El Topo

The tagline for the film begins; 'See the naked young Franciscans whipped with cactus. See the bandit leader disemboweled. See the priest ride into the sunset with a midget and her newborn baby. What it all means isn't exactly clear, but you won't forget it.'

This film does not make sense. It is a inspired slice of offbeat surreal cinema. It is the ultimate head fuck Spaghetti Western, filled with allegorical implications throughout.  It is filmed in Alejandro Jodorowsky's individual and highly idiosyncratic style, one which I can't compare to any other director.  It is also a highly self-indulgent film, stinking of hubris, which adds to its mysticism.

El Topo opened in New York in 1970 to a massive word of mouth publicity. It became a staple midnight movie cult classic. It was also promptly banned, before being re-released in 2007.

This is probably the most original film I have ever seen.  Watch it if you wish, but it's pretty weird.

'The Chap' Magazine

A self styled 'Journal for the Modern Gentleman', the Chap magazine takes a wry look at the modern world through the 'steamed-up monocle' of a more refined age, occasionally getting its sock suspenders and garters in a twist at the unspeakable vulgarity of our modern age.

The unctuous 'wordsmithery' inside is an inspiration , and the magazine covers such sartorial issues as the shirt collar, the moustache, and cane, as well as many more that would concern a 'Gentleman'.   Apart from being an amusing read and insight into the mindset our forefarthers, there are interesting design issues considered as well.  It is done so in a convincing pastiche style, apparently lacking any attention to detail, with complete disregard for current vogues (completely appropriate with respect to the content).  It is black and white throughout and littered with poorly cropped, cut out, and pixelated images. It is so unconscious it's conscious.  The front cover, in colour, could be considered a visual foray into hell for any chic smart young designer. Satisfyingly crap.

Bishops Finger

There's plenty to enjoy about these adds, just a selection from a larger series.  I believe that they were banned, but only a prude would deny that they are very funny and witty.  The art direction is fantastic and the facial expressions tie in perfectly with the suggestive copy-writing, hand drawn again by Alison Carmichael.  

Although arguably cheap and intellectually tacky,  I believe this only adds to the impact of the ad. After all, their target market is a bunch of leering ale swiggers...

Alison Carmichael - Cunt

A fairly well known piece of self promotion sent out to prospective clients.  A confrontational piece of work that directly conveys the talents and skills of the designer with pure aplomb.

The tag-line, 'Words look much nicer when they're hand lettered' is great, and alongside the sugary pink, adds to the comedic innocence of this piece.

See more of her work at www.alisoncarmichael.com.  It's very refreshing to see hand drawn type with an artistic and human element to it in the arguably sterile world of (type in) Graphic Design.