Once again, I'm guilty of a rather long absence from the Journal portion of this site (not to mention actual updates to other sections). Lest anyone think that I've completely ceased to exist, fallen off the face of the earth, etc., I figure that now is as good a time as any to post a quick update on activities during the past year.
In all honesty, for the past couple of years my time has been largely consumed by my full-time role as New Media Officer/Webmaster at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management. It's there where I hone my web and graphics teeth on a wide and varied number of projects - too numerous to list here to be honest but such is life of working at Canada's #1 University. If you're interested, you need only look at their website to see a little bit of what I'm up to.
Otherwise, my time has been more or less evenly split between developing a couple of smaller projects and refreshing old ones - or at least thinking about the latter. Oh, and lots and lots of travelling and documenting said travels in photographs - perhaps one day they'll see the light of day beyond my humble flickr galleries.
Regarding my unprecedented travels - it truly feels as though every couple of months I'm repacking the car or suitcases for another one-to-two week pleasure or business-related excursion - in the last 12 months alone I've been to the Gaspe region of Quebec, the East Coast three times (Nova Scotia, Boston/Cape Cod and NYC), the West Coast once (San Francisco and Santa Barbara), not to mention a week of relaxing in Caribbean. Carbon footprint aside, I really can't complain.
Lastly, it's probably worth noting that I've been working with the band Mercury Rev on their web presence - as a long-standing and enthusiastic fan of their music, it goes without saying that it's been a truly enjoyable experience - you can see the results here.
Anyway, long-winded, but perhaps necessary in order to not have new visitors to the site thinking that I've closed up shop, etc. I'm still here, kicking and taking on new projects when they present themselves!
Oh, and I've started using Twitter and Instagram more regularly, so by all means please do follow me.
With my recent wedding (wonderful, the best night of my life) and honeymoon to Russia, Spain and France (fantastic, relaxing, beautiful and action packed) all behind me and the promise of a number of new projects on the horizon for late 2010, I figure there's no better time than now to update the site and make a return to the journal.
Despite the fact that I shot over 1500 images while in Europe, the one visual constant over the past few weeks was the film poster for the multi-talented Anton Corbijn's film The American - which now graces the cover of the book that inspired it - Martin Booth's A Very Private Gentleman - a last minute airport buy that quickly turned into essential bed-side and in-flight reading for the past few weeks. I'm including it below because I enjoyed the read so much and find the design to be really great.
In other news, take a look at the work I did for Paradis Ciel et Terre, a Montréal camera operator and service provider for the film industry, in the web section. Sadly, due to personal/professional reasons on the part of the owner of that company, the site won't be going live (well, at least not for the forseeable future), but in the meantime I figured it was worth showcasing.
The American Poster
Is it possible that it has been over 8 months since I last posted something here? How time flies. Well, with the New Year upon us and lots of promising projects, both personal and professional on the horizon, it feels like as good a time as any to get back into this journal business.
A couple of prjects from 2009 remain outstanding and have yet to be completed, but in the meantime, I'll post one of my more enjoyable projects from the past 8 months - a site for the incredible Brooklyn based band, The Silent League. More details in the web section.
The Silent League - Website - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Yet another project to report on - a website for a talented Québec City jeweller by the name of Pierre Morency. More details in the web section.
Pierre Morency Joaillier - Website - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
A couple of new logos have been added to the identity section.
La Terre Des Anciens - Logo & Informatique PL - Logo - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Further music-related content in the form of the equal parts spooky/bizarre Dark Night Of The Soul collaboration between David Lynch, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and a cast of indie-rock all-stars. Despite having listened to the record at least a dozen times, I still haven't established whether or not there is a narrative tying the various songs together - I suspect things will become clearer when the accompanying visuals are realeased (although with Lynch involved, perhaps not.) All the same, it's a highly enjoyable record with a lot of impressive cameos - coming off like a really good Death In Vegas album.
