The Design Files – Blog Review

'The Design Files' is an online blog, it is not just graphic design but has some great inspiration, including something that might interest you in regards to this years Art Bazaar.
There are images and interviews under range of design styles, including; graphic design, product design, packaging, greeting cards, homes, fashion and more.
Monday August 23rd blog includes new tote bag designs inspired by Ballet and the chance to win tickets to the 'Edge of Night'; ballet performance in Melbourne. The older blogs are also worth a look for some inspiration and information relevant to you.

Graphic Design - What is it?

Graphic design is a fairly new profession, since about the start of the last century. That might not sound that new but compared to say, masonry, that’s pretty new. Graphic design includes many applications including logo design, website design, packaging and the many avenues of advertising.

Graphic design is a creative process often involving the client and the designer and unlike most art has a purpose and is commissioned and paid for by the client.  Graphic design is visual communication and designers often have to work as a team to come up with a business's visual identity and branding, to tell a customer/consumer about the company, visually.
Many skills are required including visual arts, typography, page layout, etc. Tools include traditional materials like pencils & paper. Also a computer, printer, software, etc and maybe the odd graphics tablet thrown in.

Graphic design is an exciting mix of art and functionality that we see and use everyday.

Art: In the Japanese Manner

At the Lake Macquarie Art Gallery 18th June -1 August 2010. Japanese manner: Australian prints 1900–1940, A National Gallery of Australia travelling exhibition

Japanese woodblock printing was featured at the gallery featuring various artists and art pieces on various subjects. This technique embraces line and colour, the strong colours and traditional techniques brings landscapes and subjects alive.
Drawings on wood are cut away, based on the outlines given by the drawing. Ink would then be applied and areas cut away would not transfer any ink onto the final piece/paper.
Japanese art influenced European design and art in the 1850's when the two nations resumed trade. By the 1880's such influences spread to Australia where the technique was embraced, more so then in other areas of the world.

Below is the work of Paul Haelflinger (1914-1982)-  "Kusatu Hot Springs/japan" - Wood cut printing in colour in Japanese manner from multiple blocks on paper. (Purchased 1987 - National Gallery of Australia)