Ashley Clark+ Graphic Design

Banned Print Ads

2011-12-11T18:47:00.000Z

It is a fact that many adverts never see the light of day. Standards often stop some of the more provocative or inflammatory concepts from reaching magazines, but shelters or billboards. So it shows that the best idea doesn't mean it will be the winning idea. But equally, getting your advert banned doesn't mean it won't generate interest... in fact in the mid '90's the Tango and Pot Noodle adverts tried to be so outlandish and obscure that they got banned as this got them more press coverage than the adverts themselves.

Here are a selection of banned press adverts... such a shame. (click on an image to see full size)

BBC Music Writers Top 25 Albums of 2011

2011-12-06T21:23:00.000Z

As we get close to the end of another year all the critics lists start to appear. Music lists always interest me as it's interesting to see how many of those albums I have, it's a way of seeing if I'm in touch with the modern music media hipsters and also a way of judging how pompous and elitist I think those hipsters are when I haven't heard of most of the bands.

Actually I know more this year than last.

But this list also allows me to look at the album cover design from the top 25 cd's (as selected by the BBC writers team).
- - -

25 - Bright Eyes - The People's Key
- - -

24 - Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know
- - -

23 - Cold Cave - Cherish the Light Years
- - -

22 - Trap Them - Darker Handcraft
- - -

21 - The Decemberists - The King is Dead
- - -

20 - EMA - Past Life Martyred Saints
- - -

19 - Julianna Barwick - The Magic Place
- - -

18 - Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
- - -

17 - Kate Bush - 50 Words for Snow
- - -

16 - Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
- - -

15 - Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx - We're New Here
- - -

14 - Drive-By Truckers - Go-Go Boots
- - -

13 - Katy B - On a Mission
- - -

12 - SBTRKT - SBTRKT
- - -

11 - Björk - Biophilia
- - -

10 - Iceage - New Brigade
- - -

9 - Bon Iver - Bon Iver
- - -

8 - Josh T Pearson - Last of the Country Gentlemen
- - -

7 - Beyoncé - 4
- - -

6 - Metronomy - The English Riviera
- - -

5 - Tom Waits - Bad as Me
- - -

4 - The Antlers - Burst Apart
- - -

3 - The Horrors - Skying
- - -

2 - Wild Beasts - Smother
- - -

1 - PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Another recording

2011-10-17T18:07:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I had Monday off work so I decided to try to record another song through GarageBand. This time I went for a bit of Bon Iver's Skinny Love. So I tuned to open C, set up a basic drum track and began recording.

Annoyingly half way through I lost everything when the laptop crashed. I should know better about saving regularly. But it was quicker putting it together the second time around (although my voice was pretty tired and flat at points by the time I got to re-recording the vocals).

Anyway, I'm happy with the results of my afternoons tinkering. You can listen HERE or go to the downloads section.

Enjoy.

New Recording

2011-10-15T20:33:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I have spent Saturday afternoon playing on my guitar. I started out learning my new Fav song (The A Team by Ed Sheeran) and then, seeing as I had some spare time, I decided to play on my updated GarageBand software.

A few re-records for the vocals, a bit of guitar, some backing vocals and a simple lead highlight and it was done.

Check out the downloads section of click here.

Pulp Simpson

2011-09-29T13:34:00.003+01:00

Just a quickie. I saw these pics on ffffound and loved them.

Moch'a' Roll

2011-09-21T21:22:00.000+01:00

Here is the latest addition to the design slide show.

I would like to say this came about in a Hollywood-esque moment when I was handed my Starbucks coffee while listening to Diamond Dogs or Changes on my headphones... but I can't. I can't even say this came to me back in 1999 when I got into Bowie and coffee in a big way. It just happened as a doodle one day.

I wonder what other icons I can smash together? Kiss vs Hello Kitty? Spiderman vs Pringles? Lets just wait and see.

Average Font by Moritz Resl

2011-09-21T11:59:00.000+01:00

"This project shows what a font would look like if it consisted of all typefaces installed on my system. Every character from a to z is drawn using every single font with a low opacity. In total there are over 900 typefaces in my library. I didn’t exclude the ugly ones."

I really like this project, it's such a simple idea that generates some really nice organic characters. They have a ghostly, ethereal feel similar to that of Blur or Fur-extra. I would love this to become an actual typeface but I suspect the use of all the existing fonts would through up some major copyright issue.

All characters on Flickr.

lucha lager

2011-09-14T15:34:00.001+01:00

I saw this set of Mexican wrestling themed beer labels and was struck by the simplicity, fun and impact of this packaging concept by José Guízar.

The trend of light beers from Spain/Mexico with a wedge of lime continues to be popular during the summer months, but too many beer brands try to suggest a sense of German brewing heritage and mature responsibility. What happened to the idea of popping out for a cheeky beer on a sunny afternoon?

Considering the state of the world today isn't it more important than ever to brighten peoples lives with a little bit of fun?

Isle of Wight Scooter Rally 2011

2011-08-29T17:19:00.002+01:00

It's a bank holiday (and everyone in the world is hungover because it appears "bank holiday" means you should drink twice the usual amount, but not for super humans like myself who don't drink at all) so I needed something to do to stop me loafing on the sofa all day wasting this long weekend.

I live only a few miles across the sea from the Isle of Wight and it's the annual Scooter Rally this weekend. So I hopped on to the ferry and took my camera for a walk in the sun. First off a nice stroll along the Ryde sea front. (Click on any image to enlarge).

Then on to the scooter rally. There was SO many parked up along the sea wall. If I had the stamina (and sun cream) I would have stayed all day to see the mass ride-out where everyone sets out for the island trek at the end of the day.

And on the way back on the ferry I decided to take a few pictures of Old Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. It's always lovely to see these places from a different angle, and one day I'd love to be able to live in that part of the city.

Who knew it took so many people to paint a picture of a tiger

2011-08-28T16:07:00.000+01:00

Artist Craig Tracy creates these stunning paintings on the most beautiful canvases.

Sinead O'Connor - Dirrrrty Girl

2011-08-27T15:25:00.000+01:00

I know this isn't anything to do with me, my design work or creative industries in anyway but I just had to re-post this interview by Sinead O'Connor. Apparently Sinead is feeling lonely in the bedroom and has posted an very honest and open account of how she feels on her site.

" The man who runs my site will protectively suggest I may want to visit the bathroom for a few intimate moments and a subsequent cold shower before deciding to post this on the site but I will of course ignore him as it’s too late now and the her-moans are having the best of me.

I recently read of a woman in America who married and regularly humps her truck. I don’t yet own a truck but I’m beginning to understand her head space. And am worried I too may be so desperate for sex that within days I might run up the road and hump Bray Cab’s whole fleet in one hour. Forty quid clear-up afterward. Can’t say fairer than that. Except maybe a photo for their web-site. Which would be fine.

My shit-uation sexually/affectionately speaking is so dire that inanimate objects are starting to look good as are inappropriate and/or unavailable men and/or inappropriate and/or unavailable fruits and vegetables. I tell you yams are looking like the winners. I actually do know a woman who is a performance artist from America. I have a photo of her being escorted arm in arm by two uk police man onto a plane back home cuz she humped a yam in the middle of her show. I just know that’s going to happen to me if I don’t take drastic action.

Needless to say what I do for a living makes it hard for me to find men that only want me cuz they like my (legendary) arse. Yet I am in the peak of my sexual prime and way too lovely to be living like a nun. and it’s VERY depressing.

So I’ve been pondering on whether or not I should join some Irish dating agencies. Of course if I did it would end up in papers so I may as well save myself the registration fees. Besides which a friend of mine uses dating agencies and half the men actually have wives.

Am in desperate need of a very sweet sex-starved man.
He must be no younger than 44.

Must be living in Ireland but I don’t care if he is from the planet Zog.

Must not be named Brian or Nigel.

Must be blind enough to think I’m gorgeous.

Has to be employed. Am not fussy in what capacity generally but vehicle clampers need not apply.

Leather trouser- wearing gardai, fire-men, rugby players, and Robert Downey-Junior will be given special consideration. As will literally anyone who applies.

I like me a hairy man so buffed and/or waxed need not apply.

No hair gel.

No hair dryer use.

No hair dye

Stubble is a non-negotiable must. Any removal of stubble would be upsetting for me.

No after shave.

Must be very ‘snuggly’. Not just wham-bam.

Must be wham-bam.

Has to like his mother.

Has to like his ex and or mother/s of his children.

Has to live in own place.

