D&AD’s New Blood is open for business at the Old Truman Brewery in East London. The exhibition is a showcase of the next generation of creative talent – and the brightest and best students of 2011 have been invited by D&AD to flaunt their work to an audience of industry professionals. This year’s event branding was directed and designed by Big Active, “we’ve created a distinct quasi religious cult feel to the imagery – celebrating a gathering of the faithful – and those in search of salvation..!” New Blood runs from 30 June – 4th July.

30 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design | - Tags: D&AD, New Blood | Permalink

Does Lady Gaga’s seemingly uncompromised approach to collaborating with a new generation of visual conspirators owe a massive debt of gratitude to the fearless partnerships of the master protagonist Grace Jones? Why are these enduring alliances with design so important in redefining the boundaries of style in music? As part of the run up to the launch of this year’s D&AD New Blood, Big Active’s Mat Maitland shares his thoughts on music’s most iconic creative partnerships as part of the ‘Behind The Idea’ series in today’s Metro newspaper. See MetroLife page 43.

28 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Mat Maitland, Music | | Permalink

Jasper Goodall has released three new print editions. Ice Age Animals of Europe features a collection of animals that Jasper painted on the shutters of shops along New Goulston Street in London; Centauri takes inspiration from the record sleeve created for the Muse single ‘Knights of Cydonia’, while Zombie Dolls (and other horror clichés) celebrates the stock characters of B-Movie horror films. See the other two prints here.

All the prints are in editions of 50 and available from Jasper’s shop.

22 June, 2011 - Posted in Illustration, Jasper Goodall | | Permalink

It has been almost two years, but we’re finally able to show you Will Sweeney’s ninety second epic paean to friendship – Help Your Friends. Will’s animation is ably accompanied by a jingle from indie four-piece DeVotchKa, and was commissioned for cult children’s television show Yo Gabba Gabba!

21 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Moving Image, Will Sweeney | | Permalink

In addition to our success at the European Design Awards, we are also pleased to announce Mark Ronson’s ‘Record Collection’ has featured in all of this years major design awards. The project was selected for the 2011 Creative Review Annual, nominated as a finalist in the Design Week Awards and chosen to appear in the 49th Edition of the D&AD Annual. To take a closer look at Mark Ronson’s ‘Record Collection’ as well as a selection of projects from our music design portfolio please click here.

17 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Gerard Saint, Mat Maitland, Music | - Tags: Creative Review Annual, D&AD Awards, Design Week Awards, European Design Awards, Mark Ronson | Permalink

Last night at Kemistry Gallery in London, film magazine Little White Lies launched their exhibition LWL70. Among the list of top-drawer makers invited to create a print inspired by a film from the 1970’s were Big Active’s very own Jesse Auersalo, Siggi Eggertsson and Jim Stoten. The show runs until 2nd July, while the prints are available for purchase here.

See all three posters here.

17 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Jesse Auersalo, Jim Stoten, Siggi Eggertsson | | Permalink

Jesse Auersalo’s print for the upcoming Little White Lies LWL70 exhibition has been featured as part of the show preview on the Creative Review website. Also taking part are Big Active’s Siggi Eggertsson and Jim Stoten, whose work we will reveal later this week.

14 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Jesse Auersalo | | Permalink

Sofia Design Week is currently in full flow in Bulgaria. At Saturday’s forum speakers included Big Active’s Gerard Saint, the book designer David Pearson and Mark Chambers creative director of the innovative digital agency Perfect Fools. This year’s event centers around the theme ‘Design is all around’ – and the capital city plays host an extensive program of events, exhibitions, screenings, talks and workshops. Big Active also have a selection of music design work on show at the Central Mineral Baths Gallery. Sofia Design Week runs until 18th June.

13 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Gerard Saint, Music | - Tags: Sofia Design Week | Permalink

Following on from 2010’s The Not So Happy Bird, Parra has released a new sculptural work. Take a Rest is available in an edition of 70 in three different colourways (25 red, 25 blue and 20 black) and come presented in a screenprinted box. The porcelain sculptures are manufactured by Belgian studio Toykyo. For some more images click here.

10 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Parra | | Permalink

Big Active have contributed to June’s issue of Creative Review. Greg Burne suggests how illustrators can help avoid over-exposure and maintain a lasting career in the profession. In the article, Greg uses the work of Jasper Goodall, Sanna Annukka and Kam Tang to demonstrate different ways in which contemporary image-makers can ensure longevity and stay ahead of the game. The issue is out now.

Image courtesy of Creative Review.

09 June, 2011 - Posted in Art Direction & Design, Illustration, Jasper Goodall, Kam Tang, Sanna Annukka | | Permalink