Recently I’ve been preparing my graduate portfolio book in time for the start to my long hard job search in September. This book needs to be flexible and easy to edit. While building a portfolio book you need to consider the large amount of content and how often it will change. This requires a well thought out grid structure. This past week I’ve been working on developing a grid within my master pages so the last few stages are just writing content and getting art work prepped for printing. I’m reaching the finish line, but not quite there yet. Take a look.

Since this week is the week I presented The XX on my blog,
have you ever seen this video before?

It defines how much creativity can be put into a music video in such a simple and yet so powerful way. By far the best music video out to date. Watch the video closely, as at first it may appear to be repeating, but every cut is a new story that adds to the transition of the couples breaking apart beginning with the couple in the front and ending with the couple in the back. The choreography and mood of this video is near perfection. Enjoy!

1. Lily Allen
2. The xx

Last week I covered my number one favorite, Lily Allen for her independence and courage in life and as a woman. This week I want to give a shout out to the runner up, The XX. They create something magical and if you are unfamiliar with them, get familiar. They create more than music, but an experience of emotion and movement with simple acoustic beats and a soothing collaboration of some of the best voices.

They recently covered my lost love, Aaliyah’s Hot Like Fire. Typically once great artists pass, I don’t agree with touching their work in form of respect and honor, but the XX was up for the challenge and didn’t copy the song, but paid tribute to her through a new style and a touch to a great loss. I prefer listening to this tune with ear buds and the eyes shut to clear that mind. A great drug for the ears, trust me!

This is the second album cover I’ve designed for The Freaky Afronaut. Intergalactic Discocaine is an upbeat album of urban house mixes. I wanted to create an environment that was urban and abstract. I imagined a club scene as if the viewer was looking through a warehouse window. More detailed versions of the album cover can be seen via my Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bquigley/. Enjoy!

I have attached a Tiesto remix of Tegan & Sara‘s Feel It In My Bones as I approach my Friday. It has helped me get through the week. Enjoy a listen!

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For Hotbed Creative I created several logo concepts for client Iowa Insurance Guaranty Association. The logo had to speak structure with a modern sense but still remain traditional in voice. In the end, the logo was not chosen but I still enjoyed the final product.

I created this just as a personal project that I could place into my portfolio. The foundation to my style comes from traditional Swiss art. I felt that I should create a piece that honors this. In addition to this piece, below I have attached a song that has had a strong influence on my past week.

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