tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82910358709094013672012-01-17T13:35:23.163-05:00This site addresses color, composition, contrast, repetition, proximity and relationship as it pertains to designKurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.comBlogger1211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-74346135286490095272012-01-17T13:35:00.000-05:002012-01-17T13:35:23.175-05:00

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. Their was a desire to have two distinct logos, both representing an upscale community environment and having a family resemblance. An approach used many times,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-64134680870225932492011-12-30T13:02:00.000-05:002011-12-30T13:02:53.641-05:00

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

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-43498440333212451012011-12-30T10:29:00.000-05:002011-12-30T10:29:36.476-05:00

Imagine if you will, two private detectives who each have bad days on the job. One operates out of a 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,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-56970859889428718232011-12-22T15:32:00.001-05:002011-12-22T15:33:57.830-05:00

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

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-43193835631839256072011-12-22T15:15:00.000-05:002011-12-22T15:15:08.936-05:00

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

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-68126888108530905472011-12-21T10:17:00.000-05:002011-12-21T10:17:19.211-05:00

Can you identify these two cars? Of course you can. One is a Chevy, the other is not. But which is which? My design point is that Audi has influenced Mazda 3 (above left) as well as the Cruze (middle). When you take the front end out of the equation, they are strikingly similar. Note the crease along the bottom of the doors. The short deck lid. The only obvious roof line difference is the

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-16111147424899215192011-12-20T09:27:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:28:06.591-05:00

A new stateside competitor in the compact range is the Chevy Cruze. A nicely designed European roof line from a 2003 Audi A4! I thought the Cruze was vaguely familiar. Better late than never, GM. So here we have a silver 2003 Audi and a new 2004 updated red Audi...er...2012 Chevy. Tweak the tail lights, remove some chrome and there you have it. I am speaking from an overall design point of view

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-37401526902178959502011-12-19T09:14:00.000-05:002011-12-19T09:14:10.593-05:00

Somewhat typical of countries west of the International Date Line, Hyundai never seems to know when to stop fiddling with a design (above left). In the 1990's I referred to Hyundais as a "Toyohondaissan" because they took design cues from all three Asian competitors. And not with the best results. They turned out looking like a bad drawing of a competitor's car.  Could there be more happening

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-87158482232137924882011-12-15T11:37:00.000-05:002011-12-15T11:37:45.386-05:00

I like the muscular stance of the current Ford Taurus. Distinctive in a conservative, slightly menacing way. Perhaps the Chrysler 300 is its closest domestic cousin.Ford designers further the swoosh-crease trend by breaking it across the back fender bulge. This photo enhanced image makes the crease appear too strong. It is so subtle in person that one may gasp at an apparent shopping cart

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-37561394203512423442011-12-14T09:46:00.000-05:002011-12-14T09:46:18.497-05:00

Automobile design can be very personal for those who care about such things. I have opinions. That is what follows. What someone responds to as a stunning design barely registers with others. I have chosen a small sampling of vehicles that use similar design cues. Not exactly clones, and enthusiasts will not be fooled, but have you even noticed these similarities? First up, the sculpted side

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-85039473805058368732011-12-06T23:29:00.000-05:002011-12-06T23:29:43.200-05:00

Another recent first place finish (and the monetary reward that goes with it) was my design for VLE Teacher, an online teaching resource. The intent was to clearly portray their online presence. I was encouraged my design was favored right from the beginning. There were many variations submitted before the deadline arrived, but this is basically my original concept. Despite tough competition,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-73640384257627952392011-12-06T23:06:00.000-05:002011-12-06T23:06:38.665-05:00

  I was awarded first place and prize money in a recent logo design contest. Wolesale Italian Imports sells high quality, designer clothing, online. The client requested the logo be in black, understated yet elegant. I envisioned a clean, simple and stylish presentation. A open font which  has a slight edge to it. Sometimes a simple and clean design seems to be the easy way out. But it takes

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-88457974194244852202011-09-26T15:42:00.000-04:002011-09-26T15:42:57.215-04:00

I was fortunate enough to following up my AutoGarage win in September with this international winning design.  This minimalistic, contemporary icon captures the motion of indoor cycling inside a whirling circle shape. The slanted font is somewhat low key as it follows the dominant icon.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-92201710318240561542011-09-26T15:26:00.000-04:002011-09-26T15:26:37.863-04:00

As September rolled on, this company, based in the Netherlands, awarded me winner in an international design contest consisting of nearly a hundred entries. It will be used in print and online.   After proposing numerous designs, the emphasis switched to a vehicle in the process of being repaired. The design incorporates several key automobile elements in a bold, contemporary approach. From

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-74061783219922282632011-05-22T18:15:00.000-04:002011-05-22T18:15:17.118-04:00

My latest 1st price international win for logo design is Sensible Green, a commercial engineering firm providing sustainable green design consulting service to business and home owners regarding how to make their project a green project. Green from an environmental standpoint as well as green from an economic savings standpoint. Thus, Sensible. The design incorporates both houses and cityscape

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-88551748606433918492011-03-20T18:37:00.000-04:002011-03-20T18:37:34.462-04:00

This is a recent unpublished design study in two different color schemes. The intent was to capture a sense of outdoor adventure. The fish breaking through the two words helps do this. 

