Graphic Design and Fashion
When the topic of graphic design comes up in conversations many people will associate this activity with advertising, packaging, logo creation or business applications. But graphic design also reaches into the world of fashion.

The ubiquitous t-shirt is a mainstay of virtually everyone’s wardrobe. T-shirts have become so commonplace that they can be worn at the office or at the park. But behind every t-shirt graphic there is an artist or graphic designer.

In this series of Pop Culture, Graphic Design, and Funny T-Shirts we’ve combed the Internet for examples of how pop culture influences the ideas behind modern t-shirt design.

You’ll see references made to popular media and realize that graphic designers have well-developed funny bones in their bodies. Click on each photo to see its source.

Have fun and feel free to laugh or groan at the following examples!

Late Night Television
If you ever stay up to watch late night television on a consistent basis you know that this is the time slot that is ripe for infomercials of all kinds.

These mesmerizing 5 to 60 minute commercials try to slowly break down the viewer’s resistance until some of them finally give in and say, “I’VE GOT TO HAVE THAT STEAM-POWERED PENCIL!” or whatever the product of the day is.

But the infomercial has also spawned a new marketing gimmick by inferring that products sold on these television commercials can be trusted. And hence we have the t-shirt design of:
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The Movie Was Better
The Lord of the Rings was J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece work chronicling the struggles of the inhabitants of the fictional world of “Middle Earth.” The novels were quite daunting to read as the pace of the story was rather slow-going with the first novel, “The Hobbit.”

These books were translated to the big screen by über movie director Peter Jackson. The resulting movie series won many Academy Awards and opened up a large fantasy world for many who were unfamiliar with the genre.

In this movie an important catchphrase was used in the movies. In this t-shirt design, the graphic designer has elected to do a literal interpretation of it. As a result, we have:
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Superheroes Have Problems Too
Before spectacular computer generated images came on the scene, those of us who grew up reading about our favorite comic book heroes could only dream about them coming to life in movies.

Of course there were animated series on Saturday morning cartoons and a few poorly produced television shows, but these couldn’t measure up to what our mind’s eye created. But now with today’s amazing technology, that dream has come true for all loyal fans.

As far as superheroes, one artist imagined that superheroes must have their own set of unique problems. In this instance, The Flash, who possesses the ability to move at hyper-speed, is shown here with his predicament:
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Next Time…
We’ll continue our tour of funny graphic designs for t-shirts and find out that having a sense of humor can sell products.

Until next time, keep on designing!

It’s a Love Hate Relationship
After graduating from  graphic design school, being employed in work that incorporates your design skills and creativity can be fulfilling. You can reach mountain top experiences when you design something fantastic.

On the flip, you can enter dark, shadowy areas when your designs falter or even worse, are flawed.

One graphic designer expressed this love/hate situation by saying:
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“I love the comment, ‘You must love designing for a living.’ At that point I usually start to laugh or break into uncontrollable tears.”

- Andrew Lewis, art director, designer, and artist

In this installment of Gotcha! Graphic Design Advertising Mistakes we’ll display actual ad mistakes taken from websites, magazine ads, and brochures. A great big “thanks” to the members of photoshopdisasters.com for digging up many of these examples in our Gotcha! series.

Enjoy and have fun!
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300  - The Movie
This action thriller film was an adaptation of  Frank Miller’s comic book mini-series of the historical Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC). During this event a small army of Spartans held off a barrage of attacks by overpowering Persian forces.

Here is the DVD box art:
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But What is Wrong? (Click on Image)
At first glance everything appears to be correct. But upon closer inspection the sword held by the main character isn’t being held at all. The hand seems to be gripping a handle that isn’t connected to the blade.
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Santander Bank
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The international banking institution, Santander, is headquartered in the UK. The photo is from their website and displays a group of people posing as staff members. They all look pleasant and professional.

But What is Wrong? (Click on Image)
Although the group photo looks inviting, some of the images of people have been inserted through Photoshop. You’ll notice that the woman with the red skirt has legs that mysteriously meld into the back of the woman in front. Her legs also never reach the floor.

Other problems concern improper use of the magic wand feature in cutting out portions of background and various other cut and paste errors.
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Moët and Chandon Champagne
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Most special celebrations start with a bottle of bubbly. Moët and Chandon have been producing fine champagne for over 260 years. This advertisement displays the effervescence of one of its sparkling wines.

But What is Wrong? (Click on Image)
The photo of the product is well lit and composed nicely. The champagne looks good enough to drink and the bubbles…are rising in an oblique angle to counteract gravity!

The simple mistake of not paying attention to the superimposed image of the sparkling beverage and the bubble orientation makes the ad a little less believable.

Look Before You Leap
We hope you’ve had as much fun with this series as we have. And hopefully, these examples not only make us smile, but make us more aware of the details when we design.

Graphic design schools and graphic design colleges provide the education needed to become successful graphic designers, but responsibility for good attention to details falls upon the designer.

Until next time, keep on designing!

