Lecture, Norsk Fotofagskole

WORK | I was invited to give a lecture for the students of Art Photography at Norsk Fotofagskole, The Norwegian Photography School last Friday. The lecture was titled: From London to Bakklandet – with a slight detour to China. The main theme was to talk about books, typography and identity. However, I talked them through a journey, from my time in London graduating from London College of Communication to the present day, where I work in my own design studio at Bakklandet in Trondheim. I talked about several projects, typography, how I let myself be inspired by books, movies and traveling to different cities in the world, my own work, and how I create my own projects; one of them related to China and a possible exhibition/book. My focus was also to show how identity and personality always can be related to typography and books. I had a great time and the students were responsive and interested.

The Duodu book begins to get an identity

WORK IN PROGRESS | After working on the book for about a month, we can now see the outline of the book. Using images of the clothes combined with sketches and inspiration images, the pages are starting to look very exciting. After some experimentation with different typography I have selected the font Brandon Grotesque as the main font. Brandon Grotesque is a sans serif type family of six weights plus matching italics. It was designed by Hannes von Döhren in 2009/10. Influenced by the geometric-style sans serif faces that were popular during the 1920s and 30s, the fonts are based on geometric forms that have been optically corrected for better legibility. This is a conscious choice because Anne and Rita in Duodu is strongly affected by the style of 1920s and 30s. Brandon Grotesque has a functional look with a warm touch. Brandon Grotesque is equipped for complex, professional typography. Brandon Grotesque won the TDC2 Award, 2011.

In addition to the font/type Brandon Grotesque I have chosen capital letters in the font Arnold Boecklin as an intro to each chapter. The capital letters act as large decorative Illustrations through the book. This expression is related to Anne and Rita’s inspiration and fascination for the Jugend style movement. The font, Arnold Boecklin, appeared in 1904 with the font foundry Otto Weisert. Traces of the floral forms of the Jugend style can still be seen in this typeface. Alphabets of this type were mainly meant for larger point sizes, as on posters. A decorative feel was much more important than legibility, and Arnold Boecklin was of particular importance to the book design of the Jugend style movement.

The work continues and the launch date will be when Duodu have their 15-year anniversary February 28 2013.

A NEW AND EXCITING JOB. DUODU BOOK. 

WORK IN PROGRESS  | DUODU knitwear designs is a two-woman studio, run by Rita Nylander and Anne Grut Sørum. For 15 years they have designed and produced exciting and different outfits for quality-conscious customers looking for something special. Their products are being sculptural in style and made to embrace and celebrate the human form, woman or man.

I’ve just been given the job of designing their new book and am incredibly excited and happy. The book should not only be about the artists but also about how we can see knitting in a larger perspective related to both identity and art. Author: Eva Furseth.

Today we started the process of looking at values and personality related to typography, colours, pictures etc. We looked at other books, different typography and various formats. Then there was salad, coffee and chocolate. A good start of an exciting project.

MY BUSINESS CARDS ARRIVED TODAY

WORK | Directly from MOO Print in London my new business cards arrived today. Four layers of Mohawk Superfine paper combined with MOO’s Quadplex technology produced with a red seam of colour within the layers, the cards are extremely nice. The cards are 600gsm, which is roughly twice as thick as standard business cards.

Beautiful.

NEW LOGO FOR BODIL

WORK | Developing its own logo and identity is often put on hold. Customers and projects always go first. But finally, my new logo and identity has been designed. I am inspired by sophisticated typography, the contrast between light and playful shapes, elegance and simplicity. With great help from Eirik Backer the website will soon be launched, and October 12 brand new business cards will be delivered from MOO print shop in London. 600 gr Luxe Business Cards.

I can’t wait.

Rebella Hex

WORK  |  Rebella Hex is a character with her own magic rock show in Namsskogan Wildlife Park at Trones in north of Norway. The goal for all the material produced is to make a playful expression and show close relationship to the nature. The fifth episode of Rebella Hex starts June 29 2012. Just finished new poster, badges and activity book. The illustrations are made by Sandra Steffensen. See more from Rebella ›

Magnificent book made about reindeer, people and nature in Luru, Nord-Trøndelag

WORK | It´s about the love of nature and pride of an ancient and traditional profession that may be unfamiliar to many. By sharing experience and knowlegde the authors hope to help build bridges between reindeer herding and other parts of the population. See more from Landet går i arv ›

Verket kunstarena

WORK | New folder for Verket kunstarena is made to bring new students to the school. See more from Verket ›

Visual identity for Vær

WORK | Vær (weather) is a visual identity for clothing designed for large people. Whatever size it should be good to move, stay out and be comfortable. The logo is written in a type of handwriting that show character and make a personal mark. The lines are soft and can relate to air, wind and soft lines in the nature. The client is in the initial phase and is working with the first collection. See more from Vær ›