The Podonki Works Project: Posters as a Test and Experiment

Contents:

• How the project helps podonki works designers develop
• How Andrey works
• How Maxim works
• Secrets of how to make the process even easier and the result better
• About the installation and the future of the project

Podonki Works is a creative project in which designers explore familiar objects from a new perspective. They question the ideals of perfectionism, striving for experimentation and fun. This approach allows them to test their skills and find joy in the creative process.

The idea to create something more than a simple collaboration arose among the participants by chance. They met at a design studio in Yekaterinburg when they were just starting their careers in this field. Today, the project is successfully developing and has been running for six months.

Creating posters is a fascinating process that includes both artistic and technological aspects. Posters are used to convey information, attract attention, and create a visual impression. When designing posters, it's important to consider the target audience and the main message you want to convey.

During the planning stage, it's important to define the design concept, choose a color palette, fonts, and images that align with the theme. Using high-quality graphics and original ideas will help your poster stand out from the crowd.

Also, ensure that the text on the poster is clear and easy to read. It's also important to optimize the poster for different platforms if you plan to share it online. Image dimensions, resolution, and file format should be adapted to the requirements of specific social media or websites.

The right combination of visual elements and text will help you create an engaging poster that will effectively fulfill its purpose and attract the attention of your audience.

Creative designer Maryco offers unique solutions in graphic design. Using innovative approaches and original ideas, Maryco creates visual concepts that help brands stand out in the marketplace. Professionalism and attention to detail make each project unique and memorable. If you're looking for a creative designer who can transform your idea into a striking visual project, Maryco is the perfect choice. Contact us for logo design, branding, promotional materials, and other design solutions to help your business succeed.

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After art school, following my teacher's recommendation, I entered the Ivan Dmitrievich Shadr State Art College to major in graphic design. This educational institution gave me a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that, although not always directly related to design, proved to be very useful. During our studies, we created canvases and painted still lifes in oil. My first steps in design were difficult, and I remember how many unsuccessful projects I created. However, in my fourth year, it dawned on me: I realized this was my true passion, and I wanted to develop in this direction. Currently, I work as a creative designer at the maryco studio, where I create unique concepts, develop logos, and redesign brands. My work allows me to realize my ideas and contribute to the development of visual culture.

A graphic designer is a specialist who creates visual concepts using computer programs or by hand. A graphic designer's primary job is to convey ideas and messages through visual elements such as images, fonts, and colors. Graphic designers work in a variety of fields, including advertising, web design, packaging, and branding. They may develop logos, promotional materials, websites, and other visual components that help companies stand out in the marketplace. Essential skills for a graphic designer include creativity, attention to detail, and knowledge of modern graphic editing software. A good graphic designer is capable of not only creating an aesthetically pleasing design but also taking into account functionality and the target audience, which makes their work indispensable in modern business.

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My journey in graphic design began with creating covers for my own experimental tracks, made in FL Studio. Over time, music faded into the background, and I began designing custom covers for unknown rappers on SoundCloud. Along the way, I learned about the graphic design profession and began actively seeking out openings in this field. I've been working in graphic design for over five years, during which time I've completed a wide variety of projects, including branding solutions, logos, and digital products such as NFT cards for marketplaces. I taught myself 3D design and motion graphics programs, which allowed me to expand my skills and improve the quality of my work.

How the project helps podonki works designers develop

Maxim and I regularly discuss personal creativity and methods for developing creative thinking in modern designers. One of the key goals of our project is to explore new approaches that will help improve the quality of design work and expand the horizons of creativity. We strive to identify effective techniques and strategies that promote innovative thinking and inspiration in design.

The first collaboration between the Falso Vampiro team marked the beginning of their collaboration. Andrey created an illustration in the style of a 15th-century textbook spread, depicting a unique creature. Maxim then took this drawing and transformed it into a three-dimensional model using modern 3D modeling and rendering technologies. This collaboration demonstrates the creative synthesis of traditional art and modern digital technologies.

Image courtesy of maryco.

You solve interesting problems at work, you have good conditions and a stable schedule. Why then waste free time on editors and strain your eyes? As a creative designer at maryco podonki works, I believe that using content editing tools is an important part of professional growth. This allows you not only to develop your skills but also to bring more value to the team, improving the quality of projects and increasing their appeal to clients.

• Creative thinking develops. At maryco, I constantly come up with concepts for the business. It's a similar story here, but you become both a client and a designer—creating concepts and critically evaluating them.
• Skills develop. All designers have boards with techniques and approaches they want to learn. Our field is such that you must always be on the cutting edge and keep up with how the design community is changing. A personal project opens these doors—you have time to do what you've been putting off for a long time. This helps develop your hard skills.
• You and your projects change. I became more attentive to my work, improved my composition skills, and developed a love for asymmetrical and complex grids. I also strive to create products that are not just functional, but unique in their visuals and interactions.