I must end now as I have a hot date with a banana. Applicants can apply through my secretary at vampyahslayah@yahoo.com

Additional: I’ve been repeatedly asked will I ‘do anal sex’. Let me make it very clear.. Any man I contemplate has to be into anal sex.. It was a family paper so they wudnt have printed it but let me now take time to make VERY clear that yes I ‘do anal’ and in fact I would be deeply unhappy if ‘doing anal’ wasn’t on the menu, amongst everything else$$ So if u don’t like ‘the difficult brown’.. Don’t apply… I’ve had reasonable complaints from lesbians that they have been excluded. This was terribly remiss of me and I would now like to make it clear that women will also be very much considered. As will Brians and Nigels.. Since there were complaints there too."

I love a woman with a strong mind, a strong sense of self and knows what she wants. Sinead has never been the quiet type, I recall her making some very choice comments about the Catholic church not so long ago, and it's good to see that she is confident and proud to say she is a woman who wants sex... not love. Sex. And other than not living in Ireland and not being over 44 I'm really close to ticking the boxes on her list of requirements.

Time-Lapse

2011-08-27T14:50:00.000+01:00

I'm loving all the time-lapse photography films that are appearing online these days. It's making me want to buy a motorised dolly and timer.

Here is my favourite video that is continuing to inspire me.

29 Ways To Stay Creative

2011-08-23T13:00:00.000+01:00

Time Lapse - Creative Process

2011-08-22T10:41:00.001+01:00

Here is a lovely time lapse film from Mindcastle showing their creative process.

CMYK Themed Wedding

2011-08-17T10:02:00.009+01:00

I was sent this article from "Rock n Roll Bride" by my photographer brother Dominic Clark and I just HAD to share it. As a print designer and lover of the unique/individual I think this couples wedding is amazing.

A CMYK Themed Wedding: Rebekah & David

When Rebekah & David’s wedding landed in my inbox a couple of weeks ago I just about let out a ‘whoop’ of joy! Colour colour everywhere, what’s not to love? Their CMYK theme is just perfect….perfect!

“Shortly after our engagement, David suggested that we have a CMYK wedding” Rebekah told me. “Graphic design is a massive part of our lives and to base our wedding on the colours that make up a lot of printed design work (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key Black) made so much sense to us. It was so much fun applying CMYK theme to our day, from table numbers, to my wedding dress to our bridesmaids.”

The wedding took place at the church they attend regularly, followed by a reception at The Roundhouse in Derby. They clearly put a lot of work and thought into the décor, including their fabulous and unique guest book idea, “We produced our own guest book by using a series of postcards that Dave designed and then we had guests write on them and peg them to a washing line, it was a great visual effect,” they said.

I know you’re all thinking ‘The dress Kat, what about her dress?!?’ Well Rebekah’s dress was made by True Bride which bought from Lori G Bridal. The team at the store also custom-made her fabulous multi coloured petticoat which she wore underneath the gown. “The colours in my petticoat were a solution to my desire to have CMYK on the dress,” she told me. “It wasn’t actually full petticoat, but individual square pieces of netting pinched up, like a handkerchief, and sewn on to one of the layers of my dress. I bought metres and metres of the netting from my local market and it worked a treat. The wonderful seamstress at the bridal shop dd any amazing job of realising my vision!”

Her bridesmaids all adopted one CMYK colour and bought their dresses from various high street stores. They wore their own shoes and each girl even found a pair of Converse trainers in their colour to wear in the evening! The girl’s also each had a different colour bouquet to match and the bride had a bunch of white blooms. The result is certainly dramatic and modern. I love it!

Just wow. Thank you so much to Rebekah & David and their photographer’s Depict Photography for sharing this thoroughly wonderful wedding with us today.

Riot! Riot! Riot! - false alarm

2011-08-16T14:35:00.001+01:00

Last week, all around the country, people were preparing for riots to break out in every city. As I drove home I could see black smoke above Southsea and I too assumed something bad had happened in the city (no smoke without fire).

It turns out that the empty night clubs on the sea front (bought by Harry Redknap to be redeveloped as luxury seafront apartments) including the famous... or should that be infamous Joanna's, had caught fire. The police and fire crews were quick to say it was an electrical fault and not rioters which seemed to calm the Southsea residents down.

Here is a picture I took of all that remains.

Intelligence squared - animation

2011-08-16T14:24:00.000+01:00

Intelligence Squared is a global debating forum that invites leading intellectual figures to discuss contemporary issues. They've just released their first iq2 Short, an animated version of a debate that took place between Ann Widdecombe and Stephen Fry over the motion 'The Catholic church is a force for good in the world'.

Why do I love this?
1) it features the genius that is Stephen Fry
2) the bullish tenacity of Anne Widdecombe
3) the fact that it's a theological debate that doesn't devolve into people talking/shouting over the top of each other
4) the animation/illustration flows and highlights the debate so succinctly

Beach Buggin' 2011

2011-08-14T16:26:00.001+01:00

I took a stroll down to the seafront today to check out all the cars being shown at the annual Classic VW rally on Southsea Common - Beach Buggin'. All the cars, campers and buggies on display just showed how much time, money and effort these guys must put in to keep them looking so amazing.

Here are some pictures from my wandering (click on any images to enlarge).

Re-decorating

2011-08-11T15:49:00.000+01:00

I have done a bit of painting and decorating on the site. Nothing radical, just a freshen up. Have a look around, have a slide through the galleries and drop me an email if you spot any glitches or errors.

Enjoy.

West Dean Chilli Fiesta

2011-08-07T13:29:00.000+01:00

I spent yesterday with my friends The Maguires at the West Dean Chilli Fiesta (North of Chichester by Goodwood). It's a wonderful event dedicated to chilli peppers (growing them, cooking with them, art inspired by them, mariachi bands etc) all set in the lovely West Dean gardens.

The stalls of food were fantastic, chilli cakes, chilli beer/cider, chilli chocolate, chilli cheese, chilli plants, chilli t-shirts... the list could go on forever. Despite some ominous looking weather the crowds thronged and everyone had a lovely time.

I decided to take a few snappy-snaps of the days for your enjoyment.

Update - Photo Gallery

2011-08-03T18:03:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Just to let you know I have updated the slideshow gallery in the photography section.

I have included new pictures from several projects and kept some of my all time favourites in their too. I'm hoping that over the next week I will be able to update the design page with new projects too.

And I have a week off soon where I intend to give the site a little face-lift. Stay Tuned!

Control Diagrams

2011-07-25T16:08:00.000+01:00

How many designers these days actually learnt about "control diagrams" let alone use them today?

The idea of a control diagram was to create a logo type or image that could be scaled with geometric rules, grids and dividers. Once the diagram was made it could be recreated on a letterhead or painted on the side of ship, by hand, and they would look identical.

After learning all about "control diagrams" and PMT (photo-mechanical-transfer) for 2 years at DeMontfort University Lincoln (95-97) they were phased out because scanning and scaling work on a computer became much faster while retaining accuracy.

I'm glad I learnt the old techniques but this industry doesn't stand still for long, that means we are always having to learn something new to remain competetive. But knowledge of how to create a solid design in any medium is the most important thing.

New Project: Fontabetical

2011-07-23T13:27:00.000+01:00

Today I begin work on a series of typographical posters. It's something I've been doodling on the edges of design briefs and old print outs for months.

Stay tuned for the results in the coming weeks.

Orphiro Electric Motorcycle

2011-07-21T10:52:00.000+01:00

Orphiro's Electric Motorcycle (Price TBC) is powered by rechargeable batteries and is totally electric. It reminds me of one of the old Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the 50′s. The bike's lithium ion batteries with a motor that pushes a total of 72 volts, 60 miles on a charge, the top speed at 75mph.

So it looks cool, has an ecologically friendly heart (as long as we over look the long term impact of batteries on the planet) and fits into the urban commuter environment. But I have 1 concern... will it sound like a motorbike? Does it have the rumble of subdued agression that retro bikes should have or does it have the silent hum of modern technology?

I hope that this type of vehicle becomes popular as we need to find more and more solutions for stylish, responsible, practical and suitable methods of personal transportation.

Stunning

2011-07-09T13:11:00.000+01:00

This video by Patrick Clair is stunning. Not only is it informative (regarding the nature of computer virus development and implementation as a weapon) but the kinetic typography is slick, the colour palette subtle yet emotive and it's pace of delivery spot on.

I hope you enjoy it.

Update

2011-06-26T14:52:00.000+01:00

Hello dear readers,

Well the sun has finally made an appearance after weeks of cloud and rain (I can't say it's been cold though) and typically I'm sat inside at the computer.

After some early morning grass cutting I've come inside to update a few projects that will hopefully feature on here soon.

