Refractory is a furniture, lighting and object design studio based in Chicago. Refractory reflects a distinctly contemporary American design approach. One that is born of the spirit of the American West. The typography, graphic language and style really feels Wild West but in a modern way. The clever use of the upside down R to create the Y is reminiscent of forgery and riding equipment. It's such a beautifully simple idea that fits the client perfectly and is immaculately crafted, down to the tiniest detail.
It’s not always easy, or appropriate, to have an idea on a stamp but here the idea is so apt and thoughtfully executed, that the caption becomes integral to the image. Simple, effective, resulting in a very striking set of stamps.
This is the sort of line that has writers seething with envy. A strapline hidden in the brand name itself, which becomes a perfect reflection and extension of that name, adding a delightfully unforced layer of meaning and wit. Perfect. (If I can find out who wrote it, I’ll add them a credit!) Lovely identity by SEA, too.
Studio Sutherl& have rebranded long standing children’s footwear brand Start Rite. A core component of the new brand is a playful bespoke typeface called Typefeet, where the bottom serifs become little feet. Lovely stuff
Habito is a disruptive new mortgage service that combines artificial intelligence with truly impartial advice. Expressing Habito’s purpose, MultiAdaptor created a brand language born from the ‘little lift’ that Habito provides, by making the usually heavy, painful and arduous process of getting a mortgage, altogether simpler and easier.
Mark Spencer is a Forensic Botanist; he consults with police departments and forensic services on cases where plant based evidence can unlock crimes. The main tools at Mark’s disposal are his observational skills and his vast botanical knowledge. So Fieldwork Facility appropriately created a logo comprising of a skeletonised leaf that resembles an observing eye.
Really dig (pun intended) this new identity for Millbank Farm by Jack Renwick Studio. A family-run farm on the same site since 1889, producing top-quality turnips, leeks and chickens. A great logo based on the furrows leads to a bold graphic lino-cut style illustration approach that feels just right. Great strapline too.
Last weekend saw Canberra host the 2017 AGDA Awards. While there was a selection of well-deserved wins for some incredible work there was also, in my opinion, a stack of amazing work that was not recognised. Here’s a small selection of work that didn’t win and left me scratching my head. Vista by Voice Design, Dasher + Fisher by Co-Partnership, Bare Witness by RE, Shortys by The Colour Club, Shop Around by Toko and D’Angelo Coffee by Band.
The D&AD Awards Showcase is a platform to celebrate the years winners of the D&AD student briefs. Common Curiosity created a display system based around D&AD’s iconic pencil. Pegboard panels are populated with colour coded pencils denoting the level of award each student has won, along with a number of playful ways to utilise the humble pencil, including a big pencil of pencils!