Studio 2911

I’m digging the Levi’s 2010 Go Forth Campaign. Below are samples of the print ads to promote the Boyfriend Collection. The photography, black and white photos, and the red logo makes for a great concept. However, I think this campaign owes itself to the creative copy. A powerful design is a must but well written copy can bring any design to a new level of excellence. Kuddos to whoever chose the handwritten font.

For a brand that’s been around for more than 150 years, Levi’s is doing a great job of keeping themselves relevant and creative.

I found this video on Fly Girl’s blog and I just had to repost. The concept is nothing short of amazing! Radiolab and NPR Present Words:

Credits:
From the collaboration of Will Hoffman and Daniel Mercadante to accompany Radiolab’s Words episode. Original score by Keith Kenniff.
Radiolab’s Words episode: http://blogs.wnyc.org/radiolab/2010/0…
Everynone: http://everynone.com/
Keith Kenniff: http://www.unseen-music.com

A nice treat landed in my inbox this morning. West Elm sent out a behind-the-scenes look at their fall photo shoot. I love photo shoots. They’re draining, long, tedious and give me such anxiety that I’m ready to pass out at the end. However, the results makes up for all the work. I also like the anticipation and planning of how the final shots will be used on marketing materials. When I was watching the video for West Elm I was so nervous because the wall wasn’t as wide at the couch. My mind was screaming, “Someone please make the wall wider!” But then they showed the final outcome and it was just fine. Whew!

Behind the Scenes at west elm from west elm on Vimeo.

Or that’s the way the saying goes, but when it comes to actual books and their covers I’m all for judgment. It’s hard for me to pay any attention to a book whose cover design doesn’t jump out at me. Maybe that’s the designer in me. I’ve had many friends hand me a book and say “Here, you should read this.” They begin to tell me about the characters and plot; which becomes white noise because all I can think about is “Who chose this font?” and “Couldn’t they find a better image?”

It’s terrible. I know, but at the end of the day it’s reality. We do judge books by their cover because it’s the first thing we see. The first impression is a lasting impression.

Here are some of my favorite book covers. I like them because the concepts were so strong that they made me want to know more about the book. Note: This list is definitely not comprehensive. I tried to get samples from each genre i.e. illustration, photography, type treatments, etc…

Starting at the top, from left to right
1. “I Ain’t Gonna Gossip in Church No More” – Korey Deon Davis
Art Director and Layout: Karie Williams
Illustrator: Courtney Huddleston
*Yes this is my work but it still is one of my favorite book covers.

2. “Eat, Pray, Love” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Design: Helen Yentus
Photographer: John Saponara

3. “Things Fall Apart” – Chinua Achebe
Designer: Edel Rodriguez

4. “No Country For Old Men” -Cormac McCarthy
Design: David Pearson

5. “Open” – Andre Agassi
Design: Carol Devine Carson
*A photo with text is so common, however, it works for me with this book. It definitely had a presence on the shelves.

6. “I Am Not Sidney Poitier” – Percival Everett
Design: Kapo Ng@A-Men Project
* I came across this cover while doing research for this blog and I just loved it. From the title I was expecting the book to be about a man opposite to Sidney Poitier. However, the characters name is Not Sidney Poitier. Genious….

Sea Lion Woman or See Line Woman is one of my favorite songs. No one knows the exact origins of the song but its been covered by many different artist for decades. Here are two of my favorite versions. The first one is by Nina Simone and the other by Feist. I love how two artists can take the same song (or concept) and interpret them two different ways. On another note, watch how Simone takes control of her set and let’s the band know how it’s suppose to be done. “Don’t speed it up man.” <-- LOL!

Nina Simone's version: "See Line Woman"

Feist version: “Sea Lion Woman”
This is why I live for LIVE music!

I don’t have any of her CDs and didn’t go to the concert, but I do have a serious appreciation for the creativity of Lady Gaga. Ever since she stepped on the scene she has caused a scene. It doesn’t matter if she’s on the red carpet or doing an interview for a fashion magazine, the 24 year old pop sensation is going to make a statement. Speaking of statements Gaga’s recent statements in Vanity Fair’s September issue is causing a lot of buzz. She recently said:

“I have this weird thing that if I sleep with someone they’re going to take my creativity from me through my vagina,” she told the magazine.

Hmmm… Gaga you may be on to something.

Design Note: I love the new Vanity Fair cover. Even though they scaled back on the eccentric accessories Gaga still shines. I also like the white text with the drop shadow for the titles. The entire concept is soft but still powerful.

Here are a few other magazine covers for you to enjoy.