This is the first project in my only graphic related course this term:

Project requirements:
Choose between a paperclip, a pushpin, a Q-tip, or a toothbrush, and “present the object as if it is entirely new to the market and no one has ever seen it before.”

Considerations:
-Either present the product as the solution to a need, or create the need in the consumers’ minds.
-Identify the market segment which will be most interested in this product and pitch it to them effectively.
-Explain the benefits of this product to that market.

Here is what I came up with, along with the notes we were also required to turn in:

Notes:
I started this project by doing some quick sketches of the various items. I found the toothbrush and the pushpin had the most visually interesting shapes. Just as a whim I did a sketch of a pushpin with a drop coming off the tip, and that sparked the idea of using a pushpin as a torture device. Given the nature of the “product” I thought a constructivist inspired design would be appropriate. I used Futura for my typeface because of its widespread use in corporate advertising, and its connection with Constructivism.

Positives:
I was happy with the final look of this piece. I think it just screams “corporate evil.” I also like the political irony from using the phrase “enhanced interrogation device.” The headline “creates a need” and the lower text points to the product as the answer to the need.

Negatives:
I think I could have done a more to explain the benefits of the product. Just a few bullet points on one side might have done the trick, and could probably have been done without unbalancing the composition.

Feedback from the teacher:

This is good, subversive fun. Your notes are excellent. My only quibble is with the actual drawing of the Push…uuh, device: The perspective is mixed between the top of the shape and the other ellipses, which makes it less convincing.

Final Version:
I had to agree with the comment about perspective, so I fixed it. Here is the final version:

Filed under: Design by Ed 1 Comment »

Topics: Humor, Illustration, School

Maybe you’ve been obsessing over the economic crisis. It could be that you’ve been mesmerized by the talking heads bloviating about the election. Perhaps you’ve just awakened from a month long bender. Whatever your excuse, Halloween has snuck up on you, and you don’t have a costume.

When time and money are short, it’s time to get creative. Here are some costumes you can put together in no time for next to nothing.

5. Ghost
That’s right, just grab a white sheet and cut out a couple of holes to see through. This is the quintessential Halloween costume. Don’t listen to the fashionistas who will say you are unoriginal, and possibly a racist.

4. Vampire
Chances are you can find a ready made Dracula costume at most dollar stores. All you really need is a cape and some fake teeth. You could always file your own teeth down with a Dremel, but that might impede your future career options.

3. Wall Street Fat Cat
See previous costume

2. Jackson Pollack Painting
Just splatter your clothes with the cheapest paint your can find. If anyone says your costume looks crappy, tell them they are just too stupid to understand it.

1. Homeless person
Times are tough right now, and I’m sure you could find any number of homeless people who would be willing to trade clothes with you.

Filed under: Blog by Ed No Comments »

Topics: Halloween, Humor, Misc