DESIGN | Why Do We Have Such Ugly Money?
The new design for the $100 bill DOES seem unnecessarily "haphazard" in its layout. That said, I'm sure there was a reason behind the design decisions...right?
*cf
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The new design for the $100 bill DOES seem unnecessarily "haphazard" in its layout. That said, I'm sure there was a reason behind the design decisions...right?
*cf
There is something to be said for using to design as a tool to communicate a brand when staff (and funds) are lean. Making the choice to invest in a strong logomark and a thoughtful, consistent messaging strategy is one of the most important decisions a smaller organization can make. As this article points out, good design can "move people to act" - whether that be in the form of offering a donation, or hiring for a service.
On the designer's side, there is great reward in working with smaller organizations to help them develop their brand through creative means. The clarity and efficiency that comes from a concise brand idea can become an invaluable asset to an organization as it evolves and grows over time.
Good design can indeed contribute to the greater good.
*CAMILLE
Images and color communicate in ways that verbal messaging cannot. So, when it comes to developing your brand – or that of your clients – consider design as an integral part of your overall brand equity*...
Continue reading the latest MIYO STUDIOS article at Fuel Your Branding
Creative Review reports on a presentation from Pentagram's Michael Bierut about a wonderful series library projects he contributed to as a part of The Library Initiative.
Bierut ended the talk by explaining what he had learnt on the project, which had evolved to be far more eclectic and involving than he’d first expected. Here are his five lessons learned…
1. Don't be so darned clever. Don't try and outsmart everyone, do something responsible.
2. The more power you give away, the more you get.
3. The real opportunity may not be part of your scope of work.
4. Consistency does not equal sameness.
5. The audience is more wonderful than you think. Keep thinking about them.
An iconic logo is simplified to adapt to the variety of uses - in print and online. The refreshed brand successfully maintains the spirit of the original artwork in a contemporary re-interpretation.
In the age of rockstar architects and celebrity "artistes," many companies have fallen prey to the illusion that people purchase Designers, rather than Design. In some cases, perhaps this is true.
Ultimately, though, the best designs speak for themselves. If the product functions as promised - whether it be a building, a toaster, or a hard drive - and happens to be aesthetically appealing, users will celebrate it.
Your audience is more astute than you might think. If Joe Sous Chef wants to know who designed his favorite paring knife, he'll look it up. No need to emblazon Zaha Hadid's name all over the blade.
Green Engaged is a London-based, non-profit company that seeks to promote sustainable design practices. In their own words:
Greengaged aims to advance the design industry’s capacity to respond positively to key environmental challenges such as climate change. This is done by offering thought leadership, creating spaces for dialogue, and opportunities for knowledge sharing - within the industry and beyond.
Also, note the simple and illustrative logo and associated graphics. Yellow and Blue make Green.
Your personal and organizational brand is communicated in every personal encounter, and through each tangible expression of your brand identity. Comparatively speaking, your business card is perhaps the simplest and most concise way to convey an authentic impression of your brand idea. As such, its design should be considered thoughtfully in the context of your overall strategy.
