Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - Wall Art is Everywhere

In an earlier post I brought up wall art being done in cities. In the article about the art work in Oneonta, they wanted to show how the city of the hills once was. In this image in Boston the art work on the building made walking by look like a modern city sky line. With all of the history in Boston they could have depicted any scene from the past, (I am image there are some) but I think the historical aspect of the city stands alone so other elements of artist design are used. I didn’t notice this building at first since from far away the art work actually blended into the rest of the city, which I think was pretty neat.

Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - Graffiti – Art or Vandalism

Every city has some type of graffiti on walls and buildings. Some are beautiful works of art, and some look like simple child’s play. I really got into graffiti after watching a documentary called “Exit through the gift shop.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0b90YppquE This documentary opened my eyes to this underground art world. Some of the artists use it to make several different types of political statements. Although this documentary was supposed to be about the elusive Banksy, from Britain, the videographer turned out to be a more interesting subject. Anyway, that’s not what I want tot get into. I found some art from while in Boston, from Shepard Fairy, you make know of him due to some lawsuits related to this artists rendition of Obama, and the photograph he sampled and adjusted for a Rolling Stone cover.

• Image of OBEY by Shepard Fairy. Winter and Tremont, Boston MA

His art called OBEY is known across the country depicting the face of famous wrestler Andre the Giant. There’s a good section in the movie about more of his works, including this one.I enjoy seeing these works of art now that I know more about who created them and why. Only after watching this film, I step back and look at the message they are trying to relay. And I enjoy the art much more.
• Below is another image from Banksy in Boston’s China Tow.

The majority of the art I see, (especially in Oneonta) I think is just vandalism, and people trying to make their name for a lasting type of “fame”. Example of what I consider just nonsense, would be all the junk Banksys art “follow your dreams” above.

Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - Visual Noise Flyers- Restrain, Reduce, Emphasize

While doing laundry I couldn’t help but notice all of the flyers on the wall and bulletin board. Take a look and see what one you think stands out the most.

If your eye sees what I see, you are probably drawn to the flyer with the boy in a baseball cap. This flyer is for a baseball training day being offered in oneonta by the Oneonta Outlaw's minor league team. The image and use of space is what caught my eye. Among all the other information being presented the one that presented it the most effectively would also be to me the most attractive. Placing an add in a location like this in order to be effective the artist must make their flyer stand out among the rest of the flyers, or visual noise. It provided me the highest signal, even though I was not interested, in the camp I was drawn to the flyer and read all the information they had presented, which was also clear and concise.


Strong topic related images I think play a large role in an effective use to emphasize your information. Placement also in this case and location is important. Keeping it slightly away from the rest of the clutter it is more effective, and easy to read since your not distracted by the surrounding flyers.

Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - K.I.S.S. Method of Advertising

Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - Building Art as Design

I've noticed there are a few places in Oneonta where brick walls were once blank and empty, are now elaborately decorated. Over past few years store owners have paid artists to add artwork to their buildings. I think this adds character and makes a strong statement about the city its history and community.

Documenting An Awareness of Design IDT590 - Store Front Design Draws Clients

“You can observe a lot by looking around.” (Reynolds, p.235) I see design everyday when driving around Oneonta. When making a decision for lunch I wanted to try a new deli that opened up on Main Street. I wanted to eat at this place not because I heard the food was good but because of the design and curb appeal of the restaurant.

After entering the deli the art and design of the dining area grabbed my attention. Art work on the walls and immaculate carved wood works made the atmosphere very relaxing. All the walls featured different murals and images that were very detailed and colorful.

After leaving I noticed the deli across the street which I have also eating at. The outside was very basic for a diner, and the dining area just your standard diner layout no art or design. I think comparing the two to an outside visitor to this town the design aspect of these two store fronts would in my mind draw them to the deli. I then noticed several building on Main Street a prime location to draw customers; several used a very basic design to grab your attention. I also noticed in that the store fronts and restaurants that were unique in their design and artist store front tended to have more traffic in and out and more customers dinning or reading at seating outside the store.

After paying more attention to these design details on main street, its easy to miss or ignore the normal things we see everywhere, and notice the unique designs and can be drawn to them do to that.

Panoramic: http://www.stephenjosephphoto.com/oneonta-book-sample.html

Reynolds, Garr. Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations. Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2010 (p.235)