engage

I went to see the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company in Decatur on Sunday. They were brought by Millikin University and performed in the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Upon entering the center, I noticed a little booklet, which is what I scanned for this week's entry. I was immediately attracted to the wide range of colors contained within the letters. There is a lot of visual activity within each letter as well, created from the montage of images. The booklet contains information on each event in the year's show lineup, so the use of performance images is very appropriate. I also like the actual copy of the headline, "engage." It is nicely divided into two lines, creating a solid block in combination with the additional type in the top right of the image. The white space in the design is used very well, providing great contrast to the rich letters. There is a subtle texture applied to the white area, which adds a great tactile element to the piece.

Amway looks classier from above

 

Communication Arts
Typography Annual 2011

I've been drawing a lot of inspiration from the most recent issue of Communication Arts, their typography annual. The Amway Center logo attached to the building, as pictured above, not only serves to identify the building and advertise for the company, but also provides seating in a rooftop bar area. To be honest, it isn't the look of the typography that I admire about this design, but the surprising function of the letters. Looking at the type straight-on doesn't do anything significant for me, but I'm fascinated by the space it creates on the rooftop! This piece inspires me to think about how I can surprise viewers in my own graphic design work. It re-appeared in my mind again and again after seeing it for the first time last week, so I had to write about it!