The recently relaunched Grafik magazine just keeps on getting better! The current issue features an in depth profile by Robert Urquhart on our lettering designer Letman and his journey from from graffiti kid to serious designer. Also featured is Big Active’s Mat Maitland and Will Sweeney in conversation with Angharad Lewis. They discuss Mat’s intriguing design references behind Das Pop’s new album, “I was thinking about Cluedo and Russian roulette…”, as well as exploring the story behind Will’s animated video for the album’s title track ‘The Game’. www.grafikmag.com

23 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Letman, Mat Maitland, Music, Will Sweeney | - Tags: Das Pop, Grafik | Permalink

Klaus Haapaniemi continues his collaboration with Finnish homeware brand Iittala with the release of his new Korento collection. Comprising cups and plates, Klaus’ patterns have been inspired by Finland’s short and warm northern summer and feature indigenous flora and fauna. For more images click here.

19 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Klaus Haapaniemi | | Permalink

Kate Gibb has released a new seven-colour screenprint entitled ‘Mishmash’. The print is in an edition of just eight and is available as part of Artists Open Houses, which runs in Brighton throughout May. The print is being hosted by 40 Tidy Street and sits alongside twelve other illustrators and makers. Click on the image above for detailed images.

17 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Kate Gibb | | Permalink

Big Active has just been awarded a Gold Prize at the European Design Awards for our art direction and design work on Mark Ronson’s ‘Record Collection’ album. The awards were announced by Ugne Skonsmanaite at a ceremony held in Vilnius on Saturday. The work was described by this year’s jury as “the perfect way to reference the musician’s influences and the collecting habits of the customer”. This trophy marks the latest in a run of nominations for the project at this years design awards – it was also short listed as a finalist at the Design Week Awards in March, and is currently featured in the 2011 Creative Review Annual. The 2011 European Design Awards book will be published next month.

16 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Gerard Saint, Jasper Goodall, Jesse Auersalo, Markus Karlsson, Mat Maitland, Music, Parra, Will Sweeney | - Tags: European Design Awards | Permalink

There’s only a few weeks to go now until the launch of this year’s party season in Ibiza. Topically Brag About Ibiza Magazine features a Q&A with Big Active’s Gerard Saint about our longstanding design and branding relationship with Ibiza Rocks. To read more…

09 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Gerard Saint, Music | - Tags: Ibiza Rocks | Permalink

Parra was commissioned to create the cover for Time Out Amsterdam’s May Art Issue. Taking the theme of ‘art hopping’ to coincide with the Amsterdam Art Fair as well as features on the city’s contemporary art spaces, Parra has created a suitably bouncy cover. The issue also features an interview where Parra discusses his home city, hungover inspiration and ladies with beaks.

04 May, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Parra | | Permalink