unstrungstudio

I heard Craig Frazier speak at the Portfolio Center this morning. Craig's work is amazing, and it is difficult to separate talent from message sometimes, i.e. sometimes the delivery is so good that you forget about the message. However, Craig is able to solve visual communication problems creatively while still retaining his intended message. Additionally, Craig rarely defaults to the obvious answer, which I find inspiring. It is also a valuable lesson for designers and illustrators. When doing an annual report, it's easy to default to dollar signs and handshakes, but that approach isn't new, fresh or, more importantly, effective. Similar to Chip Kidd, Craig finds a novel way to define the essence of a visual communication problem, and, he frames his message creatively. This is difficult, because we all default to simple associations. Money equals dollar signs. Work is associated with computers. Partnerships are defined by handshakes. However, as Craig illustrates with his animation for Adobe, defining a concept in a new and intriguing way can inspire, motivate and awe your audience.

posted by J.  # 3:18 PM