(born on this day in 1944) is an extraordinary artist — internationally known baritone and operatic director, author, painter (he exhibited paintings at the Chelsea Flower Show on more than one occasion), and now Chancellor of Durham University. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.
We have seen Tom sing many times in person, in Donizetti to Mozart (the title character in "Don Giovanni" and Count Almaviva in "Le nozze di Figaro," both signature roles). I first heard him in 1991, as Sharpless in "Madama Butterfly." My half-price L.A. Opera student subscription seats were in the very back of the 3,000 seat Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The stage was a tiny speck, but this extraordinary voice carried all the way "to the heavens."
His most recent performance in Los Angeles was in 2011 in Rossini's "Il Turco in Italia." After the performance, I had the chance to meet Tom and chat for awhile about art and music. When I gave him my business card he said "Nice card — isn't that Charles Rennie Mackintosh type?…"
:-)
Inspiration is everywhere — in nature, in architecture, in literature, and in the arts. Bravo, Tom. Here's to many more years of creativity!
Good design is good business.
Sir Thomas Allen and Emilie
backstage at the Music Center
H E L V E T I C A , the unadorned, utilitarian typeface which graphic designers have used for more than half a century, is the subject of a 2007 documentary by director Gary Hustwit. Helvetica is everywhere — from bus benches to food packaging.
A documentary about a typeface?... What a great idea! Watching this film gave me a better appreciation for the 1957 typeface formerly known as "Die Neue Haas Grotesk."
As an art director/designer, I always like the challenge of choosing the perfect typeface(s) for each creative project. For print design, the choices are practically limitless. (Although I must admit to having my own sans serif favorites: Gill Sans, Futura, Frutiger, Rotis...)
W E B - S A F E T Y P E F A C E
In the last few years, I've used Helvetica quite a bit. Its clean, minimalist design is a plus for all-digital online (website) projects. Helvetica is "web-safe," reads well on both large and small screens, and still feels contemporary.
Many well-known designers are featured in the documentary:Massimo Vignelli, Paula Scher, Michael Beirut and Erik Spiekermann, among others. Mr. Vignelli, an award-winning Italian designer living in New York, shows some of his firm's work including the iconic 1972 New York City subway map — a project which used Helvetica extensively. Type designers are featured, too: Matthew Carter, Hermann Zapf, Jonathan Hoefler and Tobias Frere-Jones. Definitely "A-List."
Films about typography are a rare treat. Anyone who is interested in design and communication will enjoy "Helvetica."
At Emilie Pallos Graphic Design, we create print, web and signage projects, and are known for classic, yet modern design. For a FREE consultation about your marketing or visual communications project, please send a note to Emilie at studio@emiliepallosdesign.com. View our work here: http://www.emiliepallosdesign.com.
Until next time, thanks for reading!
Photos: Spread from "Helvetica Forever: Story of a Typeface" by Lars Muller Publishers (2009) Type specimen book featuring different weights and point sizes.
In honor of the 93rd birthday of the iconic designer Saul Bass (1920 - 1996), a new "Google Doodle" debuted today. This short film pays tribute to many of Mr. Bass' film designs: The Man with the Golden Arm, Vertigo, North By Northwest (my favorite — how can you do better than Cary Grant starring in this 1959 Hitchcock movie?!), West Side Story, Anatomy of a Murder, and Around the World in 80 Days (my dad Vic's favorite), among others. And turn the sound up — the jazz score is by Dave Brubeck.
Illustrator/designer Matthew Cruickshank created the short tribute film.
Mr. Bass was legendary in the graphic design profession — his client list boasted a "Who's Who" of Fortune 500 companies, and his Los Angeles firm won every major creative award. The office produced marketing communications and comprehensive corporate identities, print and environmental graphics (and airline graphics, too). This was the respected, successful practice designers dream about.
