Articles & Inspiration
Virtual tuning is the artistic genre where car-loving graphic artists digitally transform vehicles into unique modified cars, using the kinds of aftermarket wheels, bodykits and spoilers available in real life, but with a hyper-stylised appearance. Source photos of race car inspired elements are super-imposed using Photoshop, which are complemented with digitally painted elements and visual effects to produce impressive automotive concept images. While most examples are based on existing style trends in real life car scenes, these virtual mechanics aren’t constrained by what is technically feasible, so the result can sometimes be fantastical. In today’s inspiration post I present 60 stunning examples of souped-up cars from a collection of virtual tuners, who range from talented hobbyists to professional concept artists.
Alcoholic beverage products are one of my favourite mediums to feature in design inspiration showcases, there’s such a diverse range of artistic styles between beer cans and liquor bottles, as featured in previous showcases. Whiskey bottles are the focus of today’s inspiration roundup, all with unique packaging and label designs. Admire a variety of type layouts, illustrations and print finishes that produce attractive brand designs.
Wings and winged creatures have appeared in identity designs for centuries as part of heraldic crests, military insignias and automotive logos. They have become a symbol of prestige, strength and speed, with great examples being air force pilot badges and luxury car emblems such as Bentley or Aston Martin. Designers still make use of these symbols in their designs today, sometimes combined with modern art styles give the logo a more abstract appearance. In today’s inspiration showcase I present 45 magnificent winged logo designs, some just featuring outstretched feathered wings while others include full depictions of eagles, hawks and other birds.
Originally used to promote cabaret and tourist resorts by train, steamship and airline companies, travel posters from the 1920s have become iconic designs. The artwork depicted luxurious travel with strong and powerful imagery, which was influenced by the geometric shapes and bold colours of the Art Deco movement at the time. The style still inspires graphic artists today, who use the visual traits made popular by the originals to create their own travel posters and tribute art. In today’s inspiration showcase I present a range of poster designs, both old and new, all based on the vintage 1920s Art Deco style.
When Graphic Artists have the creative freedom to choose the subject of their personal projects, they often base their work on pop culture interests. Childhood cartoons were a source of early inspiration for many artists, so producing fan art of their favourite characters in their own style, or completely reimagining iconic figures in new and unique ways is a great way to practise and experiment while producing work that can be appreciated by other like-minded people with the same interests. In today’s inspiration showcase I present a variety of reimagined cartoon characters by some really talented artists, ranging from realistic depictions of heroes, princesses and villains, to surreal reincarnations that are the stuff of nightmares!
The beautiful style of lettering from the 19th century with its influences from Baroque and Art Nouveau art movements has remained a popular style that is often replicated by typographers and calligraphy artists today. This vintage style is characterised by detailed decorations and ornate flourishes that produce extravagant designs. In today’s inspiration showcase I present 50 type designs and hand-lettering pieces for posters, editorial designs, product labels, logos and more, all with a beautiful vintage aesthetic.
