Michael Worthington the English graphic designer based in California, parted with a wonderful quote that shadows one’s journey in making graphic work – one is only original as one’s sources are obscure. It’s an idea that completely dispells the myth that creative people are this independent font of fresh and original thinking.

One Afternoon in June 1999 Andrew discovered the obscure monograph of Swedish based graphic designer – John Melin. It was an exciting discovery. Every page revealed new posters, book jackets, installations of artful imagemaking and design with lightest yet highly compelling touch.

In an age awash with information available of every variation graphic work and their authors, it is suprising that the work of John Melin has been allowed to pass with little comment or exploration.

The following images are from John Melin’s only monograph – John Melin till Exempel

The Narrows in Melbourne has had the fortune to secure a collection of works, in prestine condition, of John Melin to November 29, 2008. Make every effort to experience this special exhibition.

John Melin
Swedish, 1921–1992
Graphic Designer

Oct. 31–Nov. 29
2008

The Narrows
2/141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Australia
Telephone + 61 (0)3 9654 1534
Visit the Narrows here

Gallery hours
Wed–Fri 12–6pm,
Saturday 12–5pm
or by appointment

Designer and image maker Kat Macleod, from Ortolan, has put together her first show at Lamington Drive, which runs from November 7 to 29.

Kat has worked with the studio on a few projects over the years, notably the revered So Frenchy So Chic image making campaign, and as a collaborating image maker for the first Stephen paper campaign.

We wish Kat well in all her work and travels. Kat is a thoughtful, hardworking and inspired collaborator.

Get down and get yourself some, while we are lucky enough to have her in Melbourne.

Visit Kat’s studio here, visit Lamington Drive and the Jacky Winter Group here

Out of the blue a package from the USA with the US Postal Service’s 2007 holiday season issue – Holiday Knits – dropped into the studio. Holiday Knits is cute illustration and design at its best, the four stamps feature classic Christmas imagery designed and machine knitted by American illustrator Nancy Stahl – There is a dignified stag; a snow-dappled evergreen tree; a perky snowman sporting a top hat; and a whimsical teddy bear.

One hopes if this issue have matching scarves, beanies and jumpers available for the public to continue the Christmas cheer? One wants all four, in all variations.

Grill’d is a concept conceived by entrepeneur Simon Crowe, all in the name of bringing a healthy food product to the public. When Grill’d’s first store opened in 2004 in Hawthorn, Crowe and his partners brought their experiences from working with big corporates and their brands to the business. Design and presentation is critical to the brand’s success – from a slick approach to comprehensive trademark registration, to a vast range of interesting illustration assets.

The approach comes together when one encounters a store, or comes across a supergraphic, like this one at QV on Swanston Street, Melbourne – not a cliché food shot, or lifestyle images of perfect people to be seen. There is no reference to Grill’d’s graphic designer and illustrator anywhere – so whoever you are – nice one. Watch out Micky Ds.

This brand for the National Parks & Wildlife Service NSW, Australia, has been like this for over thirty years at least, may it be around in its current state for at least another thirty, sixty years. The quirky chevron, the line work, authentic graphic boomerang, the punctuation, solid orange and black, and Lyre Bird in full display – it makes for a graphic design experience that is unique, graphic, distinctive, a commercial brand and no sign of the tools or technology that rendered it. Redesign, refresh, evolve, revolve at your own risk – screen print it big, on a charcoal, orange, or biege t-shirt anyday.