Raphaela Alexopoulos
Often, traditional websites such as Pinterest and Instagram “keep us confined in the norms of modernism” with trends and update-to-date styles circling these sites. Being exposed to these sites it can sometimes be difficult to create something that is entirely yours, and inevitably, all work is inspired by another. We shouldn’t necessarily “mimic other designers” but rather create our “own design expressions”, whether that be through the style, materials, or methods you adopt; “merely imitating something that already exists gives the product less value” and creates something predictable and repetitive. (Christoforidou, Orlander, Warell 2012) I want to aim to do something different, to push the boundaries and source a variety of different materials to continually develop new way of producing and creating.
My design style has been developed through using materials and techniques that I enjoy and find interesting and engaging. I love using texture, pattern and paper collage throughout my work. Recently, I have been inspired by designer Tom Abbiss Smith who runs the Paper Plant studio in the UK. I love Smith’s used of pattern, his colour combinations and his use of abstract yet controlled shape.
Tom Abbiss Smith 
Tom Abbiss Smith
Similar to Smith, Owen Gildersleeve is UK based and uses paper cut-outs, vibrant colour and bold shape, but creates landscapes and typography that are often three-dimensional, have movement and are emotive. For the Sounding Type assignment in a second-year studio I used paper cut-outs to produce a fluid, abstract typeface. The design of the ‘Vallis Alps’ record and CD album sleeves I created were inspired by Gildersleeve’s paper cut-outs, in particular the one for the Time Out – Los Angeles cover titled Grand Canyons; I was inspired by his fluidity through the typeface, his use of movement and his use of colour.
The initial work I was doing was using various mixed media, inspired by designers like Stefan Sagmeister and Alan Fletcher who used a lots of hands-on processes in their work. Then over time I started to find materials and techniques that I enjoyed working with and that gave me more flexibility than others.
Owen Gildersleeve
Before establishing the fluid typography for this assignment, I experimented with different shapes and colours, to ensure that the final product met the requirements of the brief and the intended ‘client’; through the process I learnt that the development process is almost as “crucial than its creation”. (Christoforidou, Orlander, Warell 2012)
Similarly, whilst developing a logo design in my identity class this year for a ‘granola mix company’, I’ve been using this idea of ‘controlled’ but fluid shape to create pattern. Although obviously not a direct mimic of Gildersleeve’s work, and also a digitalised image rather than a paper cutout, I feel as though my exposure to his work inspired me the most when developing this pattern.
I want my design style to reflect my interests and my personallydeveloped style; to be able to appreciate amazing work by amazingly talented designers, but not to conform to what is considered normal or ‘good’ on sites such as Pinterest. I want to put my spin on things, and to not be afraid to do that.
Using shape and colour through illustration 
Experimenting with paper cut-outs and packaging
References:
Christoforidou, D., Olander, E., and Warell, D. (2012) Good Taste vs. Good Design: A Tug of War in the Light of Bling. Lund University, Sweden.
The Design Kids, Featured Creatives: Owen Gildersleeve, (2017). Accessed 9.4.19. https://thedesignkids.org/interviews/owen-gildersleeve
Design Methods 
Such an engaging insight on your design practice Raph! I love that you aim to push boundaries and express your own ideas. Your use of pattern and texture is expressive and innovative- a step forward in new design strategies! Your referencing to artists Tom Abbis Smith, Stefan Sagmeister and Alan Fletcher really gave me and idea of your aesthetics and practice.
I am particularly interested in your use of organic and fluid motifs in your work. It successfully is evident in your examples and I can gain an understanding of your style. I suggest you take a look at the artist Anna Kovecses, who is a Hungarian born illustrator (https://anna-kovecses.com). She creates beautifully textured patterns and simplistic compositions; you could use her work as inspiration in future projects.
What an insightful and fun post! I have enjoyed learning about your juxtaposition of ideas for influence as a student designer. It is important to encompass our ideas and firmly believe in ourselves to develop original works in the contemporary design world. Continue embracing movement throughout your works, I love your dedication to your consistent organic forms. Well done for your confidence and good luck for your future in design!
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I want to begin by saying that this post was beautifully written and quite frankly, I was a little disappointed when it ended. Your choice of words and ability to express your passion for the work that you produce really encapsulated the joys of being a designer.
Jumping straight into it, I couldn’t agree more with you, when you stated that design has become confined to what society and essentially the masses thinks is trendy.
Reflecting back on my 2 years as a design student, I too find that a few of my outcomes that I have produced have been created in a way that essentially ‘ticks all the boxes’ to becoming something that the general public considers to be ‘trendy’ or instagram worthy.
Whilst there is no doubt that most of the stuff we see on platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram is quite aesthetically pleasing, I do agree with what was written about how these sorts of designs and creations are becoming the norm and standing out as a designer is progressively becoming just that little bit harder. Whilst it is becoming more and more difficult to churn out more unique ideas that no one has achieved, I believe that the sky is the limit, designs are never too crazy, too different or too bold just because they don’t fall into what the mass thinks is trending or normal.
Throughout your blog post, your successful selection of photographs provided an excellent insight into where you source your inspiration from and honestly speaking, you can the already see the elements of design you aspire towards, evident in your own work!
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Raphaela, I think you do an amazing job of incorporating your own identity into your work and design! Finding our own sense of style had become so difficult now days, as you’ve said, because of the trends and the ‘inspiration’ that can sometimes keep us confined. However I think your design work really shows how you can take inspiration from other designers and definitely make them your own fun and vibrant style. My personal favourite was branding design for “Fragments”. The little outlines of what seem to be beans and noodles combined with the organic shapes in the background just make for a really exciting and successful design that is modern yet different. I think it’s great that you don’t conform yourself with “what is considered normal”. It’s so easy now days for people to lose our sense of identity just so we can “fit in”. You have definitely inspired me to be a little bit more daring and different with my work! I hope to read more about your work in the future and I hope you continue to develop your sense of style and create more!
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