The Midweek Mix (Issue .08)
New Designer Interview - A Great Book - More Insights!
I’m So Glad You're Here! - Thanks for sticking with me!
It’s been awhile since i posted my last newsletter, a lot has happened since then.
I’m really busy with client work and this is taking priority of my time. I also posted a new project on the website for clothing and apparel brand Leave You Myself.
This was a great project to work on and Naomi and Mark are awesome clients to work with.
My son Charlie also had another stay in hospital for 2 nights, he caught a flu bug after his first week back at school and because of his asthma his breathing levels dropped, so we took him to get him checked and they kept him in. He’s ok now and back at school, he’s a real champion! He inspires me every day!
I also had my first covid jab a couple of weeks ago and it took me out! I really do emphasise when i say “took me out” I have never experienced anything like it.
I have been feeling bad for the last two weeks, and I’m still currently shaking it off. I’m slowly getting myself back to normal and trying to keep the flow going.
I have been wanting to put out another designer interview for some time, but struggled to find the time due to how busy it’s been.
I got up early on sunday while it was still dark outside and got one ready for you lovely people.
Designer Interview With Dan Forster
Dan Forster is a lettering artist based in Leeds, UK.
He works with design agencies and directs clients from around the world on all manner of lettering and type-based projects – ranging from custom logotypes, brand marks, type design, packaging projects, book covers to anything that requires meticulously crafted bespoke lettering.
He started out as a designer working in branding and packaging, but was never really satisfied. It wasn’t until after his father Tony Forster (himself a lettering artist and calligrapher) passed away in 2008, that Dan found a new love for lettering – in fact during the process of clearing out and organising his father’s studio.
Since then Dan has worked with brands and agencies across the world. In 2019 he created over 250 ampersands as part of the &Walsh re-brand and later won a Communication Arts award for typography for Thought Matter’s ‘Work Worth Doing’ poster.
Design is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton
During the second lockdown i purchased quite a few books that had been recommended to me by other designers, and Design is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton is one of them.
It’s a very interesting concept for a book. It’s visually pleasing and also very enjoyable to read.
Good design, like good storytelling, brings ideas to life. Design is storytelling is a playbook for creative thinking, showing designers how to use narrative techniques to create satisfying graphics, products, services, and experiences.
Whether crafting a digital app or a data-rich publication, designers invite people to enter a scene and explore what’s there. An intriguing logo, page layout, or public space uses form and communication to lead users on dynamic journeys.
Design is storytelling explores the psychology of visual perception from a narrative point of view. Presenting dozens of tools and concepts in a lively, visual manner, this book will help designers amplify the narrative power of their work.
Use this book to stir emotions, build empathy, and convey action; to construct narrative arcs and create paths through space; and to evaluate a project’s storytelling power. Prompts for students and teachers make this a great classroom companion.
I will share a first look video soon!
The book is available on both Amazon | Wordery | Bookshop.org
My Thoughts & Insights
In this section I share a random thought I have shared on social media.
I share thoughts and insights on @thelogocreative instagram page and my personal Twitter account @AJRMarriott or @thelogocreative brand account were we share most of our daily content.
If you're on Twitter, feel free to join me on my personal account and say hi, 👋 I share regular insights and motivational tweets.
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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, watching and playing when I have the time!
Reading: I am currently reading How to Create Better Ideas by Joost Roozekrans. I announced this book in the Midweek Mix Issue .07 edition.
So far It’s been a great book and a review will be coming eventually, but due to client work i have to prioritise that first.
I have also finished the review for Radim’s book Pause, Breathe and Grow - Notes on mindful creative life.
If you would like to ask Radim any questions about the book, leave a comment and we can include them.
I would prefer if you leave a comment here rather than private DM’s as others can’t see it, and i would like conversations to be open and transparent.
I am steadily working through The Lettering Workshop with Francis Chouquet. I also shared it in the Midweek-Mix o4 Issue. This is an outstanding book it’s really helping me so much with my hand lettering.
I used some of the techniques i learnt to do some lettering on another client project and the client loved it! Super happy about that. 👌🏻
It’s a must have for designers or anyone looking to learn or improve their hand lettering. I’m just taking my time with it.
Listening: Spotify Playlist - My Discover Weekly - Been listening to Discover weekly dimmed down in the background, I think it’s great a mixture of songs i like. Here’s mine if you fancy a listen.
Recommended Viewings: Netflix - Peaky Blinders | Loving it! Also watching some good films on Prime Video.
I’m currently watching and loving The Walking Dead on Prime Video, i’m hooked and currently on season 10.
Playing: I finished The Last of Us 1 again, before i started playing The Last of us 2.
I’m still in the process of setting up an entertainment corner in my studio, a chill area where I can watch movies or play games.
I have been dead against it up until now as it’s a work space to work in, but since the second lock down i have realised that it’s not just my work studio it’s my space, and i need to chill and relax just as much as i need to work.
I purchased the stand i was looking at and decided to go for a firestick which my wife got me for my birthday in April.
I’m now looking for an ideal TV, I have one in mind and am looking to purchase this soon. Should be up and running next month!
I have finally started playing The Last of Us 2 which was another one of my birthday presents.
It’s a great game, loving every minute of it! especially coming off another play through of the first Last of us game.
As I always say - “Stay curious & enthusiastic, and good things will happen!”
Thanks for reading. I appreciate your support. 😃
I would love to hear from you, Say Hi in the comments. 🖐🏻