kellybird.ART blog
Design to Inspire
Design Philosophy Through the Lens of Colour Psychology
In the world of design, colours do more than fill spaces, they breathe life into creations, evoking emotions in ways words often cannot. Colour psychology explores how specific colours influence emotions and behaviours and should be applied in shaping the narrative of your message.
Navigating the New AI Generated Creative Landscape
The advent of AI generative art has ushered in a transformative epoch in the creative industries, presenting a paradox of opportunities and challenges that merits a nuanced exploration. As an enthusiast of this burgeoning field, I find myself alternating between admiration for its capabilities and a primal instinct to view it as competition.
Designing a Book Cover for "City of Stolen Magic"
In this blog post I share my process of designing a book cover for the Penguin Book Cover Design Award (2024) for a fictional children's book titled "City of Stolen Magic,". This project is popular with Illustration and design students as it not only strengthens your portfolio but also sharpens your skills in adhering to a specific brief.
Coco Chanel: The Journey from Obscurity to Icon through Authenticity
In a world where hype often overshadows substance, the story of Coco Chanel stands as a testament to the enduring power of authenticity. Her journey from a modest upbringing to becoming one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century was paved with innovation, authenticity, and a profound understanding of women's desires.
The Psychological Power of Personal Fashion
What we choose to wear each day is more than following the latest trend, it's about expressing who we are and how we feel. This expression is a form of non-verbal communication, a way of signalling to others our character, moods, profession and even our mental health.
Design an easter campaign for ECO EGG’s Green Easter
The Green Easter Campaign was born out of a desire to intertwine the spirit of Easter with a message of sustainability and environmental consciousness. In this post I share the story behind my latest project, ECO EGG, and how artificial intelligence (AI) and Canva has transformed the way I conceptualise, create, and deliver my designs.
Deconstruction of The Hunger Games Movie Poster
In the field of art history, the theories of iconology and deconstruction have emerged as influential approaches to explore the understanding and interpretation of visual culture. In this post I will use the theory of deconstruction to critic the Hunger Games poster to expose the multiple interpretations within the text and imagery.
Values, Attitudes and Lifestyle Profiles
To create successful marketing campaigns, it is essential to understand and connect with your target audience. One way to achieve this is by categorising them based on VAL (Values, Attitudes, and Lifestyles) segments. To improve your message, it is important to know the different VAL categories and explore their characteristics, motivations, and preferences. By gaining insights into these categories, you can tailor your marketing strategies to effectively engage and resonate with your target audience.
Understanding the needs of your target audience
In the world of branding and marketing, understanding the needs and desires of your target audience is crucial. Maslow’s ‘pyramid of needs’ theory suggests that individuals have a hierarchy of needs, ranging from basic physiological to higher-level needs. By aligning your branding and marketing efforts with a need, you can create powerful messages that resonate with your audience.
Billionaire David Friedberg speaks capitalism
Billionaire David Friedberg, CEO of The Production Board, appeared on BBC’s HARDtalk with Stephen Sackur to discuss the future of humanity and the role of capitalism. As someone who has thrived in the capitalist system, it's no surprise that Friedberg advocates for its merits. With Sackur, speaking on behalf of the underprivileged and challenges the inequalities inherent in capitalism.
Designing with Awareness and Inclusivity
In the world of design, it is essential to be aware of the power of semiotics and the potential impact of unconscious messages conveyed through visual communication. By incorporating the principles of semiotics into your design practice, you become more aware of the messages you are conveying to your audience. In my own practice, I mindfully avoid sexualised content, challenging the male gaze, and breaking gender stereotypes.
Evolution of Ideas
As a young individual learning about evolution, I thought about a time when we looked like monkeys covered in hair. It fascinated me to consider how, over millennia, we had gradually evolved to have little to no hair on our bodies. I envisioned a time, thousands of years from now, when humans might become completely hairless. I started to contemplate time, how long would it take for us to evolve? Would we gradually and unnoticeably become more hairless until all hair was gone?
A Brief History of Art and Graphic Design
Art and graphic design has evolved throughout history and represents a visual account of changing cultural, social, and technological progression. Each new generation adds their stamp onto history through artistic expression, political and social movements and igniting revolutionary change.
Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that provides a framework for understanding human motivation and the various stages of personal growth. Maslow believed that individuals are driven by a hierarchy of needs, with basic physiological needs at the foundation, leading to higher-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualisation.
Captivate Your Target Audience with Illustrated Branding and Marketing Material
We've all grown tired of being bombarded with internet advertisements that seem to shout for our attention. The repetitive layouts, stock-style images, and saturated colours used in these ads make it difficult to differentiate one product or service from another. Amidst this sea of visual noise, a company that invests time and creative talent into designing their marketing materials stands out. When an advertisement captures our attention, it shows that the company has taken the effort to create something unique and compelling.
Why Did Humans Evolve the ability to draw?
While early humans were still mastering the use of fire, they were mastering the art of drawing. Some of these prehistoric paintings were created using advanced drawing skills like perspective, shading, outline, and movement.
Understanding the Language of Visual Communication
Semiotics plays a significant role in understanding visual communication. A message is communicated visually with signs. By delving into the principles of semiotics, we can unlock a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between signs and their meanings.
The Power of Semiotics in Marketing
Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, plays a crucial role in the world of marketing. This article explores how semiotics can be applied to understand the role of signs in shaping consumer perception and influencing buying decisions. By delving into the basics of semiotics, we can uncover valuable insights into how symbols communicate messages and create strong brand associations.
Exploring Art, Semiotics and Design in the Illustration Industry
Welcome to my blog, where I discuss the fascinating subjects of art history, semiotics, storytelling and psychology, and the dynamic field of illustration and design industries.