Mr. Bass also created brilliant film titles and posters in the 1950s and '60s — WAY before computer graphics and Photoshop. Some of his identities are below. Notice how many of them are round or rounded, and many appear to be dimensional, even though they are flat. All have strong, solid colors.
Saul Bass' corporate identities.
How many can you name?
(The answers are below if you get stuck!)
A Personal Recollection
I heard Mr. Bass speak once in person, at a 1993 AIGA seminar in Culver City, CA. He walked with a cane by then, but still had a commanding stage presence. I still remember how a fellow young designer seated near me stood up and asked Mr. Bass for a job at Bass/Yager & Associates. How bold! Mr. Bass' response was "Come over to my office and we'll talk." The young designer was dumbfounded.
I kept my notes from that roundtable discussion (which also included designers Jim Cross, Toni Hollander and Rod Dyer). Even after almost 20 years in the profession, I still consider myself a 'student of design.' We have much to learn from our predecessors — IF we take the time to listen.
Last week, as I was finishing the last "Savannah Smile" cookie of 2013, I noticed Mr. Bass's memorable green silhouette Girl Scout logo on the box. Girl Scouts have used this identity for decades because it still "works."
At Emilie Pallos Graphic Design, we respect and study the talented designers of the past. We also create meaningful, powerful creative design solutions for clients in a range of industries, from healthcare to the arts, for private businesses and non-profit organizations.
Contact Emilie to talk about your project: studio@emiliepallosdesign.com.
Good design is good business.
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Background information on the Saul Bass Google film is HERE.
Saul Bass logos (shown above)
From top left: Bell System, AT&T, General Foods, United Airlines, Avery International, Continental Airlines, Celanese, United Way, Rockwell International, Minolta, Girl Scouts of the USA, Lawry's Foods, Dixie, Quaker Oats, Frontier Airlines, Alcoa, Warner Communications, and Fuller Paints
One of our newest creative projects is an advertising campaign for a longtime dental practice client — the artwork above is now on view at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center in Pasadena, CA. Clients are Drs. Hillary Kim and Ray Kwok, DMDs, who own one of the best contemporary dental practices in the area.
Original Art: Joanna
When a photo is just too ordinary, why not consider illustration?
This fanciful tooth (we call her "Joanna," after the doctors' young daughter) leaps off the page to land her jump perfectly. The artwork captures the structure of a "tooth" in a fun, kid-friendly way. Joanna even sports a jaunty ponytail — just like the real girl!
Our talented artist colleague/friend Sandy McDaniel created the original illustration. Sandy can draw or paint just about anything which appeal to the most discerning clients. Little wonder, with a background working with Walt Disney Imagineering, Mattel and The Getty Center. Emilie handled art direction and typography for the project.
We're looking forward to incorporating the new "skating tooth" character into other promotional products for the practice. T-shirts, stickers and a prime spot on the practice's new website are on tap for Joanna.
Please contact Emilie to talk about YOUR next design and illustration project: studio@emiliepallosdesign.com.
A V I S U A L F E A S T For any art director / designer, Cavalia, the French Canadian equestrian/acrobatic show (based in Montreal), is a visual feast. Cavalia was created by Normand Latourelle of "Cirque de Soleil" fame and features some of the best trained and pampered horses (stallions and geldings) anywhere. Add to this trick riders and acrobats who do amazing feats on a multi-acre dirt "stage," with bigger-than-IMAX high-definition background projections – from Easter Island to waterfalls, Iceland, the steppes of central Asia, to the African desert in all four seasons - including a rain and thunderstorm sequence. Audiences are swept away in a worldwide tour: an Odyssey. The tent alone is an amazing feat – reportedly the largest in the world at 10 stories high – with seating for 2,000 people.
"O D Y S S E O" I saw Cavalia for the first time here in Feb. 2011, and it was spectacular. The show returned to nearby Burbank in April, even better than 2011 with all-new sets, imagery and theme – "Odysseo." And new this year, a ridiculously talented troupe of acrobats from New Guinea enthralls the audience with spectacular athleticism and skill. Music, performed live by a small ensemble, is a blend of native sounds from around the world, with lyrics in French. Everyone, and especially those who work in creative fields, will appreciate the artwork and the fantastic performers. Aerialists, musicians, equestrians. Exotic costumes and makeup. Scenic design like no other. And those gorgeous horses….
