Esther Aarts

I've just come across the fauulous retro style work of Esther Aarts, a dutch (Nijmegen) based  illustrator, designer and typographer.

Not everybody hit's the spot for me when it comes to this 50's/60's  retro look, it's a hard act to pull off – I've posted before about some of my favourites like Lord Dunsby and Mads Berg. 

Esther has also 'nailed it' as they say on 'X-factor' (apparently). Her illustrations and typography have a wonderful old world, home made charm that really appeal. Just the right amount of texture, and a colour palette that is spot on. Of course, that's probably because she makes them on the latest technology, her iPad… (see below). Copacetic.

More on her website, here.

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Simply beautiful animated gifs…

From "I'm not an artist"… an "animated gif paranoia about nonstop design workers" a work ion progress project that… well, if you want to know more it's on the website, which rewards exploration. I especially like the way you can choose your viewing mode. 

Found on ffffound.com

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More minimalism…

 I heart this. More (or should that be less?) here.

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In a perfect world…

After a few posts on bubblecars, then a few on Alfa Romeo's… I seem to be on a Simplicity kick at the moment (see the Chris Thornley and Hexagoll posts).

There's some great work here from young California-based designer and student Catrina Dulay (her website is here). I think most of these things will resonate with most of us!

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Just a couple of nice print ads

Nice ads, simple idea, well executed. In case you can't read the type at the bottom, it says; "Early childhood education is crucial for children’s development."

By McCann Erickson; São Paulo.

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Chris Thornley aka Raid71

You'll probably recognise Chris Thornley's (aka Raid71) work… It's regularly posted on design blogs. I first saw Chris's work as T-shirt designs on the Threadless site. I also love his "Alternative film psoters" (see below). Completley different from the work of Hexagonall, previously posted, but sharing a strong graphic sense of humour, and understanding of his subject. 

Chris Thornley is a founding member of SourceCreative based in Blackburn, Lancashire. He trained as a graphic designer, with a degree in Typography, but he says he is a frustrated cartoonist at heart. 

Created Raid71 to try and push the boundaries of the corporate 9-5 (although he reckons his work day is more like 8-8… but that's the passion)
Chris has worked Levis, Gola and Lego to name just a few, and has  awards from AOI and Adobe for illustration work.

Chris lives in Darwen, Lancashire where he is surrounded by the Pennines. He has "two amazing sons who provide him with a world of inspiration". Well, wherever you get your inspiration from Chris, it's clearly working. Nice work fella!

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