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-43137174501638989012011-03-07T20:54:00.001-05:002011-03-07T20:55:58.417-05:00

Here is a tidy logo I designed. It was recently chosen winner among dozens of designer's entries world-wide. The company favored the colors of green and blue while my idea center around a global theme with a generic aircraft circling the globe. We both wanted the logo to capture a sense of movement and adventure. During the month-long design process, the plane went through many variations before

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-10811819833231189972011-01-22T16:05:00.001-05:002011-03-07T20:56:33.478-05:00

Recently purchased, this logo centers around the healing properties of nature as witnessed by the leaf motive. The flame, in soothing teal contrary to a warm color, continues the healing theme which represents holistic practitioners.  The logo went through various color and tagline changes which were requested by the buyer.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-80783976427900748602010-11-04T12:38:00.001-04:002010-11-04T12:57:55.404-04:00

My logo design was chosen world-wide winner for a business that contests unfair traffic tickets. If you think you were ticketed unfairly, they will provide legal support for you. I imagine they keep busy. This simple, bold, clearly defined design, shown on contrasting backgrounds, visually tells the intent of this business.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-36314636475223050012010-09-07T11:34:00.001-04:002010-09-07T11:37:07.069-04:00

A special visitor at the annual fly-in/cruise-in in Marion, Indiana during Labor Day weekend was this beautiful Lockheed Electra 12. This plane was used in the 2009 Hillary Swank film, "Amelia." Earhart's plane was an Electra 10, however, and not the 12 pictured here. The Electra was a short haul airliner of the 1930's. That's a good thing because it is very cramped inside. Today's Boeing 737

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-85129703202414588402010-08-19T15:20:00.001-04:002010-08-19T15:21:13.151-04:00

I was chosen a winner from a team of four mental health nurses in the United Kingdom for a new logo. The team provides training and support programs to mental health nurses in the field of medicines management. Their focus is on supporting the use of long acting injections in managing schizophrenia. The nurses provide training in pharmacology, medicines choice and injection technique. Though

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-40238137069652383582010-06-22T11:07:00.002-04:002010-06-22T11:17:40.677-04:00

This logo design started a journey and ended 180 degrees in the opposite direction. The top design (1) was initially favored and captured the client’s desire to avoid using dental cliché icons. The practice is comprised of periodontal specialists and they are not a general dentistry practice. So there was no need to appeal to children. This design suggests the Catalina Mountains in southern

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-73398141091629408692010-05-09T23:06:00.004-04:002010-05-09T23:11:25.766-04:00

This is a recently completed design and layout for a gospel hymn project of solo piano selections. The samples show the front and back covers of the CD jewel case.The client wanted the cover to be understood as a recording of piano music and not a vocal recording. The background keyboard image makes this clear and the solo piano text solidifies it. The project’s sales and promotion is to raise

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-26719642149418480352010-05-02T13:15:00.009-04:002010-05-02T13:32:40.651-04:00

This is a recent design completion for a multi-page senior retirement community brochure utilizing classic black halftones. Beneath the cover image are sample layout pages of the inside spreads. The gray is printed a warm silver metallic ink. The text lays out a narrative of how seniors have gone the extra mile for their children and now they enjoy the benefits of a first-class retirement

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-35977371865122459412010-04-25T12:33:00.002-04:002010-04-25T12:37:30.199-04:00

It has been a year since first posting these old montages I created in 1992. Easier to post than to locate, clip and paste on the graph paper! What was more publicized than the Rodney King video this week? The verdict brought senseless looting. We are not entitled to fairness, however misguided our reasoning. No one has the right to burn cars (unless it is your own) and buildings in a fiery

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-42160948880218444632010-04-18T12:23:00.003-04:002010-04-18T12:35:13.877-04:00

Easter and Earth Day in the same week. Coincidence? I think not. Those knowing the truth see the appropriate vintage stamp’s connection. The earth actually did quake near Petrolia, California this week. The 7.1 main shock caused significant damage to older structures in the sparsely populated, mountainous region. Leaving the earth once again is NASA’s space shuttle. Obviously, the earth symbols

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-37268258798176085232010-04-16T14:24:00.006-04:002010-04-16T14:43:20.816-04:00

My recent digital poster art for a concert by keyboardists, featuring live music with artistic videos. Traditionally, this excellent event features selections for duo-pianists who are supported by percussion and non-keyboard musicians. The music ranges from gospel, to jazz, to contemporary standards and broadway tunes. It is an evening for the local community and a way to highlight the "unknown"

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-61765533335473854382010-04-14T15:36:00.004-04:002010-04-14T15:45:40.272-04:00

