Studio Soleil is a creation studio based in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Our mission is to explore each kind of creative concepts that can bring to your company,
project or idea, an outstanding and distinctive visual life.
Studio Soleil is a creation studio based in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Our mission is to explore each kind of creative concepts that can bring to your company,
project or idea, an outstanding and distinctive visual life.
Elements from the Greek and Egyptian neoclassicism, decorative elements
that are present in many interiors, the mediterranean sea, from the natural
environment and leisure activities were combined for these posters.
Spetses is a historical island in the Argosaronic gulf. The current name Spetses
is a borrowing from Italian spezie (spices). An unusual aspect of Spetses is
that no private automobiles are allowed within the town limits. During the period
1821-1832, Spetses played a leading role in the Greek Revolution.
The key visuals that were used for this project are icons produced by the main
impressions that a visitor has during his visit on the island.
Elements from architecture, mainly from the Greek and Egyptian neoclassicism
that is dominant in the islands historical buildings, the decorative elements
that are present in many interiors, the mediterranean sea,
the classic yacht regatta that takes place each year on the island,
elements from the natural environment and leisure activities were combined
for these posters.
Main target was a separate, unique corporate identity for the island.
“A poster about a tribute to the legacy of legendary song of Eden Ahbez
that continues to be covered by many famous artists.”
“Nature Boy” is a song first recorded by American jazz singer Nat King Cole.
It was released on 1948, and appeared on the album, The Nat King Cole Story.
The song was written in 1947 by eden ahbez and is partly autobiographical.
It is a tribute to ahbez’s mentor Bill Pester, who had originally introduced him
to Naturmensch and Lebensreform philosophies, which ahbez practiced.
Following Cole’s success with the song, rival record companies released cover
versions of “Nature Boy” by other artists like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan,
which were also successful. The legendary song was used in various films
and it continues to be covered by many famous artists.
This poster was designed for a homage to the song, and was inspired by the lyrics
of eden ahbez (that he wanted his name to be written only in lowercase letters).
“Our design had to be connected with the the land, the sharpness
of the landscape, the intense sun – but as well the aromatic,
flowerish tone of this unique wine.”
LALUDI is a white dry wine, characterised by it’s seductive aromas of flowers
and herbs, refreshing and delicious mouth. It is, above all, the Monemvasia’s Winery
version of a favourite Greek variety, Moschofilero – drinked ideally at 8-10 ° C!
LALUDI comes from the word “Las” was one of the most ancient towns
of Lakedaimonia – eventually called the Mani Peninsula.
The root “LAS” is still present in the modern greek language, and the wine LALUDI,
aspires to describe with it’s aromas, the qualities of this historical land.
Monemvasia Winery has the priviledge to be located in the same area where all
these unique vineyards grow, and for some people are considered the world’s best.
Our label, is influenced by the Greek folkloric art, but as well from
20th century modernist painters that they rediscovered the Greek tradition,
like Moralis.
“Key visuals made of Christmas decorative forms that reflect
the values that Galilu carries: Elegance, attractiveness, wellness,
luxuriousness & nobility”
Galilu is a beauty, cosmetic & personal care brand in Warsaw, Krakow & Gdansk,
Poland. It was designed in order to create a luxurious atmosphere where
shopping is “just an option”.
I was asked to design their Christmas, festive key visuals, an image
that would be central to many applications, like post-cards, present bags,
packaging for products, and more. The main image that we chose,
are the mirroring deers. We saw the deers as a classic Christmas symbol
of purity, romance, warmth, comfort and vitality.
We designed them with geometric patterns, easily adaptable to many formats
of design applications. The lines, the deconstructive way of shaping the animal,
the diagonal line in the horn, the thin, long lines, the gaps and the curves,
give a more fashion oriented character to our brand.
“Illustrations that are more than a motivation to a life-changing trip
that leads to understanding, sympathy and self acceptance through the
guidance and support of a professional counsellor.”
Chrysa Chlomisiou is a registered member of the British Association
for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Her training began in 2008 with a BSc in Psychology at the University of Manchester.
Since then, she has completed two qualifications at Master’s level, a Master’s degree
in Psychology of child development and a UK-based counselling training in psychodynamic
counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Leicester.
I was asked to create her new logo, a multidisciplinary web-site and a series of
illustrations that will describe psychical situations, or common issues and problems
that psychodynamic psychotherapy has proven effective.
The illustrations were used as a “secret” logo that accompanies the corporate identity
of Chrysa Chlomisiou in web and printed and social media as well.
Illustrated as a fairy tale for adults, with a distinctive tension in typography,
to undertone the deeply emotional character of the poem.
Who murdered the minutes, is a series of three illustrations based
on a poem of Henry Treece, a 20th century British poet and writer
who also worked as a teacher and editor.