While the future of the project hangs in the balance due to legal issues, it's worth noting that the whole album can be streamed over at NPR. Check out the rather Lynchian poster below.
Dark Night Of The Soul - David Lynch, Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse
Super Furry Animals have been consistently putting out fantastic and diverse albums since they first arrived on the scene in the early-90s. Dark Days/Light Years is their latest and quite possibly their greatest effort since 2003's excellent Phantom Power. It's been in high rotation as I work away on various web and design projects for a number of weeks now and I don't seem to be tiring of it in the least. Expect a review in the coming days, but in the meantime here's a look at the psychedelic cover art - a collaboration between SFA stalwart Pete Fowler and recent cover art recruit, revered Japanese artist, Keiichi Tanaami.
The jury's still out as far as the artwork goes. Apparently they had a large number of covers to chose from and from what I've seen, this was one of the weaker ones. The best thing I can say about it is it does reflect what's going on musically in that it's rather all over the place, but in a unified way. I suspect it might have more of an impact when it's viewed in its entirety rather than the cropped image we see below.
Update: So I finally managed to grab a physical copy of the album and the final artwork used is much more to my liking - there's something about the oranges and pinks used which I find preferable to the blacks and yellows in the artwork work below, which features on the gatefold where it is more impressive in all of its glory panoramic glory.
Super Furry Animals - Dark Days Light Years - Pete Fowler & Keiichi Tanaami
This is a lovely poster that was designed by a French designer by the name of Fabien Barral. I'm not entirely sure I completely agree with the latter half of the text, but I will heartily endorse the sentiment expressed at the beginning. It handily sums up my feelings (on occasion at least) about being understood and the frustrations normally associated with that. It's a sentiment which I believe most creative thinkers will be able to relate to. The title of this little post comes from a beautiful Cat Power song because, well, it seemed to fit.
Poster - Fabien Barral www.fabienbarral.com - found via www.kitsunenoir.com
Just wrapped up work on a website for the talented and beautiful Quebec City Journalist and Broadcast News Reporter, Valerie Boyer. Valerie also happens to be my fiance, and while the process was very collaborative, the pressure was really on to deliver something that she liked! Mission accomplished.
Valerie Boyer - Website - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Yet another beautiful movie poster worth posting. This time it's for the new Jim Jarmusch film The Limits Of Control. Personally, I'd be inclined to see this film based solely on the tasteful design of this posted, but fortunately the trailer makes it look pretty great too - never mind that Jarmusch has a pretty impeccable track record! Which reminds me, I need to go beyond Dead Man, Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai, Coffee & Cigarettes and Broken Flowers and check out some of his older work again - it's been a very, very long time since I've seen Down By Law.
The Limits Of Control Poster
It's been ages since I've made a mix cd for anyone, but as anyone who visits the music. section of this site can see, I put one together recently.
It's called Riderless Horses & Grounded Submarines. It was inspired, at least visually, by some of those horse and submarine photos from the autumn of 2008. On the musical side of things, it kind of acts as an overview of what really caught my ear in 2008, including some new sounds from the likes of Sian Alice Group, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and The Last Shadow Puppets and perennial favourites like Spiritualized, Mercury Rev and Sun Kill Moon. Check out the tracklist below and get in touch if you'd like a copy.
Two music news sites which I visit with regularity are nme.com and pitchforkmedia.com. Both sites have posted images of the latest U2 album cover and I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised. It's a thing of beauty featuring the photography of Hiroshi Sugimoto and is certainly not what I've come to expect from U2 of late. Speaking as a casual fan of the band, the cover is compelling enough to make me wonder what lies inside? Check it out below.
U2 - No Line On The Horizon - Photo: Hiroshi Sugimoto, Design: ?
Still recovering from a very eventful month in sunny Australia and the ensuing (rather tiring) trip back to Canada, I'm not really up for more than a quick post in the Journal and the promise of some exciting personal and professional news to follow shortly as well as updates to the various sections of the site - stay tuned. In the meantime, below are a handful of images from Autumn '08.
