EVA

As titles go, the titles for EVA are absolutely spectacular. Eva is a spanish retro-futuristic drama, not one of the dozens of post-apocalyptic thrillers that have been all the rage over the past years. It looks to be a smart and original film with some amazing visuals.

The titles, and I’m assuming visual effects are by powerhouse Dvein in Barcelona. Devin are masters in creating exquisite organic forms. They’re almost like an Alex Trochut piece come to life.

The immaculate detail in the crystal-like carousels are breathtaking. With each viewing the more I’ve caught, including some clever integration of the films footage into the liquid surfaces.

Brand New Conference

The Brand New Conference occurred in San Francisco way back in September, I’m just getting around to posting about it. The Conference was organized by UnderConsideration, the same people who bought us the web’s foremost identity coverage and up-and-coming branding design blog, Brand New. The conference is a gathering of west coast brand and identity design aficionados and a direct spin-off of Brand New.

Consisting of eight speakers, it’s intention to open the floodgates to all things branding and design related offering numerous perspectives from design firms to larger agencies. The speakers encompass a broad design spectrum, including Christopher Simmons of MINE™, Paddy Harrington of legendary Bruce Mau Design, and Jonathan Notaro of famed motion firm Brand New School, just to name a few.

Webcasts of each lecture is now online for viewing from Vimeo or for a small cost to download. The speakers are a great bunch, their lectures providing a nuanced view into their thinking, as well as various case studies. All inspiring material to get the creative juices flowing.  You can watch the opening remarks below.

Luca Dipierro

“I never thought I identified with the victims, I identified with the monsters, because I thought they were the saddest characters in the whole story.”

This endearing short documentary/portrait produced by Black Harbor, featuring artist Luca Dipierro caught my attention. The piece delves into Luca’s ruminations, on just about everything from his creative process to campy 60s Italian horror films. Lucas work is a wonderfully quirky bizarre amalgam of collage and illustration with an air of mischievous black humor and an obvious latin folk art inspiration.

I love how passionate he is, especially in watching his mannerisms at play. The interview is contrasted with his colorful art and tiny studio.

Delicatessen

From a high-pitched shirll emanating from two eyes gazing out, to the loud chop of a knife thus begins the titles to Delicatessen, a 1991 French black comedy film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro. Not unlike Kyle Cooper’s Se7en title’s, the titles are most known for their clever use of typography as real in camera elements used in a pan over a collection of what only can be described as post-apocalyptic trash. The sequence has an intentional sickly yellow stained tint, due in part to the chemical process used to develop the films stock. Appropriate given the context of the film.

The titles would go on to inspire many imitators and title designers, including myself. Art of the Title Sequence has a great little write up on Delicatessen with an insightful opinion piece by Imaginary Forces (and personal hero of mine) Creative Director Karin Fong.

СИГНАЛ (Signal)

Maxim Zhestkov recently revealed his newest abstract short film, СИГНАЛ (Signal.) Maxim is best known for his VIVA Rebrand work and his various other abstract, fluid, and surreal films. I love how immaculately detailed he is, from the various particles gyrating to the environment they live in. Everything plays a key role right down to the sound design. Even if his film’s don’t have an immediate meaning, the payoff lies in more their form than any linear story.

Signal plays less with organic form than Maxim’s previous work, but as always it’s open to countless interpretations. Watching you bask in a beautifully constructed world, only Kubrick could have otherwise envisioned. A space station, control center, labratory? Asking these questions you miss the point, the devil is in the details in the truest sense of the word.

Check out his flickr photo-stream with stills from the film.

Mad Men

Being the huge Saul Bass fan that I am, as well as most mid-century design in general, the Mad Men titles nearly instantaneously won me over. Not surprisingly, the titles have entered into the pantheon of classic TV titles. They say so much with such simplicity and class that they surpass their stylized treatment.

Such a masterpiece could only have been produced and brought to life by the brilliance of Imaginary Forces. Art of the Title Sequence has an extensive q&a with IF crew Cara McKenney, Mark Gardner and Steve Fuller mapping out their process. Including a glimpse into their inspiration, alternate concepts, and the many typographic iterations of the title.

The post should be required reading for all up-and-coming title designers.

Flash on the Beach

These splendid titles for the Flash on the Beach conference, in Brighton UK directed by Bradley Munkowitz, are enticing to watch. A kinetic maelstrom of light and dance, the hero has “a dramatic interaction with his demons and muses.” In the director’s own words, the titles represent: “a personification of the creative process – the dire search for inspiration and the clarity to propel.” Beautifully shot and produced, I was immediately intrigued and enveloped.

Offset by lovely, simple yet sophisticated hairline typography, akin to a vogue magazine spread. Every component is seamlessly integrated. I recommend reading more of his process on Vimeo.

Catch Me If You Can

Art of the Title has a wonderful interview with the designer Kuntzel + Deygas that brought to life this classic movie title.

They elaborate more on their creative process, execution, and inspirations. Which, you guessed it, includes Saul Bass and Paul Rand.

Catch the interview if you can.

Plants & Animals

Impactist duo once again impress and dazzle with their multi-talents. This time premiering their newest music album: Plants & Animals. It’s a wonderful little collection of delightful melodies. Also featured is an earlier version of Cup of Water Crying which was in their amazing short, Parallelostory.

To promote their newest creation, they have created (so far) two pieces featuring music from Plants & Animals.

A is for Apple.

In a total geek out moment I came across this great article on Webdesigner Depot about the evolution of Apple Advertisements. The article follows a selection of notable Apple advertisements from the 70s until the present. The luminaries also include the infamous 1984 ad.

It’s amazing to see the evolution of style, typography and the computers themselves. From Cooper Black to Garamond to Myriad. From biege to candy colors and from photo to hyper realism. You get a sense for both the era of the ads but also the ever-changing trend of design.

Check it out.