Paul Smith, for evian.

Part of an initiative to cut down on waste and create a more environmentally friendly packaging option for water.

See their website at boxedwaterisbetter.com

On the same eco slant comes, Tap'd - It is said to be 'an alternative to the hyed-up H2O form the other side of the plant'. Filtered New York City water. Simple. tapdny.com

Orange follow on

2010-03-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Following on from last months post about those fantastically quirky 3d illustrations from Orange, we would like to introduce the artist behind the work.

Her name is Chrissie Macdonald. She is a London based illustrated / designer.

See some of her other works her: http://www.chrissiemacdonald.co.uk/

Exhibition design. abigail brown

2010-03-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

Inspirational and imaginative exhibition design from the Creatures Show at Touchstones, Rochdale, which is exhibiting Abigail Brown's work. This simple and stylish approach fits perfectly with the style of work. Magic!

See more of Abilgail's work on her website www.abigail-brown.co.uk

For more info about the exhibition, visit www.theartguide.co.uk

Typography. Anti Fur Campaign

2010-03-08T01:22:00.000-08:00

This is a campaign was designed by Kerina West for Humane Society, a global not-for-profit group committed to fighting the international fur trade.

It includes a series of posters, an A6 folded brochure/A4 mini poster and calico shopping bag, all printed in one colour only. We think that the way in which Kerina tackled the subject matter, is genius - subtle, yet straight to the point.

'The stitched type connects the message strongly to the fashion industry. The distressed nature of the thread and the frayed fabric conveys the suffering of the fur trade's victims' .

Check out her website, which is equally beautiful! http://kerina.net/

Illustration. Paper illustrations

2010-03-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

This week we would like to feature the stunning illustrative style of hiyoko imai, the Tokyo born illustrator / designer.

http://www.hiyokoimai.com

Packaging. Packaging that talks back...

2010-03-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

Is total and utter honesty the best way to communicate with your consumer?

Trade craft (above) have definitely proved that it can help by, letting them know exactly how their purchase is helping a greater cause.

http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/

Illustration. Sweaty Eskimo

2010-02-21T04:01:00.000-08:00

this week we would like to feature the illustrative work of Sweaty Eskimo(http://www.sweatyeskimo.co.uk/), of Birmingham. .

'I love the fact that every time you look at these pieces you see something new'. Heather, Design Engine

Typography. The beauty of Letterpress

2010-02-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

Following the theme of our recent post about Blush Publishing , I stumbled upon this piece that shows the intricate process of letterpress production from beginning to end.

Repeat Press of Somerville, MA created some custom coasters for the guys at Highsnobiety and Selectism to hand out for the holidays. Definitely worth a watch. Very nice indeed.

http://vimeo.com/8375271

Check out their blog too. http://repeatpress.wordpress.com/

Illustration. Sooziebee

2010-02-11T03:20:00.000-08:00

At Design Engine we are often sent work samples and portfolios from illustrators, photographers and creative designers.

We thought this one from Sooziebee was definitely worth a mention.

It is one in a set of a multimedia illustrations, using watercolour, paper and stitch. Gorgeous!

Also see sooziebee-design.blogspot.com/ for more examples of her work.

Illustration. rip nokia 6230i

2010-02-10T04:10:00.001-08:00

We are all letting out a sigh of relief as Heather let go of her tattered old Nokia 6230i this week and replaced it with a shiny new model. About time!!!

Whilst trying to figure out how to work the 'shiny new model', we came across this little intro leaflet... and were all instantly taken by the neat little 3D illustrations Orange have used.

So much so that we might have to give it a try ourselves. Watch this space....

Print. Letterpress

2010-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

I recently contacted blush publishing with regards to a high end letterpress print project. They were mega helpful and quick to reply with a quote, and sending me this beautiful sample pack on Saturday.

Not only is the print quality exceptional, but the whole pack was beautifully designed.

From the hand made tracing paper package that gave you a teeny glimpse of the print inside, to the array of sample cards, techniques and finishes, they had made this pack a fantastic marketing tool. I can't wait to see my project in print!

Packaging & Illustration. summery illustration treat

2010-02-08T01:27:00.000-08:00

I had to add orange juice to my shopping list when I saw this stunning illustration and packaging design in Waitrose.

In a market where every inch of packaging is so often crammed with writing, I especially appreciated the subtle (and somewhat brave) use of white space. Its a rarity!

The illustrator concerned is called Heather Gately. http://www.heathergatley.co.uk/

I've put a link to her blog too (see right).

Packaging & Illustration. The Owl and the Pussy Cat.

2010-01-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

Printed on uncoated, recycled stock this little box of biscuits really caught my eye in Waitrose recently... and the biscuits were yum too. The illustration has an old school, fairy tale elegance about it.