This emblematic poem became also a song, and part of the Joan Baez’s album “Baptism”.
The three figures are the main characters of the poem:
the soldier, the priest and the lover.
A trilogy based on these characters is presented here with highly geometric
characteristics and bright colours, as a fairy tale for adults,
and as contrast to the highly politicised and sentimental depth of the poem.
“In her tranquil look, the big cat finds a way
to coexist with the changing world, with the images that are lost
– the images that appear.”
Matska Golema means “big cat”, that according to a Slavic myth is the
expression that Alexander the Great used when he first saw a lion.
Matska Golema is also the title of the latest cd and lp release
of the composer Petros Satrazanis and the lyricist Vasilis Kapsaskis.
I was asked to create a songbook that would contain
the original recordings in CD and the LP version.
“In her tranquil look, the big cat finds a way to coexist with the changing world,
with the images that are lost – the images that appear.”
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all -”
The Poem of Emily Dickinson, one of America’s greatest and most original poets
of all time, became the inspiration of this experimental project.
A series of illustration based in the idea to free forms from conventional restraints.
These highly geometric illustrations form “things with feathers” through an optimistic,
modernistic point of view.
The original art prints posters will be soon available.
“Design aiming to attract socially active citizens,
young people, victims of domestic violence and people around them”
Design of a street poster for “Women’s Shelter” NGO concert, aiming to
communicate visually the main information of the concert, and to reveal it’s social purpose.
The key image should be appropriate for other uses as well,
to be adaptive to other formats (products, clothes etc).
The “Women’s Shelter” NGO group is composed of young people
that work daily and responsibly to support women who suffer or have suffered
abuse in the past, based on the principles of humanity, selfless giving,
of solidarity and love for your fellow man.
The names of the artists in this poster version are not the original.
Art print inspired from mythical stories, and the 70’sa esthetics of
– redesigned and stylised in a more geometric way.
In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being
and is said to speak on that entity’s behalf, serving as an intermediary with humanity
by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people.
Claims of prophethood have existed in many cultures throughout history, including Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, in ancient Greek religion and many others.
According to the old testament, Jonah is miraculously saved by being swallowed by a large fish,
in whose belly he spends three days and three nights. While in the great fish,
Jonah prays to God in his affliction and commits to thanksgiving and to paying
what he has vowed. God then commands the fish to vomit Jonah out.
Elijah, in company with Elisha, approaches the Jordan. He rolls up his mantle and strikes
the water.The water immediately divides and Elijah and Elisha cross on dry land.
Suddenly, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appear and Elijah is lifted up in a whirlwind.
“Folklorical forms – modern aesthetics, redesigned traditional patterns,
strong geometry, fashion oriented typography.”
Eleni and Souzana Vougioukli are two musicians, composers and performers
that are characterized by an indigenous authentic and explosive passion for world music.
Τhey have performed at various countries in both ancient and national theaters,
music venues and elsewhere.
I was asked to create a visual identity for them, that will communicate both their authentic
folk identity and their contemporary, dynamic singing and songwriting.
A visual identity that has roots in Greek aesthetics but also other mediterranean cultures.
“Hey! We are following the footsteps
of those who’ve gone before”
– Bill Black
This self-initiated project is a study in the principles of Byzantine iconography
as it was seen through my own, graphic perspective.
Keeping the standard values of the representation of saints,
these three silkprints are representing the holiness instead of the saint,
the form and the shape instead of the natural characteristics.
Three posters for the unknown, the unexplained
and the incomprehensible.
“The disguise of Praxagora A and Praxagora B into men,
that is the starting point of the play, is the theme of this poster..”
Assembly of women (in Greek Ekklesiazousai) is a comedy written by the Greek playwright
Aristophanes in 391 BCE. The play invents a scenario where the women of Athens assume control
of the government and instate pseudo-communist reforms that ban private wealth and
enforce sexual equality for the old and unattractive.
The play begins with Praxagora emerging from a house on an Athenian street before daybreak.
She is wearing a false beard and men’s clothing, and she carries a walking stick and a lit lantern…
In this contemporary adaptation of the comedy, by Asteris Natsios,
the play begins with two main protagonists (Praxagora A and Praxagora B),
that during the night they start their adventure…
“Illustrated as a fairy tale for adults, with a distinctive tension in typography,
to undertone the deeply emotional character of the poem.”
A series of three images produced for the poem and song of Vashti Bunyan
called “Mother”, released in her album “Heartleap” (2014).
The wonderful way Bunyan concludes the song resonates sweetly and poignantly:
“My applause should have been rapturous.
But I closed the door and turned, turned away.”
The fading colours of the illustrations, seems to fit perfectly into the style of the song:
A silent recall of distant memories, glimpses and images from childhood.
