Laura's Journal

Inspired by Nature

2012-01-30T20:13:00.000-08:00

I've always been comforted by nature. I love camping and taking walks in beautifully new surroundings. I visited Wollaton Hall and Deer Park just before the Christmas holidays, early on a Sunday morning with my boyfriend where we took the following photographs. We were also testing out my new camera so some of the photos are just experimental.

Pottery

2012-01-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Being born in Stoke-on-Trent, I think it's a natural instinct for me to love pottery! I can't get enough of my cups of tea and teapots! Here are some photographs of some of my own collections...

Milan

2012-01-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

I have booked tickets! Yes! I am going to Milan during the "Salone Internazionale del Mobile" or "Milan's Furniture Fair 2012" week! So excited... I need to start planning my trip!

http://cosmit.it/tool/home.php?s=0,2,67,71,75

Memphis Design

2012-01-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd look into the design movement of Memphis, as it had been mentioned frequently in my design studies classes and during my film lectures.

Textile Designers

2012-01-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

I love textile design, and think that the right upholstery on a piece of furniture can change the whole aesthetics of the design. I have recently been particularly interested in the following textile designers, who I have researched in my journal: Orla Kiely Donna Wilson

I have followed and appreciated the design work of Cath Kidston for years, and I am lucky enough to have a couple of her designs myself...

"Field Flowers Folded Zip Wallet"

"Victoria Rose Saddle Bag"

Examples from journals

2012-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

Just some examples of the sorts of things I put in my journals:

I've signed up to be on the mailing list for Dwell, the furniture store. They send me a catalogue in the post of their new and current designs every month. I think it's very important to keep up-to-date with the latest designs, not just through famous designers work, but also through chain-stores like Dwell.

This page was created using a mixture of different papers and pens.

Nottingham often hosts vibrant markets in it's Old Market Square. I took these photographs of lighting and furniture at one of their fairs. I love how when living in a city you can be so easily surrounded by multi-cultural design.

A journal learning curve

2012-01-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

Looking back at my old journal entries, I found images which I hadn't seen in a while. From viewing these, I've realised how easy it is to add to these images by means of an on-line blog, by searching for the artists on the web and immediately finding more information on them and examples of their work.

I asked my friend (who studies broadcast journalism) to write out some short-hand for me. I thought it was really interesting and so wanted to include it in my journal. Short-hand is a different type of writing skill which abbreviates language, making it quicker to jot down notes.

When I went to The Lake District I picked up this leaflet in a shop, and stuck it in my journal because I thought the colours and fonts used were really appealing.

This piece by Alphonse Mucha will demonstrate well what I previously mentioned about broadening my knowledge of designers. I found the next images when I put this designer into a search engine...maybe I could get used to gaining instant access like this after all!

"Spring"

"Zodiac"

"The Moon"

"Light of Day"

"Summer 1896"

"Alphonse"

Alphonse Mucha's work is truly captivating. The beauty of femininity that is portrayed in these posters is inspiring. I love how the women look so pure and natural, surrounded by intricate detailing and delicate lines. Their faces seem so calm and simple, as if they could be any female.

Mucha was a Czech, Art Nouveau painter (1860 - 1939). Art Nouveau (meaning "New Art" in French) was based on the idea around William Morris' Arts and Crafts movement, which suggested that everything could and should be art.

London: The Science Museum

2012-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

London: The Culture Clash
A study trip to London, to explore the different museums and galleries that our capital city has to offer. These are a selection of photographs which I took in the Science Musuem in May 2011.

London: Natural History Museum

2012-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

London: Culture Clash.
A study trip to London, to explore the different museums and galleries that our capital city has to offer. These are a selection of photographs which I took in the Natural History Museum in May 2011.

London: The V&A Museum

2012-01-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Quotes

2012-01-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

What's the best way to start my book of inspiration? With some quotes by famous, influential designers of course. May the creativity begin...

Dieter Rams's "10 Principles for Good Design" was created when he asked himself the question, "is my design good design?". As good design cannot be measured in a finite way, he set about expressing the ten most important principles for what he considered was good design.

These principles have been applied to a variety of different design disciplines, although they were primarily for industrial/product design. These principles are very important to know, although I believe that they're not a set of rules, and everyone must remember to keep an open-mind whilst designing.

How my first journal began

2012-01-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

Alessandro Mendini:

Mendini was one of the first product designers I discovered, as I was interested in these bottle openers I saw in John Lewis. An Italian designer and architect, his design has been characterized as "mixing different cultures and different forms of expression". He was born in Milan in 1931 and has collaborated with international companies such as Alessi, Philips, Swarvoski and Swatch. Alessandro Mendini is a member of the "Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design", has been awarded with the Italian prize for Design and Architecture and his work can be seen world-wide. A truly inspiring designer who's work has influenced many others as well as many movements.

The Beginning

2012-01-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

As I love to keep a physical journal, I've never been interested in uploading images of my inspiration onto the web before. However, I thought it was about time I shared my ideas and influences with others. As you search this site, enjoy seeing the things which make me smile.