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Don’t call it Hipster

One of today’s biggest logo trends is the ‘Hipster’ style, however the web is also cluttered with posters, illustrations and sites all following this aesthetic. Hipster design is usually minimalist and simple but have a unique way of conveying the message with a modern, rustic and vintage vibe.

Unfortunately the majority of these hipster logos are terrible and generic as hell. With them often overcomplicating the design by adding unrelated flourishes and arrowheads! Yuck.

The whole point of a logo is to be identifiable, unique and memorable – you can read more about my approach here. There is a point where this Hipster simplification becomes too minimalist and in some cases abstract, with the identity and flavour of the company completely lost. Besides true minimalism isn’t ‘hip’, it’s a key design principle that should never go out of fashion.

Cue Nelsons

So when designing an identity for mens tailoring and fashion outlet, Nelsons, within the rejuvenated area of Peckham South-East London, my goal was a balance of depth with a timeless, and dare I say it, ‘trendy’ aesthetic.

Offering cool classy threads with a sophisticated edge, Nelsons stock unique short run designs using quality materials, all wrapped up through the approach of a personal tailored experience. They are friendly, passionate and fashionable just like the logo.

You can see my outcome below, with more to follow soon including letterpress and fabric prints and even some gilded window signs. Very Hipster. …Oops!

Flying high

Seen Danny Macaskill ‘Ride the Ridge’? Well it’s not just his stunts that push the limit, but also the technology that made us dizzy by filming all that insane action. Using the latest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or remote controlled drones – depending how CIA and Jason Bourne you want to be – the filmmakers are able to put us right in the action and capture all the detail in glorious high definition.

This innovative technology isn’t just being embraced by Hollywood but also another technically focused sector, the Offshore Energy industry. These lightweight and portable UAVs allow the visual inspection of difficult to reach parts of the oil rig without endangering personnel or production. Clever stuff. And so, after being approached by a new company entering the marketplace to come up with a striking identity, I was well up for the challenge. My drive was for this to be technically relevant, but also clean and recognisable, delivering a confident solution. Using the company name to give enforcement, rotor blades, and a mix of surveillance/camera lens as inspiration, I came up with this simplistic ‘icon’ for the logo:

What can I say, you’ve absolutely nailed it…I’m sitting looking at it with a grin on my face!! Love the effort that has been put into the thought process and how eye catching the final design is.

Ed Speakman, Director – SkyOps

Feedback has been great and I can’t wait to see how the company grows and what projects they work on. So if you like what you see and want some similar design treatment from my professional approach get in touch! Oh, and check out Danny’s awesome film here

Bangin’ flyers

The hype from one of my latest commissions is heating up! With the North East soon hosting one of 2014’s biggest DJs, Nick Curly. Curly first cut his teeth with a residency at the legendary Vibration Club in Germany. Since then he has gone on to hold down residencies in Ibiza at Space, where he helped define the sound known as Mannheim – a deep and tracky style that is loopy and involving, folding you into the groove with soul and melodic beauty.

Nick has played the world’s biggest and best festivals including Womb in Tokyo, Sonus Festival in Croatia, D-Edge in Brazil, Eastern Electrics Festival In London, Love Family Park in Germany and Gypsy Club in Russia.

So get your glow sticks out!! With tickets available here

…and remember to contact me if you need quality design to promote your club night or event. 🙂