So – Me is a Parisian Art director and designer most recognised for his use of vernacular typography and style. This signature style came from his roots as a graffiti artist working on the streets of Paris. The hand-drawn and self-created affect makes his work so recognisable and full of his own personality.
The popularity and strength of So-Me’s work proves that as a designer it is important to take inspiration from everyday objects and experiences. The most substantial and effective work comes from inspirations that interest or connect to you as a designer. By surrounding yourself with every day inspirations you are inspired more frequently and are able to create a variety of ideas from every situation. So-Me is very responsive and able to create ideas fast which is an important skill in the world of Visual communication
So-Me’s vernacular typography is inspired by French history and culture. The hand rendered letters that appeared on French Posters in the 1900’s contained a great deal of personality and expression which created distinct visual impact. This use of adaptation is also very common in So-Me’s work as he often takes an object or style and gives it a fresh and different meaning or takes an aspect from the past and uses it in a different context such as the French hand rendered letters. So-Me’s work often references Walt Disney amongst many other themes.
By referencing objects or aspects from the past So-Me isn’t coping, he is in fact using a very effective method of communication. Many objects or styles used in the past have now become symbols or representations of a particular message or feeling that we all recognise or have some connection too. By taking these objects or symbols and using them in a different context you are able to communicate a message that we all have some thought about already and are able to recognise. This method also allows So-Me to turn well known messages or symbols on their head and contrast them with a different or opposing piece of communication.
This Design was created for the Musician Mr Flash and represents So-Me’s style well. The vernacular typography is immediately noticeable and very effective in this design as it gives the image power and personality. The font is exceptionally well placed as the visual hierarchy is effective and your eye is first drawn to the most important text whilst the type follows the lines and form of the fist. The simple colour pallet also gives the design power and clarity and the blue and red burst from the white and black background creating a potent contrast. So-Me also uses references and adaptations in this design in the form of a prison tattoo and bling hip hop style ring.
Many aspects of So-Me’s work have provided me with great inspiration such as the way he uses adaptation and references. Most importantly I have been inspired by the way in which he took his roots as a graffiti artist and adapted them to create his own personal style. I also aim to do this by developing my every day interests, influences and aspects of my personality into a style of my own.
aliceunderhill 