G R A N D E L I B E R T E My favorite part of the show was the opening sequence – six Arabian horses wander onto the stage, guided by a single trainer. The "Grande Liberté" is performed unbridled, and is simply beautiful. These four-legged charmers are the gorgeous stars of the show. The other sequences are breathtaking – from jumping to trick-riding. The finale began simply, with a single dressage rider and horse, and then grew to include the entire company – cavorting in a lake that filled the stage with 80,000 gallons of water. Inspired!
Following a six-week run in Burbank, the show is returning home to Montreal and scheduled to open in mid-May. You can experience some of this amazing show on http://www.cavalia.net. I can't wait until it returns!
Client Elise Kalfayan hired us to design a new logo for her Glendale, California-based policy blog "Sunroom Desk" which originally launched several years ago. She wanted the 2013 identity to "be appropriate for a publishing company." Elise and I met at one of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce's Business Expos. (This fall event is always a nice opportunity to exhibit my work personally and talk with clients.)
The logo (above) is featured on the newly-redesigned blog www.sunroomdesk.com.
We also assisted client on creative direction for site, with
updated layout, colors and customized WordPress theme. Our firm oversaw
professional local programming and launch.
RESULTS
Client is now able to write and post new
content as needed, quickly and efficiently. And the blog is easily read on all modern devices, both desktop and mobile.
TYPOGRAPHY & COLOR
Classic Roman type (Baskerville
Small Caps) works seamlessly with clean, bright colors (blue and yellow). We also added a
stripe of reddish brown color underneath the letters to signify client's
"Sunroom Desk." Color fields add dimension and interest to the typography.
We always start by considering how best to communicate a client's service or business in a "visual" manner.
FACT-FINDING
We'll ask the following questions for every project:
What is the marketing strategy? Core audience?
How will final art be used: Online, print, signage?
Do we need original illustration? Photography?
How about a specific color scheme?
Addressing these details prior to Phase One is important for a successful project. Collaboration between designer and client is key. Many of our clients still use identities we designed more than 10 years ago because our work is "timeless" (to quote a client) and effective.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At Emilie Pallos Graphic Design, we help businesses in all industries reach diverse markets — online and in print. Creative, custom websites, printed marketing materials, signage, corporate identities, and more… Since 1996.
Call Emilie today to discuss your project: 818 242-9055 or send a message to studio@emiliepallosdesign.com.
Ingredients for the Glendale float - seeds and crushed flowers in a range of vibrant colors.
R O S E S , S E E D S , B A R K . . . Last month we viewed eight Rose floats during the last few days of floral decoration. Hundreds of varieties of flowers, grasses, seeds, bark, and other plants are used on each float, and the end result is exquisite!
These floats are true works of art — congratulations to our fellow artists and designers and the thousands of dedicated volunteers for another terrific parade. Thank you to our friends at Phoenix Decorating and Glendale Adventist Medical Center for a sneak peak.
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At Emilie Pallos Graphic Design, we haven't designed a Rose Float yet (someday!), but we DO help clients in all professions with marketing and creative design projects for business.
H O W A B O U T . . .
• A new company L O G O —a unique, modern, yet classic look, which tells your story.
• An updated W E B S I T E — new design, photos and text creates a successful online presence for 2013 and beyond.
And....
• A new B R O C H U R E about your company (never underestimate the power of a great printed piece — it drives sales, enhances credibility and looks great on your reception desk).
A dynamic, interesting brochure will set you ABOVE your competition. Our firm specializes in high-end print design work — it's how we began in this great profession 20 years ago.
And let's not forget...