On this day in 1865, just after the effective end of the American Civil War, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a production at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and died the next morning. Most in attendance agreed the play did not go so well. My design illustrates a divided nation, nearly split apart by differing opinions and passions.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-89578786883555533972010-04-13T16:27:00.004-04:002010-04-13T16:34:46.208-04:00

I was a recent logo contest winner for the exclusive Hotel Stiemerheide, Gent, Belgium. The hotel and restaurant are situated within a beautiful forest setting. Though the new logo is not posted yet, check them out at: http://www.stiemerheide.be/

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-71492327953973026782010-04-11T18:11:00.002-04:002010-04-11T18:17:18.445-04:00

Hand drawn “pixels” play a part in the image transitions this week. A protester, another well-reasoned liberal, accosted former President Reagan. This guy was so out of touch, he did not know Reagan was President at the time. Speaking of accosted, the clipping says a lot about tax frustration. Note the “morph” of the hapless citizen’s shirt/arm merging into the construction image. A section of

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-45984057745005230762010-04-04T13:47:00.004-04:002010-04-04T13:54:49.627-04:00

A simple design approach starting with my trip to Arizona on Continental to Asimov in counter clockwise flow. The reaching arm is a key element that brings the viewer back into the montage. Beginning this week in 1992, British Prime Minister, John Major, gets advice after winning re-election. Former Panama military dictator-thug, Manuel Noriega, went to trial in Miami and convicted on eight

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-62516841401043920912010-03-28T13:03:00.005-04:002010-03-28T13:37:21.075-04:00

Appropriate white space plays a part for this week in the news. My added heading, "How soon they forget" applys to all the clippings. Dances with Wolves dominated the Oscars. Another Oscar winner, Jack Palance, did his famous one armed push-up that same evening, not knowing what else to do. Glasnost and the fall of the Soviet Union brought changes to Russia. Mafia boss, John Gotti saw changes,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-45459788071155219262010-03-21T10:30:00.001-04:002010-03-21T10:32:29.308-04:00

Bold, linear balance is the key to this week’s visual history tour. Prismacolor pencils were used to draw into the space shuttle clipping. A mere 500 years separate the Columbus and Atlantis adventures. Other graphics were drawn to suggest the planets. A large outer ring pulls everything together. In honor of shuttle speed, an Indy Car graphic was placed near the bottom to anchor the page.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-78823450255999087322010-03-14T13:00:00.002-04:002010-03-14T13:04:30.173-04:00

While Tom Foley looks the other way, Jack Russ resigned. But it would be another 19 months before Russ pleads guilty. Also arriving at splitsville, after a whopping six year marriage, were the Duke of York and his Duchess.The central figure of mock shock splits two antagonists with a bit of humor. A pretty good linear display of clippings keeps the eye moving across the page. Another use of the

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-77465149210297050242010-03-08T16:16:00.002-05:002010-03-08T16:20:25.301-05:00

A full page of clippings obscures the graphic flow in this page. Scrambling to find news items by the end of the week could be blamed.The two devastating earthquakes recently, recall the massive quake this week of 1992 in Turkey. Actually, a rough week of weather throughout the states with tornadoes and flooding. A rough week for President Bush with an uphill finance battle. The House of

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-43160555494292234112010-02-28T12:03:00.001-05:002010-02-28T12:06:32.335-05:00

It's an orbital news week as the 20 year old Pioneer 10 drifts into deep space after exploring Jupiter. A computer virus scare was more hype than reality as was Paul Tsongas’ run for president. He did possess a lot of energy and gave Bill Clinton fits. Ironic that Tsongas would accuse Clinton of lying for a statement he attributed to Tsongas. Old movie buffs will be familiar with Rondo “The

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-84815773492037717372010-02-21T13:46:00.004-05:002010-03-03T14:44:11.514-05:00

Some solid graphic clippings this week which play off each other. Elvis not only sang with The Stamps, he became one himself this week. The White House celebrated its 200 year anniversary. All Japanese satire aside, General Motors should have foreseen the writing on the wall before 2009. February 1992 was a leap year for Elizabeth Taylor as she completed her 60th. She went to Disneyland in

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-3700233349549893452010-02-14T13:34:00.003-05:002010-02-14T13:40:02.021-05:00

The instant lesson clipping addresses President Bush’s loss in the New Hampshire Primary to Pat Buchanan. The real Darrin Stephens, Dick York, died this week. The Olympics continued, as it does in 2010, while the Daytona 500 was set to run its course. Well, not really a course. That would indicate turning in more than one direction. How does the least admired list compare in 2010?This is an

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-27859458640191058972010-02-07T13:16:00.002-05:002010-02-07T13:52:42.217-05:00

Role models, or lack thereof, was the order of this week in 1992. In the graphics we see a female unwilling to forgive Mike Tyson’s irresponsible behavior. The graphic leads into a "Roots" image which in turn segues to the Jeffrey Dahmer cut up image. Dahmer was sentenced for his gruesome killings and, two years later, beaten to death by a fellow inmate with a bar from a weight machine while on

