BBC's The Genius of Design

To me, this was so much more than just a show. I watched it on a whim and sat there thinking that it was something I was interesting, what the worst that can happen? Well honestly it was possibly one of the most informative television show I have ever seen. I cannot praise it enough.

The show is split up into 5 episodes each an hour long, each of the episodes tackle important periods throughout the history of design, from the industrial revolution through to 1920s modernism, design during the second World War, the swinging 1960s, the designer 1980s and up to the present day.

I was vaguely aware of some aspects of design, knowing a couple of key designers that I had previously come across, but after watching this show I found myself identifying more and more in everyday life. I cannot praise this show enough if you are like me and have an interest in the history of design.

This is not a great clip to sell it on, but it was the best that was available on Youtube ...

Archer

This is possibly the funniest show I have ever seen! I absolutely love the style of animation and pretty much every episode is packed with timeless moments of laughter!

... 'Daaaaanger zone!' hahaha love it!

Persepolis

Persepolis is such a GREAT film and a lovely little comic. I saw this a few years back and loved it so much I had to go and get the comic of it. The comic I have got is like a book, and unlike the film it feels very raw, less refined and stylised. This is in no way a negative but if you don't like subtitles then I'd recommend.

The story tells trials of a girls childhood whilst growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution. There are some terribly sad parts and equally some moments that make it such a great tale. The story is so much more dramatic because it follows the author 'Marji' as she escapes the tyranny of her homeland and tries to find herself in the world.

Tom Gauld - Gigantic Robot

This is a couple more images from an illustrator who I find to be an ongoing inspiration. His stories are quirky and capture a great comical mood even with limited text.
The scenes are always well constructed and his sketchy lines and intricate shading never cease to amaze me.
I try to capture the minimalistic feel that is constant throughout his works in my own but sometimes find it a tall order. The level of detail makes me jealous! Because of this I try to buy any of his books/comics I come across and own quite a few, my most recent purchase being his Gigantic robot book. It is very good, even down to the thick pages making it feel very robust and somewhat childlike.
It is quite short but the story is very good. (I wont spoil it for others) This book is going down as one of my favourites, a great buy.

http://www.tomgauld.com/index.php

Zeptonn

Zeptonn is a Dutch artist who I looked at whilst doing my A level graphics. He creates weird little characters that are rather phallic and emotive. I like this style and his art has definitely been an influence on the work I produce today. I also like the way in which he uses clouds and holes to anchor the long creatures, giving them a place to 'grow' from as it were.

Jon Burgerman

Jon Burgerman is an illustrator who I have liked for a few years now. I first saw his work in a magazine, and instantly liked the vivid and weird nature of the characters he draws, his style is a bit like Zeptonn's as they create illustrations with hundreds of complex and interwoven characters to create a scene. His style is something like my own, and something which I aspire my drawings to be like.

 http://www.jonburgerman.com/Work

Spacesick

Spacesick's illustrations are something which I want my art, style and technique to aspire to! They are great pieces of work which use line and colour to great effect. They are somewhat of a throwback to the cartoons I watched as a teenager and use smooth bold lines and edges to create well shaped images.

I will keep this style in mind when I am next drawing.

  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacesick/