112 Comments

I haven't laughed this much in ages.
Craig Thomas
2009-05-18 13:35:48

@Craig Thomas

rofl - practically peed myself
Herbert
2009-05-18 13:46:26

The D&AD and the ad industry finally disappears up it's own collective bottom.
You couldn't make it up.
Vic
2009-05-18 14:38:22

Let's hope they bring along some jobs with them.
David
2009-05-18 15:00:46

I don't get it. Why is it funny?
Kári Emil
2009-05-18 15:19:36

"LBi commissioned Nadav Kander to photograph a selection of design and advertising's most charismatic characters for a series of posters"

the charisma is just pouring out of those posters.

cancel my new blood tickets please mr saville and co, i decided to have my rectal transplant that weekend instead.
robotandspark
2009-05-18 15:30:49

No you won't.
Chris Svensson
2009-05-18 15:33:51

“And I swear
By the moon and the stars in the skies
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, 'till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear”

Boyz II Men, 1994
Ted
2009-05-18 18:13:29

Slightly unrelated question, but what's the font used on the posters?
Edvard Scott
2009-05-18 20:54:24

I've only heard of one of these guys, and to be honest, wouldn't recognise him if I did. And also, the way they're photographed makes you not want to meet them... they look a little… psychopathic.
Mark D
2009-05-19 03:44:08

Embarrassingly bad.
Kat
2009-05-19 06:46:18

Neville Brody is an ugly bugger for someone so creative!!
Mark D
2009-05-19 09:08:53

This has to be the main reason why the advertising industry is going to the pan.



Only total wankers will be attracted into the industry by these ridiculous, egotistical pieces of shite.



(Comment deleted by moderator)



Well done.



N
2009-05-19 09:39:00

Look at me. I'm not looking at you. I'm a visionary, dontcha know?
Mike R
2009-05-19 10:08:30

@N

Why so full of hate? Even if you disagree with the campaign, surely you realise that you're insulting specific people? I consider it incredibly cowardly to spout such derogatory rubbish and then hide your name.
James Nelson
2009-05-19 10:55:29

Thanks LBI, i haven't laughed this much in ages, did it not cross your mind to think how the rest of the world would see these posters. In this current climate you've made the creative industry look crass. Well done.
steve
2009-05-19 11:11:59

@N in particular

Can I remind you, and everyone else posting on this thread, that comments should not descend into personal abuse. Please keep them constructive, however critical. Thank you.
 PatrickBurgoyne
2009-05-19 11:30:00

He we have some seriously arrogant and self-obsessed people, no doubt the idea was stolen from youtube?
G
2009-05-19 11:32:35

I was at New Blood last year and found the whole experience very similar to a cattle market, where the best students were paraded around in front of a handful of design professionals, collective arses in the air. In short I didn't enjoy it. I have huge admiration and respect for the work of the designers in these posters, but did I see one of them there last year? Maybe they stopped by when I briefly went off for a piss.

That said I got an interview directly from the show and although it didn't eventually lead to anything beyond a short work-placement, it taught me a lot about the design industry, mainly that the competition is fierce and you better stop whinging and start designing if you're serious about making an impact.

Also (and I'm hoping as much as guessing) the messianic appearance of the figures in these posters is ironic; they're taking the piss out of themselves as design "celebrities".
Alan Offord
2009-05-19 13:33:21

COMMENT DELETED BY MODERATOR. As previously requested, comments should be constructive, however, critical, or at least offer more to the debate than simple abuse or vitriol.
chris
2009-05-19 13:52:00

Great shots!
Jim
2009-05-19 14:20:20

It's a bit like the MP's expenses debacle. How can people be so stupid. This is pure, unadulterated rubbish. It's not an idea at all. Unbelievable

http://thebasildonbloggerstrikesagain.com/
BB
2009-05-19 16:01:28

I can't understand the comments here. These people are our leaders, the special ones, isn't it only right we should look up to them. Respect to the chosen. I'll be there!
Michael Hound
2009-05-19 16:32:52

...for you, when the rain starts to fall.

Wannabe celebrities with no hint of irony. Oh dear.
james
2009-05-19 16:45:52

There's already too many designers why encourage more. Then again, most of the people in the posters need more young, battery farmed creatives to fill seats in their studios for minimum wage.
Daddy G
2009-05-19 16:46:00

This encapsulates why D&AD is in such a mess, and Creative Review/Design Week is failing to be relevant because the same old cosy lot are speaking to themselves ignoring the work of the many small agencies out 'there' doing great work who just dont get any coverage at all, so they 'dont exist' as far as the 'in' crowd are concerned, so they don't get any coverage...

Our work has featured in European, Japanese and US design mags who have journos who are interested and take the time to step out of their comfort zone to find out more. Shame the UK lot are so blinkered, or lazy, or so easily persuaded by a free lunch by the usual suspects.

Go on Patrick, I dare you to find 20 UK design co.s you havent ever featured, and feature them. No this isnt a shameless plug - so I'm going to remain anonymous(ish).
Peaky
2009-05-19 16:49:51

Not many designers have made themselves the focus of their work. A couple of successful pieces come to mind such as work by Peter Saville and Stefan Sagmeister who both portray themselves in their work. However these posters above are not successful. Why do we want to see the designers....surely we want to see their work? I'd rather have seen some work from each designer based around the theme "new blood" ....is that a bit too creative?

Michael Murdoch
http://www.studio-bodhi.com
Michael Murdoch
2009-05-19 16:52:12

Thank you for giving me this list of creative people that I should probably avoid from ever hiring. Is that the message? I'm sure they aren't nearly as egocentric as they are made out to be. However, that reality doesn't come across at all. So was that the interpretation of the photographer or the creative director? Given the ego of the person who I think came up with this idea, I'm guessing it was the CD's idea. Or lack of one.
I do hope for the sake of the people in the shots, they don't put these images in their portfolio's.
douglas
2009-05-19 16:59:59

Aren't you all missing the point slightly? The portraits of the 'design leaders' only make up a tiny part of the overall campaign idea. Maybe you should wait until you understand an idea before pissing all over it.
Clare Mac
2009-05-19 17:00:40

COMMENT DELETED BY MODERATOR: can we leave out the personal abuse please?
Dan Lane
2009-05-19 17:09:00

@Peaky
As you've decided to remain anonymous it's kind of hard to check out your work but if you care to look at some of the other posts on this page you'll find work from Music, Ubrik, Thorbjørn Ankerstjerne and Fabio Sebastinelli, Sam Arthur, aa-nn-dd, Dave the Chimp, all the artists in the Said Why Eggs? show, the Bodhi show and Roman Klonek (and that's from just the most recent three pages of Blog entries alone).

In the new June issue there's a feature on Astrid Stavro and work from Two Points.net, Work Associates, Colours and the Kids... the covers in just the last few months alone have featured Sam Potts, Letman and Emily Forgot.

Are these the 'usual suspects'?

Or should I talk about 15 years of supporting new talent through Creative Futures? Or the Ones to Watch page? Or 12 pages on graduate work following each year's degree shows?

Of course we feature work from the bigger 'names' but please don't trot out this tired old claptrap about us not covering new talent alongside it
 PatrickBurgoyne
2009-05-19 17:17:33

Sorry Patrick, I think you'll find most agree with Peaky.
Bobby
2009-05-19 17:27:13

I have to agree with Peaky and Bobby.

When is this over exposure of of the cultural director Simon Waterfall going to end?

Brody is the only person featured who genuinely deserves that recognition and accolade, he's a nice guy with no ego too! Some of the modern day 'icons' could learn a lesson from his humility.
CT
2009-05-19 17:50:27

Dear Clare. I'm a bit thick, maybe you could explain the idea to me.
BB
2009-05-19 18:26:23

Also Patrick, I think you may be missing the point slightly. It's not all about established versus new or emerging talent, but about the hundreds of established smaller studios and agencies out there doing great work and not getting the coverage they deserve.
Bobby
2009-05-19 18:40:54

What are you guys talking about? I think the imagery is inspiring and works so well. It promotes the ability to stride to be the best in the creative industry. It is hard times right now for creative professionals and the message "I'll be there" is a bit of a reassurance. No matter what the circumstances the designer is here to stay.
nerdski
2009-05-19 19:02:10

@BB

Industry showing support for grad students by publicly declaring that they'll be there. Seems straight forward to me.
Jnr
2009-05-19 19:04:45

@BB

Industry showing support for grad students by publicly declaring that they'll be there. Seems straight forward to me.
Jnr
2009-05-19 19:06:28

These guy have been around the block a few times, so they won't be surprised by the responses in this blog. Whoever directed the shoot might have avoided the "up their collective arse" feedback if the whole thing was less serious. We all know how dog-eat-dog everything is becoming these days, and much of what is done is only, after all, about chasing fluff anyway. Lighten up already.
Willie
2009-05-19 19:18:30

@ Patrick.
Don't take it to heart - I don't think you will anyhow.
You do a good job, one which is by no means easy.


Re: D&AD thing here, I think you know where I stand.





(To recap, I think D&AD should be scrapped and rebuilt from scratch..)
action man
2009-05-19 20:08:22

I think both CR and D&AD suffer from the same problem. I can go on until I'm blue in the face about the 'new' talent that we feature or the (very) small studios, or the work from around the world but the fact remains that for too many people we (just like the vast majority of magazines) are perceived as being elitist. I may not agree, but that's the way it is and it's up to me to do something about it. Likewise D&AD spends a huge amount of money and effort each year helping young people but is still seen as being a backslapping club for the select (images like this don't help, mind you).

Despite what people may think, it is a problem that we are aware of at CR and it is something that we talk about all the time – it's one of the reasons that we are launching the Feed section on this site (which should be up first week of June). Feed will open up CR to anyone, from anywhere, allowing all our community to upload their work and have it featured here.
 PatrickBurgoyne
2009-05-19 20:20:03

So patrick, why didn't the "new" people you support have there photograph taken? (not that you were responsible) people that actually create and produce from the bottom up? I don't think students look up to the people photographed in this campaign, I don't think students know who these people are, students have to produce everything them selves, they don't have a work force behind them at their beck and call, they don't have a hierarchy, they relate to designers who create and produce, not dictate, these people mean nothing to students. When you read who these people are, you realise the success they have, what they have achieved, and that should be applauded, not attacked in the usual British tabloid way (see above), but, students struggle, and students don't relate to people who have made a fortune (relatively speaking), so that is why this campaign is wrong, I'm not saying that these people aren't creative geniuses, but students cannot relate to them, they relate to a different type of designers, the Michael c place, uni ever, etc etc, in fact, it would of been better to name the companies rather than the individuals, as the company its self is more inspirational than the person.
Greetings from Shangers!
P.S. Thanks for April, it was the most HUMBLING point of my career . . .
Duncan Ferguson
2009-05-19 20:24:40

Jnr.

Excuse me but that is not an idea. It is a rather slight observation of the 'so what' category. Doh!
BB
2009-05-19 20:51:25

Oh dear. I do like the idea – especially on the accompanying website – and the photos are cool. It's just all so very po-faced. I imagine a lot of the students will be thinking "Who? And does he not own a mirror?" I expect to see some pointed parodies on display in June.
Ed Wright
2009-05-19 21:55:31

i'm going to be exhibiting my work this year..so I hope it's not as bad (and funny) as some of the below comments.

K.
Kam
2009-05-19 22:05:06

Dear D&AD.. your audience in tuning out.. you know it and lack the skills to deal with it. This work is just further evidence that you're hopelessly out of touch. It's a real shame..
John Fox
2009-05-20 01:55:51

(irony) I for one welcome our new Design overlords. (/irony)

(serious) Besides, Graham Fink has a nice Jacket. And Caroline Pay has great hair. Comment is not meant to ridicule or make less anyone. Nor do I mean that having a nice jacket is imperative in modern design. I just mean it was a nice jacket. Also I like the font. And the set up shot was good. Thanks for showing! (/serious)
Robert
2009-05-20 08:20:16

I'd like to appeal for a bit of sanity. The creative industries will always be the biggest critic of its own work - that's why D&AD exists in the first place. But let's not get our wires crossed and be critical of the event itself. I'm still involved enough in education to know how much effort students and tutors go to for their big chance to make an impression on the industry. I go every year and I think D&AD should be congratulated for putting on such a big show that gives you an insight into education and makes recruitment so easy. I can't think of an organisation in any other sector that does as much to support new talent. Rather than taking the piss,which is pretty easy, why don't the young, up and coming design groups produce posters that seriously promote the event and challenge CR to publish them which would also give them the exposure they claim is being denied them.
Ben Casey
2009-05-20 11:45:33

@ Ben Casey

I don't think many people are contesting the D&AD new blood's initiative or the value that it adds to our industry, it's all about the campaign they chose to promote it and how it's been percieved by the industry it represents. Everyone is going to be subjective, that's the nature of our industry, but I've yet to have a conversation with fellow colleague in the industry who have seen this and had anything complimentary to say about this campaign (that includes an employee of one of the 'gurus' photographed!. Conceptually it's great, executionally, it's a million miles from representing the charasmatic industry that is us, so are people surprised when the industry it is supposed to represent thinks that it actually does the opposite?

@ Patrick
You've got a job on your hands to convince the creative industry CR isn't elitist or prone to nepitism, in my view its always suffered that preconception, whether is true or not is another matter and debate. That's an honest opinion from someone who has had work featured in your magazine and also been a new blood judge!
CT
2009-05-20 12:31:24

What was LBi's involvement in the Project? Did they concept the whole thing? Or just pay for the shoot?

Just curious.

M
Mark
2009-05-20 12:36:51

HA HA , when I grow up I want to be...
Noir
2009-05-20 13:02:45

The posters are more effective within the site, although seems like only Simon will look you in the eye, but do hint at how old you need to be to finally make it... is that make up or embalming fluid they're using? ;)
mimeArtist
2009-05-20 13:09:41

It seems to me this has been boiling for a while - I'm really enjoying it.
Not sure who I agree with as most comments strike true... however, the industry needs more open debates like this.
Benji Holroyd
2009-05-20 13:13:19

You are missing the point Ben. The posters are shite, rubbish, patronising, bad idea. What does that tell you?
BB
2009-05-20 13:23:18

Bad choice of "icons" imo. The students I have seen in recent times wouldn't name check any of these people. I haven't heard of two of them and couldn't point you in the direction of any work by two of the others. Chosen by their mates it feels like sadly. Lovely photography though, Kander's portraits are always flawless.
James Greenfield
2009-05-20 13:28:31

It seems to me this has been boiling for a while - I'm really enjoying it.
Not sure who I agree with as most comments strike true... however, the industry needs more open debates like this.
Benji Holroyd
2009-05-20 13:43:10

We had a similar debate over on FFF and some of the points made here about the old pals act, design elitism, D&AD and so called 'celebrity' designers I totally agree with although one main point seems to be forgotten. Besides everything else that this poster campaign throws up it actually fails to do what its supposed to. Tell me how showing images of these apparent well known and respected designers looking like arrogant wannabe models promotes new blood? Correct me if Im wrong but none of these designers will be exhibiting any work? I am actually surprised that Brody agreed to this as by all accounts he is actually a nice chap. All these posters do is confirm that I, sadly won't be there. Although im sure nobody really cares about that ;)
Greig Anderson
2009-05-20 14:10:39

I have a slight issue with the whole concept, it reminds of Grafik a few years ago with the 'celb' shots on the front. 'Industry professionals' should have a responsibility to provide a correct image of what students and designers alike should aspire to be i.e. Designing work which makes an impact inside the public realm, not just as a self gratifying means of gaining recognition and respect from their peers. Designer are just workers, the same as everyone else, perhaps we should all think about getting our priorities straight.
Edward
2009-05-20 14:32:40

A lot of the above seems to miss one key point. The campaign isn't aimed at students. It doesn't need to because the students will come in there masses regardless of the marketing campaign.

It seems to me to be aimed at the industry in an effort to guilt them into going along and supporting the students in these difficult times. Some of the biggest names (subjective I know) in the industry are saying they will be there and maybe hiring. That is great news.

What I'm not too sure about is the art direction of the shoot. If they really are saying 'I'll be there', then they should have the decency to look me in the eye!

The website though is a neat idea, shame the art direction of the posters is taking the gloss of it.
O
2009-05-20 14:38:15

I haven't read all of the comments but from what I have read I agree that this is terribly elitist and all a bit 80s throwback.

I visited New Blood last year and found the whole experience soul-sapping and uninspiring. Students' work was mounted dreadfully and shoved into the corner of a MASSIVE impersonal hall (Earls Court), while pride was place was given to the colleges who presumably paid an exorbitant amount of cash to set up a stand there. The students look bored, miserable, and probably all wished they were elsewhere.

D&AD seem to becoming more and more irrelevant by the day. I'm not even sure I understand what they do precisely?

All that said, the photos are stunning, even though they make everyone look like pretentious drug addicts/psychopaths.
Daniel
2009-05-20 15:19:31

@Patrick

Feed section runs the risk of becoming another online dumping ground.
Designers showing their own work on there, hardly carries the same weight
as CR choosing to display it themselves.
David Bailey
2009-05-20 16:09:39

I used to have a business card with a photo of my face on it, wearing a suit. lol
Kevin Coffey
2009-05-20 16:11:55

@David
Feed will be monitored to make sure people don't abuse it and to ensure that the level of work is what users would expect from us. Once people upload their work, we have to approve it before it goes online
 PatrickBurgoyne
2009-05-20 16:17:08

So much cynicism and jealousy is unexpected. It seems quite natural and obvious to give air
to new talent and juxtapose it with the old guard recognising new and old, like it or not the
images are a fairly realistic representation of the attitude of the established towards the new
blood, ' impress me' and if you have something to offer and you're in but otherwise close
the door on your way out, harsh but true to life.
Nadav has cut right into that dynamic with wit and beauty.
Tim.
Tim McConville
2009-05-20 16:24:41

I used to have a business card with a photo of my face on it, wearing a suit. lol
Kevin Coffey
2009-05-20 16:26:23

LBi's response:

http://www.lbiq.net/advertising/drawing-blood/
R
2009-05-20 16:28:08

I think there's a growing desire for graduates to become 'rockstar designers' and this is not helping at all. Rather than focusing on their craft and the ideas behind their work, they're promoting their website and trying to make a name for themselves.

Focus on your product and gain respect for the work you've done and are doing now.
James Warfield
2009-05-20 17:16:13

...a lot of "design should be..." and "real design is..."comments here.
anyone who tries to inflict their "prejudices" onto the rest of us is on to a loser.
Can't help feeling this campaign must have some merit to have provoked such a response.
after all this is designed to appeal to students... young, energetic, enthusiastic, students.
disillusioned jaded sad-sack cynicism comes later.
gareth
2009-05-20 17:27:31

Just as the police are having to go to enormous lengths to appear not racist, I think we designers have an enormous task to not be referred to as 'Wankers' anymore. These posters do not help the cause.

They are well shot though, beautiful colouring. Props to the photographer.
Luke
2009-05-20 17:33:01

@Edvard Scott,
It's Lutz Headline — http://lineto.com/The%20Fonts/Font%20Categories/Headline%20Fonts/Lutz%20Headline/
Tom van de Velde
2009-05-20 17:58:37

I think Laura's response was great and i fully agree that the New Blood event is one of, if not the, most important part of the D&AD's work. It truly gives students a unique launch pad for their careers and I've picked up at least a handful of students for junior design roles in the past. The quality of the event and the purpose of the D&AD should not cloud the issue of this campaign. It's true that not everyone agrees with the D&AD's approach, but it's important to remember it's a charity that has served and promoted our industry for a long time.

However looking at this campaign in isolation i can see where the criticism is coming from. The idea is brilliant the design is beautifully executed. But for me it's the photos that just aren't pitched right. Reading back through the negative comments here, it seems to all stem from those photos. The body language and the facial expressions are devoid of any warmth, which coupled with the tagline creates the wrong impression of a group of very friendly people (ok i've only met a few of them, but i'm being nice).

Nadav Kander is a great photographer. I'm not knocking the quality of photos. But in my opinion it's the art director on the shoot who has taken a misstep. To be fair it must be a daunting task to art direct a photographer of such high regard.
martyn reding
2009-05-20 20:31:27

The only thing these photographs have in common with the design industry in 2009 is that the subjects are dressed age-inappropriately.
Grunshaw
2009-05-21 01:37:34

As a Creative Director who is more interested in design than celebrity I simply didn’t recognize any of the above. (Although I think I met the Poke dude once). Although I think they all feel slightly embarrassed by the result.

The photography is an essay of style over substance. Over art directed, contrived poses make the subjects look like constipated mannequins. The art-ego clothing only adds to overall aura of smugness. Formally, the posters are composed well, and the colours are well chosen. But the message (the key part of any campaign) muddled.

The images are aloof and generate an air of superiority and exclusivity, this is reinforced by the message, “I’ll be there”. There is no welcome or room for the viewer. We are instantly marginalized, excluded and instantly resentful of the subjects.

The lack of call to action is also a problem, what are they asking the viewer to do with this information? Am I allowed to come? You’ll be there, that’s great… but what about me?

LBi are good at many things, but effective brand communication should be left to the professionals. Getting it as wrong as this can only do your profile more harm than good.

That being said, it is a very worthy cause, and any buzz it generates can only be good (I hope), it’s a shame it is for something so banal.
Bill
2009-05-21 09:25:56

@Luke

I think that these comments have just proved that the design industry is full of wankers.
M
2009-05-21 10:30:26

I'm so glad I'm out of that cattle market of graduation and trying to find a job. It's horrible to think that students believe that just because one of these 'celebrities' will be there that it actually means helps their chances.

There is so much more out there than the big names!
Dave O
2009-05-21 10:37:36

I think message is ambiguous and confusing. These posters can be interpreted in a number of ways. Sometimes ambiguity can be a good thing in a campaign but only if managed well and intentional. There are so many opposing possibilities in these posters that it can only be the result of an ill-conceived idea. I don't know whether to laugh at them as satire pieces or weep at them as vanity propaganda. I don't think the Nadav Kander is to blame... the shots in any other context are very interesting and beautifully executed... I think it would be good to know who was charged with the job of coming up with this campaign idea and perhaps they should step forward and offer some insights into their intentions, much as that poor sod who did the London 2012 logo had to.
orbit lesser
2009-05-21 10:42:30

The only thing this campaign seems to communicate effectively is the gulf between the actual machinations of working within the design industry and the gloss with which some aspects are presented. Its almost that these design visionaries are presented as the 'promised land' at which all design professionals work towards to gain entry too, and that all students are taking their first tentative towards.

Its no wonder it is easily accused of elitism and snobbery and dare i say it 'wankerishness of the highest order'. It bears virtually no relevance to the actual graft and craft of design interfacing with commerce, which is by and large, what 90% of the industry is. I guess if CR represented that then it would probably be called "How"
Tim Allan
2009-05-21 11:02:52

I agree with M, the design industry is full of wankers. We should all drive around in those Foxtons mini's.

But on a more considered note. The "Icons" in the posters come across as pretentious and arrogant. And having met one or two of them I don't think that's accurate. That would be my complaint about D&AD it projects arrogance, pretentiousness and looks like and old boys club. Possibly because of the desperate desire to make design look serious and legitimate.
Daddy G
2009-05-21 11:33:26

Does LBi have anything to say in response to all this?

Perhaps we are all misreading the message or the thought behind the work?

What's the deal LBi?
Mark
2009-05-21 11:55:04

Dreadful...
Hang the AD
anon
2009-05-21 12:08:10

'Its almost that these design visionaries are presented as the 'promised land' at which all design professionals work towards to gain entry too, and that all students are taking their first tentative towards.'

If that's what inspires students (and having recently been one I can say that it will do for a significant number, though not all) then why not? In todays celebrity culture is it really surprising that young people look up to fame as well as skill? A position or person 'I want to be when I grow up' pushes the ambitious in every profession, and if it gets more people into the industry then it can only be a good thing. I fully agree that the real industry isn't glamour and portraits but injecting a bit of romance surely won't harm when inspiring those looking to get into it.

Having said that, D&AD can come across as unapproachable to students, something which they do realize and sadly doesn't really show in this campaign. They have been very supportive of us (A small grad-led organisation that helps to advise and promote students) as one way of inspiring confidence in those looking for careers in the industry and are always looking for new ways to accomplish this. Regardless of the successfulness of this campaign, D&AD have their hearts in the right place despite being put in a position from which they can (clearly) never please everyone.
Jonny
2009-05-21 12:24:35

I think LBi are doing what Gordon Ramsay did about the rumours of his affair! There must be 100 of them on the 'I'll be there website' so surely they've seen this thread?
CT
2009-05-21 14:10:55

@ Mark:

LBi and D&AD gave some background here: http://dandad.typepad.com/dandad/2009/05/new-blood-ill-be-there.html
Steve
2009-05-21 14:32:07

I think that unfortunately some of this celebrity designer culture is rubbing off onto some students, but not all. As a student myself with a photo up on the site, I dot buy into this whole celebrity designer scene. It would be unfair to tarnish the reputations of some of the students that merely are up on the site as they had to do it to register to come to the event.
GJ
2009-05-21 16:27:48

Open war within the design classes. Riveting stuff.