I've been working on a new Rock mix to go in the downloads section. It's proving tricky to mix as rock tracks have varying tempos within individual songs and key changes that throw you out when trying to beat match/blend/cut and edit in comparison to dance songs that usually have a consistent beat.

I am working on wedding invites and paraphernalia with illustrator Sarah Humphrey for a friend.

I'm creating a new site for my brother as a commercial photographer.

And finally, this weekend I am converting lots of the Glastonbury coverage to mp4 so I can make a dvd of this years festival. I've always wanted to do this but this is the first year I've had all the software, cables and processing power to multi-task this job.

Well I hope to post some new work soon.

Cheerio for now.

Ashley

I'm Back

2011-06-04T15:59:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

It's been awhile since I was actively blogging because work has been (and continues to be) busy and a lack of a home computer.

But now I have a new MacBook so I don't really have a valid excuse for not working on and posting about my creative life outside the studio.

So, what have I been up to since my last post from the Trailer Trash photo shoot?

Well at work they continue to pitch to new ranges which is good. We have completed 10 xmas product ranges for next year and we have begun work on 14 new ranges for the following season. Our budgets seem to be improving too since all the cut backs in 2006 as I now get to use more freelancers and the packaging materials and finishes are allowed to be a bit more tactile and interesting.

Outside of work I have been trying to be healthier. I am cycling most evenings (30mins/8 miles) and I moved my start time at work so I try to do a weights routine each morning before I go to the studio (it feels good to get your adrenalin up before you start work)

I've become obsessed with the Scott Pilgrim comics. The movie of Scott Pilgrim by Edgar Wright was brilliant so I decided to read the books. My little brothers passion for graphic novels has also reminded me of my lost love for them. So I have been digging out some old comics and finding some new ones... Chew is particularly good.

As the summer has crept up on us again I have been doing my best Indiana Jones impression and crawling through and hacking down the jungle that is my back garden. I think it needs taming with brands of fire and possibles re-turfing but that's a job for anther summer. If I can tame it for another year I will be happy. The home improvements continue on, although I admits at a considerably slower pace as I'm being careful with the pennies.

My plans for the future?

Well I have numerous design projects I want to work up. Loads of photography work I want to do (including looking at doing night classes). I want to learn After Effects and get into kinetic typography and also get my tattoo sleeve completed.

Hopefully I'll be a more frequent blogger from now on.

TTFN

Trailer Trash! - Sci-Fi Apocalypse

2011-04-25T19:05:00.000+01:00

Calling all Trailer Trash! patrons and participants, check out the photos from Saturdays Sci-Fi Apocalypse night.

Click on any picture to see the full size version.

Let me know your thoughts please people.

and here is a video of the amazing Raquel Merlot (above) as the Blue Diva singing her heart out, I had to post this video too because no image can do justice to her voice.

Trailer Trash: photos coming soon

2011-04-24T14:08:00.000+01:00

I spent last night at the Trailer Trash club night in Brighton (Trailer Trash is a cult movie-themed club night cabaret). I was in attendance to take photos of the acts and audience in all their costumed glory.

The theme for last nights event was Sci-fi Apocalypse which lead to plenty of Blade Runner, Star Wars, Star Trek, Fifth Element etc outfits.

As I have come to expect from the Trailer Trash events it was a wonderful night or creative, artistic and vibrant entertainment.

I'll be editing the pictures over the coming days and will be posting them here soon, so keep checking back to see all the highlights.

Ashley+

Inspiration

2011-04-13T14:55:00.000+01:00

"What goes up must come down"

This statement is true in my studio too, what gets designed one day will need artworking the next, and after much artworking recently I have been having to keep myself inspired ready for next seasons design projects during the repetitivness of pre-press, so I thought I should post some images that have kept me inspired (and sane) over the last month or so.

The illustrator Conrad Roset

The "Flux" work of Alessandro Botto displaying velocity

I love extreme make-up photography. It takes the idea of simple beautification to an obscene, almost grotesque level of fascination. This work is by German photographer Viktoria Stutz, who works mostly with two great makeup artist – Julia Sieckmann & Julia Heiermann.

Claire Danes photoshoot for blackbook. I love the boutique hotel look, the opulance and glamour combined with an actress who is rarely pictured in such a way.

As a fully fledge card technician in my role as a packaging designer I love this project. PAPER WARS is an exhibition of the Death Machines series of paper reproductions of classic weapons systems. If you are in London go check at the Portobello Road Craze Gallery.

55x85mm

2011-04-13T14:20:00.000+01:00

I just love logo design, I love the idea that something so small and simple will represent everything about a company. This also follows on to business cards, not only do they reinforce the companies brand identy but they represent the person who handed the card to you. I even have a little folder in my drawer at home were I keep the prettiest business cards I find weather I need the contact information of not.

So when I saw this collection of beautiful busniess cards I had to post it.

The Power of Photoshop pt2

2011-04-05T08:43:00.000+01:00

Thanks to my friend Mark Maguire for reminding me of even more evidence that photoshop is a powerful weapon in marketing.

The music industry has autotune and the advertising industry has photoshop. After watching this video you'll never trust your eyes again.

The Power of Photoshop

2011-04-04T08:33:00.001+01:00

If you ever wanted to know what power and influence graphic designers/commercial artists hold over the world just look below.

Cry Baby - Wah Wah Waaaaaah

2011-03-23T15:18:00.000Z

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World from Joey Tosi on Vimeo.

Plans for my Week Off

2011-01-29T10:35:00.002Z

Right, I have 7 days away from work and I don't intend on wasting it all asleep or in front of the television swearing at Jeremy Kyle. So I need to keep myself busy with projects and jobs so that I feel a sense of achievement when I go back to the studio.

Mission Statement

cycle 10 miles each day (fail - missed one day)
visit ikea for kitchen storage (done)
visit B & Q to get supplies for my new banister (fail)
watch The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum (done)
clear out the shed and take stuff to the recycle centre (done)
record at least 2 tracks and 1 cardio mix (fail - 1 track and 1 mix only)
watch the Helvetica DVD (done)
attend the dentist (done)
do a house inspection on my brothers rented property (done)
see if Sky Atlantic makes good on it's promises (done)
try to find a suitable laptop/camera bag (done)
watch the FA cup matches while enjoying some Becks blue (done)
organise some T-Shirt printing (fail)
complete some of my personal projects. (fail)
and maybe, just maybe, relax. (done)

If I can do half of this I'll be pleased that my week off hasn't been wasted.

Beats

2011-01-27T14:16:00.000Z

Here is a clip of Beardyman, he's a really talented beat boxer and has a new album out. Although in this clip I can't help but feel that the bank of Korg kaos pads, synth and kassoliator do more to this track than his actual voice... don't get me wrong, I like the track and his beat boxing but c'mon.

Fonts: The Best of 2010

2011-01-07T16:45:00.000Z

Here are the best selling fonts for 2010 (not including the industry stand fonts such as helvetica, gill sans, futura, times, universe, trajan etc). This list was compiled by the lovely people at MyFonts.com

Brandon Grotesque

Lady René

Origins

St Ryde

Affair

LiebeErika

Museo Slab

Breathe

Sketchetik

Despeinada

Livory

Minimal Memorial

2011-01-04T11:31:00.000Z

I forgot to mention this at the end of last year, but Peter Saville & Ben Kelly designed this beautiful, minimal and most fitting grave stone for Anthony H Wilson.

It's simplicity and style make for a respectfully sombre memoral.

Alien Invasion

2011-01-04T09:42:00.001Z

I decided to take a walk around Southsea to get some fresh air and exercise and ended up in the Portsmouth City Museum.

They have had an exhibition running since the summer called Alien Invasion and I have kept meaning to see it before it closes (which is the 23rd of Jan... so I nearly missed it). It features models and props from sci-fi and alien based horror films.

I didn't take my camera out with me so I decided to take some snaps with my phone. It was a nice afternoon and I also really liked the mini exhibit on the stairs to the fine art gallery featuring old style deck-chairs that had individually printed canvas sections.

Here are some little pics of the exhibits.

Audio to Downloads

2011-01-01T20:37:00.000Z

Hello readers,

Just a quick note to say that I have slightly changed the sections within my site. The Audio page has now been changed to the Downloads page.

I have set up the site to host my mp3's as playable or downloadable content so I no longer need to create little videos and host them on youtube. I will also be posting other downloadable items on the site from time to time, including desktop images (wallpapers) and I plan to start re-making my templates again.

Keep checking back to see what's new, hopefully 2011 will be a busy, vibrant and creative year.

