about design and advertising
The fundamental difference between design and fine art is that design applies the fine arts to solve a specific problem. With that in mind, creative work all begins with the big idea—the concept. Conceptual advertising, branding and design make good brands great, and new brands a part of common language.
The other part of the equation is aesthetics. The look and feel of a piece of design should be both appropriate and completely original, inspiring and inspired, with a nod to the past and a look into the future.
The job of any creative person is to question. By refusing to accept the world at face value, individuals have changed history. If chance favors a prepared mind, I’m just trying to win the idea lottery.
about elaine chernov
Born in the CCCP and raised in Los Angeles, my perspective is both eclectic and singular. I’m inspired by the past, the kitsch, the old, the vintage, the quirky and the weathered. Art Deco, Soviet propaganda posters, lace and frills, Art Nouveau, roller derby, Americana, costumes, bauhaus, and old shoes because you know they’ve got some stories to tell.
I received a BFA in Visual Communications from Long Beach State in June 2007.
I’ve studied advertising at The Book Shop in Culver City.
about elaine inspired
“elaine inspired” is the so-called brand for my creative work. It stands for both the process to create it (being inspired) and the showcase of work that has been inspired.
The site (among other things) uses the elaine inspired “thought bubble” logo and sometimes fills it with pictures that might appear random. Well, they are not. They are photos that inspire me. They change periodically, but if you are curious as to what the heck that funny picture is all about, here goes:
When I was about to become a senior in high school, I took a photo class at Santa Monica College. This photo is from my final project. The model: My little sister at the age of 6. She is my world.
This is a drill that firefighters in training do at Santa Ana Fire Academy. The purpose is trust and eliminating fear. The ladder is held 35 feet straight up by trainees while each one takes a turn hanging backwards off the top of it.
This is a photo of a door handle on the second oldest building in California, the San Juan Capistrano Mission. This photo was used in my first portfolio to get into the BFA program at Long Beach State.
I really like old shit, I don’t know why.
click on image to enlarge
Being raised in California these are the two things I see a lot: really beautiful skies due to all the smog and the sunsets, and freeway signs. I know its dangerous but I snap as many pictures of the sky as I can. This way I can feel like a tourist on vacation all the time.
I took this photo in Denver, the day before the Command X competition started at the AIGA: Next Design Conference in 2007. That whole experience was so exhilarating and life-changing for me that I like to reflect on this peaceful moment I had before it started.
