Saturday, July 16, 2016
Graphic Design and Minimalism
Monday, March 28, 2016
How Graphic Design Benefits Your Business
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Graphic Design for Corporations & Small Biz
In Los Angeles, graphic design for corporate communications usually has a distinct style from designs made for small business. I speak for LA because I live here, but it's probably safe to assume that this trend occurs in other areas, as well. If it doesn't, please voice your opinion in the comments section! I would love to know your thoughts on design trends in other areas for businesses of different sizes.
This blog is focused on comparing and critiquing corporate designs to small business designs because sometimes it's just easier to point out what's wrong than what's good.
My experience has been that the larger the company, the simpler the graphic design. Unfortunately, sometimes to the point of being boring and overly simplistic. I've seen corporate designs go overboard with minimalism which can give off a look that's very cold, unapproachable, and lack in passion for the service or product offered.
On the other hand and extreme, I've seen small business graphic designs go overboard by including many different or mismatched design elements and features that result in a look that's either too busy, confusing, or unpleasant to look at.
I understand why corporations and small businesses prefer particular design styles or perhaps attract different types of graphic designers. However, whether it's a corporation or small business, great design should never be underestimated. Great design will result in greater performance of marketing and advertising efforts.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Designing Icons
When designing an icon, there are many considerations a graphic artist must consider, such as making it understandable across cultures. Graphic designers in Los Angeles and other big cities, with a melting pot of people from around the world, must be meticulous about making icons comprehensible to everyone.
For optimal performance, elegance and simplicity is usually the desired outcome of an icon design.
There are 4 Icon design categories:
- Similar - Used most often for communicating simple concepts or actions. A curved road ahead is often represented by a curved line. ⌇
- Example - Useful for representing complex matters. For instance, an airport sign may contain an icon that is the simplified design of an airplane. ✈
- Symbolic - This is common among objects, concepts or actions that are well-known, common, or established. Everyone knows that a circle with short lines extending outward is symbolic of the sun; even children know that as evidenced in their drawings. ☼
- Arbitrary - These types of icons usually have no resemblance of what they represent but rather have been learned. The biohazard sign is a great example. ☣
Monday, February 1, 2016
How Graphic Design Helps
For as far back as we know, humans have used symbols and graphics to communicate stories and more. Ancient cave drawings are, in a very rudimentary sense, graphic design. Today, we use digital software to create graphic designs.
Graphic design has become so enmeshed in modern day living that we are hardly aware of it. Whether good or bad, designs are seen everywhere: on street signs, cellphones, computer screens, product packaging, etc. As a graphic designer in Los Angeles, I see it everywhere I turn, literally.
Great design communicates effectively and with purpose, yet it is aesthetically pleasing. It captures our attention.
Companies use it to streamline processes and strengthen their position in the marketplace and with employees and business partners. It's vital for a business to incorporate graphic design into their strategy.
Every business is communicating a brand. Part of the "story" of your brand is made up of images and graphics, wherever they are placed. A bad logo design may seem innocuous, until you've had it redesigned and your company and pride is elevated with a new image and sense of worth.
A logo design is one of the most powerful marketing tools. It's important for it to reflect the unique "personality" (brand) of the business, it's values and principles.
High-quality graphic design adds credibility to a business. It will evoke the right image and thoughts in people and have great retention in their memory.