Blog 1

1. 3AM Design http://www.3am-design.com/

Process

It is evident through the projects that 3AM Design displays on their website that freedom is an important element in their design process. 3AM looks at a product and transforms it so that it inspires imagination. The site also advertising a "ready-edit" suite with HD. 3AM features a simple site and simple examples of work. Thus, this hints towards the idea that simplicity is a huge influence on their design process. However, 3AM's projects are far from boring. The design process includes different ways of twisting products and concepts so that they catch the viewer's attention.

Artistic Needs

3AM has a distinctive style that yields a combination of reality and imagination. Once again, it is evident that freedom is a huge part of the design. The firm also defines itself by the use of simplicity. The firm utilizes the simple element of color selection to create the feel of each video project. For example, the Pop Tart commercial features bold but bright colors. The colors give the commercial a "fun" and "playful" feel. Another project that exemplifies this technique is the commercial for "Pretty Dangerous." The entire project is shot with dark shadows and dark reds. The colors itself provides the show that it is advertising with a dark and mysterious feel.

Client Needs

This design firm creates projects that advertise everything from products (Pop Tarts) to television shows. The client's are seeking this firm to place their products in the spotlight and give them an entertaining twist. My favorite project from 3AM is the Pop Tart commercial. By themselves, Pop Tarts are pretty boring. The commercial turns them into a fun breakfast food. A client would bring their product to this company because they get the job done without any frills. The end result is an advertisement that is modern and appealing to consumers because it appeals to the consumers imagination.

Product

3AM offers a variety of different products that they have created for different clients. The dominant product that is featured on the site is television shows. Each product, no matter what type, is delivered in a unique but simple manner. The commercials don't exactly focus on the product itself, which perhaps makes the product more appealing. An example would be the commercial for "Pretty Dangerous." The focus of the work is the emotions inspired by a sexy character and visions of blood. It does not give much specific reference to characters or events in the show. Thus, an audience would be intrigued by the mystery the show appears to offer.

2. NoWhere Lab http://www.nowhere-lab.net/index.html

Process

NoWhere Lab features projects that are quite different in comparison to the previous design firm (3AM). Their design processes feature bold designs with a lot motion. Fun and energy are also concepts that this design firm aims for. This is once again apparent from their busy and bold designs.

Artistic Needs

The artistic goal of this firm is to immerse the audience in the product. The designs capture attention through the utilization of motion with a distinct "retro feel." Each commercial features so much movement, that the viewer's eye is moving over the entire production space. The firm also uses simple shapes with bright colors and places them together to form complete designs with a retro feel. The reality of the product is completely exaggerated through extreme color, shape and motion. Every production exudes an extreme sense of fiction.

Client Needs

The three projects portrayed on NoWhere Lab's website feature the clients of MTV, Legos, and what I believe to be a cartoon television show. These clients chose this firm because they want their products to stand out from the rest. Instead of trying to be modern and edgy, this design firm designs commercials that make the product feel retro. An audience will be attracted to the bright colors and the busy motion of the commercials.

Products

The products advertised by NoWhere Lab are all television oriented. These products are best presented in a form that depicts their motion and actions. NoWhere Lab specializes in enhancing the motion of the products.

3. http://www.stardust.tv/

Process

Stardust creates a unique environment that is a combination of reality and cartoon worlds for the projects that they are representing. Stardust utilizes a design process that takes a product and exaggerates its qualities and/or features through the use of animation. The projects produced by Stardust embody the idea that the imagination is truly endless. Although the designs that combine the reality of the product with the fantasy of design are complex with color and movement, the elements are brought together in such a fashion that a simple idea such as "fun" is easily presented through the work.

Artistic Needs

The combination of illustration and real products creates a very artistic reality. Stardust uses animation to highlight the ideas surrounding the product. Most of the projects presented in the site use bright colors and "happy" animations. The animation also aim to illustrate what might be going on inside the head of the character if there is one. This brings the audience in touch with the product being described. The audience can better relate to the character and/or the product.

Client Needs

The clients of Stardust include Scion, Microsoft, Nissan, BMW and many others. Judging by their impressive list of clients, it can be assumed that many companies like the artistic style of Stardust. No matter what the company or product, the same style of reality and animation is used in all the commercials. Clients that come to Stardust need an innovative way to reach out to the intended audience and allow them to relate to the product at hand.

Product

Stardust creates projects for a variety of products that range from automobiles to computers. A common trend shared by all these products is that they are modern creations. The cars are of the latest designs and the computers boast the latest technologies. The artistic style used by Stardust brings such products close to the audience. The commercials present the idea that these technologies can be used and loved by everyone.


-Laura Hemler