Changethethought™

The new Bjork video that one of our other Editors, Celeste wrote about earlier last week premiered today. The video was directed by the maddeningly creative minds at Encyclopedia Pictura. It really is an amazing video but then again so is pretty much every single video that has ever been produced for Bjork. She is a crazy little woman and that is why I love her so much.

You can now view the video in higher resolution via Motionographer here. There is also a nice ‘making of’ video available here at YouTube.

written by Christopher | tags: Bjork, Encyclopedia Pictura, Motion Graphics, Music, Wanderlust Video

Stop what you’re doing, put down your mouse, and check out Cereal Killers.

Kreepsville Industries presents Cereal Killers. A spooky, kooky coffin table cartoon art book that has been in the works since 2006. This creepy, crawly treat features over 70 terrorfying takes on some of your favorite breakfast cereal’s, and some original ones by some of the top animation artists and illustrators from today!

After clicking on a ton of links on the site and trying Amazon.com, I don’t think the actual book is out, but it looks like its in the works. Worthy of a bookmark…I’ll definitely be picking up the book once it drops.

The box above is by Ryan Hungerford (aka Gnarfdeath). Check out his blog here.

Also check out the Flickr photoset for a few more box designs.

written by Adam Lorber | tags: Art, Cereal Box Art, Cereal Killer Book, Gnarfdeath

Paul, better known in the design industry and art world as ‘Insect’ served for several years as the creative force behind the London design collective, ‘Insect’. Paul was born in southeastern England. He studied graphic design for 4 years at Hastings and Salisbury art colleges. Since his design days he has gone on to work more individually and has recently launched his own website where you can finally get a look at some of what he has been up to lately. His images have graced the covers of creative magazines the world over and he recently created the cover for the last DJ Shadow album. He is one of the rare and strange birds spawned by the digital revolution. A strange computer working, screen printing, collage and painting kind of Franken-artist. You can see a little of each represented in much of his work. He also takes his work to the streets of London pasting up posters and writing the occasional tag. If you don’t spot his work there you can always find him exhibiting on the gallery circuit. I am sure many of you will recognize his work, it’s nice to finally see a collection of it in one place on the web.

written by Christopher | tags: Art, England, Insect Design, Paul Insect

I went to see Explosions in the sky last week in Denver, being as they don’t play too many shows each year I figured I should catch them while they were here. It turns out this was only their second time in Denver, apparently last time they visited was 7 years ago and there was no one at the show.

Being a big fan of “Post/Math” rock, It’s surprising I’m not a bigger fan of the band; I enjoy them, but I don’t “love” them. When I listen to them at work all the songs kind of sound the same, however, seeing them live was a good choice. When the first notes of “First Breath After Coma” kicked in I actually got goose bumps. The sound at the newly remodeled Ogden theater was really good, It was loud yet warm and clean. They performed flawlessly and the structure of the setlist was a good mix of soft and loud keeping the momentum.

What is going on with the audiences at these shows lately? It was a mix of indie rockers, middle aged bald men, and hippies! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a show with that much pot blowing through the air. I guess epic instrumental rock is their only choice outside of Widespread Panic. Let’s just hope people don’t start confusing this genre with jam bands.

written by Aaron Ray | tags: Denver, explosions in the sky, ogden theater

Thinkdust is a young independent design studio founded by Alex Haigh. Alex has worked with a broad range of clients. His studio operates within a global network of like minded designers and developers. Thinkdust’s services included branding, graphic design and new media.

The site was just updated so be sure to scope out the latest and greatest. While you are at it, you can also purchase some of Thinkdust’s fonts. All of which are fresh and original. You can purchase the font AIKO Regular here, AIKO (with extra oomph) here, SUKATO here, and my personal favorite BAQ Rounded here.

written by Christopher | tags: Alex Haigh, Graphic Design, Thinkdust

Besides having a damn cool name, Ellwood T. Risk is one fine artist. I stopped by the Santa Monica Airport Artwalk this weekend, an event where permanent artists who work out of a converted airport hanger, opened their doors for a few hours and let people check out their work. The work of E. T. Risk was by far the standout for me. In his own words:

In December of 2002, Rolling Stone Magazine ran a full page ad featuring a blood stained pair of glasses set against the back drop of a hazy New York City skyline.  At the top of the page read this statistic…..’Over 676,000 people have been killed by guns in the U.S.A. since John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980.’

Needless to say, the opportunities for metaphor are plentiful. As for the specific meaning of any piece, I ask the viewer to process the information therein for themselves and relate to it as they like, unencumbered by my own intentions. 

His mediums and materials include Pistol Targets, H K .40 caliber semi automatic pistol, Glock 17 9mm semi automatic pistol, and Resin.

That pretty much sums it up. I’m in no way a fan of guns, except when used artistically to make a point.