An undertone of sadness, or just a kind of nostalgia hidden in these images.
The experimental type used, is chosen to accompany the images
by synthesising qualities of movement: contrast, contour, stress, slant.
“Typography and illustration based in a fresh approach of the
art nouveau aesthetics, Its identity is expressed in various details
and unusual shapes and ligatures.”
Faun is a mythological half human – half goat creature appearing in Ancient Rome.
The goat man, more commonly affiliated with the Satyrs of Greek mythology,
is a bipedal creature with the legs and tail of a goat and the head, arms and torso
of a man and is often depicted with goat’s horns and pointed ears.
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, is a symphonic poem for orchestra by Claude Debussy,
approximately 10 minutes in duration.
Debussy’s work later provided the basis for the ballet “Afternoon of a Faun”
choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky.
The illustration was based on archive photos of these first performances.
The final design and the typography used is a redesign of the era’s Art Nouveau trends.
“Playful, contemporary and stylised versions of theatrical classics.
Geometrical adaptations based in classical portraits of the heroes.”
Three Theatrical posters based in geometrical stylised versions of portraits.
Shakespeare in Love is a 1998 American romantic period comedy-drama play directed by
John Madden, written by Marc Norman and playwright Tom Stoppard. The first illustration
is based in a 17th century Shakespeare’s portrait, displaying him in love.
Don Quixote is a musical based in the classical novel written by Miguel De Cervantes,
adapted by Agnus Jackson. Driven by the vision of Dulcinea, the tarnished, yet inspired,
Don Quixote starts a long journey into his dreams!
Amadeus is a play by Peter Shaffer which gives a highly fictionalised account
of the lives of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri,
first performed in 1979 as the libretto for an opera.
The names on the posters are not the original, for the needs of this portfolio.
“Elements of the byzantine iconography (colours, shapes,
lack of perspective) were eclectically used”
Illustration for a poster based in the french translation of Kavafy’s poem
“Manuel Komnenos”. The poem describes the “Dreary September day” that
“Emperor Manuel Komninos / felt his death was near…”
A contemporary approach to a theme originally taken from the Byzantine history
through the recreational gaze of a 20th century poet.
Elements of the byzantine iconography (colours, shapes, lack of perspective)
were eclectically used for the needs of this poster,
made for the celebration of the birthday day of Kavafy.
“Christmas decorative forms, elements from the real scenery of the festival,
illustrated in a child oriented way.”
Moni Lazariston Festival is a major organizer of cultural activities
in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece over the past decade.
Not only the place that hosts the greatest artists of the Greek and international
music industry, theatrical plays and dancing festivals, but also various event
like the “Christmas Circus” are accommodated in the building complex of “Lazaristes”.
Some of these promotional materials, posters and books are shared below.
One of the goals that was achieved, was to approach people not only
from western Thessaloniki, but to open the “Christmas Circus” to all
the metropolitan area of the city.
“Dark and sharp typography with aggressive serifs, colourful illustrations that
in harmony with the medieval, religious oriented character of the city.”
Main illustration and Layout about the architecture, the landmarks and the historical
sights of the city of Gdansk, created for advertising purposes.
The illustration contains the main architectural building of Gdansk of the period of
Hanseatic league, in layers, that are part of the city centre of the city.
Lights, shades, linear art and gradient colours are used in order to express the traveler’s
fading memory after leaving the old city. Many other applications of the illustration followed
after the main work.
The display typography has clear historic links to Humanistic letter shape and proportions
but is refreshingly new in the way the counter-forms seem to be displayed.
“Intricate, dramatic lines, targeting into the elegance of the forms,
distinctive typography and aesthetic dedication into the meaning of the poem”
A book based on the poem of Walter de la Mare, King David.
This poem was turned into song by the friend of the poet and composer Herbert Howells,
that he considered King David one of his finest works.
Walter John de la Mare (25 April 1873 – 22 June 1956) was an English poet,
short story writer and novelist.
He is probably best remembered for his works for children.
The design of “King David” edition should reveal the so called
“Intellectual Imagination” of his poems.
The poem is a re – imagination of the story of the biblical King David
as is described in the Old Testament.
This is a presentation of some of the basic illustrations used in the book.
“Intense, eye cathcing colours, shapes and gradients
form a dazling palette that reflects activities through children’s eyes.”
“Children’s festival” is a separate part of of Moni Lazariston Festival —
a three months long summer festival in the city of Thessaloniki.
Children’s festival aims at families that are looking for alternative activities
for their children. During the days of Children’s Festival, theatrical plays
for children, musical events and creative workshops are taking part in daily basis.
Here is presented a part of the project, the “interactive” poster
of the festival, that children could also paint in their preferred colours
and with their preferred method.
