Monday, April 18, 2011

Not enough time! :/


During the last week or two, I've really found myself caught up on one task which has been holding me back in progressing in other areas; this task is updating the shop of the website.

I've been experimenting with different formats, navigation systems, layouts, and trying to take into account any future expansion, all of which has taken time. Tied in with the other things going on in life at the moment, it has taken a lot longer than anticipated. If all goes well, it should be up and live in the next few days, which will be great as it will then open the way to working on other projects I've been waiting do.



I suppose I should be thankful that I have no-one chasing me to have this completed "now!", but it has still been frustrating to me that it has taken longer than expected to finish.

If there is something I’ve realised, it's that sometimes (usually due to unforeseen circumstances) it’s impossible to get everything done to the deadline. But if these things are important, it is much better and let’s face it, quicker in the long run, to allow a bit more time and get it done properly.

Here's to a productive couple of days, after which I can get back on track again. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

ARTICLE: Lovebox Poster Design Competition

As part of the website update, I have been needing to complete further graphic design projects to replace the rather tired selection currently on display. I recently found out about a poster design competition organised by 'Don't Panic', the brief to design a poster to promote the Lovebox Bangbox festival happening in London in July. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get back into that graphic design thought processes again.

After deciding on a concept, I followed through on one until I was happy with the results, this is what I submitted:



Not a very complex design, and I'm sure I could remix it again and further whilst maintaining a nice simplicity. I wanted to create a bit of depth to the design rather than a plain, flat look, so decided to play off the 3d drawings of the cubes.

My way of thinking has changed over the years regarding getting everything just right when working in graphic design, especially using the digital tools available. Even in life, I much prefer 'organic imperfections' rather than 'clinical perfection', and I'm sure this will continue; although obviously, different jobs require different levels of correctness.

There have been some great entries already submitted, and I can't say i entered to win (as I'm feeling a bit rusty so to speak) but it has been a lot of fun.


Simon @ theblend

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Location:Barcelona

Friday, April 1, 2011

Kindness and Respect

This isn't really design related, but I wanted to write about something that happened last week whilst I was at at the Barcelona photography and imaging expo SONIMAGFOTO. I have a BLACK RAPID strap for my camera (which I love, the best strap out here!), the importers of them into Spain had an exhibition on, I was able to speak with this American guy about one of the attachments they have for the strap. He was told that it wouldn't fit, we couldn't see why but we tried it anyway.

After a bit of messing around, we got it on and agreed it fitted fine. He asked if I wanted to buy it but I wasn't in a position to drop 18€ on a bit of nylon strapping at that time. The American guy had a word with the importer, came back to me and said "as you helped understand that these things are compatible, i'm going to give this to you!"

It made my day!! He didn't have to do that, you don't often see that kindness here, it was very nice.

As it turned out, the 'American guy' was the founder of the company!

Big respect to BlackRapid!



Simon @ theblend

- Posted using BlogPress

Location:Barcelona