LANTERN? Fireflies have an innate luminescence that sets their environment aglow with blinking, darting points of light. They can be harnessed in a jar to create a special kind of lantern. When nature meets application, you’ve really got something. Design works the same way. Let’s make a lantern together and bring some light to this w rld.
The Graphic Design Portfolio of
ERIC MORRISON
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Play Outside Initiative Illustration, Apparel 2
AvantAuto Magazine Editorial
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Odyssey of the Mind Rebranding, Print 4
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Vessel Type Design, Posters
Bumper Stickers Illustration
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Cubbie’s Cat Litter Logo, Packaging
Melbourne Village Logo, Wayfinding, Print 8
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National Council On Aging Advertising
Tattoos These Days Web
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The Drunk Bus Branding
1 PLAY OUTSIDE INITIATIVE Overview The Play Outside Initiative is a hypothetical program that promotes outdoor activity for children. It would be endorsed by Target’s Community Outreach program and a portion of t-shirt sales from Target Stores would be donated to support local Play Outside chapter events. Challenge Design a series of six cohesive kid’s t-shirts around the theme of childhood nature experiences. Solution The designs are two-color illustrations screen printed on colored fabric. Their hand-drawn style and rustic texture give them a child-like and natural appearance. They reference the widely shared experiences of tree climbing, rollie pollie collecting, butterfly encounters, kite flying, frog metamorphosis, and daisy chains.
2 AVANT AUTO MAGAZINE Overview AvantAuto Magazine is a quarterly review of auto makers’ concept cars, which debut at international auto shows to preview the future of automotive design and technology in pure, uncompromised form. Challenge Design a full issue of AvantAuto magazine including table of contents, four feature stories, five columns, as well as three different cover options. Solution The magazine was designed with a modern tone and showcases the concept cars as art pieces in an dynamic way, similar to the approach that a fashion magazine might take. Typography is clean and expressive and layouts were developed to demonstrate the character and spirit of the concepts themselves.
CONTENTS 1-4 5-8 Steven Ewing Noah Joseph
9-14 15-20 Zach Bowman
Bradley Berman
21 22 Zach Bowman Chris Paukert
23 24 Alan Bellows 25 Various
Zach Bowman
FEATURES PACEMAN The Next Big Mini CURB Hyundai’s Urban Crossover PRII Prius V and C Concepts KIA KV7 Secure In Its Vanhood REGULAR FEATURES THE BANDWAGON Unconventional Headlights THE BAD AND THE UGLY Auto Show Vandals WELCOME TO REALITY Chevy Volt REAR VIEW Ford Nucleon HEADS UP Spring Show Schedule
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Curb
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Curb Hyundai’s Urban Crossover Concept is All About Flow
WRITER Steven J. Ewing PHOTOGRAPHER Drew Phillips
H yundai California Design Center and Hyundai Motor America pre-
sented the world debut of the Hyundai Curb concept vehicle during a press conference at the Detroit International Auto Show January 10th. Curb is a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) for the next generation of Hyundai buyers. Curb is also a test bed for future Hyundai Blue Link™ and vehicle connectivity technology. Potholes And Nightclubs The inspiration for Curb came from the need to evolve Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language for younger buyers. Hyundai designers wanted to create a vehicle loaded with technology that was at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets. The vehicle needed to secure the advanced Blue Link and connectivity features against impact and shock. From these ideas, the ‘technology rugged’ design direction for Curb was formed. “We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai designer. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.” Exterior Design The Curb’s design starts with the glass that spills into the hood and wraps around the cowl, covering the A pillars. This look resembles the face shield of a sport bike motorcycle helmet. Beneath the glass are structural trusses with the glass panels applied like a shield. “The truss frame structure going up the pillars helps increase greater visibility in dense urban environments,” said John Krsteski, Curb design manager. The striking profile is dominated by a boomerang trajectory bodyside line. This dominant line brings the entire design together and reinforces the feeling of strength with its positive and negative shapes. “The world has never seen lines like this on a car before. It is as if the architect Santiago Calatrava inspired it,” said Arash Badeanlou, Hyundai designer. The thin, sleek headlamps and taillamps dive into the vehicle, creating the illusion that they are connected into the engine compartment or interior. To complete the ‘technology rugged’ look, designers added
HONESTREA SSESSMENT 19
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“Vans, at their very core are simply a box.”
