DESIGNER THINKING FOR SALE :: The above is an eloquently stated quote by Herbert A. Simon which was not originally written about designers as the sole audience of consideration, but I think, accurately illustrates an important topic of consideration for designers today – the value of our creative thinking, the process in which we arrive at our visual conclusions.

As technology becomes more and more intertwined in our communications decision-making, it will become more and more important for the designer to emphasize our thought process. So often the latest trends in technology are the focus of discussions revolving around design and advertising. Regardless of the medium/software/application/tool at the designers disposal, our most valuable resource is creative thinking and the creative process. Once the emphasis is placed on thinking and process, the medium we choose to visualize our solution will become secondary, leading way for our clients to appreciate the most valuable commodity in the designers arsenal...our creative brain power.

HAVANA SERIES :: In terms of an urban landscape loaded with history, it is hard not to be artistically inspired by the roughened streets of old Havana.

Attached is a glimpse from a series of images captured by photographer Ron Wullner who said, “I felt that Havana was so visually interesting that I was only an innocent bystander with a camera and almost anything I pointed the camera at would produce an interesting result.” Each image explores an aspect of everyday life in the old city, revealing the beauty inherent in the abrasive reality of an incredible place.

FORCED IDENTIFICATION :: Our identity of “self” is imposed upon us by social and political definitions. Information about the self, that is uncontrollable from birth, remains and defines us throughout an entire lifetime. The transparent layers reveal a collage of images, letters and numbers which supply proof of a three-dimensional being. An existence which is composed of type, texture, photographs and symbols.

Based on a specific exploration of collage in cubism theory, and various other cultural theory considerations, the artist C. L. Scott attempts to create a reconstruction of self-identity, recognizing that self-identity is socially and politically charged at onset of origin. As the lack of frame suggests, this journey of self-discovery is limitless.

Mixed media :: 12" x 2" x 20" :: 1/4" plexiglass layered 4 deep :: to produce the three dimensional effect, transparent B+W film is sandwiched between each layer of plexi, and placed on a red feather backing.

DIY :: Is it coincidence that many designers and artist’s are drawn to skateboarding? Perhaps, more accurately, much of the intrigue lies more in the board as an art object rather than the act of skating itself. My first board was a Powell Peralta – the Bones Brigade era – for all you old school skaters out there. I must admit, it was a thing of beauty...loaded with Indy Trucks, City Street wheels and other custom features, the board cost me a small fortune. Looking back, I did enjoy the act of skating, but what has left a lasting impression is what skating represented...the DIY attitude that dedicated itself to enjoying life and expressing yourself. My skating days are behind me, but the love for my board and what it represents still exists. The small fortune spent back in the day still provides inspiration, and apparently is worth twice as much!

1932 – HENRY EHLERS :: During one of my recent strolls through a flea market I was fortunate enough to find two advertising art magazines published in 1932 titled, Gebrauchs Graphik - Editions number 5 and 8. They are filled with examples of newspaper ads, posters, folders...from a period where the majority of display type was crafted by hand. Colour printing was expensive, so black and white was the name of the game. Attached are a few examples of beautifully designed ads by Henry Ehlers, for a powerful brand that is even more powerful today. Please note the hand drawn BMW logos...classic.

RETROACTIVE INTERACTION (RI) :: Thinking about visual communication is something we take very seriously at SILO. Whether it be a corporate design solution, or a concept for installation art, the message is key.

In creating RI, we got our hands on an old fashioned table juke box. The kind that used to adorn the tables of the deli’s and diners my parents took me to as a young child. Back then, I was fascinated by the look, the buttons, the letters, often fiddling and flipping with the machine without ever listening to the music inside. RI explores that concept, the interactivity with the buttons and panels – the machine – to view art rather than listen to music. Each panel hosts a different piece of art, each exploring the memories of childhood curiosity as well as the representation of smells and textures concerning the surrounding environment – the restaurant. RI also forces the user to use the machine in a term for which it was not intended, in turn allowing us to question the expectations we place on objects derived from their appearance...from their design.

SO WHAT IS IT? :: It all started with a simple sculptural concept – build a gravity driven device which will mechanically engage and rotate a wheel of art to achieve a visual illusion. An elaborate build to achieve a simple action and result. Art spinning art to create more art.

TENSE TYPE :: Custom letterform design always adds impact. In this case TENSION explores the constraints of creating letterforms maintaining a triangular shape to achive its originality. The I,O,N interact with each other, complete each other and create illusion. The sample above is a crop from a poster designed by SILO for an exhibition of wordmarks. Below are a few exploration sketches for future applications and extensions of the wordmark.

© 2010, Silo Design Group Inc.

DON'T BE WITHOUT LIGHTS :: At SILO we position ourselves as a design source for our clients. To keep our creative tank full and shining bright we are constantly looking, collecting and storing what we find today, as fuel for tomorrow's creations. Often we draw inspiration from our natural surroundings, paying close attention to the details of everyday life. However, a stroll through the flea market can also provide you with plenty of inspiration. Occasionally, we feel compelled to share some of the objects we (re)discover. Attached are a few examples – created in the 1950's, 60's and 70's – of simple objects that have touched all of us (or our parents) at one time or another.

AIRMAN TALKING :: As much as these labels inspire me from a design point of view, their history tells a deeper story. They are a symbol of conversations between friends, hard times, good times and courage. My father-in-law was an Airman in the Canadian Armed Forces who was posted in England during the end of World War II. He shared many sad stories with me concerning losses during that terrible war. These labels represent positive moments during a difficult time. He carefully removed each beer label from the bottle as a reminder of a new friend and good conversation held in different pubs throughout England. What I find inspiring is that he took the time to mark each moment, realizing that they were special. Then he carefully stored all of the labels in his pay book (a pocket sized book each soldier carried with them at all times) for safe keeping.

Sadly, my father-in-law passed away recently. While sorting through his possessions we found his pay book and these labels. When I found out about what they represented, I couldn't help but be reminded about how courageous all of those soldiers were, and the major commitment and sacrifices they made.

Perhaps the next time you are out with family, or a good friend, or new friend and you are having a really good time, you might be inspired to mark it in your own special way...store it into memory and capture the moment. I know I will.