As a graphic designer, I pull my inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, but I am especially inspired by the film industry and observing trends within our culture. Naturally, the Oscars are a big event for me. I love to see great films, and the people behind making them, appreciated in the national spotlight. It’s also amazing to watch celebrities and normal “behind-the-scenes” people rub elbows, sharing their personal insights in the spotlight. I was inspired by many things from the 2015 Oscars, but three major points stood out to me as a graphic designer:
###Wes Anderson’s *The Grand Budapest Hotel*
First of all, let’s just take a moment to acknowledge that Wes Anderson is brilliant as an artist and a human being. The Grand Budapest Hotel was this year’s quirky, charming and offbeat nomination. Despite Anderson’s trademark whimsical charm, the film didn’t hold out on any genuine depth, creating a magnetic balance between nostalgia and compassion.
As a designer, Anderson’s distinctive and bright pastel color palettes and constant symmetry are inspiring to see. The balance of symmetrical shots with the offbeat characters and plotlines creates a juxtaposition to create a powerful impact. This is a strategy that can be utilized in almost any project to create unique and impactful design.
###Patricia Arquette and Reese Witherspoon
We saw political opinions being voiced, especially on the side of gender equality and human rights. Patricia Arquette, winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Boyhood, and Reese Witherspoon, nominated for best actress in a leading role for her part in Wild, both took a stand for their beliefs — elevating these issues and creating a national discussion. Patricia Arquette took viewers by surprise, using her spotlight to highlight the disconnect in wage equality for women in the United States.
Reese Witherspoon took to social media to encourage red carpet interviewers to go deeper and ask actresses (and actors) questions beyond, “What are you wearing?” She shared, “This is a movement to say we’re more than just our dresses,” promoting the hashtag, #AskHerMore.
In the world of graphic design and marketing, we are seeing this focus on human rights and personal depth emerge in industries such as branding and packaging. There is a major shift toward consideration in building more human-oriented brands, focused on authenticity. Brands are abandoning industry jargon and reaching out to their consumers with real, intimate conversation and strategy, creating real human connection and a voice that people can relate to and trust.
###*Boyhood* (aka something refreshingly different)
From director and writer Richard Linklater, the film Boyhood was groundbreaking in not only its technical execution, but also it’s conceptual development. This movie was filmed over the course of 12 years following the same cast. We saw them grow up together as the complexities of the plotline grew alongside them. This is a major testament to doing things in a different way (coloring outside of the lines, if you will.)
For creatives, it is SO important to try things in new ways and give things time to be the best they can be. Boyhood was much more impactful and genuine because it shared the journey with the audience and got viewers invested in the roots of the film. It stood out because it was different and real.
In what ways did this year’s Oscars inspire your creativity? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter via @IntrinzicSays.
(Header image source)
(The Grand Budapest Hotel image source)
(Reese Witherspoon image source)
(Boyhood image source)