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-60219888169127199712010-01-31T13:07:00.002-05:002010-01-31T13:12:03.883-05:00

Jammed packed with graphic clippings this week. All of which presents a fairly interesting display of positive and negative space. From the death of Mr. Miss America to Letterman’s tenth anniversary, the images transition from one to another. Letterman only had about a year and a half left with NBC at this point. Arguably the best years for Letterman. Many of the regular features so associated

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-6740752663259227062010-01-24T13:16:00.002-05:002010-01-24T13:19:39.864-05:00

Plenty of eye movement across the page this week. Text played a part in transitioning between images. Also in setting down visual anchors. The graph paper was utilized to break apart a couple of graphics using Prismacolor pencils. Once again, circles tie together the images.Films buffs will note the passing of two Hollywood icons from long ago. Both shown here, arguably, in their quintessential

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-50823956447394574462010-01-17T17:07:00.003-05:002010-01-17T17:11:16.859-05:00

There is an obvious blue and orange theme for this week in 1992 from scanning numerous magazine and newspaper sources. Some interesting graphics to begin. The added clipped headlines might send a message. For instance, “A Matter of Trust” addresses Internet security. The orange sun color picks up the orange humanoid at the keyboard.Jerry Seinfeld was hitting his stride with “Seinfeld” and Route

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-86014148624971209002010-01-10T11:47:00.004-05:002010-01-12T11:54:34.413-05:00

My impulsive idea to create a montage of 1992 started the second week in January after the idea came to me halfway through the previous week. Hence no post for the week of January 3. This initial week of 1992 saw a lot of Spike Lee's alter-ego, Mars Blackmon, who hooked up with Michael "Air" Jordan for a few Nike commercials. We closed in on the one year anniversary to the end of Operation Desert

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-38790619622380495082009-12-31T10:23:00.008-05:002010-01-10T12:05:36.727-05:00

To finish out 2009, here are two logos I created during the last half of the year. Dart Tailors logo combines a graphic dart crossing the "t" letters, one of which is a needle and thread. The logo will be embroidered and used in communication pieces for this Dallas-based business. Eloquenz Concerts design incorporates the two instruments used by these European musical artists. The piano and

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-13017980055546898932009-12-28T12:35:00.012-05:002009-12-28T12:57:54.907-05:00

Here is a contemporary design from 2009 I created. An e-card cover prepared for a friend in the Phoenix, Arizona area. The Superstition Mountains casts their shadow on the desert floor. The design transitions from the blue water to the mountains and the purple evening light transitions to the daylight sun. The bright, rich colors capture the colorful heritage of this part of the country. I

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-51272408209838480562009-12-27T09:04:00.003-05:002009-12-27T09:08:29.801-05:00

‘Give a prosecutor unlimited time and investigative resources, give him unreviewable discretion, give him several thousand statutes, and give him a single case--and the chances are pretty good that an indictment may emerge somewhere.’ ~ National Review. July 6, 1992.Exactly. Lawrence Walsh, American lawyer and former judge, along his permanent corps of temporary prosecutors were exempt from a

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-75297947220228149672009-12-23T10:50:00.007-05:002009-12-23T10:59:00.123-05:00

As 2009 draws to a close, I will post some designs I have created this past year. This logo was designed, via a client, for a salon in New York City. First and foremost a nail salon, the business has a lively set of employees who wrap their arms around the idea of rejuvenation. The brush and leaf graphics pinpoint these attributes. The green sets the tone for life and growth while the orange adds

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-37536055507444879942009-12-20T11:36:00.003-05:002009-12-20T11:50:39.259-05:00

A linear design, using hand-drawn color bars and circle, bring these elements together. The road signs help communicate the big news this week, that of Clinton’s cabinet picks. He rolled the dice and gambled. Dr. Elders was a huge disappointment. She was unqualified in her position, coming up with some goofy ideas along the way. We seem to be in a similar position some 17 years later. What goes

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-51126605991957386962009-12-13T11:55:00.003-05:002009-12-13T12:00:59.535-05:00

The Indonesian earthquake was the big news this week in 1992. One of Hollywood’s solid actors died. Dana Andrews was a trained operatic singer but is best known for his acting roles in the 1940’s and 50‘s. Once had his singing voice dubbed because the studio was unaware he could sing. He was the brother of Steve Forrest, star of the TV show, S.W.A.T in the late 70’s. A disco hit was garnered from

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-79988936320071909742009-12-08T15:04:00.003-05:002009-12-08T15:25:11.187-05:00

Going it alone was the theme this week. In 1948, the United Nation’s peacekeepers were a singular force for humanitarian aid. The lone Somalia worker contrasts their story as the USA pays the bill once again. The military’s "don’t ask don’t tell policy" goes it alone as most do not get it anyway. And who could forget the world’s most promising couple doing the royal split. All happened this week

