The first full week back, all are settling in and have deadlines clearly in view. All of you are now working to showcase our skills and show that they have a place in the cultural landscape going forward. This week we have looked at some great exhibitions and cool Youtube channels all aimed to showing you about making the most of what you have and sometimes simplicity is just as powerful as grandiose production. We have showcased local talent that have achieved global success and ways to help improve your chances of working for these companies in the future. So, as always have an explore and see where these starting points take you.
YOUTUBE: COLORS
Colors is a Youtube channel that showcases some of the best contemporary music through performance. The Premise is the performer performs in a set of own colour, making them the focus and their performance the most important thing. Many artists have used it to showcase their incredible voices and lyrics. It's great to watch how the different creatives, deal with the stark backdrop, with great performance or cool clothes, as they are so exposed in the studio.
I love it's simplicity. Colors have 6.56 million subscribers, they are clearly doing something special. How could you make something simple seem so important?
TV: OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH
A new TV series starring Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby started last week on BBC. It's a Pirate comedy with Waititi playing the iconic Black Beard with Rhys Darby playing the hapless Gentlemen Pirate, Stede. Each is disillusioned with their own lives, but each fascinated by the others'. So they embark on a journey of discovery together, but is all as it seems?
All episodes are available on iPlayer or watch along on BBC on Wednesday at 10.
I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far, it's funny and looks great too. if you're into comedy there are loads of great cameos from some of the best comics in the world too.
Watch the trailer and see what you think.
EXHIBITION: MACKINNON & SAUNDERS - 30 YEARS AND BEYOND
This Exhibition is on at Sale Waterside in Manchester. It's a great little show which packs a punch. Cosgrove Hall and MacKinnon and Saunders are a Manchester Institution and you can see why. It was great to see the models for characters that are much loved by myself and my family in real life. Some great insight into the making and design processes that go into stop motion animation and an amazing treat of seeing the new Pinocchio models. MoMA in New York (one of the most important galleries in the world) are having a much larger but similar exhibition too, so it is cool to think we have a little bit of Hollywood glamour in a small gallery in Manchester.
Well worth a visit, easily accessed by car or tram. Try Grapefruit Coffee, across the road once you have finished.
Renowned animation studio Mackinnon & Saunders (Corpse Bride, Ra Ra the Noisy Lion, Pinocchio) celebrate their 30th year with this inspiring and exciting exhibition which showcaseS puppets and props the Altrincham-based animators have created for TV and film productions for some of the world’s most successful studios, directors and filmmakers.
On display for the very first time are the original puppet and models made by Mackinnon & Saunders for the Guillermo del Toro feature film, retelling the story of Pinocchio (Netflix). Several puppets and models they made for two Tim Burton films, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie, will also be in the exhibition alongside work from their contribution to Wes Anderson’s acclaimed Fantastic Mr Fox and family favourites – Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Twirly Woos and Bob The Builder.
There are also original models and puppets from some of the biggest TV shows and films from the past 50 years, as well as a series of black and white behind-the-scenes photographs to celebrate the vision, skill and artistry of the local animators and model-makers who have brought these iconic characters and wonderful stories to life.
A look into the making of Pinocchio on Netflix.
If you like these models why not check out YSP's Annie Montgomerie exhibition. Drawing on her love of animals, Montgomerie creates expressive anthropomorphic creatures that convey a range of magnified childlike emotions. Cats, lambs, foxes, and dogs often feature in her collections, each one covered in layer upon layer of retro fabric, strategically placed to replicate the differing directions of the fur or skin, achieving a ‘loved-to-death’ threadbare look. Their bodies are made from vintage finds, usually from the 1970s and 1980’s, adding a sense of nostalgia to each piece. They often appear sad or lost – a representation of her own feelings of inadequacy as a child.
Here is Gerard Way talking about why he likes the work. Loads of beautifully crafted figures.
OPPORTUNITY: BEHANCE. ADOBE LIVE STREAMS
Adobe Live section on Behance- great content loads of different ideas, tips, tutorials, how to's... For example this week they are focusing on Adobe Express, where you can make loads of things, like this blog....
Behance say.... "Join us in the morning for Adobe Express streams — If you are an aspiring creative, small business owner, or looking to kickstart a side hustle - these live streams are for you! Then level up your skills with Creative Challenges, Bootcamps, and Pro-Tips. Get inspired by artists from all over the world during our live learning events. Tune in to connect directly with your instructors and other creatives just like you. In the afternoon, join creatives in their own Community Streams! Laugh and create along side other Adobe Live Community members on Behance, Youtube and Twitch!"
ADVICE: DriBBBLE
7 Storytelling Techniques To Enhance Your Graphic Design Portfolio
Did you know that weaving stories into your graphic design portfolio not only humanizes you as a designer but also gives prospective clients insight into what it’s like to work with you?
When done well, a great story can create clients who are eager to contact you about their projects and set you apart from the competition. And you’ll be glad to know that the same techniques that are used to tell compelling stories can also be used to craft thoughtful stories within your own graphic design portfolio.