Kate Gibb has recently completed the cover art for ‘Living in Patterns’, the latest album from the band Pollyn. The artwork, which also extends to artwork on the disk itself, employs the geometric and washed-out screenprinted style for which Kate is best known. The album is out now and was recently Rough Trade’s record of the week.

26 January, 2012 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Kate Gibb, Music | | Permalink

As we enter the year of the dragon, Mimi Leung made the above gif to wish everyone a propserous Chinese New Year. Recently, Mimi has been working on a bundle of new gifs that make the most of her explosive style (literally – see how much she hates cats). You can check them all out here.

23 January, 2012 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Mimi Leung | | Permalink

Parra’s 2012 collaboration with Stüssy Japan has just been released. As a guest designer, Parra has created a collection of four t-shirts that are available in multiple colourways. The all-new designs feature Parra’s trademark palette and renowned type work, and serve as an exciting prelude to what could be Parra’s biggest year to date, with a major museum show, public art projects and to more collaborations look forward to. Click here to see the other three t-shirts in the collection.

20 January, 2012 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Parra | | Permalink

Last month, David Foldvari was included in a round-up of Advertising Age’s 10 best magazine covers of 2011. Created for Bloomberg Businessweek, David’s dark portrait of Muammar Gaddafi ranks alongside nine other iconic covers selected from the magazine of 2011. Above, we show the portrait before the magazine title was applied. To see the final product, click here.

19 January, 2012 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, David Foldvari, Illustration | | Permalink

Congratulations to Michael Kiwanuka who has come top of the BBC Sound of 2012 list which aims to showcase the best rising music stars for the year ahead. The Sound of 2012 list was compiled using tips from key UK-based music critics, broadcasters and bloggers. Now in its tenth year, previous winners have included Jessie J, Adele, Mika, Ellie Goulding, Corinne Bailey Rae and Keane. Big Active design has been working with Michael Kiwanuka since early last year – his current single ‘Home Again’ is out now and we are currently completing the design for his debut album which will be released in March. The album also called ‘Home Again’ sounds amazing – so nice one Michael – respect and best wishes from all of us…

06 January, 2012 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Music | | Permalink

Parra was in Tokyo earlier this month for the launch of his special edition Casio G-Shock watch. The launch, which was held at the Beams-T store in Harajuku, featured original murals and a selection of Parra’s Rockwell clothing line. The watch itself is in a baby blue, pink, orange and red colourway and has a cool Parra surprise as the backlight.

16 December, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Parra | | Permalink

This weekend, 3 + 4 December, Kate Gibb is opening up her studio along with all the other excellent artists and designers who work out of Great Western Studios. This year, Kate will be sharing her space with artist Sophie Smallhorn. A great opportunity to pick up some unique gifts.

Find out more here.

02 December, 2011 - Posted in Illustration, Kate Gibb | | Permalink

Mat Maitland has been invited to exhibit as part of Art Vinyl 2011. The show, at Jonas Gallery in Brussels, features the best album sleeves of 2011, and includes Big Active’s work with Noah and the Whale, Das Pop, Nero, and Sneaky Sound System. A range of Mat’s personal work is running alongside the album covers.

01 December, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Mat Maitland, Music | | Permalink

The Nominations for this years Best Art Vinyl Awards were announced earlier this week and include four vinyl album sleeves created by Big Active Design; Das Pop ‘The Game’, Nero ‘Welcome Reality, Sneaky Sound System ‘From Here To Anywhere’ and Noah & The Whale ‘Last Night On Earth’. The entire shortlist of 50 sleeve designs for the award will be celebrated in exhibitions across the UK and Europe from November 2011 to February 2012.  You can vote for your favourite design at www.artvinyl.com – the winning albums will be made public in January.

11 November, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Music | | Permalink

Siggi Eggertsson has created a scarf as part of an ongoing series initiated by creative agency Hugo & Marie. The scarf features a moon graphic made of thousands of triangles across its giant 1.3 x 1.3 metre size and is printed on 100% silk. The scarf is available to buy here.

08 November, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Siggi Eggertsson | | Permalink