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-45957187848873843352009-11-29T11:01:00.001-05:002009-11-29T11:04:23.281-05:00

The large Bayer ad played a big roll in the display for this week. The lady’s expression addresses pain, but all pain is not the same. The announcement that NASA will scale back the shuttle missions is becoming a reality some 17 years later. Bob Packwood. Another one bites the dust.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-71804070670298418762009-11-22T11:44:00.003-05:002009-11-22T11:52:33.242-05:00

Death becomes them (nearly). DC Comics killed off Superman but there is no truth to the rumor that Dr. Kevorkian was involved. The actor who voiced the original Winnie the Pooh also died this week. An old Joseph Pulitzer stamp includes an ironic statement about the press which former President Bush is all too familiar. When I pulled this montage together in 1992, the "doctor sign off" clipping

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-49228282892541731142009-11-15T14:35:00.002-05:002009-11-15T14:39:15.486-05:00

No content comment this week other than to say when I found the 21st century headline I had to use it. Somehow. The Queen’s castle in flames and the out of control human behavior seemed to cast irony on the heading. The graphic display of text at angle plus the color coordination add interest to the week's news.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-32573689220843055412009-11-08T17:29:00.002-05:002009-11-08T17:32:36.816-05:00

A good week for images that play off one another. Though a horrible week if you drove I-295. Those demented bullets did not come from Chuck Connors, however, who died this week. Connors, as Luca McCain, kept peace (and killed a lot of thugs) to defend himself and those in North Fork. On the political front, Mr. Bill is already on the Vatican’s radar within a week on the job. Shades of things to

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-44868138805985728632009-11-01T11:49:00.002-05:002009-11-01T11:53:04.166-05:00

Clinton wins election. Who saw that coming? Hollywood was happy but mourned the passing of Hal Roach at 100. Clipping headlines and finding a place for them can be fun. Or a nightmare. It’s usually something that strikes you at the moment in terms of point size, color and length. Good visual balance here as all elements play off Clinton/Gore central image.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-21401024819162921692009-10-25T12:02:00.002-04:002009-10-25T12:06:30.384-04:00

The world news this week centered on the revenge of the Muslim guerrillas attacks. Another touchy set-back for Mideast peace talks. In a follow up to my August 23 post, a Somalia airlift plane was fired upon but there were no injuries.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-63947755871327172009-10-18T09:23:00.002-04:002009-10-18T09:28:01.743-04:00

Finding some large images help fill the week’s revue. As the 1992 election draws closer, Bush looks a bit distressed. And he was never invited to play the saxophone. Pat Robertson blurted his thoughts on the Equal Rights Amendment as women scream in terror.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-30177400654440131322009-10-11T07:16:00.001-04:002009-10-11T07:18:31.319-04:00

Scrambling around to find headlines for this week was a challenge and it shows with this less than stellar subject matter. A major quake in Egypt dominated the news, however. Ross Perot and his charts will not go away, despite his withdrawal from the Presidency. For the record, nothing was implied with the close proximity of the Super Chief and Perot. Concorde, a true aviation icon, never made

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-15482392134317335812009-10-04T12:09:00.001-04:002009-10-04T12:11:47.927-04:00

Back in 1992, President Bush vetoes a bill that would regulate cable prices, saying it benefited special interests rather than the public. The IRA terrorist bombings continue on a regular basis during this week and into the next. Old Boeings go boing as some engines land before the fuselage. And a quiet week in Lake Wobegon according to Garrison Keillor.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-73993881339152001442009-09-27T12:45:00.002-04:002009-09-27T12:51:00.010-04:00

Ross Perot is back in the news this week as was Tom Foley, former Speaker of the House. Then there was Cosmo Kramer who had the ability to make his point with very little thought. One wondered whether he was a genius or an idiot. Rush Limbaugh’s television venture was short lived. A somewhat unique element to this week’s posting is the consistent color theme from randomly selected clippings.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-41386084036249200352009-09-20T12:41:00.003-04:002009-09-20T12:45:07.857-04:00

Boris is back in the news as he does some saber rattling. Is the pen mightier than the sword? A return to my original May 17 post as Brown vs. Quayle continues to ignite the media.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-68652042290621978842009-09-13T11:42:00.003-04:002009-09-13T11:47:22.092-04:00

Rather than comment on the content, here are a few notes on how this page evolved during this week of 1992. I clipped the heading, “Looking for Trouble” which lead me to the unrest in Africa clipping. Which lead me to the old west comedic character. The checkerboard and spheres were added for visual interest. The Hollywood obit of everyone’s favorite neighbor, “Norman Bates,” was added to balance

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-71692675794911148232009-09-06T12:24:00.001-04:002009-09-06T12:28:31.385-04:00

Highlights the week in 1992 was Jerry Lewis Telethon. It broke a new giving record and a record number of anti-lewites. Spike suggested students skip school to go see his movie, “Malcolm X” when it releases in November. You just cannot beat good PR. Red tape for storm victims did not start with Katrina.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-59574508631379784522009-08-30T18:38:00.002-04:002009-08-30T18:42:14.054-04:00

