BlackYard consists of four graphic designers/illustrators in their best age who acquired their abilities through different professional careers. In 2009 they teamed up and settled their business location in the pictoresque part of the small neighbourhood “Matte” in downtown Bern. Their primary area of occupation is illustration and graphic design, executed with much care for detail. BlackYard likes to sketch, draw and ink by hand, before utilising machines to merge together all textures and layers preparing the artwork for the offset- and screenprinting process. Posters, illustrations, logos, cover artwork as well as original art and customized objects have found a broad audience in and outside of Switzerland and applied leverage to BlackYard’s aspiring career.
Christian Calame, (1982) Illustrator
After graduation in Illustration at Hochshule Luzern his thirst for knowledge impelled him to study History of arts and education before he joined Blackyard as the last member.
Silvio Brügger, (1977) Graphic Designer
After co-founding “Bewegungsmelder” – now a leading city and event guide – he entered the world of advertising business and its agencies, leading to a title as art director. Weariness and curiosity urged him to become self-employed.
Jared Muralt, (1982) Illustrator
His passion for comics drove him towards pen and ink at young age. After an apprenticeship as interior designer he successfully stepped into self-employment as an acclaimed illustrator.
Philipp Thöni, (1975) Illustrator & Graphic Designer
During the scholar apprenticeship as a graphic designer he suspected that self-employment might be the only way to unfold and persue one’s objectives. Through his work on numerous concert posters and record covers he gained reputation as “the sparkplugs” beyond Switzerland and was featured in various international publications.
Awards
Berner Design Förderpreis – 2009
Best of Wall Award Bern 1998 – 2008: Best Poster “DJ Vadim – Dachstock”
Publications
Art of modern rock (Chronicle Books)
Benzin – Young Swiss Graphic Design (Lars Müller Publishers)
Swiss Graphic Design (Die Gestalten Verlag)
Sonntags Zeitung
Kulturmagazin Luzern
Idea
Strapazin
Amateur
Group exhibitions
Röckaholics, Zürich (October 2010)
Graphic Design & Music Convention 4, Lausanne (October 2010)
Artyou, Basel (September 2010)
Soirée Graphique (September 2010)
Bestform 10, Bern (January 2010)
Wallume I, Bern (December 2009)
Sneakerness, Vienna (October 2009)
BD-Fil, Lausanne (September 2009)
Milieu Gallerie, Bern (August 2009)
Art Clash, Zürich (June 2009)
Art Souk Dachstock, Bern (December 2008)
Individual exhibitions
Parzelle 403, Basel (April-May 2010)
Grand Gallery, Zürich (September 2009)
Kreissaal, Bern (January 2008)