- Blog - Page 9

I love these inventive images, which only use paint and human hands to create quirky animal profiles. Animani, created by Italian graphic artist Mario Mariotti (1937-1997) simply uses paint, clever photography and a few googly eyes but the impact has found his work in major advertising campaigns around the world.

See more of his work here

The London Underground: a designers dream.

The designer of the current London Underground map, Harry Beck (aka Henry Beck) was not graphic designer. In fact he was an train engineering draughtsman who had been made redundant by the London Transport authorities due to economic reasons. He created a much simpler, non geographic version of the map in which distances were distorted and areas moved around. This enabled the user to see more clearly where the train lines intersected and view all underground station names with ease and clarity. It is clear to see how things such as electrical circuit diagrams which would have been used in his profession as a draughtsman, have influenced the form of the map. His designs were initially met with caution and doubt, since he had produced something that the authorities believed to be too radical for the general public. Beck received just five guineas for his work. The success of the diagrammatic map can be seen in public transport systems across the world, most of which have been influenced or directly adapted Beck's design to become city specific.

Watch the BBC 4 Production which must have been filmed in 1987 when the Docklands Light Railway first opened. The film is made before the introduction of zones to the map and is a really interesting retrospective view from the 80s rejuvination of the underground.

watch video

Jacek Utko (pictured above) talks about whether design alone can save the inevitable demise of newspapers as a form of media at the TED conference. Utko, a Polish designer and art director says, "Newspapers are dying for serious reasons. Simply changing the look cannot save them, but design coherent with strategy and content can be used as a tool to completely change the product, the process, and the future of the industry."

watch TED talk



"To be good is not enough"

Utko has won many awards for his ground breaking designs. He has increased the sales of many major newspapers in Eastern and Central Europe. He has the Midas touch when it comes to rejuvenation of tired newspapers.

His attitude to design success is an inspiration. He makes the point that he is from a small poor country and even working for a 'boring' company with low budgets and not much influence in the cultural world, you can make a difference. Everyone can create work to the highest possible level. Here lies a powerful message about personal best and striving for better when the odds are against you. According to Uteko, all you need is inspiration, vision and determination. I think this is a good life lesson, even if you aren't a designer!