Hollywood by Design

In a previous post from December I suggested similarities of design for three Hollywood actresses. Not so much a physical resemblance but more of a general confusion with their first names and career periods. I continue that theme with an observation on the design similarities of Steve McQueen and Daniel Craig.

I am not the first nor the last to compare these action stars. The facial design and general stoic expression is strikingly similar, given the right pose. So imagine Craig filling in for McQueen for the quintessential car chase from the movie, Bullitt (1968). A film, by the way, with beautifully designed and creative opening credits and a perfect score by Lalo Schifrin.

The rare still above is proof positive that Craig was not a stunt driver as he blows past an intersection at high speed. He overshoots it and has to back up. A stunt driver could make this turn perfect every time. But even with a few takes, Craig never gets it quite right. So they bring in McQueen. The results are uncanny. He overshoots the intersection in the same way as Craig. The director, Peter Yates, decides to leave McQueen’s scene in and Craig’s footage goes to the cutting room floor.

Craig still looks terrific today at 82. McQueen, not so much. You can believe this. If you want.

New Web site Logo

My most recent logo design was for a news blog, Angry White Dude. My visit to the site immediately brought to mind a dart board (imagine that) which became the basis for the logo. It was an instant success. The site's authors are going to target some thing, person or cause on a regular basis. Not much else to say except  the logo looks pretty awesome in the banner. A simple design which directly supports the site.

This site totally shuns any political correctness, skewering many in the process with sarcasm. There will be something on the site to either cheer or disapprove of I am sure. Just don't get in a tizzy over it. Just because someone does not share your opinion, does not mean it is not valid.

Community Logo Designs

One of my latest logo design wins is for two residential communities under development by Innovative Residential. They are a leading real estate developer in Saskatchewan building attractive communities with quality homes for families.

There was a desire to have two distinct logos, both representing an upscale community environment and having a family resemblance. An approach used many times, both are clean and stylish if not groundbreaking in concept. Providing the right end result is always my first concern. This time it has worked, as this brief testimonial attests:

"Mr. Burgess was extremely efficient and willing to submit numerous iterations based on our comments and feedback. A creative designer with good attention to detail."

Using the Correct Pair of Jeannes

When I think about my jeans, it usually turns to these three actresses, all named Jean of one spelling or another. (left to right) Jean Peters, Jeanne Crain and Jean Simmons. All were close in age and career period. All were very popular in their day. All were versatile, handling light comedy or heavy drama. Even musicals for two of them. All dying in the 21st century. Perhaps not superstar status in the likes of Hepburn or Davis, legendary in their own right.

I have chosen images of common angle, hairstyle and expression to illustrate a visual similarity. These three can get confusing for the amateur movie buff's recollections. Name association may be the most confusing factor. In reality, they did not look that similar and each chose different career paths and lengths. 

But when you suggest someone looks like their brother or sister, be careful. Facial features are affected by elements of lighting, angle, hairstyle, makeup or expression. The old adage that the camera never lies is certainly not true. Especially today. Of all the inanimate objects out there, the camera is the most dishonest. Add to that, computer software.

Jim Rockford meets J.J. Gittes

Imagine if you will, two private detectives who each have bad days on the job. One operates out of Los Angeles, the other operates out of San Francisco's Chinatown. One gets the poo beat out of him frequently, the other gets a nose job.

I submit for your approval, a fun observation about simple design solutions. Where one or two elements can bring commonality to a subject.

No offense intended, but when you think about it, most newborns look about the same. Of course, they are as unique as a snowflake. Like these two aging P.I.'s. In this case, the opposite end of the age spectrum seems true. Like Elvis impersonators donning a set of sideburns, black hair and a white jump suit, all one needs here is the addition of sun glasses. Weight gain and a matching set of wrinkles are optional. Simple solutions for two unique subjects.

I'm just sayin'.

Design by Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity: "The failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self...." Is that Russell Boone (left), the lost sheep of Pat Boone? No truth that either will star in the lastest transformer sequel. But there is definite transforming going on here.

Their genetically designed smile is separated by some 17 years. Their nose is separated by their eyes. Uncanny. Would it be a stretch to imagine Kurt starring in a remake of Pat's, "State Fair?" Okay...it would. Maybe Kurt could play a disgruntled ferris wheel operator.

Variations On A Theme

Front end design is probably the single most definable feature of automobiles. From any other angle however, the roof line takes top honors. Think of the Thunderbird's thick, square C-pillar from the 50's and 60's. VW Golf's consistently distinct C-pillar saves it from looking like a small station wagon.

Here are three current cars showing a similar "kink" in the C-pillar side window area. The BMW follows the contour of the door, unlike the Kia (left) or the Lexus (right). But the kink is very similar, just rotated counterclockwise on the BMW.

Tail lamps are another point of commonality. Kia appears to have flipped BMW's while Lexus follows the same upward sweep but with a simpler, straight edged shape. This somewhat reminds one of recent Volkswagens. Though each car is distinctly different in personality, from this angle they seem more alike than different.