Billions and Billions of Ads
Carl Sagan, a renowned astrophysicist, astronomer, author and host of the Public Broadcasting television series Cosmos, was fond of using the catchphrase “Billions [and] billions of stars…” in his distinctive nasal pronunciation.

Although there may not be “billions and billions” of ads since the very first one was produced, (probably on a cave wall), there can be no argument that the shear number of them is quite staggering.

Art directors and graphic designers are the gatekeepers for preventing design errors from reaching the final stage of publication in advertisements, graphic designs or other media. But as we all know, sometimes these little gremlins sneak past the guards.

Can you see the errors in the following examples? Look at the ads closely and then read the Do You See It? answers to find out if you are correct. (The mistakes can be seen by clicking on each photo.)

Have fun!

Props R Us
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We’ll start with an easy one here. The photo for this ad from the Banana Republic website shows a woman modeling a pantsuit. She looks happy and the clothes on her fit very nicely.

Do You See It? (Click on image to see mistakes)
All photographers should be able to point out this error immediately. A standard piece of equipment in every pro photographer’s bag is the 18% gray card.

The model is holding it above her head so that a light meter reading can be taken off the card. The resulting information from the meter gives the photographer information on the proper exposure to use.

This photo was probably just a test shot during the photo shoot to calibrate the light meter and was never intended to be used for the website.
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What’s in Your Wallet?
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This is a high profile ad for Louis Vuitton handbags. No doubt the fashionable accessories are well made and highly prized. The staged set is dynamic with the models assuming their standard issue pouting poses.

Do You See It? (Click on image to see mistakes)
One of the hardest scenes to photograph is when mirrors are in the shot. The reflections off of mirrors can show the surrounding studio equipment and camera people. These errant images are usually digitally removed for final copy.

In this case the art director has opted to enhance the realism of the set by replacing the offending reflections with Photoshopped images. The problem with these insertions is that the images do not reflect (pun intended) the actual model posses. The reflection on the left mirror shows the model’s arms together, but in the real scene she has them apart.

There also seems to be some inconsistencies with the reflections of the lights and lamps in the center mirror as well.

Details, Details, Details
None of the errors we’ve seen are deal breakers by any means. But they do demonstrate that mistakes can happen to the best of us.

What is important to realize is although it is important to receive the best career training from graphic design school centers or graphic design colleges; the level of attention to detail is our personal responsibility.
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Next Time…
We’ll post up some more “boo-boos” related to marketing ads in our next installment of Gotcha! Graphic Design Advertising Mistakes.

Until then, keep on designing! (…and look out for those mistakes.)

More Sayings and Truisms
No matter what job category you are in, you’ll hear words of wisdom and witty sayings about your specific industry.

For carpenters it’s “Measure twice, cut once.” For the video game industry it’s “Your personal life ends when crunch time (final deadlines) begins.”

In The Wit and Wisdom of Graphic Designers and Artists - Part I we received insights from graphic designers and artists that were entertaining as well as thought provoking.

In part two of this series we’ll put the spotlight on some of the more humorous witticisms from those who make creativity their living.

The Anonymous Creators
What changes the perception of the world we live in, has work that is admired and seen by millions, but remains anonymous? Answer: graphic designers.

“Being a famous designer is like being a famous dentist.”

……………………..- Noreen Morioka, award winning graphic designer

Journalists have bylines, photographers have special exhibitions at galleries, and artists sign their names on their works of art.

But when was the last time you saw an entertaining ad in a magazine or striking packaging design that gave credit to the graphic designer?

Graphic designers are the unsung heroes of creative design. They do so much to change our perceptions, opinions, and look of our world but for the most part, remain anonymous to Mr. and Ms. Average Citizen.

Graphic designers receive their grounding in career training by going to graphic design schools, their inspiration from the environment around them, and spend countless hours in their quest to formulate designs that can communicate a message or concept to the public.

They may not achieve rock star status in the world but you can be assured that behind every rock star or band, a graphic designer was responsible for the album art that sold millions of CDs to music fans.

The Tools of the Trade Are Just Tools
There is a story about a photography student at a graphic design college who thought if he could just get his hands on an expensive, top-notch camera that his photos would improve dramatically.

After several months of saving his money he finally was able to purchase his dream machine.

He went to class and showed off his coveted camera to the other photography students. There were many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the envious onlookers as they marveled at the expensive high-end device.

After several weeks of shooting with the camera, the class noticed the composition and overall creativity did not increase one bit for the photographer.

This was rather puzzling until everyone realized that the only thing the photographer’s new camera did was to make his mediocre photos look sharper.

“You can’t do better design with a computer, but you can speed up your work enormously.”

………………………………..- Wim Crouwel, Dutch graphic designer and typographer

The modern computer age has increased the creation of graphics and images more than anyone could have dreamed or imagined.

Computer graphics and image editing software make the tasks of editing, creating, and redesigning graphics as easy as a few clicks on a computer mouse (but not always).

But at the heart of any successful design is the individual–the graphic designer. Computer software and hardware are just the tools for creativity.

