Very proud to have won three Graphis Awards in their annual poster design competition. My work won in the following categories:
- GOLD: "Portrait of Vladimir Putin"
- SILVER: "Carpe Diem"
- SILVER: "Big Fish Haul"
Graphis publishes the world's most significant and influential works in the areas of design, advertising and photography (since 1944).
I'm developing a series of posters and animated infographics on the natural habitat of wildlife vs. the average amount of space they are allocated in a zoo. The visual imbalance of these figures is quite striking. While I do see benefit in preserving species and educating the general public about animals they may otherwise not have the opportunity to see, I do wonder about the psychological effects forced upon them in these unnatural environments.
I talked about Korean design previously, but came across something this weekend that further demonstrated how the country's creative talent is turning it up a notch … with something as seemingly mundane as CD packaging. South Korea is still a big market for physical music sales and I can't help but think that the effort gone into their presentation plays a big factor into it. Take a look at this video of a North American fan opening an EXID CD for the first time:
Do a Youtube search on any k-pop artist and you will find hundreds of similar videos of the western youth demographic marvelling at the detail put into these pieces. Videos that don't actually play any of the artists' music; just focus on the presentation and the thrill of being immersed in a brand. This is the power of good design.
Beyond the DMZ and the chance to witness world history as it's happening, Korea's full embrace of its creative industries was a second motivating factor in my choice to visit the nation. As someone with a vested interest in the Arts, it is intriguing to see a government acknowledge its importance and influence in society, and actively fund it to the tune of more than 5.2 billion dollars (the second highest investor in culture after France). This does extend well beyond 'Gangham Style', of course, but k-pop is still a huge part of it. In this regard, I attended a hologram concert which was one of THE coolest experiences of my life. Photography was prohibited but this person captured and posted part of it online:
The full impact of this obviously does not come across via a low-res Youtube video but let me assure you, when the curtain rose, I swore Psy (and 2NE1 and Big Bang) were standing in front of me. I'm not sure when this technology will become commonplace in North America, but I look forward to it. It blew me away.
I also visited the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a unique epicentre of design and the creative industries where global citizens can learn about and experience the latest trends and knowledge pertaining to the field. The fluid, ultra-modern architecture alone was stunning but the numerous art halls, design labs and experience zones situated within it's graceful curves also provided a much needed jolt of inspiration. My takeaway is that Korean design aims to be fun, fearless and revolutionary and its scene is one that will be a major global influencer for decades to come.
Samsung, one of Korea's biggest brands with over 305 billion dollars in revenue and nearly half-a-million staff, has a showcase in their head office in Gangnam. Open to the public, Samsung d'light offers hands-on interaction with their latest and upcoming products and technology – it is a digital playground for early adopters. I was greatly intrigued by their educational and home life displays, while the ultra HD 4k televisions left me in awe. I'm not really one for watching TV and playing video games, but I could have spent all afternoon doing this there.
Alas, there was so much more to see and do in Seoul.
Like go to a dog café.
Klive, the hologram concert hall, is located on the ninth floor of Lotte Fitin shopping complex in Dongdaemun, Seoul, Korea. For more information and admission prices, click here.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is located across the street from Lotte Fitin shopping complex. For more information, click here.
Samsung d'light is located near exit 8 of the Gangnam Subway Station in Seoul, Korea. For more information, click here.
Gangham district (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Ultra-modern Gangham architecture (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Gangham architecture (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Gangham architecture (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Samsung d'light (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Seoul's infamous "poo" bread (it's delicious) (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Very proud to have won a Canadian Regional Design Award (Redgees) for best print marketing piece in the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nunavut region, as well as honourable mention for best overall design piece (all categories) for the same region for my work on Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Strategic Plan "Tomorrow in the Making". #awesome
Check out the Winter 2014 issue of Designer Magazine to read an article I wrote on being deployed to Vietnam:
To download the full-res version of this infographic, click here.
To download the full-res version of this infographic, click here.
As the Democratic People's Republic of Korea prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary since the founding of its Worker's Party, hundreds of slogans were created to encourage patriotism amongst citizens.
I've decided to create my own propaganda posters based on these rallying calls, the design of which illustrates the fantastical sentiment being promised while hinting at a conflicting, darker reality.