I can see both sides of the argument and in my opinion the simple call-to-arms idea is easy to understand. The message is, though, let down by the execution.

The photographs are great in quality and colour and I can see they the director has tried to capture within the subjects visionary, iconic and inspirational qualities. Unfortunately, having looked at them again, my response is a) it's all a bit too theatrical and could be mistaken for advertising a too cool for school rave or even some sort of modern play b) in trying to promote these individuals as icons and leaders, the campaign message has been compromised. As other posters have suggested these people have ended up looking cold, detached and arrogant. I can't see how that will encourage people to get involved. Posters that were warm, quirky, inviting and less serious would have been far better.
James Griffin
2009-05-21 17:49:51

I think the posters are a bit naff really and don't do the industry's image any favours - does it really say the right things about what New Blood is about? Probably not.

As for the arguments of elitism in the design press - probably true... but exposure in magazines (CR/Design Week etc. etc.)? Who cares really? Do good work = get more good work. You don't need magazine coverage to achieve that. It's nice when it happens, but so what?

Well anyway, that's me NEVER getting into either now!
G-MAN
2009-05-21 19:13:10

The posters are embarrassing and just reinforce the idea of designers as egotistic wankers who take themselves too seriously.

The concept works better at the website - but ultimately it still makes it all about the designer and not about the work.

The D&AD need to get its head out of its arse.
leelowe
2009-05-22 11:18:22

Thankfully, the designers at the agencies we work for are nothing like the characters suggested by these awful, mis-judged pictures. If it's meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek, it misses the point by a long way.

Still, it's good to know that "having your coat done right up" is the new "wearing a tie over a t-shirt".
Steve Fair
2009-05-22 11:31:44

Surely it boils down to this.
Most people think the event is a good idea. Hats off to D&AD.
The target audience are potential employers. Yep.
The idea might appeal to the egos of Brody and Waterfall, etc. and also their peers but the idea and execution are naff and has the potential to rub a lot of people up the wrong way.
Alan Herron
2009-05-22 12:23:42

Is this just complete Genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at how many comments this post has! Just like the 2020 logo. At first you experience outrage. Then comes anger, followed by a compulsion to react... comment...discuss! And correct me if I'm wrong but that is the whole point of creating a campaign for New Blood. To create awareness, conversation within the industry. to provoke a reaction. A bad one is better than nothing? Right?

Genius?
M
2009-05-22 17:09:12

Sorry 2012 Logo.
M
2009-05-22 17:09:36

I'M A PC!

Sorry.. I mean... I'll be...errm... there?

Looks like a lot of money was thrown at a bad idea.

Nice portraits, nice colours, nice lighting, nice camera, nice lens.

Bad strapline, bad copy, bad 'concept' - if there is one.

Great ad for Nadav Kander, bad ad for New Blood, worse ad for LBi.

PS
Love the line 'Simon loves difference - show him you are.'

What?

'Hi Simon I are difference can me have job?"
John
2009-05-25 15:07:43

Yikes - this is awful.
Paul May
2009-05-26 09:56:43

I'm a student exhibiting and i quite like it. I can see how the shots can be taken the wrong way, but to be honest It's good to know these guys are turning up after all the effort i'm putting in for this event.
Art_John
2009-05-26 21:36:53

Just so I can fit in and turn my nose up to appear a better designer, I will also parrot: "this is aweful."

Holy shit, calm the fuck down people.
MvM
2009-05-26 21:57:15

Bad idea. Badly executed...
...we'll probably still "be there" though.
/
Shame on you D&AD!
DM
2009-05-26 22:08:12

Decent concept that falls short.

I'm a huge admirer of Morag Myerscough and Neville Brody, but I can understand some of the reactions to the shots. The execution makes the subjects appear aloof and detached, a criticism often levelled at D&AD.