Ashley

2010 Review

2010-12-31T12:20:00.001Z

Here is a brief review of my 2010.

2010 has been a year of consistency and responsibility at work, I got to work with more freelancers, I became an Uncle, my brother and his family moved to Singapore, my other other brother graduated University as a photography, the economy continues to hammer on the door of everyone I know and I finally gave in to facebook and joined up (and found a lot of old friends on there).

Fav Films of 2010 (these are films I have seen for the first time, not just films released in this year)

The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Kick-Ass
4.3.2.1.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
UP!

The Worst film I saw was Legion. It promised so much and delivered so little.

Fav Books I Read in 2010

I've not read as much as I would have liked this year, working so much and trying to do cycling most nights I've been falling asleep too quickly to get much reading done. But Bad Science is an excellent book my friend Mark Maguire got for me about the fallacies of homeopathy.

Print Liberation

Charlotte Rivers books on Innovation

Rankin's Cheeky

Fav Musicians of 2010

Mumford & Sons
Sage Francis
The Pretty Reckless
The Glitch Mob
Crystal Castles
Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip

TV highlights of 2010

Dexter - season 4
Peep Show

30 Rock
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Grand Designs

Celebrity Obsessions 2010

Celebrity is a horrible word these days, but there are certain individuals who are in the public eye that I love to watch, I think they are funny, sexy, clever, cute and charming. I would love to have a drink with all of these people.

Jon Stewart • Tina Fey • Oliva Munn • Tim Minchin

Kevin McCloud • Shappi Khorsandi • Joanna Page

Low Points of 2010

Continued profiteering by oil companies.
Students lack of responsible protests that leave them looking violent and stupid.
Saturday night television being dominated by shows with phone voting systems rather than plots lines and character development.

Lets see how 2011 works out, stay tuned.

Ashley

Boxing Day at the Beach

2010-12-30T15:54:00.001Z

I went back up to Lincolnshire to see my family over Christmas and we all decided a nice day out and a walk was needed on Boxing Day. It felt like the right thing to do after being inside all Christmas Day with too much food. Rather than the ordinary drive to Lincoln we chose to visit Skegness (a seaside resort whose slogan is "Skegness is so bracing!").

I haven't been to Skegness in probably 15 years, it's the East coast equivalent to Blackpool, just not as classy or sophisticated. I had numerous day trips to "Skeg" as a child during the summer holidays. Donkey rides, chips, sticks of rock, novelty postcards, bucket & spades and numerous shops selling tat to tourists. These were days filled with neon lights highlighting the bleak nature of British bank holiday weekends. It's not grand enough to be a run down version of Las Vegas, more a seaside version of Reno.

It felt strange going back there, seeing the mixture of "exotic" bars and palm readers along side amusement arcades, tattoo parlors and toy shops. Even stranger was seeing a beach covered in snow despite the salt water (at -11ºc it certainly still felt "bracing") and people were queuing to get chips and sit outside, some of the ice-cream stalls were open and plenty of people just enjoying the fresh air. I feel I may have lived down south for too long, I am obviously no longer a rough and tumble Northerner who isn't bothered by the cold.

Anyway, enjoy some of the shots I took while there (click on them to enlarge).

Published

2010-12-30T14:04:00.000Z

Hello Dear Readers,

It has been a hectic end to the year in the studio. Several concept presentations, packaging mock-up presentations, briefings on some projects for next year and last minute changes to the assembly instructions for some furniture ranges. Mix this with delays due to the snow, people being away using up annual leave and winter colds and viruses, it has left me little to no time to update the site (I went and did Christmas shopping instead of sitting at the computer... I think I chose wisely).

So while I have a few days between Christmas and New Year I will try and add a few bits and pieces to the site, I will try and do my review of 2010 and also set up my downloads page.

First up, I had one of my pictures of China (AKA Chi Chi Revolver) published in the new Tattoo Vixens anthology produced by Skin Deep. Not only am I delighted one of my images was selected, it was also the full page shot in China's 4 page article. You can see photos from the original shoot with China here.

Paper Tattoos

2010-12-15T17:33:00.000Z

I love tattoos and paper manipulation, and when I saw this brief review of Jacob Dahlstrups work in Creative Review I just had to repost this. I absolutely adore this and feel inspired by it's simplicity and tactile nature.

"Here's a nice idea from Danish artist Jacob Dahlstrup: creating images using a tattooing machine on heavy watercolour paper. Dahlstrup sketches the design in pencil first, then goes over it with the tattoo needle to create the final effect." See more of his work here.

On a Sailors Grave (no roses grow) from Jacob Dahlstrup on Vimeo.

Banksy is Outed

2010-12-15T17:14:00.000Z

Music to Audio

2010-12-03T16:55:00.000Z

Hi All,

Just a quick update to say that my "Music" page has been renamed "Audio", I felt that some of the noise I intend to create on that page may not technically be musical.

New Recording

2010-11-28T18:48:00.000Z

I have spent another Sunday afternoon tinkering on Garageband and my guitar. This week I attempted Brazen (weep) by Skunk Anansie. Vocally challenging and more layering involved in this recording, but I learned some valuable tips that could have helped with my first session... hopefully every song will see an improvement at recording, playing and arranging songs.

The new song will be uploaded to my MUSIC section shortly.

RE:USE REFUSE

2010-11-25T18:11:00.000Z

Hello dear readers,

I love shiny new toys and crafted objet but I also love seeing rubbish/refuse/waste materials being used in a new way to re-invent it's prupose.

One example is this bath mat, made from old wine corks. Now I know plenty of people who enjoy the odd bottle of wine at a weekend and a lot of these people would also spend good money of a designer bath mat. Hopefully this will inspire you to RE:USE your REFUSE in creative and equally practicle ways.

1st audio recording session

2010-11-07T16:17:00.000Z

My first audio session has been completed. It's been a big learning curve but I am happy with the results from my first days work.

Over time I will record more and more material and hope to refine and improve the quality of my recordings.

The songs will be in my Music section of the site and embedded as video files, the better your speakers or headphones are the better quality the sound will be.

I'd love some feed back but realistically I only want to hear complimentary comments.

Enjoy.

Channel 4's new branding

2010-11-01T14:55:00.000Z

Channel 4 has always had beautifully crafted, contemporary TV idents and Rudd Studio have just re-branded the station with a slick yet angular way of looking at things. Amazing.

Channel 4 Branding 2010 from ruddstudio on Vimeo.

Portsmouth/Southsea First Annual Zombie Walk

2010-10-31T12:36:00.000Z

Fireworks

2010-10-31T11:22:00.000Z

Photos from Old Portsmouth

2010-10-31T10:15:00.000Z

Here are some long exposure pictures from Old Portsmouth.

The Devils Punchbowl

2010-10-30T13:38:00.000+01:00

While downloading pictures from last nights firework display I found some shots I took of my walk around The Devils Punchbowl. Here are my two favourites.

It's the Weekend

2010-10-30T10:44:00.000+01:00

Hello All,

I'm hoping to have a busy weekend which should result in some new posts for the news section of this site.

Last night I attended the Gunwarf firework display. I actually went over to Old Portsmouth to watch from the slip-way at The Spice Island.

I hope to post some pictures of the fireworks over the weekend. Also, hello to the small group of people I got chatting to about photos, fireworks and Gunwarf, they were very nice people.

I also stayed on after the crowd left and took some long exposure shots of old Portsmouth, I think these may prove very interesting.

This afternoon I am going to try and hunt down the Southsea/Portsmouth first annual Zombie Walk. This has to be worth a few photos if they have put the effort in. So if I find them I'll post something online too.

I also have my recording software working again so I intend to complete at least 1 recording session and post it into the music section of my site. I'm sure I'll blog about it if it's successful. The trick thing is choosing which song to try first.

And on a non-personal note.... did anyone see the series finale of Dexter last night? OH MY GOD! It's one of the best shows on at the moment. But next week start The Walking Dead, from the team behind Shawshank Redemption and starring Andrew Lincoln (This Life and Teachers), looks good.

Well stay tuned an I'll post more as the weekend progresses.

Welcome Back

2010-10-26T09:28:00.001+01:00

Hi readers,

It's been a busy few weeks/months for me. The build-up to the Christmas 2011 packaging designs has begun and I'm still finishing off work for the now over-running Spring 2011 launches.

But I really shouldn't let work get in the way of creativity, information and motivation.

So a few little updates and then later this week some cool stories I have read that may be of interest.

MUSIC:

The attempt to re-ignite my music recording failed miserably. I was trying to hook-up my old iMac as a machine dedicated to my garage-band software. But after 26 hours of back-ups, data transfers, updates and breakdowns I gave up with the conclusion that the old dear just wasn't powerful enough any more.

