[ July 21, 2009 ]
Often those in the industry (graphic designers even!) think a designer’s job is to do that and only that—design. That is, the job is supposed to be to create a design that visually communicates the brand strategy and receive the “thumbs up” from the client. Check. Check out . . . well, not quite.
[ April 13, 2009 ]
Typography on the Web has come a long way in the last couple decades. In the past, Web typography was rarely well designed due to technical limitations. Although constraints do still exist, doing a little extra to create clear, readable typography on the Web is both possible and smart. Quality Web typography improves communication. It [...]
[ October 13, 2008 ]
What makes a great logo design? I think it is a combination of technical, strategic and aesthetic factors that combine in just the right way. Often, if the typography was just slightly larger, or the color was just a shade brighter, it wouldn’t work. Let’s face it—it’s difficult to design a smart, successful logo that [...]
[ June 12, 2008 ]
One thing that I encourage clients and agencies to do is to take advantage of all the print techniques that are available. Too many times, whether it be because they are in a rush or it just slips their minds, designers and creative directors opt for more typical printing methods: four-color process on the standard [...]
[ June 11, 2008 ]
American Apparel. Mac. Crate & Barrel. Target. The list of brands represented with the typeface Helvetica goes on and on. And on. I recently saw the documentary “Helvetica”, written and directed by the filmmaker Gary Hustwit. The feature-length film uses the famous, yet controversial typeface to tell a comprehensive story about typography and visual culture [...]
[ June 7, 2007 ]
Seth points out that great logos are about the meaning derived, not from the logo itself, but from the company behind it. While that’s certainly true, it underestimates the role of design in a good logo.
[ March 8, 2007 ]
John Gruber offers a new take on an old debate: are design templates a good idea? He’s talking about blog templates, but the idea is general. And so is his conclusion: Default templates are terrific for people who can’t or don’t want to design their own—but they’re terrible starting points for anyone attempting to establish [...]
[ March 7, 2007 ]
Seth Godin brings up an example of an attitude that I see often. When you work at a company for a while, it’s easy to start thinking that your company is the universe. In this way, you start optimizing the work to suit you, not your customers. In the agency world, it’s the same thing. [...]
[ February 27, 2007 ]
Back in November of last year, I considered whether To Print or Not to Print. At that time, I allowed that print has a role in a well-integrated communications strategy. Today, I’m wondering how viable the medium is.
[ November 23, 2006 ]
It’s very popular these days to tout the rise of the design culture. For some, it’s the stage past the information age. Even organizations need designing. What’s at the root of this feeling?