Clinton was looking pretty smug holding the White House calling card. Gore is suited up right behind. Bush One seems to be having a headache of sorts while South African's social matrix and long history of oppression is a key element to unrest and senseless violence.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-40287348980081322922009-08-23T12:54:00.001-04:002009-08-23T12:56:22.731-04:00

Hurricane Andrew was about the only real news for the week. Some homesteaders exercised their right to bare arms to keep looters away. Homestead Air Force Base was left with a runway and that was about it. It was rebuilt and today is an Air Force Reserve Base. Pentagon and The White House confirmed the airlift of food to famine-stricken Somalia this same week.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-46248161576233153052009-08-16T10:03:00.001-04:002009-08-16T10:06:24.482-04:00

The Queen of England was not pleased with the manor of commoner Sarah Ferguson and her split with Prince Andrew. I think my graphics make this clear. Yeltsin was back in the news again with $60 vouchers for Russia’s 150 million people in a “bold” effort to boost the economy. Reminds me of the recent stimulus most of us received this past spring. I had to hire an account to handle the extra $13.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-6079627180201135772009-08-09T10:39:00.002-04:002009-08-09T10:45:05.077-04:00

Two giants in the news this week and one is not Clinton’s head. Howard Hughes H-4 “Hercules” was transported from San Diego to Oregon It remains the largest aircraft ever built with a wingspan longer than a football field. That is more than a city block. Her next door neighbor while in San Diego was the former luxury liner, the Queen Mary, which, ironically brings us to the QE2 voyage to the

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-19002555771434594412009-08-02T12:05:00.002-04:002009-08-02T12:07:51.696-04:00

The big man rules the roost. Jay Leno, that is. Arsenio Hall tried to slice into the late night ratings but fell far short. Just goes to prove goods looks aren’t everything. Having a much longer reign than Arsenio, Mobutu ultimately died in exile three years later. A NASA shuttle mission made the news as well as.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-44831125077151880162009-07-29T23:12:00.002-04:002009-07-29T23:16:03.661-04:00

Three unpublished designs for a personal icon I created recently. Simplicity and flowing motion is the key to these graceful, abstract designs.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-74595421137397846672009-07-27T08:58:00.002-04:002009-07-29T22:49:42.297-04:00

This week, illusionist Harry “Carrier” Bopespiel goes for the ride of his life, while Bush takes a punch at Hussein. Democratic candidates take to the road ala Dr. Richard Kimble. All three were trying to hide their real identity. The USA comes up big in Barcelona.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-81449527203570840572009-07-19T15:33:00.002-04:002009-07-19T15:38:20.164-04:00

More fun visuals this week as Saddam continues to upset everyone’s stomach. President Bush verbally decks an audience heckler. Saddam appears to take his remarks personally. The summer Olympics get under way in Barcelona.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-71462469364420673412009-07-16T09:17:00.003-04:002009-07-16T09:25:17.019-04:00

Ross Perot seemed to be the man for president. He talked a lot. He ran and ran and ran (his mouth) but came up short behind the Clinton machine. The road signs support his demise. Local flooding opened up alternative transportation options this week as well.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-59792020531496536462009-07-16T09:08:00.001-04:002009-07-16T09:14:59.029-04:00

In this final segment of four, we find our muddy, disheveled, young and very pregnant couple on the porch of benevolent people. A day that started with potentially fatal results ended in the comfort of a warm home, celebrating Christmas with strangers. The same day when another couple, long ago, was also welcomed by strangers in Bethlehem.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-77675262299818756712009-07-08T13:26:00.002-04:002009-07-08T13:31:13.779-04:00

In part three of, "Christmas Morning with Strangers," the author’s mother recalls they were proceeding at tree-top level after awhile and began noticing the ground getting very close. Then a terrible jolt. Although flying low and level, the terrain decided to go its own way and grab the main wheels. So the occupants found themselves upside down in a muddy field. No fire or explosion. The pilot

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-80340155471221608582009-07-05T21:44:00.001-04:002009-07-05T21:47:04.318-04:00

Some fun this week. Clinton revived his campaign in rather amazing fashion. You will note a lean, more energy efficient Al Gore, as well. Boris Yeltsin’s yearly checkup brought new demands for the Soviet leader….getting into spandex. Doctors ordered him to get "excersized." Finally, one of TV’s earliest journalists signed off for the last time.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-64556662654691942882009-07-01T13:15:00.002-04:002009-07-01T13:19:51.403-04:00

Today’s drawing depicts a single engine plane of the late forties and its three passengers. The plane did not have an electric starter like today‘s private aircraft. One had to hand-prop the plane. It is the equivalent to popping the clutch on a manual transmission auto. Fortunately, for the husband doing this cranking, the engine started the first time. Federal aviation regulations would indeed

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-71318177497690114652009-06-28T13:12:00.002-04:002009-06-28T13:14:45.667-04:00

