CONCRETE-EFFECT BUSINESS CARDS

Following on from the previous post about Moo Minicards, I want to show you my latest business card designs. I had quite a few varying designs which I considered but in the end, decided to link the overall style to my final uni design project. The effect was created using a high resolution detail of concrete, layered with really old film print. I then added a fine mist of gold spray paint to add that extra bit of metallic texture, creating a striking contrast of a raw material with a refined and classy edge.

The finished product:

Concrete experimentation:

MOO MINICARDS

Next week is Free Range, a design show held at the Old Truman Brewery in London. It gives graduates the chance to showcase their final year design projects on an international scale. My work will be displayed along with others from the Northumbria University Interior Design degree course. In preparation, I decided to order some quirky business cards from a fantastic little company known as 'Moo'. They offer a fully customisable online service where you can upload your own designs and choose from a wide selection of business card styles. I decided to go for something a bit different and try out the new 'minicard' craze that seems to be developing. I was so impressed with the clever branding and packaging when they arrived. I would recommend their services to anyone. In terms of price, they are reasonable and offer a special 2 day turnaround if necessary. Take a look at the Moo website if you are interested.

BOOK HUNT

I decided to make the most of the uni library today and found some little gems that are worth having a look at.

This is a cute little book called 'Eat Me: Appetite for Design' all about product, packaging, branding, art and interiors. There is some great imagery and it's nicely laid out with stylish graphics. The cheeky bite mark at the corner adds that extra touch of fun.

And a selection of design and fashion books with some pretty pictures and sketches, including, Vogue the Covers, Decorative Arts and Design and Karim Rashid's 'Karim'.

RICE TO RICHES

A shop completely devoted to selling nothing but rice pudding!? Of course, in New York anything is possible. Rice to Riches is a shop on Spring Street in Soho which sells a vast array of rice pudding flavours, served with your choice of topping and sizes range from a small pot to a massive sumo bowl! Even if you aren't a fan of the food it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

BENEFIT COSMETICS

Brand image is really important nowadays more than ever with strong competition from global brands. Of course, a company's product is the focus but the way products and their brand itself is marketed is vitally important. The graphics and advertising that Benefit Cosmetics use to represent their brand are playful and relate well to their products and appeal to their target audience.

DALZIEL+POW

Dalziel+Pow is an Interior Design company which specialises in high street retail design and design for brands. They have designed stores for Topshop, Next, River Island, Primark, Superdrug, Timberland and many more.

Visiting Dalziel+Pow in London and meeting David Dalziel was a great experience and emphasised just how much hard work it takes to complete a professional project in the industry.

Topshop, New York by Dalziel+Pow