Highlights of Semi Permanent

It really goes without saying that all these speakers are incredible designers, they love what they do, they stretch boundaries, and provoke thought. These were the highlights from Day One of Semi-Permanent…

It really goes without saying (in case it doesn’t, in which case, I’ll say it) that all these speakers are incredible designers, they love what they do, they stretch boundaries, and provoke thought. These were the highlights from Day One of Semi-Permanent Auckland 2012…

I loved the video introduction for Special, a clip that encapsulated the NZ attitude with just the right amount of self deprecation and dry humour, it was the perfect start to the day. They’ve done a lot to challenge NZ advertising in a very short time. They combined their work with 8 tips about being a good creative.

Special’s motto of "Ludicrous self belief" – like the pufferfish – applied to their Orcon Internet campaign using Iggy Pop.

Gmonk was incredibly technical (in a good geek way) and took us behind the images we often take for granted. His largest recent project was developing hologram images for the movie Tron.

Gmunk enjoying a couple of early morning beers.

Swifty said he loves getting off the computer and creating more handmade work. One thing I loved is that he created a pop up store where all external signage was branded ‘Swifty’, as well as all the products inside the store. It was an interesting way to do an exhibition. His work is intertwined with music and a great deal of his work has been made for musicians and recording labels. He even worked with Conch Records – and Cut collective and others – while he was in NZ in a three-day workshop creating a zine without computers.

Moffitt:Moffitt was entertaining to listen to, the twins chatted away in brotherly banter.

They said they are inspired by three Steves: Steve Jobs for his partnership intelligence, Steve McQueen for his brash, brave and rebellious nature and Steve Irwin who reminds them to be proud of their origins.

They have created DEMO magazine to promote new Australian bands and gave it away, luckily for us, we were in the front row and quickly grabbed one!

Benjamin Harney’s work is something special. I love paper and the he manipulates it is stunning. We especially love the work he has done for Romance was Born and Hermes. He explained the complicated process of making a spectacular pop up book for Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite tour.

Rebecca and her paper origami fortune-teller.

Below: Making a paper MINI at Ponsonby.

Below: paper planes fill the Aotea Centre.

I loved Alex Trochut’s (below) typeface illustrations.

His presentation first introduced the history and story behind other artists’ work he has ‘stolen’ then showed us the pieces he created using their artwork as a springboard to create his own. A collection of work he called his ‘most beloved robberies’.

…and a flow diagram of how all these influences link up.

The Monkeys were a great way to end the first day, they try to shape the world around them and think about other ways their clients can get coverage, the results are amazing. It was interesting listening to their presentation and each campaign was conceived and executed with impeccable style.

Our stand-out themes of the day: believe in yourself, stretch yourself, be versatile, get away from your computer and get your hands into your work, and collaborate wherever possible.

Thank you to all the speakers today, I’m looking forward to more inspiration tomorrow!

Rebecca Zwitser
Photos Megan Robinson
18 May 2012