A seamless and seemingly endless string of windows runs along the KV7’s sides
Kia’s tabbed grille and a unique continuous LED fog light arrangement dominate the front end
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WELCOME TO RE ALIT Y
WRITER Zach Bowman PHOTOGRAPHER Zach Boutman, Renderings Courtsey of Chevrolet
CHEVY VOLT Compromised But Still
Striking
It’s been four years since General Motors first pulled back the sheets on the original Chevrolet Volt Concept. As you likely recall, that vehicle was a stylized dream that wore a vertical nose, high belt-line, chopped roof and massive wheels for a look that was, in a word, awesome. The concept was downright muscular and served as an excellent counterpoint to the econo-blob styling of the Toyota Prius at the time. Unfortunately, nearly all of the brawny build of the Volt Concept never quite made it to the production world when it went on sale in December. Instead, the designers at GM were confined by the laws of aerodynamics, which means that the production Volt wears a shape that’s very similar to what Toyota came up with for its battery-assisted wonder child. At 177.1-inches long, the Volt is around four inches shorter than its platform mate, the compact Chevrolet Cruze, and 1.5 inches longer than the current generation Prius. The front fascia is appropriately swept into the hood and fenders with wrapped projector headlamps and a shield grille help to give the electrified four-door one of the lowest drag coefficients of any vehicle GM has ever produced. Only the low-slung Corvette rivals the 0.287 Cd of the Volt. Interestingly enough, GM has opted to build the Volt as a hatchback. The rear cargo area offers around 10.6 cubic feet of room, which is plenty for stashing groceries and the like. Our only real issue with the design is that the hatch weighs a ton. Even with gas struts to assist in lifting and lowering the piece, it’s difficult to keep from slamming the door without using both hands. Additionally, with no partition to separate the cabin from the aft area, tire noise is especially prominent at highway speeds. Even with all of its slippery concessions, the Volt is an attractive enough vehicle. Many come equipped with 17-inch chrome-clad wheels that add a splash of style to the judicious use of chrome and piano-black plastic along the window line. The vehicle’s tall, abrupt Kamm tail rear takes some getting used to, especially with its slit brake lamps and somewhat awkward spoiler, but the design does have the effect of differentiating the Volt from the rest of North America’s roadgoing hardware. l PICTURED IN RED: The 2011 Chevy Volt production plug-in hybrid which went on sale in December. PICTURED IN SILVER: The Chevy Volt concept which was revealed in 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show.
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R E a r v i ew
WRITER Alan Bellows PHOTOGRAPHS Courtesy of Ford
FORD NUCLEON A Blast From the Alternative Fuel Past
During the 1950s, much of the world was quivering with anticipation over the exciting prospects of nuclear power. It was during this honeymoon with nuclear energy– in 1957– that the Ford Motor Company unveiled the most ambitious project in their history: a concept vehicle which had a sleek futuristic look, emitted no harmful vapors, and offered incredible fuel mileage far beyond that of the most efficient cars ever built. This automobile-of-the-future was called the Ford Nucleon, named for its highly unique design feature… a pint-size atomic fission reactor in the trunk. Ford’s engineers imagined a world in which full-service recharging stations would one day supplant petroleum fuel stations (sound similar to our current plug-in electric movement?) The vehicle’s aerodynamic styling, one-piece windshield, and dual tail fins are reminiscent of
spacecraft from 1950s-era science fiction, but some aspects of the Nucleon’s unique design were more utilitarian. For instance, its passenger area was situated quite close to the front of the chassis, extending beyond the front axle. This arrangement was meant to distance the passengers from the atomic pile in the rear, and to provide maximum axle support to the heavy equipment and its attendant shielding. Another
practical design aspect was the addition of air intakes at the leading edge of the roof and at the base of the roof supports, apparently to be used as part of the reactor’s cooling system. Ford’s nuclear automobile embodied the naive optimism of the era. Most people were ignorant of the dangers of the atomic contraption, as well as the risk that every minor fender-bender had the potential to become a radioactive disaster. In fact, the Nucleon concept was often received with great enthusiasm. Some sources even claim that the US government sponsored Ford’s atomic car research program. The Nucleon’s silent, sleek, and efficient design was poised to secure its place in the American lifestyle of the future, but Ford never produced a working prototype once the dangers and impracticalities were fully realized. Nevertheless the Nucleon remains an icon of the Atomic Age. It could have been a real blast.l
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PHOTO CREDIT Bryan J Zimmerman
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HE ADS U P
WRITING Courtesy of Listed Show Webpages PHOTOGRAPHER Drew Phillips
Auto Show Schedule: Spring 2011
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2011 www.salon-auto.ch/en/ March 3-13 2011 (Media March 1-2), Switzerland The 81st Annual Geneva Motor Show continues a long-held tradition of exhibiting international car manufacturers’ latest models and futuristic concepts. Come join over 700,000 fellow auto enthusiasts this March 3rd through 13th. SEOUL MOTOR SHOW 2011 www.motorshow.or.kr/eng/main.php April 1-10 2011 (Media March 31), Korea Come see passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and more at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, featuring exhibitors from nine countries around the world. We’re expecting 1 million visitors this year as we gather to appreciate automotive design evolution and our current green revolution on wheels.