Photos - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Yet another site has come to fruition - this time for Artist and Art Teacher Normand Sénéchal. For more details, have a look in the web. section and be sure to check out all of the fantastic work Normand has on display at the actual site: www.normandsenechal.com. Personally, I'm now the proud owner of this piece and I couldn't be any happier!
Normand Sénéchal - Website - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Another project to come out of the recent period of high productivity is the new logo for client Paradis Ciel Et Terre - a Montréal-based film company that specialises in shooting with their state-of-the-art jib equipment. A website for P.C.E.T. is in production and should see the light of day in the new year!
Paradis Ciel Et Terre - Logo - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
After much time spent neglecting this Journal, but lots and lots of time spent on actual work, I am happy to post the completed wedding invitations and website that I put together for very close friends Leanne and André. I'll be posting them up in the respective web. and graphics. sections soon, but in the meantime, check them out below or visit the website - www.leanneandandre.com. And while it doesn't necessarily translate all that well on screen, but the silvers in the printed invitations look great!
Leanne & André - Wedding Invitations - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Leanne & André - Wedding Website - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
After declaring my admiration for the artwork, here's a little review that I found myself writing on a message board in defence of the album - I thought I'd share it here. Consider it a vain attempt at music criticism.
I can kind of see why people are disappointed with this album and disillusioned with the reunion of The Verve as a whole, especially after all of the scuttlebutt about it being a return to their earlier sound, not to mention the promise of the "Thaw Sessions" track which was released as a bit of a teaser earlier in the summer. But after my umpteenth listen, I have to say that I think it's still a pretty good record overall. Certainly not the great return-to-form that was promised, but regardless I don't think it should be dismissed so quickly... I mean have some people given up entirely on the concept of letting an album grow on them with repeated listens? It's only 1 week old after all. Surely it's not that bad as to write it off after one or two spins, which a lot of people seem to be doing.
I am pleased to announce that I am now helping a very talented Montréal Artist develop his online presence. More news to follow soon! Meanwhile, work is progressing on wedding invitations for two lovely and generous people - Leanne and André. I'll post some progress shots tomorrow.
The French vesion of Monique Déry Boyer's website is up and running. Big thanks to Monique Déry-Boyer and Corinne Smyth for all of their help with the translations.
Warmgunmedia.net should see a bilingual overhaul in the not-to-distant future.
Yet another beautiful album cover to admire while I (impatiently) wait for the official release date of August 26th.
The Verve - Forth - Photo: Uwe Duettmann, Design: Studio Fury
Following in the wake of the incredible No Country For Old Men, it would appear that the Coen Brothers have a new film on the horizon - the star-studded Burn After Reading. Here's a look at the poster, which pays homage to classic movie posters from the 50's and 60's - especially those designed by graphic/poster/title sequence artist extrordinaire Saul Bass.
Burn After Reading Poster
Also working on pop-up displays for Groupe Maritime Verreault - here's a sneak-peak at 3 of 6 layouts in French.
Groupe Maritime Verreault - Corporate Pop Up Displays - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Working on a French vesion of Monique Dery Boyer's website.
This site has now been XHTML 1.0 Transitional validated.
Monique Dery-Boyer's website is now online. Check it out here.
The corporate notepad that I've been labouring over - off and on for the past couple of months - is finally complete, and best of all, the client is very happy! As well as being responsible for the layout and design, I can also claim responsibility for 99% of the photographs included. I received the first lot of books this morning. I'll be posting some images in the print. section soon, but in the meantime, here's a look at the cover:
Corporate Note Pad - Ryan Beaupré/warmgunmedia
Some more enjoyable album cover art work. This time around, it's the cover of Narrow Stairs by Death Cab For Cutie, designed by ee storey design who do some pretty nice work.
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs - ee design
Warmgunmedia is pleased to be providing a website for a young entrepeneur who is keen to make his mark in Montréal's film and television industry. More news to follow soon!