My next option is to clear space on my desktop machine and try to set up my amps, pedals, mics and guitars in the computer room (rather than the spare bedroom). So fingers crossed I'll be recording by the weekend.

PHOTOS:

On Saturday there will be the Southsea's first Zombie Walk. Hundreds of students will get their zombie on and cruise the street (and pubs) of Southsea and Portsmouth. I will be there to document the proceedings, so with any luck I'll get some good pictures to post on here soon.

ANNUAL LEAVE:

I still have 10 days of holiday left to use up before the end of the year, so I'm hoping to have some quality time at home. There is plenty to do including decorating, gardening, etc but I also want to start on some the many self initiated projects I have penciled in my note books. So be prepared for some new design work before the new year.

EMPLOYMENT:

As the studios work builds up and up my boss finally conceded that we need to employ more designers (about time I thought). We prepare adverts, areas to target for potential employees, terms of employment etc. only for my boss to decide he actually doesn't want any more staff after-all. Sigh, why did I get my hopes up?! But I have been told there is now a budget for me to bring in freelancers when it's busy so I can throw projects out to people. This is pretty good news as I'll be able to continue leaving on time and putting work out to friends too.

This year I will try not to...

2010-09-23T14:11:00.000+01:00

Here is a brilliant article from Creative Review that I had to re-post as I think numerous designers/creatives will connect with this piece.

Chris Doyle's new year resolutions

Posted by Patrick Burgoyne

Regular readers will remember Chris Doyle's Personal Identity Guidelines project from last year. His new work has a pop at a host of designer clichés This Year I Will Try Not To is a collaboration with photographer Elliott Scott and was, the pair say, "born out of frustration, complacency and laziness. Most designers are seduced by design trends. They're easy to appropriate, and even easier to imitate. The challenge is to innovate. To be new. We decided the best (and most enjoyable) approach was to identify and document the most common trends we felt we had to avoid. Before long we found ourselves with a checklist of DON'Ts and a new aim: to try to be new. We may fail, but we will try."

In a series of set-ups, Doyle promises to avoid various clichés of designer life. The format itself conforms to current trends – it's a loose-bound newsprint booklet with tastefully muted pallette and centred upper case type.

And, as a sly dig at himself, Doyle even promises that he will not "produce self-focused, inward looking, promotional work, for the sole purpose of industry recognition".

Check out Michael Johnson's feature for CR on why designers feel the need to put themselves at the centre of their work. Thanks to copywriter Mike Reed for Tweeting us about the project.

Cover Versions

2010-09-22T16:55:00.002+01:00

This poll was conducted by nme.com on behalf of car manufacturer SEAT to promote new Channel 4 music show, "On Track With."

The 10 Best Cover Versions of All Time were voted as:
01. Muse - 'Feeling Good'
02. The Beatles - 'Twist and Shout'
03. Johnny Cash - 'Hurt'
04. Jimi Hendrix - 'Hey Joe'
05. Nirvana - 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night'
06. The Clash - 'I Fought the Law'
07. Jeff Buckley - 'Hallelujah'
08. Jimi Hendrix - 'All Along the Watchtower'
09. Marvin Gaye - 'I Heard it Through The Grapevine'
10. The White Stripes - 'I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself'

The 10 Worst Cover Versions of All Time were voted as:
01. Britney Spears - 'I Love Rock 'N' Roll'
02. Ronan Keating - 'Fairytale of New York'
03. Celine Dion -'You Shook Me All Night Long'
04. Take That - 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'
05. M People - 'Itchycoo Park'
06. Robbie Williams - 'Song 2'
07. Will Young - 'Light My Fire'
08. Madonna - 'American Pie
09. Limp Bizkit - 'Faith'
10. Mark Ronson - 'No One Knows'

Autumns Coming

2010-09-22T10:44:00.000+01:00

Some things in life just make you smile. These photos of "an expression of Autumn" really make me happy that someone is making fun, vibrant and entertaining art.

One Trick Pony

2010-09-22T09:44:00.000+01:00

Brighton Audio

2010-09-18T14:26:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Just a very quick note to say last night was awesome.

My friend Mark and I drove to Brighton to see Sage Francis at Audio. Despite terrible traffic we made it their, met up with my friend Rosy (www.rosycarrick.co.uk) and her new man Adam.

The tempo was high, the bass was loud and and the sweat was flowing along with the lyrics. At the end Sage Francis was joined on stage by his friend and support act B.Dolan and the superb Scroobius Pip. Brilliant.

Feeling musically re-energised I picked up my guitar this morning for the first time in a long time and belted out old classics (fix you, delicate, needle and the damage done, ghosts, drive etc). I may have to dust off my old recording gear and drop some mp3's on here sometime.

Now I'm off to soak and prepare for a day with my camera... hopefully I will find something worthy of shooting.

cheerio for now.

Creativity is everywhere... you just have to look

2010-09-15T11:20:00.000+01:00

With continued talk about double-dip recessions, government funding cuts for The Arts and the creative industries having to make tough choices to keep running I thought I should point out that hard times should be a time of inspiration for the artistic communities.

We need to use the spirit and determination of creative will and conviction to inspire and react to the world around us. The last 10 years have been lavish and we have been allowed to wallow in mire of easy options. We need to push ourselves into new, unfamiliar grounds to find new projects, new processes and new ideas.

Below are some projects I have been looking at to help inspire me, I hope they will make you go and look at something new and find a new angle to examine your world from.

Plumen: the designer lightbulb

The Plumen attempts to marry beauty with utility in a low energy lightbulb that doesn't need to hide its charms under a shade

The Plumen comes from Hulger, the electronics company set up by Michael-George Hemus and Nicolas Roope, founder of digital agency Poke, which first came to prominence by retooling vintage telephone handsets to work with modern mobiles. It was developed with designer Sam Wilkinson and protype versions have already been acquired by the collections of MoMa in New York and the V&A. "It's strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination," says Roope of the idea behind its development.

Today sees its launch as a commercial product. The Plumen 001, its makers say, uses 80% less energy and lasts eight times longer than incandescent bulbs. It costs £20, has a predicted lifetime of eight years and puts out the equivalent of 60 watts.

Mads Berg Illustrations

Inspired by vintage posters, but re-adapted with today’s modern style, Danish illustrator Mads Berg has a pretty impressive way of using lines and curves in his artwork. He has been drawing amazing Art-deco illustrations since 2001 and has a very diversified portfolio.

Choi + Shine : The Land Of Giants

The Land Of Giants is a project by Choi + Shine for the Iceland electricity company. The architecture firm designed the electrical pylons in giant statues that stand in the sky as monuments (150 foot tall) , a reflection of Easter Island.

Kite Festival

2010-09-12T10:39:00.000+01:00

Just a brief pictorial over-view of the Kite Festival from Southsea (Portsmouth) on the bank holiday weekend just gone by.

The wind was actually a little too strong for some of the huge kites to fly, had they attempted to do so it would have resulted in the kites dragging the Land Rovers they are tied to across the common.

Enjoy.

Big Little Brothers Graduation

2010-09-12T09:42:00.000+01:00

Here are some snaps from my little brothers graduation day. He is now free from the education system and is now a fully qualified and practicing photographer. Well done mate.

Monthly Inspirations

2010-09-02T15:03:00.000+01:00

Like all designers you need to see what is going on in the world around you and not just stare at your own notebook for inspiration. Tunnel vision on projects can lead to that sinking feeling that your stuck in a rut.

So every few days I try to see what other creative types are doing. It helps me consider colour pallets, textures and shapes, diverse approaches and hidden subtexts within projects.

So here is a collection of things I have enjoyed this month.

1: my new ring-flash

2: Stefan Strumbel exaggerates the traditional cuckoo clock with elements of urban art and pop art. Five years ago he decided to stop painting graffiti and concentrated on his art. Mostly known for his clocks he also works on all types of wooden masks and typical catholic crucifixes.

3: I just stumbled over the beautiful work of Belgian photographer Jean Francois Carly. Going through his portfolio, I was really attracted and inspired by his personal work, especially his ‘Snakes’ series. I really like the contrasts in the shoot, Skin vs scales, vunerability vs strength.

4: Gilles et Dada is showing their innovative blood for their Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Playing with geometry, the final result focuses more on the visual than showcasing the clothes.

5: Inspired by a visit to a museum in Southern Vietnam graphic designer Tiana Vasilijev created and photographed this beautifully handmade typeface using marbling ink, water and a tray.