NEW YORK AUTO SHOW 2011 www.autoshowny.com/ April 22-May 1 2011 (Media April 20-21), USA Mark your calendars, we will be back at the Jacob Javits Center from April 22-May 1, 2011 and we will have some of the hottest cars and trucks ever seen all under one roof. That means more sneak peeks, more brand new ‘11 & ‘12 production models and more concept vehicles than ever before.
BEIJING AUTO SHOW 2011 www.china-autoshow.com April 9-19 2011, China Many global auto companies have ranked “Auto China” as one of the world’s leading auto shows, and many domestic automakers are also utilizing the event to demonstrate its latest indigenous brand products. Characterized with state-ofthe-art exhibits, great variety of brands and innovative ideas of internationalization, Auto China has become a platform for exchange of the world’s most cutting-edge innovative technologies and an arena for competitive brand promotion.
AUTO SHANGHAI 2011 www.autoshanghai.org/en/ April 23-28 2011 (Media April 19-20), China The 14th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2011) will be held in Shanghai New International Expo Center from 21 to 28 April, 2011 with a brand new vision. The participation of automobile industry giants home and abroad in the coming Auto Shanghai 2011 will once again prove that China, as the world’s biggest automobile market, has its own unique charm.l
I think that cars today are almost the exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals: I mean, the supreme creation of an era, conceived with passion by unknown artists, and consumed in image if not in usage by a whole population which appropriates them as a purely magical object. -Roland Barthes -Editor’s Note
3 ODYSSEY OF THE MIND Overview Odyssey of the Mind (OM), is an international creative problem solving competition for students of all ages. Teams choose one of six Long Term Problems and create an eight minute long skit to meet specified criteria. Students also compete solving a Spontaneous problem the day of competition. Challenge Rebrand OM by redesigning their logo and mascot (Omer the raccoon). Also, design a Long Term Problem Synopsis booklet and a postcard to encourage school participation. Solution The rebranded OM logo is a cloud with lightning, alluding to brain storming. The cloud also forms the letters “OM.” This level of abstraction will appeal to OM’s highly creative participants. The logo is also versatile and adaptable for specifying different tournament levels, etc. Omer was redesigned in minimalist fashion to match the new logo. The Long Term Problem booklet and postcard make use of both new elements throughout, and demonstrate the program’s energetic new color scheme. Photos and text are courtesy of odysseyofthemind.com.
4 VESSEL Overview Vessel was originally designed as a proprietary typeface for a Red Dot Concept Design entry: Innate Vase, an attachment that transforms ordinary plastic bottles into beautiful, functional vases. Challenge Design a functioning display typeface inspired by vase forms as well as an alternate version for more practical applications. Solution The typeface’s solidity and upright posture are derived from the classical forms that have been in use since the days of ancient greek potters. The “b” and “d” most closely resemble the silhouette of a classically proportioned vase and elements from these two letters were extended to inform the design of the remaining characters. Vessel Alt is a contemporary reimagination of Vessel Original. Counters were added to ensure legibility at smaller point sizes. Just as modern sculpture harkens back to classical forms, so Vessel Alt preserves the spirit of the original. This metaphor and the relationship it represents are visualized in the poster designs.
5 BUMPER STICKERS Overview Bumper stickers, especially those of a religious persuasion, can be off-putting, with poorly executed visuals and divisive content. Challenge Design a cohesive series of six illustrative bumper stickers that communicate Biblical themes in a subtle and compelling way. Also, adapt these designs for use as window decals. Solution Sticker content was selected from the New Testament to include poetic imagery with broad appeal that also communicates concepts central to the Christian faith. Each sticker’s backing explains its significance to facilitate discussion. Illustrations demonstrate consistency in line quality, image style, limited color palettes and their application. Both image and typography are legible at a distance and the square format conserves space.
6 CUBBIE’S CAT LITTER Overview Cubbie’s is an imagined premium cat litter brand that distributes its product in unique boxes which transform into custom cat condos when assembled. Challenge Design a logo for the Cubbies brand. Also, engineer and design a repurposable box in three color options that is functional and aesthetically pleasing in both stages of use. Solution The Cubbie’s logo is a simple representation of a cat’s eyes peering from within a box. The package design uses neutral colors that would be welcome in most home decors. The “Save This Box” icon advertises the box’s double function and instructions for use are included on the box’s top panel. Information and images are consolidated onto panels which are non visible when boxes are stacked for a sophisticated, non cluttered appearance.