After a participant is killed, Florida issues a ban on further bungee jumping. Tornadoes rip through the south but the gentleman in the straw hat seems more interested in the bungee jumper‘s future. During his first public appearance, the president of Algeria was assassinated by his body guard. Reason #43 for running background checks on your employees.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-50058865125131081602009-06-24T16:35:00.003-04:002009-06-24T16:40:28.621-04:00

This is the first of four pencil drawings I will post. The drawings help illustrate a story for a gift book entitled, “Christmas Morning with Strangers.” It is an inspirational, true story about a light plane crash on a foggy Christmas morning in 1949 involving a young, expectant, married couple, their pilot uncle, and the hospitality of a nearby family. Thankfully, everyone survived the crash.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-8234583232552759472009-06-21T12:13:00.002-04:002009-06-21T12:16:33.648-04:00

A dichotomy of speed this week. Nine NASCAR teams were invited to Indy to participate in a Goodyear tire test, which was, in reality, an unofficial test to see if stock cars could be competitive in such a circuit. The Brickyard 400, now called Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, began two years later. A labor dispute idled Amtrak but no one noticed any difference in service. This, a lack of speed,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-58083207061698396372009-06-14T09:07:00.001-04:002009-06-14T09:10:39.220-04:00

The week will all anticipated. Boris coming to America. A tour of Kansas revealed a lot about what the Russians do not have. Profits. You go, Boris! Sears had some repair problems of their own, made worse by pessimistic reporting. Two unusual suspects show support for each other. The page design moves the eye around pretty well between positive and negative spaces. Appropriate repetition is used

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-82719097181118285482009-06-07T12:02:00.001-04:002009-06-07T12:05:30.663-04:00

The Siege of Sarajevo was the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. The Serbs blockaded the city and residents came very close to complete starvation. Their only chance for survival depended on the success of UN airlifts from the Sarajevo airport that was opened in late June. An estimated 10,000 persons were killed or went missing in the city. The dictator/terrorist

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-24405980405240593162009-05-31T15:23:00.003-04:002009-05-31T15:26:07.209-04:00

The circle theme is used again, as a graphic device, as it targets Bush/USA with the brunt of the funding to, once again, save the Earth. Other major news involved the Strategic Air Command, disbanded to become what sounds more like a video game, the Air Combat Command. Speaking of circles, Ross Perot’s mouth is open again, too.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-15006279049186343102009-05-24T15:12:00.001-04:002009-05-24T15:15:08.438-04:00

The Indianapolis 500 dominates the week, although I am not a huge fan of people going in circles. The 500 image anchors the page and the repetition of two major headlines forces the eye from top to bottom, left to right. At this point, you may create your own pun if you feel led to do so. Ironically, Leno started and ends his reign as host during the same week. There we go in circles again. And

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-4011893711291086962009-05-19T09:51:00.002-04:002009-05-19T09:54:06.398-04:00

Despite being one of the rainiest April’s around here since Noah went afloat, May comes along as usual with those wonderful, happy little tulips. My sketch was done with a marker base and Prismacolor added to give depth on Artigan paper.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-69429796034792226192009-05-17T17:27:00.004-04:002009-05-17T17:42:03.756-04:00

Many in the media tired of Carson in his later seasons, complaining that his material was routine, old and stale. Not unlike David Letterman in recent years, he seemed to be on auto pilot as time passed. Carson borrowed comedic characters from other entertainers, of course, like Steve Allen and Jonathan Winters, yet he remains an icon of class and comedic talent of the highest order. Other

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-45861668284444719262009-05-10T20:55:00.005-04:002009-05-15T09:51:57.356-04:00

For many, the big news of the week was the space walk and retrieval of a wandering satellite. Ironically, this week in 2009 has another dangerous space walk mission. The graphics play off this theme. Sadly, Percy Dovetonsils had no part in the historic space walk. For those familiar with the innovative Ernie Kovaks, a pioneer in satiric skits and characters long before SNL, Percy was the soused

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-84399319133227115552009-05-07T11:45:00.002-04:002009-05-07T11:48:04.967-04:00

This pencil illustration was for a www.libertyridge.com mailer. The campaign was promoting tailor-made living and just as a tailor custom fits formal wear, this community offers amenities to suit every senior’s lifestyle. My wife posed as the hand and measuring tape model. The face was created from another source. I chose a hairstyle and dress from mid-twentieth century in an attempt to establish

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-24089081928741559062009-05-03T10:43:00.006-04:002009-05-18T21:06:12.773-04:00

Alright. Enough with the teasing. Go back seventeen years near the midway point of the year. I start there because the first Sunday in May is the 3rd for both 1992 and 2009. What started as a whim turned into a full year obsession of sorts. Scrambling to find the right image got harder as 1992 came to a close. Burnout. But as I look back they still make me smile. This week’s focus is on the U.S.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-23348928571194931662009-05-01T11:20:00.005-04:002009-05-18T21:07:44.839-04:00

Today we consider a "bewitched" Bush in the New Hampshire primary and the Tsongas debate reply to Clinton’s accusations. Or is he referring to the Cuomo lineage? You thought Boris Yeltsin’s tour of Kansas could go unnoticed? Not bloody likely!

