The Midweek Mix (Issue .04)
New Designer Interview - A Great Book - More Insights!
I’m So Glad You're Here! - Thanks for sticking with me!
I hope everyone is well and managing to stay sane in these difficult times. No matter how tough life gets as a designer you need to be thankful for the position you're in.
Unlike my wife who not only works with me in my business but she is classed as a support worker and works with children in a school.
On the days she is not at home or in the office I worry about her coming into contact with people and, as she does to as our little boy has severe asthma and has had several hospital admissions and stays within this year.
Some of them included ambulances being sent to get him there sooner to administer gas and air and a dose of steroids.
My point is it’s a worrying time and we need to remain positive!
Look at the positives: if you're self employed and working from home or in a small office, not only can you earn your living online in the comfort of your own surroundings doing something you love, but most importantly your well and safe doing so!
Stay focused and be positive there are people who are a lot worse off!
I work hard for everything, but at the same time I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunities I get every single day.
Let’s get into the content.
Designer Interview With Philip Martland
Over the past couple of months I have been seeking out more self-taught designers and while browsing Instagram i came across Philip Martland, who is a talented graphic designer based in the north west of England.
For the past decade he has been in the industry designing professionally, with a total of 14 years experience and a wide knowledge in various applications.
Philip is a self-taught designer through countless hours of practice, hard work and a passion for design.
He has some beautiful work displayed on Instagram, including logos and hand lettering.
The Lettering Workshop by Francis Chouquet
I was supposed to receive this book quite some time ago but due to lock-down and shipping we had to postpone delivery.
I waited patiently, really looking forward to getting my hands on this one as it looks amazing and I know there are a lot of readers who asked if i could review it.
Check out the first look video below.
Big thanks to Francis for sending me a signed copy of the book, and if you have not seen franchises work i highly recommend checking it out.
I have done custom type on a few past client projects and it’s always something I enjoy. Custom types do not work for every design but when used on those select few it really does elevate and make the design look unique.
I have always enjoyed learning more about hand lettering and custom typography, especially when done on a blank piece of paper following a grid and not using any font as a base as this will never be totally bespoke type.
I have spent a few weeks learning from the book and its already elevated my lettering work, I have done a few and below is one I did from the teachings of the book.
It’s not perfect a little rough around the edges but working from a black page with a grid, i was very pleased with the final inked version. All that’s required now is to vectorise it and make it as polished as I can.
I can’t recommend this book enough!
Full of insightful information, awesome examples and lessons taught by francis himself that are easy to follow and get to grips with.
Amazing book! - Well Done Francis!
I will be doing a full review of this amazing book down the line!
But don’t hold back waiting for the review if hand lettering is something your interested in and looking to learn then get yourself a copy its amazing!
If you would like a copy of your own it’s available on amazon:
What I’m Doing?
Besides spending time with my family and having fun with my two children, working on client projects and creating content for you lovely people.
When I get time to relax here’s what i’m reading, listening to and watching and playing when i have the time!
Reading: Now i can officially tell you i’m reading The Lettering Workshop by Francis Chouquet. And I almost finished my second read through of - Brand Fix by Kady Sandel - Amazon UK | Wordey Its tough reading more than one book at a time.
Listening: Spotify Playlist - Cobra Kai - Some awesome rock tunes on here, not just from Cobra Kai on Netflix.
Recommended Viewings: Netflix - The Haunting of Bly Manor | Open House | Bird Box | I’m also currently re-watching LOST. I have the full 7 seasons on DVD, and I'm currently in mid season 3.
Playing: Don’t play a lot but I think I’ll be playing this well into 2021 on my second playthrough of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 - UK | US
As I always say - “Stay curious & enthusiastic, and good things will happen!”
Thanks for reading. I appreciate your support. 😃
Free Resources
Not only do I want to find you the best deals as most of them I purchase myself, but It’s always nice to get a freebie and I want to deliver for you when i can!
Download 50 free fonts on me! - Download
Hot Find! - 50 Logo Mockup Branding Bundle
You can never go wrong with having plenty of logo mockups to shop for your amazing logo designs. Even when creating a Dribbble shot or sharing a project shop on Instagram you can sell it with one picture alone so having high quality images is a must!
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