Experimental jetset

Final D&AD lecture of the season centred upon Dutch designers Experimental Jetset. The trio gave an entertaining 'typically Dutch' presentation of their work. I liked how the structured events by picking a theme (french clients) and then talking through three in depth case studies. Whilst it was still a show-and-tell at least they stamped their own mark on the night.

What came through was how they operate under a strong sense of disciplined logical thinking, resulting in clear and appropriate solutions. i'd imagine they walk in to presentations with a limited number of routes and effectively say 'this idea is the solution to your problem'. Not in an arrogant fashion, more with an air of quiet, dignified confidence.

Somehow they've acquired a Helvetica-phile label but none of the work they showed
used this typeface, each project logically choosing it's own individual language. I'm a big believer in systems, ie create a strong idea at the start of a project that works in a structured fashion to homogenise a range of items/products. So very interesting to see how each piece of work they created had a core structure unifying the graphic work.

A very good evening - except for the journey home. My beloved steed of nine year was absent from the railings outside. No more riding through the moonlit streets with the wind in my hair. I hope he's gone to a good home, I certainly feel i got sterling service from my machine. But like so many things it was time for a new bicycle so in the spirit of good follows bad I'm consoling myself with the idea that the time was right to go our separate ways. Frustrating nevertheless, for if nothing else one would like to say when and how a farewell takes place, and not leave it to the thieving tendencies of some hoody-scally-chaaver.