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-47677257714757543342009-04-29T09:16:00.005-04:002009-05-18T21:08:28.504-04:00

Beginning next week, you may find some similarities between 1992 and today. The pivotal election or General Motor’s huge losses are two examples. This teaser centers on a similar banking fraud and the Earth Summit’s game plan for saving the planet---a forward pass to the USA. Maybe I will explain Tom Foley's relevance later.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-31634916495922830722009-04-27T17:08:00.005-04:002009-04-27T20:17:28.628-04:00

I was thinking way back when that I might have fun with news headlines. A montage of images, clipped news source headlines and text that highlight the week. I added artwork to tie it all together for a cohesively designed page. Visual and word puns. Satire. Subtle social glimpses. Some images were begging to be added simply because they worked in conjunction with another image or graphic. For

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-61836717990270367032009-04-24T11:21:00.004-04:002009-04-24T11:25:48.905-04:00

Very chilly and windy when I sketched this in downtown Muncie, Indiana, so I stayed in my mobile studio (VW). Muncie was once a hotbed of New York Central rail traffic and for some annoyed motorists it still is today, though under a different logo. Double-track main line for CSX and two converging Norfolk Southern lines is the reason. One NSRR line heads west to Frankfort, Indiana, site of my

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-82272714240199148702009-04-22T10:41:00.003-04:002009-04-22T10:53:32.181-04:00

Here’s a recent poster design for a local church. Dual pianist compositions were to be a part of the concert and that is the basic design element in the poster…two grand pianos head to head. The abstract keys at both ends gives the poster a solid bracket for the text to stand within. The information is displayed in relationships. For non-designers, that means grouping words with other words that

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-36982681263149837162009-04-20T15:42:00.001-04:002009-04-20T15:45:14.839-04:00

I designed this pocket folder cover and the logo at bottom center. It was a delightful project for a group of talented, Christian musicians on the east coast. My illustration of a young child basking in heaven’s light was done in Prismacolor. Multiple layers of color are stacked on top of each other to obtain the affect.

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-36866668762725832482009-04-17T12:23:00.003-04:002009-04-17T12:31:43.986-04:00

Confession. I am the poster boy for the broad sweep of generalizations. Case in point. Here is the thing about display fonts. There have always been too many display fonts available to the graphic designer. You have been there even if you are not a designer. Which toothpaste or deodorant to choose? First, just pick the best designed container. Then decide whether it is solid, gel, spray or stick,

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-24718163887213106292009-04-16T11:01:00.001-04:002009-04-16T11:03:45.469-04:00

Muncie, Indiana is home to Ball State University (David Letterman U) and is rich in architectural resources. Central downtown has experienced something of a renaissance with a new south entrance roundabout and the intelligent revitalization plan to retain original period styles. An interesting combination of buildings recently caught my attention mainly because of their juxtaposition to each

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-82331985089159641652009-04-15T10:41:00.002-04:002009-04-15T10:48:45.672-04:00

Thought there might be some interest in seeing what I use to create the sketches posted here. This is strictly a personal selection and yours is too, I imagine. Let me know what you use. These tools comprise the basics. I have a full complement of Berol Prismacolor pencils. My favorite over the Derwent “emergency” brand. The Berol has softer lead, making the colors richer and easier to control

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-5352711760576861602009-04-14T09:04:00.002-04:002009-04-14T09:11:55.549-04:00

Here is a really old sketch from Bluffton, Indiana in the hopes of cheering some of you up. Notice the gas prices. And behold, no storage shed on the courthouse! (see last week’s courthouse blog) Prices have been hovering under two dollars a gallon for some time and recently cracked two dollars here. So, in eighteen years the gas price has risen about eighty-five cents. Never mind last year’s

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-61606967274161170812009-04-13T10:32:00.001-04:002009-04-13T10:35:34.092-04:00

Some time ago I arrived in Richmond, Indiana to seek out interesting subjects. I was taken by the spark of color in this small rail yard. From the red barrels, the classic Purina checkerboard, to the green box car, I found my spot. Notice the foreground rails lead into the center of the sketch, right up to the yellow trimmed platform and the rusty barrel. Your eye moves from the foreground rails

Kurt Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17248344333475047502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291035870909401367.post-20994718567150142022009-04-10T09:36:00.003-04:002009-04-10T09:43:47.521-04:00

I will finish out the week on another architectural note. Northeast of Frankfort, Indiana is a dot on the map called Forest. This grain elevator caught my attention in part because of the aqua painted doors against the gray metal. I find grain elevators rather interesting. Sort of skyscrapers on a very tight budget. Then there are the cylindrical adjacent storage units adding contrast. I threw in

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