This morning we shine the light on Dundee-based typography and graphic design lover Ruth Hill. Here, Ruth takes us through her ideas and inspirations behind some of her more recent projects.
“I am passionate about typography and also about looking at alternative methods of print. After I graduate this month I hope to work with a design studio which prides itself on creativity and hope that my mac skills combined with my tactile approach to work will become an asset to a company allowing me to become a reliable and integral part of a creative team.”
D&AD - The Pentagram d&ad brief required I create a series of 3 publications based on designers that had given talks for the Typographic circle. To avoid the cliche of creating a portfolio based designer profile, I decided to base my publications around each designers influences and sources of inspiration, highlighting their individual personalities and how this is expressed in their design practice. The artists I chose to feature are Marina Willer, Jonathan Barnbrook and Anthony Burrill. I expanded the brief by designing a poster series based on these three designers. I wanted to experiment with alternative methods of print and have used a variety of materials which best reflect each designer. The posters are hypothetical and would be used to advertise the talks that the designers gave for the Typographic Circle. Each poster contains the character bio that appears on the covers of the book series. Jonathan Barnbrook – Laser cut into slate, reflects that one of his main sources of inspiration is primitive stone markings and gravestone carved letterforms. Marina Willer – Screen printed onto hand-dyed cloth, with layered stitching. Reflective of her colourful Brazilian heritage and influenced from the idea that she softens corporate brand through implementing familiar high street visuals. Anthony Burrill – Screen printed onto white paper with acetate overlay. Reflects the simplicity and structure of Burrill’s work. Placed in a glass frame to convey the fact that his inspiring slogans are often framed up on design agency walls.
The Eccentrics Boutique - My personal project introduces an eccentric, personalised fashion brand which appeals to the ‘character’ of the individual. This is represented through quirky ‘characters’ which express the personality of the collections and how these can be used to create garments which express uniqueness and individuality. The brand is designed to introduce a sense of customisation and customer involvement which is lost in a modern mass market. The process allows fashionistas who want a garment which is quirky and unique, resulting in purchasing a one off piece that reflects their ‘eccentric’ alter ego.
ISTD (John Lennon) - For the ISTD 2012 I was required to create an emotion provoking publication based on a day of impact in history. I chose to envisage 8 December 1980, the day Beatles legend John Lennon was assassinated by crazed fanatic Mark David Chapman. The format of the typographic exploration in terms of both colour, font and shape is reflective of the old Parlophone vinyl records which remain a prominent visual association with The Beatles. The spreads are contained within the ‘sleeves’ of the vinyl’s, which allows them to be pulled out and opened up to reveal their full format. This element of reveal conveys the sense of the intricate evil thoughts hidden away in Chapman’s mind.
You can see more of Ruth’s work at http://www.behance.net/RuthHill and be sure to follow her on Twitter @Roofzoo.
