3 of Matt’s Design inspirations

1. The Parthenon by Iktinos, Kallikrates and Phidias

It’s difficult to believe that a 2,500 year old building would change the way I design today, but it did. It was first semester of Sophomore year at KSC, and I was taking Art History 101 with Dr. Friedman. It couldn’t have been more than a few classes in, when we learned about the Parthenon and how it was created using the proportions of the golden rule. Dr Friedman is a passionate guy… More an art preacher than an art teacher in a lot of ways. I was fascinated to learn that there’s a formula for beauty. I thought “it couldn’t be possible”… and “this guy is off his rocker”… But, I kept listening and learning, and it turns out that there is a magic formula, and it occurs all the time in nature. Wouldn’t you know that some of the greatest pieces of art ever, use proportions similar to this golden ratio, golden rule, divine proportion (whatever you choose to call it). From that point forward and to this very day, I use the golden ratio in my designs. Not to say it’s the end all be all for great design, but it’s a fun element to work with.

To learn more about the golden ration check out this video on YouTube.

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2. Guernica by Pablo Picasso

In the Fall of 2001 I took another class with Dr. Friedman. This time it was 19th and 20th Century Art. On the third day of class that semester, the September 11th attacks took place. Everyone’s world changed instantly. As the semester went on, we learned about a painting by Pablo Picasso called  Guernica. It’s Picasso’s interpretation of the bombing of the small Basque town during the second World War. It’s a snapshot of his life, and how he was feeling about this tragedy. Through his artwork, we learn about the innocent people who where killed that day, and how lives of the people who survived changed in a similar way to what we had all just experienced. It really made an impact on me. Picasso used his painting to tell the story of Guernica, and the painting remains a great anti-war symbol. Great design in my opinion is always about telling a story.

Here’s a fascinating 3d interpretation of the painting with some more info again on Youtube

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3. Ogden Plumbing logo by Astuteo

Nothing much to say here except… Best use of negative space ever!!! OK, if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for “A ha” moments. I love em in books, movies and especially in graphic design. This logo for Ogden Plumbing is far and away one of my favorite logos. It’s simple. It’s complex. Dare we say… it’s “simplex”? Whatever you wanna call it, there’s no doubt it’s pretty awesome. Creating something that’s memorable like this logo is what every passionate designer strives for on every project.

For more great negative space logos, check out a great post by David Airey at logodesignlove.com

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Now that Shea and I have shared a few things that inspired and influenced us, our question to YOU OUR READER is: What inspired you? Whether you’re a pixel pusher, fry flipper, desk jockey or a social media “expert”. What inspired you to become the person you are today?

Comments are always appreciated and we’d love to hear from you.

3 of Shea’s Design Inspirations:

1. Mother & Child by Herb Lubalin

I remember sitting in my sophomore design fundamentals class when my professor threw this logo up on the projection screen. She talked about how it was a good example of nesting techniques. I just thought, Damn, that’s brilliant! It was so simple in concept, but perfectly executed. It doesn’t rely on any special effects or photoshop filters. It just is. The strength of concept and timeless form are something I will always aspire to create.
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2. Bullfighter Ink Drawings by Picasso

I was fortunate enough to get to travel to Spain while I was in high school. I was able to see so many amazing pieces of fine art in all the museums and cathedrals.  That trip is still one of the most significant experiences of my life. While there, I purchased a t-shirt with this image on it – seemed very “Spain.” I loved that it was Picasso, but not one of the masterpieces. It was a doodle. I was drawn to the gestural quality of the lines and the bold graphic shapes. So much emotion could be communicated in so little. The influence of this style can most recently be seen in the At Your Service logomark.
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3. Rent Poster by unknown

This poster captured its moment in time so perfectly. I loved the way it was such a simple composition that revealed so many layers as you continue to look it.  I loved the slightly off-color palette that seems to fight itself, but harmonizes instead. The grungy photo treatments give a hand-worked feel that was so appropriate for the themes of the production. At the time it was created, it fell perfectly into the sweet spot between trendy and fresh. I was unable to locate the designer’s name at the time of this post, so if anyone knows, please leave a comment so I can give them credit for the inspiration.