The Bildrach Filmfest Basel project is just one of the many fine examples of Ludovic Balland’s ability to punch you in the face visually. The deliberately ugly treatment of the fused B and R creates such a gripping impression it becomes quite beautiful when treated in the entire identity. I admire work like this because it challenges our expectations of design thus leaving with a strong memory of the work (whether we love it or hate it).
‘Nitsa 94/96: el giro electrónico’, is a documentary reflecting the beginnings of the iconic night club Nitsa. The visual idea is based on the turning dance floor that the club used to have. In order to create 150 unique posters, Mucho invented a turning wooden surface that would allow them to turn the paper in a silkscreen machine, printing at a different angle each time. Each poster has a flourescent colour dot that refers to acid drugs as well as vinyl proportions.
The Soap Co. produce luxury soaps, hand washes and hand lotions. They employ people who are blind. Paul Belford Ltd created a beautifully crafted solution, nicely referencing the size of the dot under Co. to create the braille.
Cultural and historical awareness are woven into the DNA of any worthwhile product. There is value in re-examining what already exists, digging through the archives [a good library] and poring over the classics [don’t copy]. Truly understand what untapped potential do the materials, colours, functions, forms, and processes still hold. I am happy that many designers and manufacturers are reaching out to the skilled craftsmen of today [not hipsters] to explore the possibilities.
A celebration of the stories – fact and folklore – behind English words, symbols and punctuation. How words have been constructed, how syllables come together to create new meanings, and how the meanings themselves morph as the world moves on. The poster is simply the printed sheets from the book – overprinted with the title itself. Published by Sutherl&Bard – the book is available on the website.