Some new, eye-catching B U S I N E S S C A R D S. Still the best (and most cost-effective) "little brochure" about your company or service!
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Let's talk! Please contact Emilie at 818 242-9055 for a free consultation. Or send a note to studio@emiliepallosdesign.com.
Mom (business partner) Barbara was a funny lady. She was quick to add a touch of subtle, droll humor to any situation. Mom truly had a "sparkle." And she could always poke fun at herself, too. Smiles and laughter were ever-present!
As some of you know, Barb passed away in late 2010 after a valiant struggle with brain cancer. The holidays are "family time," and although she is no longer with us on earth, she will always be in our hearts.
In 2010, my dad and I established the Barbara Pallos Brain Tumor Research Fund at USC, and our friends and clients will be pleased to learn that Barb's research team at the Keck School of Medicine, led by neurosurgeon/oncologist Dr. Tom Chen, made some important discoveries during 2012.
These findings could lead to less-invasive treatments for brain cancer or even a vaccine in the future. What a blessing for patients and families. This is a notoriously difficult cancer to treat, and many patients survive less a year after diagnosis.
Your gifts will be used solely for brain cancer/stem cell research by Dr. Chen's team. Thank you. :)
A Promise of Heaven
As we celebrate the holidays this year, we are blessed to have such wonderful memories of Mom and the love we shared for 40 years.
One of Barb's favorite hymns was "Once in Royal David's City," which always opens the Christmas Eve service at King's College, Cambridge. She loved this choir and this church service, which we enjoyed together on the radio for more than 20 years. Here are the last two verses of this beautiful hymn, which tells the story of Christ and a promise of Heaven:
"...And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav’n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around."
Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848; Music: Henry J. Gauntlett, 1849
From the English Hymnal
Yesterday we took a late afternoon stroll through Beverly Hills to see the environmental graphics —signage, window displays and retail storefronts. It's always fun to walk the busy streets, camera in hand, checking out the latest shops and restaurants, and seeing a few friends along the way, too!
Beverly Hills signage doesn't "shout." Subtlety reigns (for the most part!). Classic Roman lettering, nice sans serifs, cool color schemes and perfectly-kerned script faces are popular. Luxe facades, interesting lighting effects and the relationship between exterior and interior design is all-important for success.
Here are some favorites featuring great design and typography (intersection of Rodeo Drive and Brighton Way):
Marble-clad Chanel commands center stage. Rodeo Drive's median is decorated in sparkling white lights.
Cartier features a feline motif in its store windows and on the building's roof. Sweater-clad dogs are everywhere in town, but at Cartier, the Cat is King.
Snell Roundhand is Cartier's signature typeface. Its perfectly spaced gold script letters exude wealth and refinement. A classic choice for a classic store.
Bulgari store windows offer a mid-century modern architectural motif offset with pops of orange color and signature Roman letters.
Jeweler David Yurman has the most elegantly lighted exterior
lettering we've seen in a long time. The effect is stunning.
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At our Glendale studio, we design for clients in various industries — from the arts to medical practices. Drop Emilie a line to talk about your projects — websites, corporate identity and signage, and high-quality marketing materials.
Managing Principal Rhonda Frith-Lyons asked us to create the identity for her new company which helps businesses with growth strategies, strategic planning and turnaround.
Besides holding two Master's degrees, Rhonda was a successful architect on the East Coast during the 1980s and '90s. Her professional background gave us the idea to incorporate architectural imagery into the Strategybiz identity. We also helped streamline the company tagline: "Architect of Business Success."
A steel blue, charcoal grey and black color scheme communicates an artistic, yet solidly corporate look. Typefaces are classic: Rotis (sans serif) and Adobe Garamond (serif). One of our strengths is the ability to use typography well, a skill we've practiced for 20 years.
I D E N T I T Y H A S A N A R R A Y O F U S E S
The Strategybiz Consulting identity will be used on business cards, note cards and other corporate collateral, plus a new website and other online marketing materials.