6: I do love beautiful design, and when I stumbled over these Danish custom bikes called Wrenchmonkees I couldn’t resist to check them out and introduce them to you. So for you bike lovers, enjoy these beauties.

7: Travel, Portrait and Advertising photographer Jasper James has some great pictures in his portfolio. Especially this ‘People and Places’ series, where the final visual is a juxtaposition of his subject’s silhouette and a aerial view of Beijing.

New Site

2010-08-22T18:04:00.000+01:00

Hi There,

I just wanted to say I have been working on my brothers website to promote him as a professional photographer now that he has graduated from BA hons Contemporary Lens Media at Lincoln University.

Check the site out at:
www.dominicclark.co.uk

Let me know if you spot any glitches or errors I may have over-looked.

Thank you.

Inspirationally Drained

2010-08-17T14:12:00.001+01:00

I'm feeling a bit short of inspiration today.

I have been working on the same project, non-stop for too long and I need to cast my eyes over new ideas, jobs and creative movements to re-invigorate myself.

I'm currently artworking a wide range of product packaging for M&S and looking at it every day is giving me tunnel vision. I'm happy to remain this focused on a project as it requires careful and technical consideration to make packaging work (The early stages are where I can splash around in my creative paddling-pool).

But right now I want to get to a gallery, read an aspirational magazine, get a coffee with some fellow creatives and talk about pipe-dreams of setting up a new studio that has no boundries or starting another band.

I need a change of scenery to recharge my creative batteries.

Chi Chi revolver - Photoshoot

2010-08-09T11:26:00.000+01:00

Here are some screen res images from last Fridays shoot with China (aka Chi Chi Revolver).

Despite the drizzle we had a great time shooting and managed to get some nice photos for her promotional work.

Hopefully there will be an opportunity to work together again when the sun is out so we can work on more images in different locations.

Update

2010-08-05T13:52:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I just wanted to give you a brief update of things.

My sleeve of koi is fully outlined. A few sessions of colour and power lines to make it "pop" and it will be finished. I will get pictures of the completed artwork on here as soon as I can. I also need to say thank you to Jim my artist who has done excellent work and has worked some random hours to make time for my hectic schedule. Visit him at Straight To The Point in Drayton, Portsmouth.

I hopefully have a quick shoot on Friday afternoon with the delightful China (aka Chi Chi Revolver) who needs some new model shots doing. So fingers crossed for some nice weather and some empty locations around the city for that. Again, I will try and post images as soon as I can.

I am also planning a black-ops shoot on saturday night. I want to try and get out in to Portsmouths after-hours scene and take some pictures. I'm heading out to see the city after all the clubs and pubs have shut. I want to see litter in the streets, drunks on benches and in bus stops and see what the places of interest look like in the cold of night. Do urban foxes rule the city after hours? I will try and find out. Pictures to follow.

Some wet proofs arrived today from my printer. It's for a packaging range that is going in to a UK department store (which I am not allowed to name thanks to a confidentially clause in my contract) but who had an advert with an acoustic version of Sweet child O' Mine on it. I was nervous about seeing them as the client made so many changes to this project I'm not sure I felt any attachment to it anymore, but now seeing the prints, complete with spot pearl UV gloss it has made me feel more positive about it. It needs a better matt finish but it's close.

The football season is soon upon us. Watching the Charity Shield is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I must remember to get some alcohol free beers in for that. But on a worrying note, Portsmouth FC's fate hangs in the balance today. The HMRC could effectivly destroy Pompey buy 5pm tonight. It will be a shame to see thousands of life long Pompey fans have their hearts broken because the HMRC want to set a legel benchmark. The HMRC won't make any money out of closing Portsmouth FC but it will send a message to all other clubs that says "we're coming to get you".

And finally my little brother is going "larping" at the weekend. Loser! lol I know you love it dude, but I still fail to see how it's more than World of Warcraft geeks getting some fresh air.

TTFN

Stupid stupid stupid

2010-08-04T14:14:00.000+01:00

This is stupid but I have to re-post this, at about 50 seconds you'll see why I laughed until tears filled my eyes. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Lulu & The Lampshades

2010-08-02T13:25:00.000+01:00

I just saw this brillaint lo-fi video. The simplicity and effectivness are great. I look forward to hearing more fro Lulu & The Lampshades.

CASS Sculpture Foundation - Photos

2010-07-31T12:26:00.002+01:00

Last weekend my friend Mark Maguire ( thepixeldiary ) and I went to the CASS Sculpture Foundation park outside Goodwood to take some pictures of the of artwork on display. We were blessed with hot weather, bright sunshine, lush green forests and some truly great pieces of work.... and it was a good laugh just hanging out with Mark.

The Cass Sculpture Foundation has won a broad international reputation by carefully honing its expertise in the commissioning and sale of large-scale sculpture from the finest British artists.

Below are selection of images I shot on our day out (click on an image to see a larger version). Check out Marks work on his site thepixeldiary soon.

My weekend photos: part 3 zero gravity

2010-07-11T17:56:00.001+01:00

Excellent Work from Norwich

2010-07-06T14:24:00.000+01:00

Here is an example of work from my old Universities graduate show. Glad to see they are still setting high standards.

"From Norwich University College of the Arts' Graphic Design students. Matthew Lurcock's cracking piece is a poster for Shoot: Military photographer of the Year at the V&A Museum.

My weekend photos: part 2 portsmouth

2010-07-04T17:06:00.000+01:00

My weekend photos: part 1 tomb-stoning

2010-06-27T19:55:00.001+01:00

It's been red hot this weekend so I decided to jump on the scooter and breeze around the seafront to relax and of course I took my camera with me.

I will do 3 posts as I have 3 sets of pictures. Some of people tomb-stoning off the seafront walls. A little walk around old Portsmouth and finally some cool shots from a bike display team doing a demo at Gunwarf.

But I shall keep these short as it's too hot to sit at the computer when I'd rather be laying under a cool shower with a beer and some music.

What's in a name?

2010-06-24T14:15:00.001+01:00

I have just discovered that changing your name is not as difficult or as expensive as I previously thought.

Which makes me think if I were to change my name what should it be?

As a designer I would like a name to have a solid, dependable sound but with a sharp, dynamic edge. Something positive and strong. The name would represent me as a person but also as a possible studio name if I chose to launch my own design company.

I have always felt that naming a child is an exercise in branding. Some names will allow you to open some doors and not others. Tarquin Chesterfield will probably not end up as a bin-man and Wayne Boggs probably won't become a high court judge.

Please don't mis-understand me, I don't mind my name, I have lived with it for so long that we have grown in to each other. Also, I respect that my parents gave me my name and I carry on the name Clark with pride, but many performers change there name to appear more interesting on stage (Reg Dwight please stand up) and writers use sudonyms all the time.

So should I choose a new name and if so what should it be?

Trent Steel

Max Power

Jackson Rockerfella

Samson Wolfe

The Death Of Narrative

2010-06-22T17:30:00.000+01:00

The title of this piece is from by a quote from Alan Moore (Watchmen/From Hell) talking about how frustrated he feels with the creative industries (publishers, film makers, TV writers etc) and how they just re-package the same stories/concepts over and over again without ever trying to break new ground all in the name of safe profits.

He feels "the death of narrative" is soon going to but big compaines (such as Disney) out of business.

That phrase has been rattling around my head ever since I read it and it resulted in a few minimalistic visual concepts. One of which I have posted below. I just had to get this out of my system.

Miss Zombie UK finalist

2010-06-14T14:02:00.002+01:00

I have just been informed that a picture I took (see below) has got the model in to the finals of Miss Zombie UK.

The picture was take at the Trailer Trash club night in Brightons Komedia. The Trailer Trash club night has a different movie theme for each event and the theme on this occasion was Vampires vs Zombies.

The model in the picture is the delightful Bea deVile who has been a regular performer at the Trailer Trash nights.

I wish her all the best and I will let you know if she becomes the most desirable Zombie in the UK.

Life is like...

2010-06-14T10:45:00.003+01:00

... an onion.

You peel away layer after layer and soon you realise you're left weeping over the sink.

Escape to Galleries

2010-06-04T13:08:00.002+01:00

I'm nearly finished work for the week. Tonight is the open night of the Oculous Gallery Show featuring photography by my brother Dominic, so I'm looking forward to seeing that. Then the Wide Eyes Gallery Show opens next week featuring work from the Portsmouth University creative media graduating students.

So, sunny weather and gallery visits... should be a good week.

Lego Printer

2010-06-03T11:21:00.001+01:00

All I have to say is thank you B3TA for showing me this little slice of joy.