One of the studio's projects involved developing corporate merch. It is designed in a discreet, utilitarian style and reflects the brand's unique spirit. Every element, including graphics and shapes, was handcrafted, giving the product a special value. This merch isn't a hodgepodge of random ideas or based on popular trends — it's unique and available only at maryco.

From the very beginning, we recognized that podonki works' core audience consisted of designers like us. These professionals appreciate the conceptual content and visual value of posters. They are also interested in seeing how our work evolves and how we transform our approach to poster design. We strive to share not only the results but also the process behind each project, allowing our viewers to gain a deeper understanding of our creative philosophy and inspiration. Maxim and I are passionate about observing designers who, like us, are evolving from the underground to creating unique styles and original solutions. We reject mindless copying of trends, as this leads to you becoming a mere follower of other people's ideas rather than expressing your individuality. Creating unique designs requires courage and creativity, which allows you to stand out and find your voice in the world of art and fashion.

Our creativity is continuous movement and freedom of expression. We enjoy experimenting with various tools, combining typography, 3D graphics, lettering, and even unconventional AI services. The main rule is that posters should be completed within a single evening. The results may be unexpected, but that's what makes the process unique and exciting. We strive for originality and innovation in every project.

Our first fifty posters may seem random and uncoordinated. They may look like the work of a large team, but in reality, they are the result of the labor of one person. Each poster features unique fonts and styles that are never repeated. They are filled with vibrant, saturated colors, revealing a multitude of unexpected solutions, imperfections, and even gross errors. These works don't strive for perfection, and that's what makes them valuable.

At the beginning of our project, we decided not to limit ourselves creatively. We acted freely, experimenting with fonts and images, which became the basis of our non-commercial concept. We understand that such freedom is often impossible in commercial projects due to strict requirements and restrictions from clients. However, it is precisely this creative freedom that allows us to find unique solutions and create memorable content.

In design, Maxim and I have significant differences in experience and approaches to poster creation, which makes our work unique and sometimes causes controversy. I will share the main stages of each of our work, which will allow you to better understand our creative process and approach to design.

How Andrey Works

For me, each poster represents an emotion and a story that can either be realized or missed. I enjoy immersing myself in the details, losing touch with the world around me. This measured process and targeted experiments bring true pleasure. The breadcrumb trail I leave can lead an attentive viewer to the main idea or to a dead end - either way, it's a little journey.

Before creating a poster, it's important to clearly define your goal. The first step is to ask yourself, "Why am I creating this poster?" For me, the process of creating a poster can be both art therapy and a way to learn new skills. In one case, I transfer my emotions and images into the digital space, and in the other, I learn to create complex compositions or experiment with typography. This allows me not only to develop my creative abilities but also to improve my understanding of visual language.

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• Text. Articles on English-language Wikipedia or retro posters will do. If you really want, you can write your own "writing."
• Images. Photos can be taken from any resources, such as Pinterest, Are.na, and Tumblr.
• Fonts. I really love searching for fonts. Sometimes I go to VKontakte for this, like an old man, but more often I visit the websites of font studios, for example, type.today or Brownfox. I also recommend DaFont.
• Vectors. I advise making graphics by hand. This way you can avoid hackneyed visuals and techniques. To achieve a poster-like atmosphere, you can go to the DaFont Dingbats section and use symbols instead of logos.
• Reference board. I collect both direct and indirect references on Pinterest. Lately, I've been very inspired by landscape photography. Nature has everything you need: mood, color, and texture. The board contains about 15 pins of associative images with posters.

I am creative, creating unique and inspiring works. My art encompasses various forms, including painting, graphics, and digital media. For me, each project is an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings, to convey a mood and atmosphere. In my work, I use a variety of techniques and materials, which allows me to achieve original results. My creative work aims to inspire others and create aesthetic value that resonates with the viewer. I strive for constant development and the search for new ideas, which makes each of my works unique and memorable.

• Vector wireframe. I sketch out the composition with all its elements in black and white in Illustrator. Then I begin working on the details. Once the wireframe is ready, it's time to add color and evaluate the result. Even if the composition is perfect, it may not fit the color scheme. This is especially true for the legibility of fonts.
• Raster destruction. In 2022, Adobe updated the copy/paste function—it now allows you to convert a layered layout from Illustrator to Photoshop. This is convenient for finishing touches with effects. For example, adding glows, textures, embossing, filters, overlays, and gradients in Photoshop.

We begin post-processing the vector design. Once the design is complete, we use a custom template to add subtle textures and edge glows. Many designers often overdo it with mockups, chrome, and effects that distract. Our goal is to preserve the original look of the poster, so our template only makes minor changes. Visualizations are shown only in the comments and serve as a secondary illustration.

How Maxim Works

For me, creating a poster is a method of self-expression and the search for a visual identity. The poster's form flows organically from its function, and ideas emerge during the creative process. I follow the flow, allowing the design and creation of the poster to lead me to new revelations and concepts. The viewer doesn't need to search for specific meanings in my work; I give you the opportunity to interpret and comprehend what you see.