I find the campaign as a whole panders to celebrity. Surely that can't be a good thing.
Alex Szabo-Haslam
2009-05-28 11:47:36

everyone - stop caring so much.
webster webster
2009-05-29 10:26:02

Design Fail
Jeff Brown
2009-06-01 08:12:25

Wow,

Just Wow

What a bunch of................

Please fill in the blanks
JG
2009-06-01 13:05:29

This would be pretty much passable, if they were looking at the camera. I don't understand why they aren't. Or are they deliberately trying to make us think they are aloof and arrogant? Perhaps to the point where any student should be grateful to be graced by their presence. I doubt that's what anyone wanted.
cc
2009-06-10 14:39:06

the posters are a bit duff, but think they work better in context of the online (alongside students, though idea better served if they were all the same size - possibly chickened out of this one), which imagine was what was thought of first, then posters came second

new blood is one of the more constructive things d&ad do, so shame to see them getting panned for it - always room for improvement, but concept of trying to bring designers and professionals together for work opportunities, prof development, talks, seminars etc is surely a good thing. if the commenters put a bit more effort to suggesting improvements to the format of the actual event (more smaller gatherings?, regional events?) rather than slagging off the photography then might be more interested in listening to what they have to say.

the DandAD awards seem to pass under the radar, even though they do far less to help students develop their work and find their feet in a professional context

what is perhaps interesting is that while these comments by no means seem to represent a broad or informed section of the design community, the more thoughtful ones seem to suggest an underlying resentment of the monolithic DandAD, and its means of encourging/supporting students through a older/wiser mentor idea - educationally speaking the pedagogy behind the 'wiser tutor' and student as empty vessel to be filled with their 'knowledge' has been long since discredited so anything (like this D&AD set up), which seems to lean towards that seems a bit out of sorts with the more constructive learning experiences students will hopefully have had university. that said, a mixture of the two is not necessarily a bad thing.
Neil McGuire
2009-06-12 12:15:01

Where is the portrait of Nathan Varley? That would have put the icing on the cake...
KH
2009-06-15 19:30:41

I actually think the photography is not bad and does have a nice sense of irony to it. The line "I'll be there" is what is killing me. It sounds like they have signed up to charity work overseas. Which (ironically) is most probably what most of the students at this year's show will be doing as I can tell you now – there are no jobs about.

As for everyone being up their own arse, of course they are; why so surprised? What do you expect when they spend their whole lives being sucked up to by spotty lapdog designers, just desperately trying to get a break. Oh, isn't that exactly what NB is all about...?!
Paul Croxton
2009-06-16 09:19:24

I think it would be cool if they were naked and thus rendered vulnerable and exposed, neatly subverting the whole pretentious concept. And Neville Brody looks like he enjoys showing off his portfolio in the great outdoors. But then, don't we all?
Markus
2009-06-16 16:23:13

wouldn't a nice bit of type have done the trick, or am I missing the point here.....??
silly me - im just a graphic designer - what would I know
J
2009-07-03 12:02:46

I think the strapline should read "Seriously. Looking at this lot do you still want to be a designer?". Neville Brody looks like he is ready to take transfusions! Scary!
runningfromneville
2009-09-28 17:18:45

I stumbled across this discussion when researching Neville Brody.
I have just started a foundation degree in graphics and digital media and our first assignment is to explore the impact of different graphic designers work within society
can anyone provide me with any helpful links? :)
i have to say this debate has been very entertaining for me and my class mate, i especially like the rectal transplant comment, you guys put some fun into my contextual studies class, thanks!
Louise
2009-10-20 11:52:47

I must be well out of touch because I barely recognised anyone! The PHOTOGRAPHER has either been briefed badly, or has done a bad job, because they all look unapproachable and too serious for their own good. Basically out of step with younger design co.s, and designers, as well as suggesting a hierarchy which - to my mind - should not exist. A poor job, though the use of colour is impressive.
Traci Rochester
2009-11-24 14:13:49

I'd love to know which of them actually turned up? Any body know?
Jeff
2010-01-05 10:03:15

I thought LBi were a digital pureplay.

Stick to what you're good at?
BG
2010-02-26 12:02:21

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shellsuitzombie/sets/72157621795583845/
5 minute hack-job created at the event but you get the picture...
Jonny
2010-03-23 12:43:19

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