Late 90's Designers Porn

2010-06-03T09:30:00.007+01:00

I stumbled across some old RAYGUN covers the other day and it reminded me how gritty, deconstructed and agressive the typography, photography and layouts used to be in the late 90's.

The design perfectly reflected the culture of the time, bands like The Prodigy and NIN were at the height of their fame. The Colombine shootings had happened. People wanted homes made from converted warehouse space with bare-brick walls, open plan spaces and industrial staircases. The world had been stripped down after the gluttoness 80's and was trying to rebuild itself into something new, something gritty and real, something that was not necessarily pretty but interesting.

Designers and studios such as David Carson and Tomato were pushing the design scene forward and this type of creativeness was very prominent while I was a student.

It has felt like both a blast from the past and also a breath of fresh air in todays world of prescision drawn, ultra light fonts and slick vector graphic illustrations. Thankfully there seems to be a mini re-birth for distressed screen printing but the combination of dirty photos, broken type and exaggerated layouts from the late 90's still puts a smile on my face.

Here are some RAYGUN examples below.

Feeling Koi

2010-06-02T16:05:00.002+01:00

I have some studio time booked at Straight To The Point to start work on my Koi sleeve.

It's something I've been wanting to work on for a few years now but I have always put it off though as some type living expence has always interfered in the form of utility bills, flooring etc.

But I've decided to start this project now or I never will. So 19th June is booked.

I will keep you updated.

Photography Section

2010-06-01T11:45:00.002+01:00

The photography section now has content.

I spent the weekend looking through some of my photography back-ups and choosing a variety of work for inclusion in the gallery.

I am hoping to upload more work in to different galleries as the summer progresses so please keep checking back.

For now please go to the top menu bar and click on photography to see some of my work.

Nerd Dreams

2010-05-19T11:28:00.004+01:00

Hi Dear Readers,

I have been looking at updating my tech for some time now. Since the death of my 13" macbook I have been having to make-do with my older G4 desktop which is severly limiting my work related performance.

Unfortunately the price you have to pay to be a mac user is the PRICE. So once I can manage to sell the scooter that is woefully under-used I will put those funds towards my new IT set-up. See below.

Macbook Pro
15" 2.66GHz
Intel Core i5
4GB Memory
500GB Hard Drive
SD card slot
Intel HD Graphics
NVIDA GeForce GT 330M with 256Mb

NetGear Stora puts music, photos, videos and other important data at the heart of your home network

Centralize all your digital media (videos, music, photos) in a single, safe location

Share a photo album with selected friends and family through selected user access controls - 3 Free user accounts provided with Stora.

Watch your movies directly streaming from home to any Internet-connected device

Stream music in the subway or car on your iPhone

Protect all your valuable documents by backing them up on the optional 2nd bay

Swap or add a hard drive in minutes without using any tools.

Integrates with Facebook, iTunes®, Flickr and Web-enabled phones

So if anyone wants to buy a coolio scooter (Honda Zoomer 50cc, 2008, 2500miles, immaculate condition) please contact me.

New Look

2010-05-13T15:40:00.003+01:00

Hello again,

I decided it was time for an image overhaul to make things seem fresh and interesting.

I will be tweaking the layout over the coming days so please contact me if anything seems to have gone wrong or a features functionality stops working.

Stay tuned.

Ashley

Keeping Me Company

2010-05-12T18:19:00.003+01:00

Hello Dear readers,

Just a brief hello to say I have a new friend to keep me company while working through the current crop of late nights I am doing at the moment.

Work is very busy with more projects, deadlines, design and artwork than I can ideally cope with in a working day. So lately I have been putting in more than my fair share of extra hours... I think the effects of stress, lack of sleep and erractic hours disrupting my routine are starting to make me loose my grip on reality.

Currently I am approching the 11th hour in my working day, the stereo is up as I can't annoy anyone in an industrial estate (Jaguar Skills mixes sound awesome when turned up really loud) and I have a friend with me....

Say hello to Mr I. Ronman.

One of the girls in the office had a Burger King/KFC/McDonalds (or some form of fast food company) lunch and I was given the toy... He now resides inside my computer fighting against evil.

Simple things for simple minds.

Anyway, I must get back to work or I'm never going home.

TTFN

Ashley

Sex Sells

2010-05-05T14:38:00.002+01:00

Sex Sells! and we know that! The use of nude women to promote a product is not going to go out of fashion.

But does sex really sell?

Studies have shown that the sexier the ad, the less the brand is remembered. Then why still use the sexual imagery in advertising? Most likely it's because marketing executives want to see immediate "in your face" campaigns that shock and titilate rather than clever concepts that build a brand over time and reinforce core values of the company. I think there is also an element of rock-star imitation by big advertising agents who see large sex-filled campaigns as a power and status symbol... we have all seen them, portly, middle aged, balding men who drive sports cars and aim to impress models... They see themselves as the Mick Jaggers of marketing.

All that being said, Sex Sells. It does. It makes you stop and look. So enjoy the selection of sexy adverts below.

{moustache}

2010-05-05T08:53:00.001+01:00

The 10 Greatest Protest Songs

2010-05-04T08:22:00.003+01:00

Hi Readers,

I just saw this list on Ultimate Guitar.com and I strongly suspect I'll be on iTunes tonight because of this list, so I thought I would share it with you all.

10. Creedence Clearwater Revival: "Fortunate Son"

John Fogerty wrote the song in 1969 in protest at the Vietnam war and took inspiration from the partnership of David Eisenhower (the grandson of President Eisenhower) and Julie Nixon (the daughter of President Nixon). The premise is that, unlike the impoverished narrator of the song who is being conscripted, "fortunate son" David Eisenhower gets to miss Vietnam. Four decades later on his 2007 album "Revival", Fogerty penned the song "I Can't Take It No More" about the Iraq War in which he labels then President George W Bush as "a fortunate son."

09. Edwin Starr: "War"

One of the most popular protest songs ever committed to plastic, the 1970 Motown smash hit is buoyed by the chorus "War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin'!" and attacks the Vietnam War with general distaste and venom. Praised by that other great anti-war song writer John Lennon, the track shot straight to number one in the Billboard charts upon release and was duly adopted by the anti-Vietnam War movement in the early 1970s.

08. Buffalo Springfield: "For What It's Worth"

One of two Stephen Stills entries on the list, while many musicians were embracing the hedonistic love of the sixties Stills was dealing with much grittier subject matter. Essentially an ode to the violence, social paranoia and brutalities of the Vietnam War, what differentiates "For What It's Worth" from the vast majority of other protest songs is it's overtly positive chorus - "stop killing, what's that sound? everyone look what's going down." If only the leaders of the world would pay notice.

07. Bob Dylan: "Blowin In The Wind"

One of Dylan's many timeless protest songs, the 1963 anthem poses a series of questions about war, freedom and peace, yet never really answers them. The chorus' famous refrain of "The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind" is wholly ambiguous – either implying the answer is all around and obvious or as intangible as the wind. The track becmae a soundtrack of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and testament to its enduring legacy has been covered by everyone from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton.

06. U2: "Sunday Bloody Sunday"

Opening with a military drumbeat, U2's highly political 1983 anthem soon turns into a heady protest at The Troubles in Northern Ireland - most notably the Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry in January 1972 when British soldiers opened fire on protesters, killing 14 and injuring 29 more. Composed by The Edge, arguably the most hard-hitting moment of the song comes when Bono proclaims "I won't heed the battle call". An earlier version of the track interestingly featured the line "Don't talk to me about the rights of the IRA, UDA", but this was later removed as the band did not want to directly reference political groups.

05. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: "Ohio"

The timeless song was written in response to the Kent State Shootings of May 4, 1970 when the Ohio National Guard opened fire college students protesting against the American invasion of Cambodia which President Nixon had announced five days earlier. Four were killed and one left paralysed. Just like its subject matter, "Ohio" is brutal lyrically, referring to "four dead in Ohio" throughout and opening with the line "Tin soldiers and Nixon coming." Named as the 385th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, really it should have been higher.

04. Barry McGuire: "Eve Of Destruction"

As the portentous title titillates, the song warns of an imminent apocalypse as it laments the ills of society. Almost Leonard Cohen-esque in the grave delivery, McGuire touches upon all of the political woes of the mid 1960s – the Cold War, Vietnam, the nuclear arms race, inequality and civil rights. Inspired lines such as "You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin’" make this easily one of the greatest protest songs of all time.