If you’re in the LA area (Santa Monica specifically) drop by his space. In the meantime, check out his work at ellwoodtrisk.com.

written by Adam Lorber | tags: Art, Ellwood T. Risk, Pistol Targets

The description of the unique and totally radical Vintage Science Flickr image pool is as follows:
“Remember those oh-so-dated science books from back in the day? No? Well, here’s your chance to check ‘em out. Images from science books of the ’40’s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. This also includes children’s books that have a science theme to them, like space,, astronauts, chemistry, physics, etc. Even books that feature what the future could be like, as long as it’s presented as fact (or what they thought might be fact).”

I love this kind of stuff and was totally psyched to find another group of like-minded strangers who shared my nerdy sentiment.

written by Christopher | tags: Flickr, Vintage Science Pool

Nazarlo Graziano is an Italian graphic designer/art director with some interesting work in his portfolio. I particularly like the typography in the poster depicted above. It is also displayed in it’s proper art-hipster, hand-held context.
He states that he likes print work, fine art, editorial graphics and clean, elegant and simple websites. He is available for commissions and collaborations. You can find him at all the places listed below:

email: me@ngdesign.it
his website: ngdesign.it
his playground: revolverlover.net
and myspace of course: hotellounge

written by Christopher | tags: Graphic Design, Italy, Nazarlo Graziano, NG Design

I posted an entry about Byroglyphics on my last blog but much has happened since then and there is now a lot more work to see by this talented artist and illustrator. Byroglyphics is the work of 36 year old Brighton-based Russ Mills.

In his own words from his Myspace page, Russ describes Byroglyphics and it’s inception:
“Byroglyphics was born in the wee small hours of the morning one day in 2004, when I used to be a world champion alconaut, the name was shouted by my friend Hambot and it stuck in my head, we used to make up many words, most far more expressive than the one’s in circulation today. My illustrations are not too scientific, they begin life as sketches in ink, the tool of choice is the Bic ‘fine’ because it gives me a lot more mileage than more expensive, snootier fine liners that break if you give them too much stick. The sketch is transported into my ageing mac and then abused in photoshop (you may have heard of it) i use this because of the joy of multiple undo’s plus its the closest I can get to painting without painting. The next stage in byroglyphics’ life is to turn these illustrations into big canvases, it’s taken me many attempts to get to a stage where i’m confident enough to attack canvas and leave the relative safety of the computer, as with everything else it’s a constant learning curve, sometimes a downward one. The results of these curves will be in circulation soon.”

His commitment to his craft is evident in the work. It just gets better every time I visit his website. If you want to purchase prints of his work you can do so at Big Cartel. You can also stay up to date on his work at his blog. His work is a great study in what is capable when the best of both worlds collide with digital and analog produced art. It’s truly inspirational.

written by Christopher | tags: Art, Brighton U.K., Byroglyphics, Illustration, Russ Mills

Chuck Anderson has updated Nopattern with some new work. If you don’t know who he is you have probably been out of the loop for so long that telling you about him won’t do you much good. His meteoric rise to the top of the design food chain, minus a graduate education by the tender age of 21 has made him one of the more hotly debated personalities of the design scene. He was working for some of the biggest names in the business before he could even legally sip a beer. Watching all of this happen put a lot of experienced creatives on edge and there has of course been an angry backlash found in the dark corners of design forums where is work is sometimes contested. His work brought the style over substance debate to the fold and it has remained there argued in circles by the design and advertising community every since. Fortunately clients care about results and if style yields results, clients are happy to pay for it. His portfolio says it all with names like Nike, Burton and Moutain Dew.

He came on as a blogger at Design is Kinky not long after I did and I remember looking into his background at the time and being stunned that he was all but 18 and just out of highschool. I had already spent 4 hard years in an intensive design program and felt more than a little threatened by someone so young, so raw and so naturally talented. Not long thereafter his star quickly rose and finding himself in the right place at the right time, he was ushered into the Keystone Design Union AKA The KDU by David Gensler and the rest you could say is history.

Throughout all of this Chuck has always remained a humble and just sincerely nice person. I have had limited correspondence with him over the years through email and he always exudes sincerity and humility. I have very little doubt that if I ever have the chance to meet him in person, he would typify those same qualities.

On a personal note, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the ‘light camo’ jacket he created for Burton (as seen in the images above). If there was a piece in Chuck’s book that I would flag as embodying his style, it would be that jacket. It is pure candy, and even if some may find it saccharin, there is just no arguing that it is sweet.

written by Christopher | tags: Burton, Chuck Anderson, Graphic Design, Illustration, Nopattern

Alright, I really have no idea who this guy is. If you scroll to the end of his illustrations there is a picture that I can only assume is a portrait of the artist. His work consists of simple stylized vector illustrations that I personally find very interesting because they meld vibrant color and trendy design with a human element that results in something that resonates. He is also a Brazilian and being married to one, I have an admitted weak spot for all things filed under ‘Brasil’.

