1933 design journals: Dane Ash Designer

covers of 1993 design journals

unique packaging design from 1933

Bride and Wolfe has just launched a new blog full of amazing design inspiration and ideas. Along with the custom blog updates I have added a new home page design that is to celebrate Miranda’s new range of designs. Just a sneak peak of what is on offer on the blog….

Check out these drawings etched into beach landscapes.

T shirt design and experimentation
Design started for a series of T-shirts in the planning. I have not done much work in fashion but quickly I am learning some lessons in design composition. People all have an individual taste and trying to design for everyone is impossible. I myself like plain colors and minimal designs on my T-shirts. Either that or a fine pattern that can go with various clothes. This is contrast with most of the art I produce. The first mistake I made was to design for shirts in a random way. Organic forms rather that geometric or balanced shapes. It was very difficult to do. Bringing balance to an organic form. Balance being so important in design but particularly when used with the form of the body. Still I am working on this.

The other was to realize that, what I like may not be what is popular or wearable by others. I found my T-shirt designs at first looked good small on the screen but scaled and printed appeared dull and less attractive. So I find the challenge I am faced with now is making the design interesting without being over the top. Keeping it minimal so it goes with a variety of clothes but amplifying detail to catch the eye. One thing I think that works is if you go fine, reduce the colors but if you go simple, increase the size and color palette. I will be working more to perfect some T-shirt designs and will post more soon.

Does this make you hungry? I just finished designing and developing a unique little blog for my sister Romy and her partner in creation, Sarah. Ultra stylish photos and nice recipes for the home cook.
www.trotski-ash.com

I had the fortunate opportunity to go check out a Kimono exhibition by kimono designer Akiko Mikami at Buson in Kyoto. Her new range of designs for her kimono brand Cotoco were on display. The combination of detailed patterns and striking rich colorful obi (belt) designs are done to perfection. Whilst still maintaining the traditional form and use of traditional design elements, the designs have a modern and original touch individual to the designer. An amazing achievement.
See more kimono designs at her website.

In Japan the advertising posters around the streets are pinned to the wall using these little stickers. On close inspection they have some cool designs. I have seen about 6 different styles ranging from a simple red dot to the more detailed versions you see here. Must be because there is no BluTac here. more design stuff

100% Design Tokyo festival logo on its entrance
Tokyo is big and so are its events. The 100% Design event was a showcase of the scene in Tokyo and Internationally. Displays in shipping crates is popular at the moment. Nike had a gallery of shoe history complete with security entrance to interlocking crates. A stand out was the visa cards and a canvas displays. I have never seen so much printed material. Get designers together showing off their stuff and the flyers will be a plenty.

interiors were a focus

The beginnings of my personal project entitled fanfair. All I can say now is that it is an online shop with a difference. I will post more as it develops.

Miranda has put together some great products in her new online shop. Her cute and stylish cutout designs suit most settings and are available now. Congratulations Miranda.