Mike Lemanski
This weeks guest lecture was provided by freelance designer and illustrator Mike Lemanski. Mike Lemanski (b.1986) is a British freelance designer and illustrator based in the UK currently working on design-led commissions, posters, iconography, editorial Illustrations, maps, book covers, data visualisations, infographics and full design campaigns. His work focuses strongly on concepts and encompasses a number of areas within the fields of design, illustration and art, mixing experimental printmaking with digital and traditional mediums. Alongside his personal work, he has worked with a variety of clients from global publications to international brands, utilising a playful and graphic approach to briefs and projects.
Mike started by talking about his roots and where he comes from. He told us about how he started his work in design and eventually ended up in illustration. His main theme that he spoke about was the process of things and the process of his work. He was always fascinated with the process and the ways in which things work and problems work out. He likes to think of himself as a designer who illustrates.
He noted how as a designer it is hard to simplify things. I related with this very much in the same way; as designers, we always have lots of ideas and do a lot of research yet trying to put all these into a final design can be hard and the final outcome can be often complicated and busy.
Lemanski also mentioned how InfoGraphics are a big part of his work. Icon work and logos are part of the whole InfoGraphics Process and allow to create a bigger picture. The combination of these with simple elements with space and shapes work together harmoniously.
He then showed us work for clients including John Lewis, Lacoste and TED. One work that stood out to me was the NYT Labour Day work; I think that because it was for the new york times it instantly sparked my interest due to the fact that I look at organisations like this to gather inspiration on a layout, editorial, design and type.
He also mentioned how personal work is important to him and how he always finds time to create personal work. Writing your own briefs and setting yourself a fun and interesting task can be a great way of developing personal work and creating something fun. He mentioned how "it only takes 20 hours to learn something new". An idea can be fed through personal work.
Overall, I loved the lecture given by Mike Lemanski. I thought that his work was very inventive and creative and could possibly be used for future reference when creating new illustrative pieces for my project work.
