So to mark the occasion, we’d like to leave you with this inspiring Quote of the Week. Acclaimed graffiti artist Mear One discusses his views on art as it relates to facilitating positive social change with VC co-founder and Format Magazine contributor Sky Obercam. In his words:
I don’t think that my thoughts alone are any answer but I do find myself as a frustrated soul experiencing a space where it seems that laws and the concept of what a law is (something that’s put into place that can’t be challenged) is a problem. We don’t allow each other the space to evolve. We try to hold each other in these locked patterns where we uphold ‘normalcy.’
That needs to change, but it’s hard to do that because we don’t have an educational system that understands what I’m even talking about. I think there’s one major thing that all of us artists seem to express and that is this need to be different and go out on a limb to challenge ourselves, and others, to think in new and radical ways. When I say artists I mean everyone from an atomic physicist to a singer/songwriter.
Keep it on lock…We’ll be back in full swing on February 7th.
Illustrator Thomas Fuchs and designer Felix Sockwell’s new self-published book, Deconstructing Dumbo, presents 100 fabulous reinterpretations of the US Republican party’s elephant symbol. To order the 5X5 saddle stitched book in all of its glory click here.
Wolda is the high-profile award scheme that rewards the best logos and trademarks designed throughout the world, and the only award scheme in the world endorsed by over 100 international design associations and schools.
Objectified, is a 90 minute independent documentary about industrial design. The World Premiere is set to be showcased at the South by Southwest Film Festival from March 13th-21st of 2009.
Objectified takes a look into the objects we all interact with on a daily basis. The feature includes in-depth conversations, and documents the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential designers, and looks at how the objects they dream up impact our lives. For more on Objectified you know what to do.
Yarn bombing, also known as Knit Graffiti is a new trend on the scene. Knit Graffiti groups are popping up across the globe to improve the urban environment “one stitch at a time” The image above is ‘cosing’ up to what looks to be a Banksy. To learn more on this new craze and to view (more…)
Our challenges for the future are the same as they have always been: Will our talents be used to divide or unite? For peace or for war? To replenish or deplete? Design brings emotion to a message. It takes an intellectual concept from the head into the heart. It is a powerful tool and, sadly, too often, a powerful weapon. As designers, we have incredible influence in shaping our cultural attitudes. We need to be more accountable for the selfish ways we use resources.
Asleep on the Subway aims to build a community by documenting what we have all done at one point or another, sleep on the subway. So the next time you start to doze off on the train – be aware – someone could be watching you.
Barack Obama’s historic rise to power has been an inspiring journey. What began as a grass roots campaign transformed into a movement that captured the hopes and dreams of Americans and engaged millions in countless aspects of the political process. The mantra, “Yes We Can,” was not empty rhetoric, but a call to all citizens of this country to unite and create the change they wish to see.
Without question, ‘Camp Obama’ ran a brilliant campaign, particularly in terms of its brand as a reflection of Barack Obama’s core message of progress. The interconnection between art, culture and politics during his historic run for presidency was brimming with sheer inspiration, and at times, unbridled creativity. The following study will take you through a journey, beginning with the brand identity developed by Sender/MODE, that galvanized people of this nation – and around the world – to use art & design as a visual response to Obama’s powerful message of unity, hope and positive change.
THE BRAND IDENTITY OF THE OBAMA The Obama Brand by Chicago-based design firm Sender and interactive agency Mode:
For a more in depth look, check out our comprehensive visual retrospective of the Obama Brand which showcases the logo and its extension as an identifier throughout his campaign.
State Specific X50 (Various samples):
Party Specific:
Typography and Usage:
Sol Sender sheds light on the origin of the Obama identity:
Video 1:
Video 2:
VIRAL MARKETING: SHEPARD FAIREY
In addition to the Obama Logo and Brand, another iconic image surfaced out of LA by graphic artist Shepard Fairey. His graphic portrait quickly became the symbol of “Hope” across the country and was adopted in the early days of the Obama campaign. Fairey discusses the famous image:
“I wanted to make an art piece of Barack Obama because I thought an iconic portrait of him could symbolize and amplify the importance of his mission. I believe Obama will guide this country to a future where everyone can thrive and I should support him vigorously for the sake of my two young daughters. I have made art opposing the Iraq war for several years, and making art of Obama, who opposed the war from the start, is like making art for peace. I know I have an audience of young art fans and I’m delighted if I can encourage them to see the merits of Barack Obama.”
The Sharpie is a tool utilized by graffiti artists across the globe. The Sharpie Show, brings it all together to pay homage to this basic instrument and for many, an essential tool:
The Sharpie Show, “an exhibition by artists who utilize marking pens as part of their craft,” comes to Los Angles’ Crewest Gallery Saturday, February 7th, 2009 with an opening reception from 6pm – 9pm with beats by DJ Phyz Ed and live printing by Two Rabbits.