Brute force. The main advice is not to limit yourself and experiment. This will lead to the accumulation of experience and the creation of many works, which will help you understand in which direction to develop further. This approach is especially useful for beginners, who often set unrealistically high expectations and strive for an unattainable "perfect." To avoid disappointment, strive to create and publish your work regularly, and then evaluate your progress over time. This method will not only improve your skills but also build your confidence.

Maxim uses a similar approach in his work, but at the beginning, he used a quantity-based method. Over the course of a week, he would create 4-5 posters, while I limited myself to just two. This experience allowed him to quickly develop his skills and achieve significant results in design.

Podonki Works posters completed in one and five hours differ primarily in the level of detail and depth of execution. A work completed in five hours will be more complex and meticulously crafted. However, a high-quality result can be achieved in one hour. The key factor remains your goal. Defining exactly what you want to achieve will help you choose the most appropriate time for the task.

If you plan to create a poster in a high-resolution texture format, this means you will have to abandon traditional tools like typography. Instead, you will be forced to turn to more abstract and striking approaches. While developing such a poster may take more time, it will be a conscious choice on your part to create a unique and memorable visual product.

Secrets to Make the Process Even Easier and the Results Better

Photoshop offers 3D features, allowing you to insert models in OBJ format. However, using this tool is not recommended, as it has a number of drawbacks and is not yet fully developed. Instead, we recommend using 3D embossing in layer styles to achieve the desired effect. This will allow you to create three-dimensional elements without having to deal with the problems associated with 3D models.

To create a three-dimensional effect on an object, you need to create a separate layer and set its Fill to 0%. This will allow styles to overlap. Next, create several duplicates of this layer, each of which you assign a unique name, such as light, shadow, and reflection. Then go to the style settings of each layer and adjust the Emboss value to suit your needs. As a result, you will get an impressive metallic effect without the need for 3D software.

Using the Filter Gallery feature in Photoshop (Filter → Filter Gallery), you can adjust various image deformation parameters, such as a glass panel effect or blur. This feature is familiar to many designers. However, an interesting approach is to use actions to automate the process: you can set up six preset filters and apply them sequentially. In my experimental graphics, I combine these filters, layering them on top of each other, and select the most successful results. Then, I add additional overlays to create unique visual effects that remain in the final layout. This method not only speeds up the workflow but also opens up new creative possibilities in design.

Adobe Illustrator has a basic grid consisting of square modules to which all objects are aligned. To activate the grid, go to the View menu and select Snap to Grid, and to display it, select Show Grid. Using this feature, I create rectangles that I use to form small patterns and vector images that have become an integral part of my visual identity. Using a grid also simplifies the process of creating geometric logos, ensuring precision and accuracy in my work.

Image clipping doesn't have to be perfect. For this, you can use the Magic Eraser tool, setting the Tolerance value to around 30. Simply click on images with irregular edges to achieve a dramatic and artistic cut-out effect. This method is especially useful for creating quick collages and adding an artistic touch. This approach contrasts well with clear graphics and fonts, giving your work a unique style.

Be sure to show the community shots that you are confident in. In one month, three of our posters on Pinterest received over 90,000 views and 1,000 saves without any promotion on an empty account. Other popular publishing platforms also include Behance, Are.na, Dribbble, and Dprofile. These resources will help you expand your audience and showcase your work to a wider audience.

About the installation and the future of the project

At the beginning of 2023, my friend Varvara Tomina noticed our posters and invited We were invited to participate in the event "Philosophy of Fun." This creative group organizes a variety of events, from poetry readings to house concerts and screenings of local artists. At the end of January, the podonki team performed in person for the first time. The event attracted numerous musicians and artists and offered a large space with a rave stage, several exhibitions, and performances. One of the highlights of the program was the "Photo Booth"—a specially decorated room covered in posters where guests could take photos. This event was a great opportunity for creative people to interact and exchange ideas.

Visitors enter a unique design space where they can create a photo card in soft lighting and see the results of our six months of work. At first we were positioned right at the entrance and people were walking past, which looked quite comical because the space resembled a mousetrap. Once we gave the space a chance to exist on its own, visitors began to actively engage with the poster art and even lined up to take photos.

About 300-400 people attended the event over the course of the evening. As designers, we're used to working in confined spaces, and I want to emphasize that digital interactions can't compare to the real emotions and reactions of people in person. Live communication and immediate audience reaction create a unique atmosphere that inspires and motivates.

The project, which was initially conceived as a platform for skills development, is evolving into something larger and more ambitious. In the near future, we plan to launch a portfolio website with an integrated online store, organize poster design courses, and develop collaborations with various brands. The poster combines the best elements of design, which opens up many ideas and opportunities for new formats. We are at the beginning of our journey and are ready for new achievements.

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