03. Plastic Ono Band: "Give Peace A Chance"

The phrase "Give Peace A Chance" was originally said by John Lennon to a journalist in an interview during his famous "Bed-In" with Yoko Ono. He liked the line so much he eventually went on to write the song. The anti-war anthem then gained fame when it was sung by half a million demonstrators in Washington at the 1969 Vietnam Moratorium Day. Alongside Lennon's other protest anthems "Imagine", "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" and "Power To The People", "Give Peace A Chance" is a defining protest song.

02. Billie Holiday: "Strange Fruit"

Abel Meeropol, a Jewish high school teacher from the Bronx, wrote the haunting song in response to the lynching of two black men Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in August 1930. Condemning American racism and the lynching of blacks in Southern states, in her inimitable voice Holiday opens with the incredibly evocative lines: "Southern trees bear strange fruit, Blood on the leaves and blood at the root, Black body swinging in the Southern breeze, Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees."

01. Marvin Gaye: "What's Going On?"

Not just the greatest protest song, Marvin Gaye's 1971 classic is one of the greatest songs ever written. Co-songwriter Obie Benson initially started writing "What's Going On?" after witnessing anti-war protesters being beaten by cops hence the "picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality" lyrics. However with Al Cleveland and Gaye's input it became an anthem meditating on the troubles of the world as a whole and, given the context of the release date, the Vietnam War. Gorgeous musically, Gaye sounds concerned with the bleak subject matter, yet somehow there is also a glimmer of hope in his voice. Considering the current world climate, "What's Going On?" is as relevant as ever today.

What I Does Love This Week

2010-04-21T08:55:00.002+01:00

Hello Dear Readers,

It has been awhile since I have blogged. My work load is getting me down to be honest, I seem to live in the studio, the 10-12 hour days are starting to turn me in to the design zombie I became last year.

The result of this is that not only do I feel drained and lethargic it also means I'm not getting a chance to read/see about creative and inspirational things happening around me. The death of my laptop hasn't helped with this as I can't easily escape in to the world of the online design culture sites for an hour or 2 in the evenings while I unwind at home.

So I have decided to spend an hour purposely hunting out some things that make me feel good about being involved in a creative industry and will hopefully spark some enthusiasm in me.

read on.

Conny Droher used to be a fashion designer who recently returned to doing what she loves most, creating fantastic illustrations that combine photography in their final composition.

Make-up Artist and beauty consultant Julie Begin has worked with the best in fashion to create her inspiring portfolio. She has worked with the houses of Galliano, Balenciaga, and Marc Jacobs as well as industry favorite photographers including Ellen Von Unwerth and Mick Rock, but the thing that stood out most to me was her involvement in the creative process of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO.

Travel with Typography

Simply, clever execution! I love these type treatments representing the iconic landmarks or staples of each city. They communicate instantaneously through their hyper-visual use of type.

I am just posting this image as I want to remember to try and hang my large format prints in the same way as they have done in this picture.

The ultimate boardroom table

Trust me, if I ever manage to start my own fully functioning commercial studio then it will have to be a fun, vibrant, creative space. Not cluttered and shabby but more like a gallery envorinment. But I have to make one of these first. I adore this table. It was made by Architect and Design company ABGC from Ireland.

New Shelving Idea

And a new furniture scheme that I also have to try in my home studio. I currently have a wall of bookcases but this is such a beautiful way of creating the same amount of storage/display space. I also love the fact that this can be done with second hand furniture, giving it a new lease of life and reducing (even in just a small way) the amount of waste in the world.

This has helped pick me and I hope it has given you some hope and inspiration also.

Roll on Friday when I will be off to see Dirty/DC an AC/DC tibute act. What better way to start a weekend?!

Still Waters Run Deep

2010-04-11T19:19:00.004+01:00

Hello dear readers,

Just a pic to show you the amazing flat sea from the other night. Luckily I had my camera in the car so pulled over for some pictures.

I loved the way the sea and sky really became one at the horizon rather than a distinct line dividing the two. I was also happy with the markers helping give an idea of depth to the shot and the faint ripple on the markers reflections.

The other things to point out from my weekend...? Well, the sun was shining brightly and my face was starting to get the red glow of sunburn after being outside in Brighton on Saturday afternoon. I didn't get a chance to do as much photography as I was hoping but it was nice to see some friendly faces.

I very much enjoyed driving back in the warm evening with "the windows down and the stereo up" as eminem would say. I think Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe by Whale was the best song for sunny evening driving.

Portsmouth have defied the critics and odds to get to the finals of the FA Cup... I feel proud at their display of defiance in the face of adversity. I suspect the small island city of Portsmouth will be feeling a little hungover tomorrow morning. A football club with nothing left to loose has shown the country that it's passion for the game runs deep.

Until next time.... take care dear reader.

Ashley+

New identity for Cable & Wireless Communications

2010-04-07T09:33:00.003+01:00

Article from Creative Review

"Telecoms company Cable & Wireless has recently 'demerged' to form two separate businesses. Elmwood has designed the new brand identity for Cable & Wireless Communications, which launches today.

The solution is another globe-shaped logo – yes, yes, we know, but at least C&W has heritage here with the past identity (shown below) for the parent company and, of course, putting lines around the world is literally what this business does. In the new logo Elmwood has emphasised this cable technology with a series of lines that also form a three-dimensional ampersand.

Elmwood has also created a new website (below) for the brand, featuring an identity system that also uses the cables. "We set out to create something that challenged the de-facto plain, boxy, corporate-looking telecoms sites that exist in the marketplace at the moment," says Alex Nelson, head of digital at Elmwood. "We were also very keen on creating a rich, interactive user experience, whilst letting those busy analysts and shareholders dive straight into the hard facts."

Cable & Wireless Communications operates through four regional units - the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, and Monaco & Islands - and is now separate from Cable & Wireless Worldwide. Neither company is using the original C&W logo anymore, with Cable & Wireless Worldwide using the very simple style logo it adopted some time ago (shown on its website below). The two companies are certainly now very separate in style, even if their names remain confusingly similar.

Finally, Elmwood has also created a brand animation for C&W Communications, also incorporating the new cable lines. This can be viewed on the Elmwood website, here."

I like the new logo, but I have only one complaint. The font actually looks dated. The serifs do not give a feeling a tradition, heritage or class. They look desperate, an attempt to look more stylish than it is. I simple and stylish san serif font would surely suit this new logo better.

Simple Graphic Images

2010-04-07T09:30:00.002+01:00

Bitter Sweet, a new exhibition of illustrator Noma Bar's work, opens tonight at KK Outlet in London's Hoxton Square...

Fans of Bar's work will recognise some of the imagery exhibited in the show – which runs until April 30 – from his most recently published book, Negative Space, published by Mark Batty Publisher last year – although, specially for this show, Bar has transformed flat illustrations into a variety of objects that include 3D wood cuts, installation pieces, screenprints and light boxes, all available to buy.

More Or Less

Blind Optimism

Night Train to London

Epic Fail

Think Harder

Now You See Them Now You Don't

Bitter Sweet runs until 30 April at KK Outlet, 42 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6PB.

See more of Bar's work at dutchuncle.co.uk

Beaulieu Abbey & National Motor Museum

2010-04-05T14:58:00.013+01:00

Hello dear Readers,

I took Thursday off work to make my Easter weekend a little longer and decided to drive to the New Forrest and visit Beaulieu.

Beaulieu is a stately home and residence of Lord Montagu, there is an old abbey, some beautiful gardens and the National Motor Museum. So I set out with my camera for a day of photography.

Here is a brief look at some of the pictures I took:

Below are some of the novelty cars made to look like things for promotional purposes.

Now in the museums historical collection.

Above is possibly my favourite picture of the day, it's just some venting next to the stairs.

Can you see me in the reflection above? In retrospect I wish I had taken my tripod and spent more time taking this but it was at a busy section in the museum and I would have been in the way of people walking past the exhibits.

Here are a few cars made famous on screen, including Del-Boys 3 wheeler, Inspector Morses classic Jaguar and the 80's classic... a flying Delorian.

A few pictures taken at the Top Gear exhibit they have there, a collection of the cars they have created for the many challenges. Having seen them in the flesh I can assure you none of the license fee payers money is wasted on these projects, they are incredibly cheap and shoddy. I can now fully believe that Clarkson, Hammond and May genuinely build them themselves rather than having help from professionals.

Above is the mighty Suzuki Liana... any Top Gear fans will recognise this.

And finally I went inside the James Bond Experience. A small collection of vehicle and props from some of the classic Bond films.

Botanical illustration

2010-03-24T14:33:00.004Z

Hello again,

I just wanted to share with you some botanical graphics I have been playing about with.

I can't tell you who it's for, what it could be used on or where it will appear... what tease eh?