Design Inspiration | The Brennan Gilbert Design Blog

Beautiful Parallax Website | Matt Hovland

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +0000

Came across a flawlessly executed web portfolio for copywriter, Matt Hovland, over at thisishovland.com. The site was designed and built by Josh Riggs, "an interactive designer specializing in CMS-based web sites & honest-to-goodness usability." Treat your eyes to all kinds of beautiful CSS; visit thisishovland.com.

Buenos Aires - Inception Park | Stunning Video

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:33:00 +0000

I am constantly impressed by what people can do with motion graphics/video/after effects/etc. Check out this video of amusement rides in Buenos Aires by Black Sheep Films. Via Highsnobiety

"Amongster" | Polica

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Fantastic song, "Amongster" by Polica. Via hot heartbeats.

"Love Connection" Poster Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:42:00 +0000

"Love Connection" Poster, 11.75" x 36", Now Available

My first commercial print is now available through my online store: brennan.storenvy.com.

11.75" x 36" (standard American frame size)
Edition of 47, signed and numbered
3-color screen print, printed by Denver printer, Black Cloud Workshop

PURCHASE A PRINT HERE

Learn more about the print and view detail photos after the jump.

ABOUT THE PRINT

This designer art print is titled "Love Connection" and depicts two "love birds" sitting atop telephone wires at sunset; the quote above them, done in custom type, reads "I'm yours, & that's it, forever," a line from one of my favorite Avett Brothers songs, "The Ballad of Love and Hate." Whenever I create art pieces, I take the opportunity to truly explore subject matter that interests me, as well as delve deeper into things like composition and color (as opposed to "designing" graphic works for clients with rigid brand standards). This piece touches on the topic of long distance relationships (something very close to me at the time this was created), and how even with all of our technology for keeping in touch, nothing can compare to seeing that special someone in person.

Jack White | 'Love Interruption'

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:13:00 +0000

New song from one of my, and probably everyone's, favorite musicians, Mr. Jack White. Jack White will be releasing his debut solo album, Blunderbuss on April 23/24 on Third Man Records/XL Recordings/Columbia. Until that joyous occasion, this is "Love Interruption".

"Love Connection" Poster | Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:09:00 +0000

I have an exciting new project that's recently wrapped up, just in time for this upcoming Valentine's Day. More details to come, and in the meantime, see updates on my twitter.

Taste is everything.

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:40:00 +0000

"Taste is everything. It is what drives us. It is the definition of success, the ceiling of what is possible, and the source of everlasting internal frustration. Being creative is a battle fought over the slow conversion of a mere idea into something tangible that you think is great. The question is: When do you stop the conversion process?"

Interesting, and I must say, slightly disheartening article from one of my all-time favorite designers, Mr. Dustin Curtis. Read his article, "The Gap", here.

The Shins "Port of Morrow" Cover Art

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:29:00 +0000

After five years away from the studio, The Shins have just recently released a new single off their forthcoming studio album titled "Port of Morrow". I've been a fan of The Shins ever since seeing Garden State (not surprising), but rather than reviewing this single for you, I really wanted to point out the beautiful cover art for "Port of Morrow".

Cover for The Shins' "Port of Morrow" by Jacob Escobedo

The cover art was created by Jacob Escobedo, a talented designer with an impressive client list including Gnarls Barkley, Etnies, Adult Swim and obviously, The Shins. Check out more of Jacob's work over on his tumblr, jacobescobedo.com.

The fourth studio album is set to release this upcoming March; listen to the single "Simple Song" by The Shins after the jump. Via

Simple Song by theshins

Kimbra | Settle Down

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I first heard of Kimbra from her feature on the amazing song "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye (listen here), but had no idea she had so many amazing songs of her own. She just released an EP in the US titled Settle Down, and the video here is the title track.

Amazing Photoshop Grid Plugin: GuideGuide

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:46:00 +0000

GuideGuide by Cameron McEfee

All too often designing in Photoshop requires the use of guides and grids, and unless you start with some sort of pre made layout, it's not the easiest thing to deal with...exactly why Cameron McEfee created GuideGuide. GuideGuide is a life-saving plugin that makes creating grids as easy as you've always hoped for! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE? No more excuses for just eye-balling it. Learn more about/download GuideGuide here.

To Resolve Project | Designer Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Adventure Boldly by Mackey Saturday

If you haven't heard of it, the To Resolve Project is an awesome ongoing project where designers create some nice little iPhone backgrounds based on the theme of new year resolutions. The project is curated by talented designer Chris Streger. See some more well-designed resolutions after the jump.

Let go of the things that may bring you down in the past by Chris Friedman

Curb my f#@%king language by Matt Chase

Keep in touch by Scott Hill

View the rest of the collections here.

Design Inspiration | Eric R. Mortensen

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Previews of posters for FUN.

Came across the work of Eric R. Mortensen this morning on Dribbble; he's got a great eye for color and type. Unfortunately for me, I can't find a portfolio site but check out more previews of his work over on his Dribbble.

On to the Next One

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:41:00 +0000

2011 has been an amazing year filled with many great opportunities, both professionally and personally, and with the year quickly coming to a close, I thought I would post some recent happenings (aka why my new website has been "coming soon" for far too long).

Most significantly, I recently accepted a position at gyro, "a global ideas shop." I strongly believe that everyone should do what they love and are undoubtedly passionate about, even when that means making tough decisions and sacrifices to do so. It was a difficult decision to leave 3 Roads Media; they are an amazing agency and I could not be happier with the time I spent there and thank them for everything I learned, every opportunity they provided me, and most of all, for the support they gave me with my new career choice.
I met a lot of great people involved in the local Denver art/design scene and hope to continue working with many of them on some exciting new projects in 2012. In fact, I will be selling a poster printed by Black Cloud Workshop - check back for details soon.
Less significantly, I got a new macbook (amazing machine, definitely able to do so much more now) and moved to a new apartment.

Thank you to those who read this blog and support my design/artwork; I hope you all have a great New Year!

Best,
Brennan

"Somebody That I Used to Know" | Gotye ft. Kimbra

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:48:00 +0000

It's snowing here in CO, on the 1st day of December, so thought I'd post a 'wintery' song. This beautiful gem is "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra.

Designer Halloween 2011 Coasters

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:39:00 +0000

I'm a little late posting about my own project here. Regardless, I recently wrapped up one of my all-time favorite promotional projects! I worked with amazing local Denver printer/designer/amigo, Roger Maynor with PUBLIC Letterpress to create these Halloween themed coasters. Roger and I had played around with the idea of some sort of promotional art project that could show off his intricate laser-cutting capabilities and my skills as an illustrator. We wanted something customizable, unique and despite being holiday themed, something useful that people wouldn't just throw out after October.

After putting our heads together, we landed on the idea of Halloween coasters. I designed and illustrated the set of four: Frankenstein's monster, the sea monster from the black lagoon, a Dia de los Muertos inspired skull, and not to be left for dead, a zombie. I wanted to avoid the typical orange and black color scheme, and so we went with a bright, slime green. The final coasters were 3 sheets of paper sandwiched together: a thick black layer, bright green accent, then the laser-cut layer on top, like some sort of beautiful non-edible Oreos.

I couldn't be happier with the positive feedback we received on these, and hope to continue illustrating/designing top-level projects in the future.

"Lost In My Mind" | the Head and the Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:47:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to get into the sold out the Head and the Heart concert last night at The Gothic in Denver with one of my good friends, and WOW. Talk about an amazing show! Beautiful video, perfect for the upcoming winter.

Stuxnet: Anatomy of a Computer Virus

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:42:00 +0000

An extremely interesting and captivating animated short film about one of history's most infamous computer viruses, 'Stuxnet'. Video directed & created by Patrick Clair.

One last taste of summer

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Very catchy summery video before fall (finally) arrives. This is "Different" by Ximena Sariñana.

Retro Swiss School Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Very stylish bag designed and created by Marc Schadegg and Ramon Lenherr. View the Retro Swiss School Bag project in detail here.

Alex Westgate | Designer & Illustrator

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:38:00 +0000

I have recently fallen in love with the bright, cheery illustrations of Alex Westgate. His style is very distinct and easily stands out in the crowded arena of ultra-talented illustrators. Alex uses constrained, yet well thought-out color palettes in all of his work and one of my favorite details is his use of line and lack there of (especially because a lot of my favorite illustrators heavily outline their work, as is the case with Tyler Stout, for example). Alex Westgate certainly uses gestural lines, but seems to stay away from outlining when possible, often only drawing in crucial details like characters' smiles.

If you're into stylish, minimalistic and very happy, fun illustrations and posters, be sure to check out Alex Westgate's work. You can view his portfolio here, follow him on Twitter here or watch him Dribbble away here. More images of his work after the jump.

"Warmin' Norman" Poster for the Gallery 1988 x Garbage Pail Kids Show

"Wally" for A Beast Every Week

Wallpaper for The Fox is Black

MOVE Video by Rick Mereki

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Awesome video series about 3 guys who traveled to 11 countries around the world. See the other two after the jump.

Now on Dribbble

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:25:00 +0000

I am now a Player on Dribbble. Follow me here.

Dribbble is show and tell for creatives. Designers, developers and other creatives share shots—small screenshots of the designs and applications they are working on.

The Momentus Project

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:04:00 +0000

The Emancipation Proclamation by Richard Perez

The Momentus Project is a collaborative art project in which designers, illustrators, and artists from around the world visually interpret an important event in United States history. The project was created and currently curated by Evan Stremke and includes some amazing creatives (a few of my favorites) like Dan Cassaro, The Heads of State, Jon Ashcroft, and many, many more (see the full roster of participating creatives, for some major inspiration, here).

The first project I saw like this was the 50 and 50 project which featured the 50 state mottos designed by 50 amazing designers & illustrators. Funny enough, that project was created by Young Jerks aka Dan Cassaro, one of the aforementioned Momentus Project contributors.

If you're itching to see some great art, and possibly learn and/or be reminded of some crucial parts of United States history, be sure to check out The Momentus Project. See more of my favorite poster from The Momentus Project after the jump.

The Assassination of JFK by Evan Stremke

The Hurricane Katrina Disaster by Kendrick Kidd

The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Ted Quinn

Neon Posters by Mr Whaite

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Awesome neon, animated gifs by one Mr Whaite. Very, very cool. Via TDE.

'Hear Me Cry' | New Song by John Butler Trio

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:12:00 +0000

Just heard this new song by The John Butler Trio called "Hear Me Cry". It reminds me of some of their older stuff, like the long version of "Betterman." As always, excited to see these guys next month at The Fox and Red Rocks.