So the next time when we ogle a new whiz-bang graphics tablet, software program or fancy camera, let’s remember that these items do not replace what is so precious in designers and artists—inspiration.

Next Time…
Our series concludes with more wisdom and advice from graphic design professionals. If you have any advice or thoughts about graphic design, feel free to post up your comments.

Until then, keep on designing!

It’s All About GIGO
The word GIGO is a familiar term to computer programmers.

It is an acronym for “Garbage In, Garbage Out” and describes the cause and effect relationship of entering bad code in a computer software program and reaping the resulting bad results.

In short, a good program is as good as the code that is in it.

This idea can also be extending to the quality of education you receive at your graphic design school. The better the education, the better your design career training will be.

As far as graphic inspiration is concerned our ideas and creative revelations often come from the sort of input and stimulation we receive from the world around us; the good stuff brings good inspiration and vice versa.

In Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things - Part I, we displayed several examples of graphic designs that were inspired from everyday objects. In part two of this series, we’ll see how graphic design can be motivated by the simple action of simple observation of your environment.

Vitalize Infused Water
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In this entertaining approach in designing the graphics for this health-energy beverage, the graphic artist decided to go one step beyond by not only displaying the fruit on the bottle but incorporating the graphic of a zipper.

The idea is whimsical and emphasizes the drink manufacturer’s name (Zipp) by using the zipper as a graphic icon and device that “reveals” what is inside each bottle.
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Portland Mercury Biking News Feature
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When the Portland Mercury News was gearing up for a special bicycle feature, graphic designers Liz Meyer and Gavin Potenza were called upon to create the graphics for the article.

In this simple but striking treatment they have captured the beauty,challenge and isolation that can be part of the bicycling experience. The use of complimentary colors, angular geometric shapes, and good use of perspective draws the viewer deeply into the image.
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Nuzzles: Wood Puzzles

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Graphic designer John Christenson decided to do something in graphic design that is quite rare; he creates three-dimensional graphic pieces.

His Nuzzle line of puzzles is custom made of wood and can take on any name or message that his customers wish. Of course if you’d like to see supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in wooden type, it just might take a few more days for its completion.

Stern Grove Concert Poster
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Say “Stern Grove” and any San Franciscan worth his or her salt will immediately know you are referring to “The City’s” music concerts. The annual Stern Grove music presentations are free to the general public and offer great live music performances.

But familiarity has its downside as well. Just how do you publicize an event that is already well known without being too cliché?

In this event poster the graphic designer has chosen the path of keeping the design organic and fanciful. The different graphical elements have an eye-catching three-dimensionality to them. The poster also has a retro 60s feel to it as well.

The bright primary colors, the unique use of musical instruments found in the tree branches, and the overall balance of the piece is pleasing as well as informative.

Next Time…
Stay tuned for more examples of Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things in the conclusion of this series. Remember, inspiration is only part of the story of successful graphic design; you’ll also need a solid education from a university or graphic design college too.

Until next time, keep on designing!

A Few Words Are Worth a Thousand Pictures
The adage that most of us are familiar with is really “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But in this article we believe the opposite is true.

In this series we’ll glean some wisdom from industry professionals, artists, and designers who have seen and experienced the world of creativity up close and personal.

Some of the insights may challenge you to rethink what inspiration and design is all about.

Regardless of whether these sayings are humorous or serious in tone, you’ll probably agree that they reveal some truths about the process and struggles connected to being creative.

So as they say in the restaurant trade, “Enjoy!”

How Hard Could It Be?

“Design is easy. All you do is stare at the screen until drops of blood form on your forehead.”

-Marty Neumier, designer and author

The statement from Mr. Neumier addresses two truths: design really isn’t easy and design involves a lot of hard work.

Those who work in design or the visual arts can fully identify with “empty screen” syndrome. We stare, we doodle, we try to grasp a thread of inspiration but are stonewalled with the stark glare of our blank computer monitors.

Designing can be rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. It is frustrating because the time leading up to a graphic solution can be slow and difficult. But this can turn into elation in a wink of an eye when “The Idea” finally breaks through.

Inspiration takes persistence and patience. So the next time you “hit the wall,” be assured that the wall can be broken through or climbed over.

Be a Kid as Long as You Can

“Every child is an artist. The challenge is to remain an artist after you grow up.”

- Pablo Picasso, artist

Most children do not see boundaries when it comes to being creative. A simple tin can, a large cardboard box or a playground can lead to wondrous adventures, games, and laughter.

The kernel of graphic design inspiration is similar in this way–it is stimulated by our receptiveness and imagination in what we see, hear or experience.

In some cases a failure to be inspired is just a simple matter of losing the ability to appreciate and observe the world around us.

A flower looks relatively simple and plain until you start to look at it with appreciative eyes. We can be inspired by maintaining a fascination and inquisitiveness with the things that are often taken for granted by us.

Next Time…
We’ll hear some more words of wisdom from design professionals and artists about their views on the topics of creativity and inspiration. Until then, keep on designing!