ABCDEFridays: Type-ical Inspiration

Everything around, in some shape or another influences a person's thoughts, actions, and ultimately their life. As I searched for more type inspiration I came across an image that really helped me comprehend the ultimate goal that I was trying to achieve this semester. At first glance my eyes initially read "Bad Typography is Everywhere" and then as I took a closer look at the image and truly examined it I realized right behind that very message was another that stated, "Good Typography is Invisible." I thought about that message and really pondered and slowly began to comprehend it more and more. One can usually look at something and tell if it is off balance even if they can't quite put their finger on it the visual imbalance is sensed, but when it comes to something that is done well it's not necessarily given much thought.  Really feeling as though the image related to my current situation I searched to find out who had created it and came across London based Graphic Designer Craig Ward. As soon as I saw it I knew I had found a new artist that would influence me and where I wanted to go with being successful as a designer all around.

Craig Ward works predominantly in the editorial and publishing field, it has been said that " He see's himself as a typographic illustrator; brining to life headlines, creating new typographic treatments and continuously exploring the notion of word as image." Seeking more knowledge about him I came across Ward's blog and an entry I came across was about what personally inspired him. At one point he stated "I take inspiration from everywhere and anywhere, particularly where type is doing something it isn’t meant to be. For example, a misprinted poster; peeling paint; reflections in windows; faulty signs… all these are techniques that can be used to tell a story or convey meaning. I think to really understand type you have to understand language too, so reading is vital." Some influential artists of his are David Carson, Vaughan Oliver, and Stefan Sagmeister. 

David Carson

   

Vaughan Oliver

Stefan Sagmeister

As I read more of Ward's blog I truly appreciated each entry especially when I cam across a student question that inquired about what skills were needed to make a designer successful. Ward stated "Anyone can claim to be a designer but only a few will emerge as successful, memorable designers." He then went on to state that for points of criteria he felt were needed to be successful were attention to detail, tenacity and perseverance, taste and being a nice person. Having a balance of these is what he feels will help push a designer forward in their pursuit. So moving forward I shall remember to keep these things in mind and make sure I truly use others as inspiration and not necessarily for imitation. 

Some other works of Craig Ward can be found on his website or at Words are Pictures: 

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King

ABCDEFridays: Inspiration through Struggle

Unsure of whom to write about or even where to begin I decided to search for someone who was interested in both portraits and typography, two struggles that I have encountered while at Tyler amongst many more. Portraits were a struggle that I've always wanted to grow at skillfully and now typography knowing how important it is to being successful in the field of graphic design. As I searched there were plenty of artists and images that caught my eye, drew my full attention and made me feel warm inside in hopes of someday being that good but one that really drew me in was artist Cris Wicks. 

Cris Wicks doesn't seem to have much information about him available for the public he lives in LA and has done digital art for numerous clients, mostly a free lance artist but nonetheless inspiration for me. His typographic portraits of famous African American musical artists definitely related and right off the back were recognizable to me first glance. As I looked closely at the first image I found of his, trying to figure out what words were arranged to make that particular face I then realized it was comprised of lyrics from Mos Def's songs, the most apparent line being from a song entitled "Fear Not of Man." As I looked at his other portraits, one of Bob Marley and the next Erykah Badu, those too used lyrics from their songs to create their portrait. What really caught my attention, however, was how realistic and strong a resemblance there was of each artist. Wether Wicks created the portrait in monotone or multiple colors the depiction of face seemed to be dead on. Wick's claimed in a biography that he loved being literally hands on when it came to art so seeing his hand done quality (which is not easily seen first glance) you can tell he without a doubt made sure to include in his process before bringing it into the computer to most likely add the finishing touches of color along with shadowing .  Some fans on Cris Wick's blog have commented on his work stating there was a great combination of typography and calligraphy. 

Here's a link to other typographic portraits done by some inspiring artists posted on a blog by another inspired individual: Typographic Showcase

From this site I found other inspirational artists with typographic portraits and here are some favorites of mine I wished to feature. 

I than looked for tutorials as to how to go about creating a typographic face. Knowing everyone has there own method to going about doing things this was just one of the quicker videos to show what possibilites can come about >>>> FlashingHD <<<< After seeing this however it gave me an even greater appreciation for Cris Wicks works seeing he takes the time to create his portraits hand done. It gave to me a stronger sense of passion and sense that he really loves what he does. And with this blog inspiration it has me realizing I have a long way to go but persevering is key to being successful. I know I have a way to go but struggles and all the inspiration is out there and can definitely find it's way to me so I can learn how to master it all. 

“I definitely learned a lesson this time. I know that I can be broken. I am not as tough as I thought. I see it now. At this point, it's the only thing good that came out of all of this. I know myself better now and know what I have to do.” ― Henry Rollins, The Portable Henry Rollins