Emilie is always excited to help a new business with an original brand. A professionally-designed identity is important for any company's launch, and is a smart investment.
Contact us today for an updated identity for your company — it's what we do!
To help raise awareness for breast cancer, Glendale Adventist Medical Center is hosting the Army of Pink campaign during October.
Please vote for our friend Captain Carl Povilaitus of the Glendale Police Dept. We think his message about "locking up cancer and throwing away the key" is the best of the six candidates.
We have a personal interest in this campaign: Emilie's mom Barbara was a two-time breast cancer survivor, first diagnosed at age 43. Our family was grateful for excellent medical care and treatment which enabled Barbara to recover.
Yes, this post is design-related. Pink is Emilie's favorite color!
Q&A: So where's the pink on Carl's uniform? On his badge!
Thanks for supporting Army of Pink! BREAKING NEWS — Nov. 1, 2012 We are happy to report that Capt. Povilaitus was voted the winner in the 2012 Army of Pink campaign, and earned a spot riding on Glendale's 2013 Rose Parade float. Congratulations, Carl!
Our colorful displays attracted many Expo visitors. Emilie is happy to talk about design and its role in the success of any business or organization (2012).
Each fall, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce hosts the Business Expo Showcase. We book space early, since this is a great way to meet new clients personally and display our design work.
Success Story
Commemorative sticker:
Marlene Oliphant Designs
Marlene Oliphant visited Emilie's booth at last year's Expo. Marlene is a talented interior designer with clients in Southern California and across the U.S. She asked us to update her firm's corporate identity/stationery system, and to design display advertising which ran in nearby country club directories. We also created a cool sticker celebrating her firm's 10th anniversary (shown here).
Brava, Marlene, and good luck in your next 10 years! We look forward to our next collaboration.
Long story short — Emilie ALWAYS meets interesting new clients at the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo!
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Thanks to all who visited our booth this week at the 2012 Expo. It was exciting to meet so many people interested in art and design. As usual, Emilie connected with many interested visitors, some of whom talked about specific projects.
Websites and corporate identity are still at the top of most business owners' "must-do" lists, but a number of people inquired about print design, too. Emilie was happy to show samples and talk about how quality printed materials supplement a good website and other marketing efforts. A recognizable, consistent brand image is all-important.
We'll help your business in 2012 and beyond. Please contact Emilie at studio@emiliepallosdesign.com or call her at 818 242-9055 to talk about a new logo, website, or anything else that's "creative."
In addition to full-service art direction and design, we offer copywriting, photography, illustration and professional web programming. Never "cookie-cutter" and always original. Since 1996.
Good design is good business.
Emilie welcomes Glendale Unified School District Board Member Greg Krikorian to her booth (2012).
From Hunter Wellies to the classic red and white livery of a Virgin Atlantic 747-400, we love all things British. When the International Olympic Committee announced London would be hosting the 2012 Summer Games, one word came to mind. Brilliant!
London is a beautiful city, rich in history, and surprisingly modern, too. Friends always speak longingly of Paris and Rome. We love London.
And in this world capital, classic design is everywhere. From pubs to department stores, street signs to Parliament, good design is prominent in British life. Except maybe Piccadilly Circus, where the glittery "Vegas Effect" is in full force. Take a twilight stroll down Regent Street right before Christmas. Magical.
Some of our favorites: motorcars (Austin Healey, MG, Lotus and black taxis), architecture (Westminster Abbey and Cloisters, the British Museum, the Royal Parks), Sainsbury's supermarket (where food packaging is gorgeous) and even candy wrappers (Polo mints). All are great British design.
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is a must-visit for everyone, especially designers. Best (and affordable) store in town for souvenirs: the Buckingham Palace Shop near the Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews.
At Emilie Pallos Graphic Design, our sense of design is classic, too. From websites to brochures and corporate identity, we help clients reach their perfect audience with the right words and imagery. Timeless, yet modern. For 2012 and beyond.
