I was just updating my portfolio and finally superimposed a book cover design onto a book. I really like it. My pastor told me to design a cover for her book and so I did 2. I am pretty surprised she chose this one which was more contemporary than the other.

WOW, its been ages since I revisited my blog to write about something. I should really get my gear going. Come on vans step it up! Alright, from now on you'll see a steady rise in blog posts. I'll be posting intriguing designs, smart designs, aesthetically beautiful designs and others...

Lego-Log is a blog that is run by my friend called Mark. Today is the day that I have finally clicked on his link to explore what it was all about. I must say that its pretty interesting. I love how he uses his love of lego and combined it with his humour. It is definitely very inspiring. I just think that simple projects can go a long way. Should I make a return to my ''random drawings''?

I have just been widening my scope of choices for Internship placements and looking towards interning in Singapore. Since it is fast paced and I will probably learn a lot through out my time there If anyone is willing to give me a place :D. Just came across a digital agency called The Upper Room . The motion graphics they produce were amazing. Just to think that motion graphics is steadily on the rise and beyond that it is time to learn more about it. Well I suppose our current project is sort of based on digital media. Let's have a sneak peak at what I have been up to lately.

Project brief:

Green & Black's wants us to develop a marketing campaign that gives new consumers a motivating reason to trade up to Green & Black's above the other premium chocolate brands out there. The creative challenge is to recreate the buzz behind the Green & Black's brand to encourage even more consumers to try us and fall in love with us.

While they want to broaden the appeal of Green & Black's, it must maintain its premium nature and not dumb down. Let the people go to them.

We are to use digital media or a range to help promote our message and get Green & Black's noticed by my target audience of male aged 25-35.

Part of my solution: Iphone App

Is to create a Green & Black's Adventure Campaign. Simple and Easy!

1. Download App

2. Collect 5 different flavours by scanning code or login code number.

3. Once completed, Submit details and choice of adventure from list that G&B will sponsor you.

4. FACEBOOK IT!: Opportunity to share app & campaign through Facebook and share which flavour you think is the most adventurous.

5. TWEET IT!: Tweet your most adventurous flavour along with a mini adventure story you got from the flavour you chose.

It's mid march and the weather isn't getting warmer?? Mother nature have you gone a little hay wired? No sun here? Tsunami's here, earthquakes there? No sun here?

updated online portfolio

Kinetic Typography - Love Is

And they still say GOD does not exist...

This video just really summed up the wonders of symmetry in this world that not many might have noticed. But its almost everywhere!!! I was skeptical about our design theory lectures every Friday and thinking how useless it really is (well to a certain extent it is) but we are being exposed to a wider overview as to how patterns, motifs come about. Most designers are drawn to patterns. Don't say you don't agree. Haha..

Here are some really interesting patterns.

I seem to have neglected this blog slightly. Back on track!!

I was having coffee with a friend today and got inspired...well got excited about my dreams of owning an online business first, then a store, than a studio with a few designers. haha. Obviously my store would have the name of IAMVANTAN.

Anyhows, I was going to write a list of mini projects that I will attempt some time in the near future..I wonder if I will actually do it.

1. Take photographs of peoples shoes from norm to weird to funk.

2. Print off my random day drawings from www.eachdayisrandom.tumblr.com and compile them in a nice muji book.

3. Maybe do a few more new patterns with interesting themes (Have yet to think about this)

Swiss Style Design

Surprise Surprise, I was truly inspired by Monday's lecture on typography. I think typography will slowly be growing on me this term. It's interesting to view typography as a fixed object, once wood, now steal or lead and now its all over the web. Something once so physical now so virtual. Wonder if it is a good thing or not? I guess it is versatile in a way and allows a lot of freedom. There are specific styles of typography that I personally find so aesthetically pleasing that I can easily look at it all day, and that would be the Swiss style. I agree that its more than just a design, but one that is systematic and clear and something that has seeped into the world and contributed to our lives. For those of you who know the typeface: Helvetica, it changed the world, and now probably over used a lot. If you look around, you will most probably spot it.

Here are a few Swiss style typography designs. Look at it and you will know what I mean.Oh and a website that really encapsulates it.

I I thought this was a pretty interesting innovation. Can anything be better than a tooth-cleaning twig used mainly in the Middle East, Pakistan and India. Traditionally, the top is bitten off with every use to reveal soft bristles similar to that of a toothbrush. Check out this student's work : Lean Sadder

DIY FYI

This are our handmade paper pom -pom balls. It took a while but we got there eventually.

My challenge : THE BRIDAL BOUQUET.
My mum and I had even took the challenge of decorating another's wedding. We thought that after doing the decorating for my sister's wedding, we could do anything! Haha. BRING it on we said, but it was not as simple as just saying it. We WORKED HARD.

I thought I might show you some of my other DIY projects that I have done over the Summer of 2010. That seems ages ago, doesn't it? That was how I practically spent my summer. I wish I could do more. I just need materials and time! Anyone want to challenge me to do something? Email me: iamvantan@gmail.com.

Sick of the old cushion covers at home. Why not sew some new ones!

My bedroom walls look a little plain. Why not make some buntings!

This particular project resulted in a lot of pain, due to the fact that there are now a galaxy of holes on the wooden dinning table. Sorry mum, I blame the staple gun and of course myself.

BOMBOLAND

This artist known as Bombo (Maurizio Santucci) was in an advertising agency for a bit and decided to do freelance illustration.I think he made the right decision as seeing that his work is so unique and that I hardly come across illustrators that uses paper in 3d forms. He has inspired me so much and now my mind is running with ideas on what I could do with a knife and paper. Check out his other work at : http://www.bomboland.com/

Also check out the making of the gallery video. Love the french language. Nice.

GUESS WHAT?! IT'S SUSTAINABILITY!

All these articles about Sustainability has made me gone crazy. So much so I am actually going to blog about it. There are some interesting elements about it no doubt, as to how to have greener graphic design. REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE has never been more popular. One of our exams question would be on sustainability and I really hope that the notes that I have been reading through would actually appear in my head. Don't even get me started about Design Leadership and Marketing Mix.

RE-USING old materials...printing on existing ones.

Re-cycling old valentine day cards

RE-USING and RE-CYCLING old magazines.

Stamps are pretty interesting to look at actually..in just that tiny amount of space, you can do so much with it. I wonder how stamps came about and how people started developing designs for it. Who even decides what goes on the stamps. I think the idea of sending out mails to one another amongst my generation and below is depleting and soon to be lost. I think it such a great novelty especially when sent with a graphic designed stamp! lol Looking at the choices and designs of stamps out there now, stamp collectors would be jumping up and down. Here are some..enjoy..