More Than Just Paper

One thing that I love to explore in graphic design is the integration with materials and substrates outside of its traditional domains. As much as special textured stocks can communicate something there is nothing better than the real deal. Wood, metals, plastics can be so tactile and communicate completely different messages and if they are a large part of what a brand is about then it makes sense to utlise methods of printing or working with them! I also like how this idea starts to stretch out to signage and interior design, how the whole picture starts to come together... something of growing interest to me. This post is just a few samples where studios have moved slightly away from design and started integrating their work with physical materials.
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How to make your own luck ~ Magpie Studio in collaboration with Nick Asbury
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This simple little project looked to project some positivity onto the coming year given the unlucky connotations of '13'. The blue type works beautifully against the light wood, and the type is set beautifully, a consistent rag, suitable leading, kerning and tracking. All round a wonderful example of how designers can utilise more than just paper! Screen printing onto the woods is one option but might be a bit of a pain given I may only have a few samples of each wood.
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One thing I have noted is that using wood is not particularly practical on a larger production scale, but for the special edition book that I aim to produce it is a relatively viable method of communicating the brand principles.

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Metropolitan Wharf ~ Mind Design
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The pieces of wood were taken from the canal next to the building for the signage. The scale is very different to working on a publication but the materials are relevant for communicating the location of the building. The type is sand blasted into the wood after it was cleaned up and ready to be used as signage. Again this shows designers engaging with more than its traditional routes of print and web and engaging with an environment, something I want to apply for D&AD and the yearbook.

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Late Fridays @ the V&A ~ HyperKit
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Although this signage isn't far off standard substrates utilising the thickness of cardboard to create signage for the V&A late Friday exhibition. The vibrant colours used on the signage contrast well with the harsh concrete walls behind. This is more appropriate to the end of year show, how is it possible to create a different exhibition space from the other years... the space we have to work with is amazing and there is so much potential to be exploited, just finding appropriate methods within budget could add a huge amount of value to the show. Utilising the space in this way also examples the courses ability to adapt to the changing environment of graphic design as well as showcasing our own strengths and focuses.

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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery ~ Cartlidge Levene
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This signage designed for the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery features some beautiful materials finished by colouring them creating interesting textures but maintaining the tactile possibilities when using print and colour. The signage over the top is created using vinyl cut outs and simple typography. The simplicity of the project is what stands out to me, in the harsh environment of a museum creating something that fits in and still stands out is vital. The signage adds to the existing environment clearly explaining to visitors where to go and how to move around without any unnecessary noise or interferences with the existing environment. I will do an extended post of signage and how materials can be combined to create beautiful and interesting design.