Robyn Black

Graphic Design BDes (Hons)

I am a designer who creates a feeling of warmth and nostalgia through a balance of analogue and digital media in my work.

About

Robyn Black sitting in the studio

Drawing inspiration from the colours and patterns of the natural world, I am a designer who creates a feeling of warmth and nostalgia through a balance of analogue and digital media. Coupled with an acute awareness of social and environmental issues, I produce design solutions that employ an evocative aesthetic which appeals to the individual.

The boundaries of design briefs give me more creative freedom than a total absence of these. As such, graphic design excites me as it presents the opportunity to use my natural logical thought patterns to push creativity within a set criteria. In a recent branding project for an adult wellness drink, I focused less on ingredients (as is common to that sphere) and instead held social connection at the core of my outcome. Combining photography and playful design, I produced Fruits in Cahoots, a brand with a novel yet authentic tone.

Central to that project—and indeed much of the rest of my work to date—is a sense of social connection. Through my designs, I strive to elevate social issues, those close to me and those close to others. In my project for ISTD, I used issues of gender and race to inform my typographic response to the brief. This included taking inspiration from type featured on Civil Rights protest signs and sexist adverts from mid 1900s.

Overall, my designs are driven by the real world, whether that be visual elements such as colour and pattern, or deeper social issues, aiming to catch both the eye and mind of the viewer.

The Strength of Moral Force' Cover

the cover of a typographic publication. It has the aesthetic of a lawyer's document, and is a warm mustard brown colour. The title is in white across the front and reads "The Strength of Moral Force". Stickers appear on the bottom half of the cover, housing information like the creators name, and date.

Spreads from ISTD publication 'The Strength of Moral Force'

Thumbnails of some favourite spreads from a typographic publication. The background is black and there are four spreads showcased here. One spread has a large quote in black serif font on a red page and it reads: "I wasn't supposed to be doing anything that required pants." Another Shout page reads "Police Brutality Must Go"

ISTD spreads

Fruits in Cahoots Brand

The Logotype for Fruits in Cahoots is centre of the page in a black, sans serif, retro feeling typeface. The background is an off-white colour. A light blue semi-circle sits above the logotype and reads "Made to mix and Mingle!". A yellow pill-shaped box holds the phrase "Who are you in cahoots with?"

Fruits in Cahoots Brand Explained

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