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The exercise was about exploring signs, symbols and images. I researched and collected danger signs and symbols and noticed that all of them used (along with white) black, yellow or red - or a combination thereof. I also learnt that a lot of the icons were exclusive to specific types of danger. For example, the black lightning on a yellow background warned of electric shock, skull and crossbones were used for toxic substances, and the atom radiating activity (what I'd up to now thought of as a fan) was for radiation.

I discovered that most of the pictograms were icons. As well as the ones mentioned above, I also noticed falling figures and falling rocks. The symbols tended to be crosses, chevrons and exclamation marks.

In creating an alternative symbol to represent danger I decided it would be most effective if it incorporated red, yellow and black. I then thought about what all of the danger signs had in common - what they were all trying to achieve. Common to all was a desire to make the observer stop and pay attention. I mind-mapped stop and one of the images that came out was a raised hand.

I decided to see if I could create a symbol with a hand (the 'stop' element) that Incorporated a good balance of red, black and yellow (the 'pay attention' element) and finally decided on a thumbnail that became the design below:

     

Anthology 3





Amazing illustrations, great compositions, but it's the colours and tones used in these posters that make them stand out for me.

Wonderfully dark.

Simple, clever because it's so simple.

Clever. Seems obvious once you've seen it - but the whole point is you didn't and Barnbrook did.

Colours.

Clever, cheeky.

Love the use of colour and placement of the pitch.

Amazing idea: the illuminated connected isolation of the modern age.

Favourites from D&AD 2010

Very good idea.

Pastiche, but does something very clever with it. Keeps your attention - like a puzzle and by the time you've got it the message has sunk it. Cheeky and knowing too.

Looks very original. Like the way he fills the space.

Beautiful poster, wonderfully arranged with fantastic use of colour.

My favourite - no idea what the hell it's about but it just looks gorgeous.

Love the tile work and typography.

Great idea, great execution.

Brilliant touch to use a child's finger writing across the 'window' of the cover - really makes it feel like looking out onto a scene. Love the spare, effective use of red.

Really like these posters. Slightly abstract images echoing the tag line. 

My favourite of the lot - love the overlaying of the images here.

Brilliant idea: insurance claims for film car crashes.

Creative yet true to original - actually strengthens the brand.