Let it grow

Sometimes it is good to let go of control.
Thats the core of my Visual research project.
To let happy accidents happen.
And what better way than grow my “own” type.
With Avinir as base, I started growing cress in my windowsill.
All I did was to make sure that the cotton was kept moist.
Witch means water 2 times a day.
Almost feels like having a dog or something.
Except I could trow this in the garbage when I was done.
(It did smell really bad…)
I did take some photos along the process. At day two, five and 12. The last one is processed in photoshop and used as a part of my Visual research “typographic patch work”. Each patch inspired by a designer creative, and their approach to using handmade techniques in design. This one is inspired by Autobahn‘s typographic magazine illustration “Evergreen”. Their boldness(and playfulness!) in choice of materials and techniques is something I highly admire and see as a great inspiration.

What are the things that bring out the playfulness in you?

Tangled up in noodles

Yes, hello?
Long time no see. I know. I am apparently not he best blogger material in the world.
Very well.
Lately there have been to much to do.
Have had several hand-ups and more to come.
Last week was Final Major Project.
The design is moving slowly, but forward.
At least I am having fun in the process.

Couple a weeks ago I was attending Hyper Japan in London.
It was really fun with all the food, inspiration and awesomeness.
Attending Sushi Awards 2012 was the highlight, I even spoke to a couple of the chefs in relation to my FMP.
They where really friendly and answered gladly questions about their work and discipline.
This was the winner of the awards; Dragon Volcano. Made by sous chef Kok Haw Lee from Tsunami restaurant. A spice and creamy creation. Nom nom!

The week after I hired my friend Angela as a photographer (paying with my favorite currency; sushi).
We had lunch at Yo!Sushi and had a really nice talk with the employees (also super friendly!)
They told us about their experience and about Yo!Sushi’s development in the UK.
We would have stayed there forever – eating, but unfortunately our tummies reached their limits.

I promised noodles, I give you noodles.
Here is my fantastic, simplistic Somen.

ITADAKIMASU :3

Drawing fish is also a part of being a designer

As my final major project is about Japanese food, there is no way around fishy stuff.
Here is my friend “grilled fish”, or Yakizakana as it is known as in Japan.
He looks a little lonely here, but togheter with prawn, octopus  and other sea creatures he looks goooood.
I still continue  exploring illustrator and all its possibilities.
Next up is noodle dishes!

Making new friends

Making new fiends is never easy.
Lately I’ve been trying to get to know illustrator a little bitt better.
We have never been on good therms, but I felt like it was time to break the ice.
At least we can talk about the weather now.
Its a start.

Japanese food :3

This post is slightly out of topic of what I usually post on my blog.
But I need some help by all people currently living in the UK.
My subject for my Final Major Project is Japanese food in the UK, and peoples relationship to it.
By answering this poll, you help me on my way in my research.

Japanese food in the United Kingdom 

Research material is only to be used in the purpose of design.

Every answer is highly appreciated.

If you have any other information related to this subject, feel free to tell me about it!
Have a lovely day, and maybe enjoy a sweet pice of candy sushi?

Restless mind

3 months have gone sins I moved to England and started my final year in BA Graphic design.
Feels rather like 6.
Now I am restless.

These last few months have been some of my best, but also some of my worst days in my life.
This year is the biggest challenge I have ever faced.
Some ways it has made me stronger.
Facing the reality  of a graphic designer.
Being pouched forward.
Hopefully become a better designer.
But in other ways it has killed some of the joy of creating.

Somewhere along the way, you looses part of yourself to keep up with the world.

The difference between NKF (Norwegian School of Creativity) and Southampton Solent University is huge.
It takes time to understand.
It takes time to get used to.
Tempo is faster.
More is expected.
Priorities must bee done.
They where not joking when they told us it would be a hard working year.
And when I say year that mean 28 weeks.
Including christmas, easter, holidays, weekends,  every week, every day, every hour, every minute, every second of your life.
This is how the real world is.

Luckily  you can made your own theory.

Cuss this is not me.
And you can argue and say that “You are not what you are designing”.
But I cant work without my hart.
Thats not my way of ninja.
I need to slow down.
Need time.
If thats is what I need to do to make good graphic design, then I just have to.
Thats my theory.
Then I deal with the real world when that time comes.

Challenge

I got two packages delivered yesterday.
Thats always fun!
First one was 4 small books of paper samples from Gf Smith.
A pleasant surprise for a graphic designer.
The second one was expected.
Some equipment for japanese woodblock printing.
I  am being told that its a technique really hard master, and usually takes many years of practice.
The head of printing-stuff at uni. told me I must be crazy wanting to try it out(Not without a sound of laughter, luckily)
She still agreed to have a workshop with me.
Looking forward!
There exist so many beautiful Japanese woodblock prints,
and learning more about the procedure and art will be exiting.

Wreck

Last saturday was my birthday,
and I got this amazing present from my four flat mates.
“Wreck this journal” by Keri Smith.
I wanted one really bad, and just the other day I said:
“Ah, I want one of those books that I can destroy”.
So I was so exited when I finally  got my own.
(Ive been observing my flat mate playing around with her “Finish this book” for the last months)
I wanted to start on the journal right away!
But business before pleasure.
Had to do some designing first.
Last few days I have been working hard with my Final Major Project,
finishing my 16 design pages for out first Final Major Project hand-up today.
And finally, after turing in my development book, fixing by bike(that got a flat tire on my way to school), and sleep for about an hour(productive day, right?)
I opened  the journal.

The one and only

There are no place like home they say.
Well London is the closest I come to home here in England.
One day it is my turn to live there.
Until then, I survive on weekend sleepovers at a friends flat.
A couple a weeks ago I had the most amazing time in London.
Leaving schoolwork and boredom behind.
Dinner, Asian beer and The Walking Dead was a brilliant start on the weekend.
Gaming Pofessor Laytons puzzle in between.
Friday was followed  by TopShop, Japan Center and feeding the squirrels in Hyde Park.
And a fun night out, followed  by a less fun sunday.
But it is amazing how only a couple of days in London
give you the same amount of inspiration as studying google for a whole week.
What you see in London, can not be seen anywhere else.
And some things are only to be found in London.
The one and only.

You know like…

…WhenYou are rolling around on the floor, having fun.
Rolling all the way to your flat mates door.
Trying to open it, to make the perfect entrance.
Rolling.
But the door would not open.
She comes out.
Locks the door behind.
And the door would not open.
Woops.
Then its time to be creative.
Thats how you really take a break from schoolwork,
and enjoy life at fullest.
Recomanded.
Just don’t forget to blow out the candles‚
before you leave the room and lock yourself out.

Randomness.