Meanwhile, work is drawing to a close on Monique Dery-Boyer's portfolio site. It will be posted in the web. section shortly.
Just completed a new mix cd entitled The Hypnotic Call Of The Parallel Lines... As the title implies, it's a mix for listening to on the road.
Check it out in music.
Here's a pretty insightful article on the relationship between two people, who's collective and individual creative output I greatly admire and enjoy - Mark Farrow of Farrow Design and Jason Pierce of Spiritualized.
Update: I am presently awaiting a copy of the very limited edtion, double green vinyl version of this album from the Rough Trade East Record Shop in the U.K. - with only 500 copies pressed, this is very cool indeed!
Update: It finally arrived on June 6th. It's every bit as attractive as I'd hoped. Maybe one day I'll work up the nerve to actually play it...
Spiritualized - Songs In A & E - Deluxe Edition Package - Farrow Design
(Photo: Spiritualized.com)
Welcome to Warmgunmedia.net v2.0 - the site will likely change further still over the next little while, but the framework is up and running, which is a milestone in and of itself. Expect to see more projects and images in the web., graphics. and photography. sections, as well as regular updates to this journal page.
Working on revisions to Warmgunmedia.net
Development continues on website for Monique Dery-Boyer, Botanical Artist and Colour Designer.
Neil Young
Le Noise
Belle & Sebastian
Write About Love
Blonde Redhead
Penny Sparkle
School Of Seven Bells
Disconnect From Desire
Caribou
Odessa
Herbie Hancock
Maiden Voyage
Beach House
Teen Dream
Joy Division
Unknown Pleasures
The Silent League
But You've Always Been The Caretaker
Miles Davis
Kind Of Blue, Miles Ahead & Sketches Of Spain
John Coltrane
Blue Train
Sian Alice Group, Receivers, Satellite Maps
17.10.2009 — Il Motore
The Silent League, L’embuscade, Museum Pieces!
01.10.2009 — Cagibi
St. Vincent
07.08.2009 — Le Cercle
Great Lake Swimmers & Kate Maki
14.03.2009 — La Sala Rosa
Mercury Rev & Dean & Britta
08.12.2008 — Cabaret Juste Pour Rire
Frank Lloyd Wright
Osheaga Iggy & The Stooges, Cat Power, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Spiritualized, Broken Social Scene, CSS, The Black Keys, The Go Team, The Kills
03.08.2008 - 04.08.2008 — Parc Jean Drapeau
The Raveonettes & Black Acid
20.03.2008 — Les Saints
Yokoo Tadanori
20.03.2008 — Centre de Design, U.Q.A.M.
Super Furry Animals, Times New Viking & Jeffrey Lewis
22.02.2008 — Cabaret Juste Pour Rire
Geoffrey Farmer, Yannick Poulliott & Arnaud Maggs
10.02.2008 — Musée D'Art Contemporain De Montréal
Ang Lee
Taking Woodstock
Marc Webb
(500) Days of Summer
Judd Apatow
Funny People
Sam Mendes
Away We Go
Matthew Weiner
Mad Men Seasons 1 & 2
Jenji Kohan
Weeds, Seasons 1, 2, 3 & 4
Woody Allen
Whatever Works
Tom Kapinos
Californication Seasons 1 & 2
Bryan Singer
Valkyrie
Robert Cochran & Joel Surnow
24 Season 7
Baz Luhrmann
Australia
Douglas Coupland
Generation A
Cormac McCarthy
No Country For Old Men
J.D. Salinger
Nine Stories
J.R.R. Tolkien
Return Of The King
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship Of The Ring
Stephen Clarke
In The Merde For Love
Stephen Clarke
Merde Happens
Stephen Clarke
A Year In The Merde
Tim Whinton
Breath
C.S. Lewis
The Last Battle
C.S. Lewis
The Silver Chair
C.S. Lewis
The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader
