"Boogaloo" soul, funk, disco and house flyer

[Alex Traska]

Hi there,

Been a few weeks since I posted something up in here. I was recently asked to produce a flyer for a club night focussing on the music described above.

It's a bit of a funny one this, because they were after a "RETRO" design. By retro they meant the massively-overdone 70's colours, "groovy" stereotyped vectors and "funky" design. I told them that I don't work in that style and I'd be doing a different take on retro.

I've gone for a retro-american-soul vibe with a modern twist.

http://www.myhouse-yourhouse.net/flyers/other/boogaloo_frontprev.jpg

Bear in mind that's just the front of the flyer, all the info will be clearly laid out on the rear. Also, remember people will be holding a postcard size printout of this, so it can be easily turned around in their hands!!

All comments welcomed.

[mac.FINN]

Having a picture of a disco ball and a girl with an afro hidden in the background doesn't make this retro.

And what's with the California/Surfer flowers in the corner? That's a totally different style of music.

Do you really want an invitational flyer to say do not enter? And a traffic light? What's with the street signs etc?

The elements don't really fit together well either. They just seem thrown on.

The type heirarchy needs a lot of work, I had to look at the flyer twice before I even found where the show was. In fact, all the type is conflicting and difficult to read.

On a whole, it's cluttered and chaotic and the message is lost almost completely. If you're catering to die-hard funk/soul fans then I doubt they'll give this a second look.

I hate to rip it apart like this, but the concept is weak - if existant. The flyer looks "cool" but it's not overly informative.

[urstwile]

I pretty much agree with Mac. I wasn't feeling a whole lot of retro with this one.

[Alex Traska]

agreed, the front ISN'T informative. It wasn't supposed to be. That's what the rear of the flyer is for (which isn't complete).

Nor is the flyer for "die hard" funk and soul fans. It's to market a very commercial kindof night. The girl with a mirrorball was not my request. I'd rather leave it out, but the client wanted that sort of image in. The actual image they wanted me to use (and I point blank refused to) is on their site...http://www.iloveboogaloo.co.uk/

The front was supposed to look rather chaotic, and the text hierarchy (especially with regards to positioning) is supposed to reflect this look.

I take your comments on board, and thanks for them...but since you draw so many issues with the design, maybe it's just that you point-blank don't like it in much the same way I dislike Rothko images, but rather like Mondrian. (i'm not comparing myself here to them, just drawing an analogy)

[mac.FINN]

agreed, the front ISN'T informative. It wasn't supposed to be. That's what the rear of the flyer is for (which isn't complete).
Then I wouldn't include the text at all. If you don't need it and it's not working. Lose it.

The girl with a mirrorball was not my request. I'd rather leave it out, but the client wanted that sort of image in. The actual image they wanted me to use (and I point blank refused to) is on their site...http://www.iloveboogaloo.co.uk/
Agreed that said image is a little tacky and dated, but the idea is still good. She atleast looks like she's groovin' on the music. Not frightened into the corner.

The front was supposed to look rather chaotic, and the text hierarchy (especially with regards to positioning) is supposed to reflect this look.
Why? Jazz is chaotic, Soul is fluid baby. Dig?
I hate when people try to justify themselves by saying, it's suppose to be hard to read, or it's not supposed to make sense. Why? Put some thought into it.

I take your comments on board, and thanks for them...but since you draw so many issues with the design, maybe it's just that you point-blank don't like it in much the same way I dislike Rothko images, but rather like Mondrian.
It's not that I don't like the design (which I don't), it's that there is no reason here. Again, what's with the street signs? Why's the text horizontal while the rest of it's vertical? Why a harsh abbrasive red when Soul is cool and Funk is fresh? Honestly, it looks like you put no thought into this and rushed it together.

[Alex Traska]

thanks for the additional information FINN...

I do agree with you on some point and I'm going to rework some parts of it tomorrow.

It's a harsh abrasive red because it needs to be loud. I know soul is cool and fresh, but if I did it cool and fresh the client will flip out about it looking like a chillout night.

I'll post a new version tomorrow.

[mac.FINN]

Like I said I don't mean to be an ass, keep it up.

ps I just saw your reelgroove site - very nice.

[cornfed]

I think if you consider a few elements from the time you are trying to refect here, then the project will be a lot more successful. You are trying to imitate a retro style. Step one for me would be to revisit the color schemes of that era. The image they offered you has those colors. Red, orange, yellow, brown. If you don't like those colors, then try exploring colors that share the same relationship on the color wheel. Step two would be letter styles of the era. Look into proper fonts. Step 3 would be to look at events similar that occured during that era. Step 4 would be to create a flyer that can have a bit of you in it stylistically while still relaying the message the client is after. Consider it stepping out of your comfort zone for a bit. Have fun with it, it looks like a fun project.

I agree that what you have right now is not working but I bet with a bit more time and effort you'll hit the nail on the head!

[Alex Traska]

cheers for the comments, looking forward to working on this a bit more in the morning. its past 4am here now.

Mac.FINN - i didn't think you were being an ass. I posted it for proper critiques.

[budafist]

I like the design, but not for what it's representing. Take out the girl or make more more central. She looks very odd there. Maybe give her some friends?

[mac.FINN]

Mac.FINN - i didn't think you were being an ass. I posted it for proper critiques.

Alright good - I just felt like I was being pretty harsh. I guess I'm just used to the whiners that come on here looking for approval and then get angry and defensive when you cut them up.

[Samakimoto Graphics]

Everything but the girl...


Here's some inspiration for retro:

http://www.blaxploitation.com/

[Alex Traska]

Alright, you're still not gonna like it but I've addressed a few issues but I'm sticking with it. Thanks for all your input guys...

http://www.myhouse-yourhouse.net/flyers/other/boogaloo_frontprev2.jpg

[frankster]

Is this Manchester England? I lived there for 8 years. Is this night going up against lovetrain? I don't even know if love train is still going mind you.

[Alex Traska]

pfft...this night is just a small one. It's very commercially targetted as well at a small bar. I don't know a huge amount about the event.

[peder]

The slightly soft transition between the girl/disco ball and the white stroke doesn't look good. Hard edges would do much better. You also got a little green on top of the flower which doesn't look intentional.

I too think that it looks very crowded, because of many reasons FINN mentioned. The two first things I'd change about it would be a happier and better positioned girl, and finding an alternative to the fat, white strokes.

[Samakimoto Graphics]

I look at it and want to finish the rest of the bottom sentence in the paragraph on the right.

I like the tones on this one.

[emmerse]

grrrr, all I get is a "site not found" page.