Design Inspiration | The Brennan Gilbert Design Blog

Custom Residential Contractor Website | Denver, Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:20:00 +0000

After what's felt like a very long time, I am happy to announce that I just wrapped up version 1.0 of my dad's Residential Contractor website! My dad, Don Gilbert, is a local, Colorado Residential Contractor who offers residential remodeling services for anything and everything, from custom bathroom remodeling to completely unique spaces, kitchen design to basement remodeling. He has been working in the residential remodeling business since before I was born, so it's about time we got him this website.

The newly created website was built using Squarespace, coded in HTML5 & CSS3 and Javascript. I looked into a lot of options for CMS platforms, and eventually decided on Squarespace. Having designed and built sites using Wordpress previously, I was quite pleased with the options available through Squarespace, and specifically, the Developer platform through Squarespace 6. Being a designer first and a developer second, the design-centric setup of Squarespace was perfect for what I was looking for (note that the customizable, Developer platform is a bit pricier than other CMS options...).

Anyway, back to the custom residential contractor website. This is my first step into Responsive Web Design, and can happily say it wasn't as daunting as anticipated. Squarespace does a lot of the grunt work with their various layout options, like the awesome default photo gallery, which showcases my dad's residential remodeling portfolio.

And last but not least, I can't forget to mention that all photography used on the site was shot by the talented Chelsey Pas with Friends and Lovers Photography.

If you are interested in discussing your next custom web design project, email me at: web@brennangilbert.com

BANANAS!*

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:37:00 +0000

BANANAS!* is a film by Fredrik Gertten about the Dole Food Company's use of a deadly pesticide & its effects on banana plantation workers in the 1970's. Dole attempted to sue Gertten, claiming slander, in order to silence the film/truth, but the case was dismissed.

Ahh, the power of film.

Fast, Cheap, or Good: Designers Can't Deliver All 3

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Working both as a freelance designer and a full-time Design Director, I'm constantly reminded of a long-standing project rule that's industry-agnostic. Let's call it the "Fast, Cheap or Good" Rule.

The "Fast, Cheap or Good" Rule is an old and time-tested project rule with 3 pillars, which are as follows:

Fast Turnaround – your project will be delivered to you as quick as humanly possible
Cheap Pricing – your project will be extremely, unbelievably affordable
Good Quality – your project will be professional and high-quality

Design is a funny industry in that it seems so constantly underrated by so many. People need visual communication for so much of what they do, but they assume that they can get their project completed with all 3 of these pillars all at once: "I want it to look great, I barely even have a budget, and I needed it yesterday."

THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE.

See, the trick is, you can only ever have 2 of the 3 pillars in any design project.

I can deliver your project quickly, and for a low price, but it won't be high-quality because that requires both time and investment
I can deliver you a high-quality project quickly, but that's not going to come cheap as I value what I deliver
I can deliver a high-quality project for an affordable price, but it's going to be completed 'when I have the time'

Next time you're evaluating options for completing an upcoming design project, keep the "Fast, Cheap or Good" Rule in mind.

Happy Food

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Mon, 28 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Nice little animated video by Yum Yum.

Fragments of Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:25:00 +0000

Beautiful short film by Lea et Nicolas Features via Changethethought.

'Psychic Land' by 2veinte

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:51:00 +0000

Stunning motion graphic video from 2veinte titled "Psychic Land." The short film has some amazing colors and patterns; definitely worth checking out. Watch the full video after the jump. Via The Behance Network.

"Hey, Ho, The Wind & The Rain" | Siddha by CE

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Siddha (Hey, Ho, The Wind & The Rain) by CE

Very catchy, calming tune from artist CE, off his new album Siddha. This is "Hey, Ho, The Wind & The Rain." Enjoy.

As a Symbol

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:47:00 +0000

"As a man, I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol … as a symbol, I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting."
–Bruce Wayne

Todd Slater | Jack White Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:19:00 +0000

"Jack White" by Todd Slater

Todd Slater is an amazing poster artist who constantly turns out memorable pieces for bands like The Black Keys, The Decemberists, Jack Johnson, Ween, Cake and now this beautiful poster for Jack White's solo act. Check out more work from Todd Slater at: toddslater.net

Big Easy Express

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:54:00 +0000

"3 bands, 6 cities, 1 train, and thousands of miles of track...BIG EASY EXPRESS captures an incredible musical journey. Harkening back to the days of jubilant railroad revivals, of steam and steel, three bands set out in April 2011 to tour America by vintage train. L.A.'s Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Nashville boys Old Crow Medicine Show, and Londoners Mumford & Sons climbed aboard amid the massive rail yards of Oakland and set out for New Orleans on a 'tour of dreams.'" Visit bigeasyexpress.com for more information.

"Disparate Youth" | Santigold

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:33:00 +0000

New single from Santigold; this is "Disparate Youth" from her forthcoming studio album, "Master of My Make Believe."

UNREAL ESTATE | New Works from Tim Doyle

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:29:00 +0000

"Amanda Hugginkiss" 16"x20" Print by Tim Doyle

Unfortunately for me, I only just now found out about a stunning solo exhibition by the talented artist, Tim Doyle. The show just happened this past month, titled "Unreal Estate." As Tim Doyle explains, "'Unreal Estate' is a collection of locations that many of us know and have been to on a weekly basis at times, but we can never actually visit. These places are in our memories- transmitted and entrenched there through a cathode-ray tube. Some of us have been going to these places for decades- some of these places were taken from us, way too soon."

In other words, an amazing artist illustrating some of the most iconic environments from some of my favorite shows, including The Simpsons, King of the Hill and Arrested Development, amongst others. I was absolutely floored when I found out about these pieces and can't believe I missed my shot at owning some of these! But hey, life goes on. Check out more pieces from The Simpsons after the jump, and view all of Doyle's pieces here.

"Amanda Hugginkiss" Glow Variant, 16"x20" Print by Tim Doyle

"Night over the SNPP" 16"x20" Print by Tim Doyle

"Embiggen the Smallest Man" Glow Edition, 16"x20" Print by Tim Doyle

Illustrator Marcos Chin

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Jack Johnson Illustration by Marcos Chin

Editorial for Annabelle Magazine by Marcos Chin

I recently came across the works of Marcos Chin, an illustrator currently residing and teaching in New York. He has earned numerous awards for his work, and it's not hard to see why. I love his use of bright colors, and he has an extremely noticeable style to the way he draws people. Check out more of his work at: MarcosChin.com.

New Single from Regina Spektor

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:17:00 +0000

Regina Spektor just released a new track, "All The Rowboats," off her forthcoming album, "What We Saw From The Cheap Seats." The song is slightly darker and even a bit more electronic than some of her previous work. Either way, always amazing.

"Cold Chicago" | Humming House

noreply@blogger.com (Brennan) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Fun video for a catchy tune; this is "Cold Chicago" by Humming House.

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.