DesignYak

The world map of stereotypes and ignorance

I've been working on this illustration called 'The world map of stereotypes and ignorance'. Thought I'd share it with you, there's a larger version on my website...

Learn Graphic Design – FAST!

On my way to work this morning, reading the Metro and I noticed this ad from Shillington College, entitled Learn Graphic Design Fast. It's a course you can take, 3 months full-time or 1 year part-time, and says you come out of the course with a professional portfolio and in-depth knowledge of design programs (no prior experience necessary). 

It also claims that students are getting 'top design jobs' as a result of the course. Is this how our industry is now perceived? A profession where you can be qualified in three months? 

Would anyone employ someone who had this qualification? Or am I judging, someone could as a result have a great portfolio, who cares what qualification they have? I thought there was very few jobs kicking about at the moment, is this deluding people into thinking there are opportunities that aren't really there? 

Opinions please...

Banksy vs Bristol Museum

I finally visited the Banksy exhibition on Thursday at a private viewing organised by Bristol Media. And wow, what an exhibition. I think it fully justifies the unbelievable queues I've seen over the past few months (I'm glad I didn't have to queue though). The exhibition was full of wit and was really entertaining. It was good to walk through the whole museum to spot small adjustments Banksy had made the usual exhibits as well as the pieces he had created.

Firstly, an apology as some of these pics are a bit blurry, I was forced to take my girlfriend's camera as I couldn't find mine, but you'll get the idea. On entrance to the museum you were greeted by this ice cream van.

Some of the best pieces were based around food, these chicken nuggets were amazing, as well as the Tesco's haddock swimming round the goldfish bowl (still can't figure out how it was swimming) and the hot dogs. 

A few pieces concentrated on celebrity and vanity culture.

Banksy is a master of taking an idea and getting the message across in an instant.

Glad to see the environment feature in the show

Detail of a large painting of a monkey filled Houses of Commons.

The show is finishing 31st August, so not long left. I highly recommend getting down there if you haven't already, it's really worth it. 

Copycat logo?

Firstly, sorry for the lack of action this past week, I'm moving into a new flat this weekend so have been busy stressing and buying furnishings/beds/wooden spoons etc. I'm going to a private viewing of the Banksy exhibition tonight, so I'll take pics to make up for it! Anyway...

This logo has been one of favourite logos for a long time. It's by The Chase, and is for Leaf Street, an environmentally friendly housing association.

It's lovely. If by some chance you've never seen it, I expect your jaw to be on the floor. So this made me annoyed...

Yuck.

Innocent mistake? Blatant rip-off? Coincidence?  

I Play the Drums in a Band Called Okay

The shortlist for the British Book Design and Production Awards 2009 has been announced. Take a look at the category for best jacket design, I quite like the cover for I Play the Drums in a Band Called Okay by Penguin. 

Limited Edition Prints by Bark Design

Ben from Bark Design has been in contact to tell us of their new limited edition prints. 'This first batch is entitled “Domestic bliss” as the economy improves, the print editions will become much more decorative and colourful - Much like a ’barometer’ to economic recovery.' These prints are available to buy from the Soma Gallery in Bristol. Might take a trip there myself this weekend. Bark Design were generous enough to send their last self promotion item to me a while back, to see it click here. 

Brilliant folding bike

I've now been living in Bristol for nearly a month, and with that comes my daily commute to Cardiff to get to work. Saw this brilliant folding bike which I could easily get on the train. The bike was created by student, Dominic Hargreaves and has been shortlisted for this year's James Dyson award. I love the movement of the front wheel when it's being folded. Take a look...