Cubbie’s boxes can be recycled to create a fun hideout for your cat! It’s easy:
cat litter PREMIUM SCOOPABLE SCENTED
Cubbie’s boxes can be recycled to create a fun hideout for your cat! It’s easy:
cat litter PREMIUM SCOOPABLE SCENTED
25LB
25LB
Cubbie’s boxes can be recycled to create a fun hideout for your cat! It’s easy:
Cubbie’s boxes can be recycled to create a fun hideout for your cat! It’s easy:
cat litter PREMIUM SCOOPABLE SCENTED
25LB
7 MELBOURNE VILLAGE Overview The Melbourne Village is a small, independent town within the city of Melbourne in Central Florida. Established in the 1940’s, the Village prides itself in remaining heavily wooded and has a system of nature trails running through its native oak hammocks and pine forests. Challenge Design a city logo, way finding system, and trail map that uphold the Village’s values of self-sufficiency, simplicity, and closeness to nature. Solution The Melbourne Village logo features the city’s longtime unofficial mascot- the cardinal, emerging from a houseshaped nest which represents the residential town’s harmony with nature. The wayfinding signage is highly visible against the prevalent greenery and some components secondarily function as bird accommodations such as nesting boxes, bird baths, and feeders. The pocket-sized brochure includes a native bird watching checklist along with a map which highlights trails and other city accommodations.
8 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING Overview The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization that aids the elderly in maintaining financial and personal independence and equips them to stay active in their local communities. Challenge Create an advertising campaign that encourages teens and young adults to do their part in keeping the elderly involved and socialized. The campaign is to prompt young people to truly get to know and engage with the elderly people in their lives. Solution The three magazine ads function by showing grandparents doing unexpectedly interesting things in their youth. Images are collaged to evoke a sense of surrealism and disbelief and the call to action spurs young people to get to know the elderly’s life stories. This facilitates intergenerational relationships essential to ongoing socialization. The direct mail piece is a sliding interactive adaptation of one of these ads and the Pandora.com ad takes this campaign into the online arena via a website popular with youth through which specific demographics are easily targetable by musical preference.
9 TATTOOS THESE DAYS Overview Tattoo themed websites all too commonly rely on dark color schemes, grungy textures, menacing imagery, and Old English fonts despite the shift in tattoo culture toward mainstream acceptance and its recognition as a legitimate and versatile art form. Challenge Design and build an educational website about modern tattoo culture. Also design two banner ads to draw traffic to the site. Solution Tattoosthesedays.com’s vertically scrolling articles are broken up by images and captions contained within banners to give the site a distinct and unified appearance. A porous texture with colorful ink stains was also created and widely used to imply tattooed skin in a unique and artistic manner. Headers contain page titles as well as drop down navigation and footers house a takeaway message that summarizes the content of a given page. An original photo gallery and video interview are also included.
NOTES Image Credits For tattoosthesedays.com: STATS Torso- Aaron Nace Legs- Michael Elins DEMOGRAPHICS Ami James- Omar Cruz Kat VonD- Frazer Harrison Vintage Woman- Public Domain Woman Drinking- Edson Carlos Man-Jeffrey Lansh ARTIST LIFESTYLE Desk- Kargig Money- I Stock Woman- Harmony Nicholas BECOMING AN ARTIST Pin Ups- Gil Elvgrin Man- Philippe Leroyer CONCEPT TRENDS Couple- Sweet Trade Photography Vintage Sailor- Public Domain Hand- Greg Tilden EXECUTION Gloves- Ansell-Simplex Ticket Co. Woman- Anthony LaRoche Ink- Skin Candy SUBMIT PHOTO Man- John Molloy
10 THE DRUNK BUS Overview The Drunk Bus is a community service program that provides free rides home from bars to discourage drunk driving and demonstrate care for individuals. Program concept inspired by St. Augustine’s Good News Church. Challenge Design a humorous yet sophisticated logo, business card, reminder sticker (explained below), water bottle and vehicle graphics for The Drunk Bus. Solution The logo introduces the “drunk as a skunk” theme, which appears throughout the materials although is never outright stated. Reminder stickers would be stuck on drunken passengers as they enter the Bus so they are reminded in the morning how they made it home. The skunk is printed on the inside of the water bottle label and viewed through a window on the label’s front, magnified by the water to mesmerizing effect. Overall, the Drunk Bus identity and materials were designed to engage, entertain, and inform passengers in a lighthearted, charming manner.
ERIC MORRISON Graphic Designer
E: lanterngd@gmail.com C: 321 505 2958 St. Augustine, Florida