Happy New Year!

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays and gearing up for the New Year! Here's Here's wishing you a fantastic and brighter 2012!!

Sim xo

Colour Me Happy...

...inspired by geometric shapes, bright colours and a dash of sparkle! And I will never tire of polka dots!

Sim xo

Colour Me Happy

Work-in-progress

Season's Greetings!

Here's my latest illustration for the season using pencil on paper and mixed media. Lately I have been inspired by images of animals and curious to mix them up with my drawings. And here's the first! So what do you think? Would love to get your thoughts as always so feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line : ) Oh and expect more soon!
Sim xo

The beginning...

..and the finished illustration!

Da Sheepster

Happy December everyone! I was asked to create my version of Da Sheepster purely for fun and since 'tis the season I thought of injecting a dose of Xmas in him ; ) He's hilarious! For a good laugh check him out on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/dasheepster

http://dasheepster.com/

Birthday Buff

I decided to gift my brother a funny illustration of himself, looking all buffed up and ripped taking inspiration from Wolverine. But perhaps the other scene is closer to reality : ) Happy Birthday Fadzzz!!

Type Player 2

If you're in search for some typography inspiration and ideas, Type Player 2 is worth buying. The book takes a new perspective on some brilliant ideas of typography design in different areas, ranging from illustration to hand-crafted sculptured forms using unexpected materials such as barbed wire, yarn and grass to name a few, and it's application in different environments. The book presents a fantastic collection of both commissioned and self-initiated projects that clearly display a modern take on the use of typography.

Published by Sandu Publishing

Book binding detail

Design by LoSiento for EMPO

Self-initiated work by Jess Atkinson

Font Face by Atipo

Paris Pulse

I recently designed this colorful banner for www.parispulse.com . The design is an all-encompassing portrait of Paris's unique and vibrant culture.  

Paris Pulse is an honest restaurant review website that uses an easy 1-5 star rating system that tells you everything you need to know about the place from it's ambiance and decor to the quality and taste of the food. So if you're on your way to Paris or living there make sure you bookmark Paris Pulse!

July Illustrations

Bright and colorful work for Emirates Home's feature on  hosting and entertaining your guests...

Book Art - Literally!

I couldn't believe it when I saw this brilliant work of art by Isaac Salazar. Each page is meticulously folded to create an amazing series of typography artwork. Wow!

Wednesday Windows: Polaroids

The other day I noticed the new displays for Banana Republic and I wasn't too impressed. While the concept is interesting, the execution was, well, very bland in my opinion- sorry BR Dubai! But they reminded me of a window display pitch I worked on a couple of months ago which was based on a similar theme using polaroid pictures. The idea was to recreate a nostalgic feel of a summer beach holiday using vintage style images mixed with a few nautical elements. It's not final and I'm not sure what it would've ended up like but I'd really like a beach vacation right now....

Nautical Nostalgia design concept

BR Dubai...sorry but kind of bland!

Close-up of the polaroids

An article from Elle Decoration UK June 2011 featuring a creative pop-up style window display  for BR  on Regent Street, London.  

Monday Moodboard: Pretty Pastels

1. Keep Calm and Carry On poster. Good reminder especially for the self-employed! http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com
2. Missoni Mare Bristol zigzag crochet-knit swimsuit.
   http://www.net-a-porter.com/
3. Art deco fashion illustration by Erte
4. Forest Views- wallpaper collection in cooperation with photowall
   from Studio Rita
5. 'Journey' by Simply Hue Designs
6. Ditte Sofa, Fred Shand Pink from Anthropologie
7. The Sim mobile : )
8. Dot The I's Events. Events planning and services. http://www.dtievents.com 
   Logo design by Samar Sadik Design & Illustrations
9. Hussein Chalayan, Vogue, December 2008

Eco Living Illustrations

Here's another illustrated feature I did for Emirates Home magazine. A good article full of green living tips and ideas for those who want to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.  Hope this comes in handy!

 

 

 

Windows On Wednesdays

And here's another new category for my blog! I have always noticed window display designs before looking at the name of the store. I pay particular attention to the art, illustrations, typographic treatments involved and overall composition of the elements. Some use modern technology such as big massive screens showing for example a video of the collection and others integrate interactive technology to engage passersby eventually enticing them to come in and shop.
To me, a window display is like a window to another world. As a designer, it's an opportunity to create a fantasy world with some drama perhaps. My all-time favorite are those by Liberty of London. They are by far the most creative, artistic, very inspiring and fall perfectly in line with the Liberty brand. I hope they plan to come to Dubai. I would gladly design their displays (big smiley)!

Love the mural for Symphony at the Dubai Mall. By Moaza Matar

Another lovely mural for Symphony at the Dubai Mall by Moaza Matar

Symphony at the Dubai Mall by Moaza Mata

Harvey Niks goes bling bling using a disco ball theme

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Good use of typography 

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This Bloomies window at the Dubai Mall reminds me of Avatar

Strong vibrant colours are in line with the s/s 2011 collections

Interesting typographic treatment

The posters have a vintage feel to them and are in line with the 1969 campaign

Cool idea using a screen to showcase the Desigual collection to passersby

Sensory overload is part of the Desigual brand

Another example of blown-up typography