Old Snake

So, Metal Gear 4 is finally upon is, an exciting prospect for anyone who calls themselves a gamer, or even a pop culture enthusiast. It seems that our hero Snake has aged dramatically in the last few years, apparently because he's a clone. Cynics might say it's because of all the cut scenes he's had to sit through over the years, and while there's no doubt that the game is going to take some serious commitment, there's no denying the power of the unique feeling that Kojima-san has entwined throughout the series.

It's not quite getting the universal unreserved acclaim that Grand Theft Auto 4 has managed (not that it's far off), although MGS has always catered to a specific taste, specifically one that doesn't mind if half the 'game' involves watching a cut scene. I've yet to start it yet, but more because I want to put aside some time to appreciate it properly, and get a little further with GTA! So, in the meantime, I thought I'd illustrate a portrait of Old Snake. The series has brought me lots of entertainment and inspiration over the years, so this was the least I could do to in order to pay tribute to Hideo Kojima in terms all he has done for raising the status of gaming as a creative form; to Yoji Shinkawa for his beautiful artwork (and more recently, Ashley Wood of course); and lest we forgot, to Snake for all the good times. I can't think of anyone I'd rather share several hours of videogame exposition with...

MTV and SpinVox: Stand By What You Say

Some more work for MTV Staying Alive for you now, namely a project called Stand By What You Say, supported by Facebook Causes and SpinVox. SpinVox's technology neatly converts voicemail messages into digital text, making it perfect for an MTV project which is all about getting young people to participate. Sexual health is the main focus of the campaign, and the client wanted an appealing, warm design that would draw the target audience in. The underlying topics may be serious, but the idea is to be have some fun and get people talking.

It was great fun creating the whole identity on this one, from logo to colours and overall style. Thanks once again to Oliver Jones who brought his css and xhtml skills to the mix, and more besides.

Cocktail Girl

Here's a detail from an illustration I've been working on recently for the guys at Bweeb. More details of this alcohol related project on the way soon. Which of course follows on nicely from the Foster's post earlier this week. Hope you like her!

Foster's 'Ride the Scuba'

Last month I had the good fortune to design an interesting site while freelancing with Play. Foster's are currently promoting their new 'in-can scuba', a widget which produces smaller bubbles for a smoother draught-like drink.

For an interesting online interpretation of this, you can go online and control an actual scuba device (which is all the way down in Plymouth) from your own keyboard and via streaming video, getting points for popping the large bubbles that are produced in the tank. You basically book a ticket/time slot, and then you get a couple of minutes to take the helm. Pretty cool, huh? I had a turn on it during development, and the responsiveness of the craft was certainly impressive. Naturally a good connection is going to help though!

To go with this unique concept, the site needed a functional, 'real-world' feel, whilst still existing as a web interface, not a literal 3d interpretation of the aquatic centre in Plymouth. I really enjoyed my time at Play on this project (an agency which M&C Saatchi owns a 50% stake in), and whilst I was effectively the lead designer, naturally the project was shaped and directed by the excellent in-house team.

MTV Staying-Alive: MySpace Designs

Last week I created two MySpace designs for new ventures by MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, which as you'll know, I've had chance to work with on a number of occasions now. As you'd expect for a MySpace page, the emphasis is on user interaction. I'm just showing the page headers here, but needless to say, the style follows through the templates.

For 'The Big Question', visitors are invited to voice their opinion on an important issue, encouraged by slebs doing the same thing. It's also about whether it's possible for people to change their opinions. The visual idea here is just that, with arrows (and a question mark) changing direction and overlapping, representing the diversity in opinion that significant matters can generate. A simple idea perhaps, but I think it works well in terms of providing a striking backdrop and setting the scene.


The second design was for 'Untold Stories', where a sleb tells half a story in a video blog. It's then up to the visitors to finish the story, whether it's in video or written form. One of the stories mentions pavements and crying, and somewhere out of that developed this concept. A heart split in two and turned upside down becomes a tear. Plus it makes a pretty pattern too!


Both projects have yet to 'go live', but they've been used here with kind permission.

Otaku Magazine Illustration

Earlier this year I was approached by Otaku Magazine, and invited to provide an illustration for their new (4th) issue on 'Kaidan', or Japanese ghosts, which is now available. I really enjoyed doing this one, leaving the (digital) ink more prominent than I usually do, and going for a relatively subdued colour scheme.





Only 100 copies are available for international orders, so hurry to get one!