Neue Lucifer, you guys.

Above is the first crack at a poster that is supposed to encompass our working methods and interests. As those of you that know me know, I am someone of acute visual preferences to a fault at times. I have decided that this semester is one of more experimentation and less overthinking. This poster is one of the first steps in that direction.

The visual interests I chose to synthesize were punk film (Harmony Korine, French New Wave etc), Black Metal, and Swiss Modernism. The type is obviously done with a modernist intent, and the image making is a combination of aspects of the other two. The goal of the poster and main theme of my "manifesto" is messing things up. Defiling, respectfully, the standards of purity and perfection. I chose this theme because for me, Swiss Modernism is the peak of graphic design...and for that matter communication. This poster attempts to dirty the conventions of that style up a bit. The lamb is used for it's symbolism of purity. The "X" and blood is my addition to this symbol and the modernist type to soil these icons of cleanliness and ideology. In other words...this is just me having a little fun with making fun of my own style and so forth.

Finally, The name "Neue Lucifer" is a nod to both the origins of modernism (germany) and the grand act Lucifer made when he turned away from Heaven. I am not interested in the character of Satan, but instead the concept of his character. Also, considering Black metal seems to have a love affair with character...well, that works right along with my visual interest.

The Typeface is Akzidenz Grotesk Bold.

More iterations to come!


Interests of the moment: Drastus, Blut Aus Nord, Beach House, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Working on my typeface "Kenose", enjoying the company of a lovely lady, coffee, and obviously waffles.

The Captivating World of Katja Gretzinger

There is something entrancing about Katja Gretzinger's work that has been with me for a while now. I first saw the "FAZ Wissen und Bedenken" poster/publication on aisleone many months ago and have since found myself at her website studying what exactly it is that I am obsessed with. Her masterful use of typography is fresh and well informed. I find the rather colorful posters the three people are holding (I think that is her on the left) extremely interesting. They manage to combine a strict grid with playful elements that recall the ill-advised typographic (in my opinion) experimentation the 90's brought us...but here we have a very refined and mature approach to modular grid use and humanistic flourishes.












An utterly fascinating talent in the field. Keep an eye out for her.


Record spinning: Department of Eagles-"In Ear Park", Beach House-"Teen Dream", Blut Aus Nord-"Dialogue with the Stars", Funeral Mist-"Maranatha", and Lindstrom and Christobelle-"Real life is No Cool"

Kenosis-The Beginnings

The beginnings of my typeface based on the synthesis of geometric and humanistic attributes in sans serif typefaces. The explanation of the name is expressed below:

"In Christian theology, Kenosis is the concept of the 'self-emptying' of one's own will and becoming entirely receptive to God and his perfect will. It is used both as an explanation of the Incarnation, and an indication of the nature of God's activity and condescension."

The eventual goal is to combine both the geometric perfection of typefaces such as Futura with the more humanistic characteristics of Akzidenz Grotesk, Gotham, and Helvetica. Similar in theory to kenotic concept of the perfect entity of Christ becoming human to equate the necessary atonement for man's sins.

Wordy? yes. Lofty? Also yes. Influenced by a landmark Black Metal Band's 3-song EP? Definitely.

This is League

Oh, ok you guys...this firm's work is simply astounding. Obviously, they, like me, enjoy modernism. The interesting thing is though, is that they take a completely new spin on it, creating a unique style in itself. They are swiss designers...so let's add another tally to the chart for the Swiss, they just get it right.