Introduction

Typography is one of the most interesting fields of study in design for me. Beginning with the grid concept put forth by Josef Müller-Brockmann, type has not only enhanced the image, as is traditional, but become an integral part of it. Type can be used in a variety of ways, to form complex pictures, or concepts through type, or to create flow and direction within an image. With the wide variety of type, as well as setting options, designers rightly continue to use type as an essential part of their work.

These two pieces use type to both visually represent an image using the letters, as well as the word itself to represent a broader concept and give deeper meaning to the work.

The above piece took first place in Typography at the 2011 University of Arizona BFA Show.

Typography can also be used in product design to replace visual images. This is especially useful for products promoting shows, events, and companies. By making an easy-to-read, yet also attractive way to present your product, you not only get people to pay you for the shirt, but also for the privelege of being able to advertise for you. The following were a sampling of shirts I was commisioned to design for a show.

Introduction

Bruce Mao's Incomplete Manifesto for Growth is a list of suggestions, and motivation for anyone looking to do something creative, from artists to designers. Naturally, it would only make sense to take that same list, and do something creative with it as well. By breaking the list up into individual components, and limiting the design to one image, one texture, one illustration, and text, the design process prompts not only reflection on how layouts are made, but how every piece interacts with each other, and that simple solutions can be, and typically are, brilliant. To further push the envelope of design, each image had a central focus: The first, which has been turned into a magazine spread, had the illustration as the dominant feature in the image.

The second image was focused on the text, and how typography can not only serve as a compliment to the image, but truly be an integral part of the design. Different type weights and sizes serve to create variation and emphasis within the image.

The last composition was meant to emphasize the negative space which exists in all work. By focusing on that empty area designers frequently take for granted, and manipulating it into something interesting, future designs can benefit from a well thought out layout.

Introduction

As with anything, love drives you to inspiration. For me, my long standing love of both books and science played a major role in the process behind making this book jacket. Using watercolors, I tried to capture the majestic blue marble suspended in the sky that we as humans viewed for the first time only recently, compared to the history of our species.

While you should never judge a book by it's cover, the cover art does have a very strong impact on sales, and needs to not only be reflective of the book, but interesting from all angles. Shelving requirements can have the book displayed cover or spine out, and due to customer interaction, even with the back cover displayed. The entire package must be beautiful and reflective of the piece within, but also designed to sell copies.

Introduction

Among our high-tech world, dominated by computer design, it's sometimes nice to go back to the basics, not only to freshen up skills and use long dormant art supplies, but also to understand where we came from, to better see where we're going. Some of the earliest illustrations were used to identify, classify and teach, and up through the modern day, are still very common in textbooks and reference materials.

Plant and animal illustrations were done extensively in the field before photography, in a journal carried by explorers. This illustration was done in the style of a scientific illustration, that might be found in a textbook or guide book. Careful attention is given to subsections of the plant, as well as an overall view to aide in identification. Additionally, a planar view shows the interesting nature of the blades of the agave from the top, rendered in a full tonal illustation.

Introduction

Freelancing has been a wonderful way for me to gain a variety of experience, not only in design, but with the all important aspect of working with clients in a cooperative maner, to get them exactly what they want, in a well designed package. Client-based work has also taught me a lot about standards for both web and printing, and how adherence to these is a critical part of the usability of your design. Hearing back from a client that not only was their expereince with their sign maker a smooth one, but that the files were organized professionally and with ease of use in mind was not only gratifying, but a confirmation of what I've learned. These are some examples of my work that I've done.

The first example was a complete package for a real estate company here in Tucson, AZ. Working closely with them from start to finish, we collaborated on the themes they wanted, and ideas for a logo, then I went to work. After a few revisions, they had a suite of media, including a high-resolution, 3 color logo which could easily and cheaply be printed onto signs and other realty material. Additionally, business cards for the staff, along with letterhead, magnets and additonal uses were included in files that were specifically designed to be easy and clear to edit, should phone numbers or last names change.

Louis Parrish, the Realtor who commisioned the project, also sent me a letter of thanks after the project had been completed.

Dan,
I have been thinking about the design work you did for The Parrish Team lately and wanted to send you a note of thanks and give you a testimonial that you can share with prospective clients.
From start to finish, we were impressed with your professionalism, grasp of what the purpose of our branding was and your talent for delivering attractive designs that we use in multiple applications.
Your careful initial consultation helped to insure your understanding of what we wanted and, just as valuable, served to crystalize our intentions. You also stretched our thinking and enabled us to have a finished product that exceeded our expectations.
When I met with our sign maker to order signs with the new designs that you created, upon opening the art files, the contractor remarked that our graphic artist really knew what they were doing. I could not be happier.
Dan, thanks for the great job you did for us. It would be my pleasure to be a reference for you anytime.

Sincerely,

Louis Parrish

I've also completed work involving more illustrative talents, for a martial arts instructor. The initial work involved simply the tiger, but then evolved into multiple uses across shirts which he has sold in his studio, and used at camps not only for a promotional shirt, but of high enough quality to be a shirt that is attractive to wear daily. The distinctive illustration, both on shirts and printed graphics immediately identifies and sets his school apart from others.

Like many other designers, I've also participated in one-off runs of T-Shirts for organizations, or for small bands that needed artwork. Below are two of my succesful examples.

Introduction

What started out as just a basic project to represent the four seasons turned into a wonderful experiment in form and shape. The guidelines for this project were rather sparse, only detailing the size of each panel, and that two must have some form of symmetry. Working off just those basic guidelines, I pushed not only the symmetry of shapes farther than I had thought possible, but also used those same shapes to explore color and space, as well as tie the four seasons together in a way that unifies the work as a whole.
Despite the globe in the center lending a comprehensive theme to the work, each season has a very distinct style, not only representing it individually, but also playing off of its counterpart.

Introduction

Snowboarding is one of the loves of my life. Sadly, while Arizona has a shorter season than some places, those four months are not only catharis for my daily life, but also serve as an inspiration for much of my art. While everyone takes something different from the beautiful landscapes nature displays so elegantly, the snow has always been my favorite. Combined with the trees, the uniformity of the white and the very subtle shades of green are brilliant minimalism in natural format. Riding through snowflakes falling like stars, and watching nature slowly reclaim the tracks left behind is an awe-inspiring experience, both to experience the grandeur of nature, and how small we are on our little world hurtling through spaec.

This personal design for my own board represents visisually the intricate emotions I feel during those magical moments, alone with nature.

Introduction

This poster was a way to expand the modern way of designing posters back in time to traditional methods. Using mixed media, the poster not only has a visually distenct and interesting appeal, but also a 'hand done' style that is difficult to simulate with computers. The base of the boster is formed with individually printed and filled parking tickets, arranged on top of each other. The red lettering is knockout text backed in fabric, while the rest of the design was all done with photocopy image transfer. The results speak for themselves as to how effective combining media can be.