Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile
Simon de Kretser

@fdk_simon

Visual Communicator, Graphic Designer, Archer, Guitarist and Cyclist - and I colour inside the lines!

ID: 22183903

linkhttp://thebigsky.studio calendar_today27-02-2009 20:13:36

2,2K Tweet

597 Followers

1,1K Following

Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Text over an image can look great, but it's easy for it to become lost in the background if you're not careful. When choosing your image, have in mind where copy is to go and find images that have a suitable area. Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

Text over an image can look great, but it's easy for it to become lost in the background if you're not careful.

When choosing your image, have in mind where copy is to go and find images that have a suitable area.

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

For Farnham Castle, we designed and produced a range of signage and printed materials to explain the history of this ancient building. It included commissioning some unique and fabulous illustrations that brought the story of the castle to life! : fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/farnham-castle

For Farnham Castle, we designed and produced a range of signage and printed materials to explain the history of this ancient building. 

It included commissioning some unique and fabulous illustrations that brought the story of the castle to life! : fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/farnham-castle
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

As you create any new piece of design, make sure that every element has a reason to be there – the clearest communication uses the minimum amount of items and is the hardest to achieve! Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

As you create any new piece of design, make sure that every element has a reason to be there – the clearest communication uses the minimum amount of items and is the hardest to achieve!

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

FdK were asked to create interior and exterior graphics showcasing the newly-designed BHV branding, providing a welcoming and attractive environment for clients, pets, Vets, Nurses and admin staff - it was great fun!: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/beech-house-ve…

FdK were asked to create interior and exterior graphics showcasing the newly-designed BHV branding, providing a welcoming and attractive environment for clients, pets, Vets, Nurses and admin staff - it was great fun!:
fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/beech-house-ve…
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Even pets like to look good, and even better if they are using product made in the UK - lillidaleuk.co.uk Lillidale asked FdK to design the packaging for a new range of equine shampoos and treatments. Check them out at: bit.ly/2Zn3apg #design #packaging #equine

Even pets like to look good, and even better if they are using product made in the UK - lillidaleuk.co.uk 
Lillidale asked FdK to design the packaging for a new range of equine shampoos and treatments. 

Check them out at:  bit.ly/2Zn3apg
#design #packaging #equine
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

The most visually dominant feature in a design should be the most important part of the message. This is generally the thing that you want the viewer to see first and/or to remember above all else. Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

The most visually dominant feature in a design should be the most important part of the message. This is generally the thing that you want the viewer to see first and/or to remember above all else.

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Brand design that unifies. SocialOptic have developed superb software for improving planning, management and decision-making. They asked FdK to design a brand style that would unify the different elements of the platform and allow for additions: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/social-optic

Brand design that unifies.

SocialOptic have developed superb software for improving planning, management and decision-making. 

They asked FdK to design a brand style that would unify the different elements of the platform and allow for additions:  fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/social-optic
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Whilst not suggesting that every design should be symmetrical, it’s important that you get to grips with the idea of ‘balance’ in a composition, whether that is a page, web page or graphic element. Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

Whilst not suggesting that every design should be symmetrical, it’s important that you get to grips with the idea of ‘balance’ in a composition, whether that is a page, web page or graphic element.

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

We loved developing the Lab Rats family for a new start up aiming to put the pops, bangs and smells back into classroom science for young children, in the hope of inspiring the scientists of the future. Check out our work at: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/lab-rats

We loved developing the Lab Rats family for a new start up aiming to put the pops, bangs and smells back into classroom science for young children, in the hope of inspiring the scientists of the future. 

Check out our work at:  fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/lab-rats
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

As regular visitors to Suffolk, we loved working on all aspects of this project, developing a logo, the 'Relax, Refresh, Return' strap line, brand guides, and a number of other printed materials including postcards. For more, visit: ow.ly/VntU50yZvGz

As regular visitors to Suffolk, we loved working on all aspects of this project, developing a logo, the 'Relax, Refresh, Return' strap line, brand guides, and a number of other printed materials including postcards.

For more, visit: ow.ly/VntU50yZvGz
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

When you are approaching a new creative task, try and think differently, it's very tempting to follow the latest trend or fashion, and sometimes that’s appropriate, but more often, being different gets you noticed! Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

When you are approaching a new creative task, try and think differently, it's very tempting to follow the latest trend or fashion, and sometimes that’s appropriate, but more often, being different gets you noticed!

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Our friends at The Trafalgar Way asked us to design a printed map, showing the full length of the route with facts & figures, key characters, and the era in which the journey was made. See more here: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/trafalgar-way-… Buy a copy of the map: thetrafalgarway.org/storymap-produ…

Our friends at The Trafalgar Way asked us to design a printed map, showing the full length of the route with facts & figures, key characters, and the era in which the journey was made.

See more here: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/trafalgar-way-…

Buy a copy of the map:  
thetrafalgarway.org/storymap-produ…
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Contrast is one of the most imperative parts of the design for mood, legibility and to make it stand out. A good rule of thumb is if you have a light coloured background then you should use a dark font (and vice versa). Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

Contrast is one of the most imperative parts of the design for mood, legibility and to make it stand out.

A good rule of thumb is if you have a light coloured background then you should use a dark font (and vice versa).

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Oakleaf, a Guildford-based mental health charity, and social enterprise asked FdK to help refresh their branding and website to better connect with their key audiences of clients, volunteers, customers and supporters.

Oakleaf, a Guildford-based mental health charity, and social enterprise asked FdK to help refresh their branding and website to better connect with their key audiences of clients, volunteers, customers and supporters.
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

The North Downs Way is a 153-mile footpath leading from Farnham to Dover. Surrey County Council asked FdK to design and create a visible and appropriate start maker to be installed at Farnham. It was quite a challenge, but we were pleased with the result: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/north-downs-way

The North Downs Way is a 153-mile footpath leading from Farnham to Dover. Surrey County Council asked FdK to design and create a visible and appropriate start maker to be installed at Farnham.

It was quite a challenge, but we were pleased with the result: fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/north-downs-way
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Creativity can't always be produced to order, and spending more time burning the midnight oil is not the solution. As soon as your thinking starts going round in circles, take a break to recharge your creative batteries. Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

Creativity can't always be produced to order, and spending more time burning the midnight oil is not the solution. As soon as your thinking starts going round in circles, take a break to recharge your creative batteries.

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Challenging stuff! For iRecall, we developed a template-based design system that enables the creation of new email campaigns with a predictable appearance across a wide range of devices & operating systems. Have a look: ow.ly/2PoS50wm5wy

Challenging stuff! For iRecall, we developed a template-based design system that enables the creation of new email campaigns with a predictable appearance across a wide range of devices & operating systems.

Have a look: ow.ly/2PoS50wm5wy
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Look at the market place & competitors and create a ‘Scrapbook’ of images and text. Get to understand your audience – what pains do they have? where do they go to find information? what colours/images/styles attract them? Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info

Look at the market place & competitors and create a ‘Scrapbook’ of images and text. Get to understand your audience – what pains do they have? where do they go to find information? what colours/images/styles attract them?

Design TiPs from the DiBRC by FdK dibrc.info
Simon de Kretser (@fdk_simon) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Virtual Recall asked FdK to design an engaging set of materials to include in their new practice welcome pack. Designed to encourage practice customers to check and correct the contact details the practice held. fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/virtual-recall…

Virtual Recall asked FdK to design an engaging set of materials to include in their new practice welcome pack. Designed to encourage practice customers to check and correct the contact details the practice held.

fdkportfolio.myportfolio.com/virtual-recall…