As a huge tennis fan I couldn't pass up the opportunity to create a submission for Wimbledon's poster call 2016. I have no idea how the entries will be valued, if the 'likes' will be a factor or not (check out my entry here, I believe you do need a talenthouse account to 'like' however)... Regardless, I am super-pleased with the outcome. It's hanging on my office wall and that's a win-win already, #designerperks I suppose. 
 
I worked up a few other concepts before choosing this direction but was late to the party, only seeing the call on their FB page late last week. So with finals, grading and a bunch of other things to accomplish, I am glad that I completed and submitted at least one design for the heck of it. (I hope to do a blog post at some point about thumbnailing and idea generation process, crowdsourcing, and design tips, stay tuned.)
 
A note on the maze: it's functioning, not decorative. I specifically designed it so it would be a viewer experience, carefully crafting only one path to 'greatness'. However, in my haste to submit I posted one earlier version to the talenthouse page with one blocked path; below is the correct version. The call states that the winner(s) could slightly modify the final submission if chosen, and obviously that would be my one tiny edit  of course it is a worldwide call, so there's a good chance the only place you'll see it is here. 

Overall, I believe the design would make a memorable poster keepsake for Wimbledon. Its modern, elevated aesthetic embodies exactly what this iconic tournament is, plus it's highly conceptual, what better way to graphically interpret 'pursuing greatness' by with the maze  experience. Not to mention a possible boost in sales, purchase multiples, one to keep and one to complete. I also have many additional ideas on other iconic tournament elements that could be maze-ivied, an entire series of poster and marketing elements to brand using this design. I'm excited about the possibility and remain cautiously optimistic. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but a woman can dream, right?... I don't envy those who must decide. Even if you don't have a Talenthouse account to 'like', make sure you click on the call link to view the entries from around the globe - some really awesome stuff! 
 
Game, set, match - enjoy!

-CG

 

(c) Christina Galbiati, 2016.  All rights reserved. 
 

It was 1995, graphic design was in the thralls of experimentation, much thanks to the advancement of computer technology and the evolution of the Macintosh computer. With a "no holds barred" attitude, using unconventional fonts and breaking the "rules" of grid design, designers were embracing the Ray Gun / Emigré-esque design attitude, creating expressive work that embodied the 1990s postmodern era of design.

Design historians credit David Carson with bringing this unconventional age of editorial experimentation to the masses with the design of Ray Gun magazine, but another publication was breaking ground as well. Wahine, founded in 1995 by Elizabeth A. Glazner, was a wonderfully designed magazine that accompanied this experimental time period.

I do not quite remember how I came to know about Wahine (since the web was in its primary phase), but I did. And I became obsessed. Yes, I was not (am not) a surfer, but it did not matter. I purchased a subscription purely based on my love for this esoteric design period. After all, it was the '90s, I was a recent design graduate just learning and trying to emulate everything that was "in vogue" about this era. (I even wrote an email to the Art Director in 1995, Shari Fournier, telling her how much I was in awe of what she created. Much to my surprise I received a personal reply, which was so inspiring—as a young designer, I was so thankful she took the time out to answer my email.)

The inaugural issue (far right in the first pic) is apparently somewhat collectable.Regardless, I don't think I'll ever sell my collection as they are a wonderful keepsake to commemorate this amazing era of design. 

Below are layout pictures of the first issue of Wahine. I wanted to share with everyone because this magazine has not received, in my opinion, the appropriate recognition it should have.

Enjoy!

-CG

 I am excited to announce that my collage artwork is featured in a group show at Penn State Lehigh Valley. 

The exhibition runs August 26th - October 11, 2013; the opening reception is Wednesday, Sept 11th; 5-7pm at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

This exhibition features artists who often use text to express visual images and ideas. The words are presented in a visual context encouraging the viewer to look closer into the image and probe their meaning.

EXHIBITING ARTISTS:
Michael Albert 
Vicki DaSilva
Christina Galbiati 
Naomi Grossman
Robert Jackson 
Julie Miller 

During the exhibition, a mural will be created using text and images that will be fashioned and found. 

For more information contact Ann Lalik, 610-285-5261 or annlalik@psu.edu

Gallery Hours, call: 610-285-5078.

My artist statement: I am enamored with tactile forms of communication and have created a deeply personal aesthetic journey of photocopying words and sometimes images, to create unique patterns, then hand-tear the resulting paper palette to form my collage. The unexpected outcome of rough edges, uneven tones, broken lines and dot patterns that arise from the xerography process are intentional — my work symbolizes the importance of print media communication despite society’s increasing reliance on intangible, digital forms of communication.

I was recently interviewed by author, artist and educator, Lisa Cyr, regarding the topic of Promotional Strategies:


Q: Can you talk about your brand and how you incorporated that vision into your promotional materials?

A: My design aesthetic is simple, clean and contemporary, while my illustration and artwork is detailed, tactile, layered and full of energy. Having promotional materials that showcase my artwork without competing with the design of the piece was instrumental to conveying my brand effectively.

...  to read the entire interview, click here.




(right: photo of outside package and interior of promotional box; which contains metal slipcase and promo cards of work.)
http://promotionalstrategies.blogspot.com/2013/02/interview-with-christina-galbiati.html

(right: handmade promotional magnets, created with metal and acrylic, and presented in individual black boxes. Each magnet showcases an illustration from my portfolio.)