So who is he? I don’t know, his website is under the adress Rubenslp but his email is Falecom and you can view his work here.

written by Christopher | tags: Brazil, Falecom, Illustration, Rubenslp, Vector Art

A coworker of mine was sifting through this Flickr collection earlier this week. I noticed some really interesting images flashing across his screen and inquired as to what he was looking at and he said someone had emailed him a link to this really interesting collection of 1950’s through 70’s advertising.

The account claims that you can find Posters, Magazine Advertisements, Brochures, Booklets, Publishing, Calendars, Greeting Cards, Packaging, Logotypes, Trade-Marks, Letterheads, Exhibitions, Show-windows… Graphic design, illustrations and printed artwork in general all from the the 50’s and 60’s era. It’s an interesting study in design and there is definitely a bit of inspiration to be found.

written by Christopher | tags: 1950's and 70's Advertising, Advertising, Flickr, Retro

The anticipation of this video is killing me. Bjork’s Wanderlust by Encyclopedia Pictura is expected to premiere on Monday the 31st. I can’t wait. via YWFT

written by Celeste Prevost | tags: , Bjork, wanderlust

This is an interestingly accomplished little piece of advertising. I think it is well worth a post as well since it is also thought provoking. No need for a lengthy post on this one. So go take your hearing test now.

written by Christopher | tags: Advertising, Horsel Test

The Canadian Indie Rock/Folk Collective The Acorn released their new album Glory Hope Mountain in early March. “Flood Pt. 1″ is the first video release promoting the album and it is worth noting as a fine piece of art as well. The video was directed by Christopher Mills. Apparently Mills hasn’t really been on the music video scene for a few years now since his earlier work with a few of my favorite bands like Broken Social Scene and Interpol. The video is very unusual and puts in the work to help deliver on the narrative of the strangely driving if not somewhat tribal song. Production-wise it appears to be mostly 3d but the weaving in of analog accents like sketches and fine art give it a more visceral and dreamlike quality. It is definitely one of the most interesting and original videos I have seen so far this year.

written by Christopher | tags: Canada, Flood Part 1, Indie Rock, Music, Music Videos, The Acorn

Here is the description pulled from Print Liberation’s website, “Founded in 1999, Print Liberation is a full-service Philadelphia-based creative visual agency and the collective endeavor of three artists who share a passion for print, design, and culture. Working at the intersection of art, design and commerce, Print Liberation offers a unique vision, non-traditional concepts and years of creative experience to meet your visual needs. With the nimbleness and personal attention of a small company and the skills and capacity to take your print and design project full scope, Print Liberation can help you convey your brand and mission, directly and timelessly, to your target audience.”

Print Liberation claims that they have done a little bit of everything. They have designed for clients large and small. Managed photo shoots for magazines, started their own clothing company, founded an art gallery and authored a book on screenprinting, and finally and most importantly quit their day jobs at large advertising agencies.

Thankfully they use their art to express their views as well. There is something to be said for that. If you are looking for a way to show your support for Obama. Look no further because they’ve got you covered (quite literally, with Obama’s smiling face).

written by Christopher | tags: Graphic Design, Obama T-shirts, Print Liberation, screenprinting

Eno Henze was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1978. He was educated in Germany as well. He has also exhibited all over Germany. His work is very unusual as he works in a variety of mediums. I apologize that I cannot tell you more because that was the little I could translate since his site is entirely in German. Art is universal however and you will not need to speak German to appreciate his original work.

written by Christopher | tags: Art, Eno Henze, Germany

If you missed it, in rebuttal to a lot of the slander that has been happening lately in the midst of his campaign, Obama composed an eloquent speech on the touchy subject of race and politics. It’s 2008 people. Seriously, lets get with it for once. What really matters anymore? Does race matter more or the shameless corruption of our entire system for the benefit of a select group of profiteers who want nothing more than to subjugate the world so they can get rich? We are at a crossroads here and it is time we pull ourselves up, collectively and take back ownership of our nation. What kind of country are we making this for our children? I am talking to the twenty and thirty somethings out there. Whether you have children or not, one day we will hand this country over to the next generation. They are already out there. How will we answer when they ask us why we made the choices we did? People around the world are watching us closely to see what we choose now. It is of the utmost importance. It may be one of the most important moments in our history that we will ever experience. We must, for the benefit of the entire world, wrestle this country back from the shameful and greedy men that have used it as their own personal financial coffer. We have been asleep at the wheel and taken advantage of. It is time to give someone new a chance. Get involved now. You will not get a second chance this time to care. Care now. Speak out. Force change. This is our country and it is our future. We are the people we have been waiting for.

written by Christopher | tags: Barack Obama, Presidential Campaign, Race and Politics