So I did a quick search on Twitter to see what people where talking about with regards to graphic design trends. One of the first links I hit is from Jacob Cass, who I follow on twitter. The article called Logo Design Trends 2009 is about a month old, but sums up what several other sites have been saying about logo trends for 2009.
The most interesting part for me was, which usually is the case on these type of articles, is a bit of a debate that the article prompted in the comments section of the blog post. Starting with a comment from Jeff Fisher of Jeff Fisher Logomotives, someone who I have great respect for, who said:
“When a graphics industry expert proclaims something a current ‘design trend’ it is a ‘breaking news’ message to designers everywhere that the specific ‘trend’ should be avoided from that moment on – rather than followed by a thundering flock of design sheep.”
He called it his “annual design trend comment.”
I’ll let you read the comments on the blog there and participate in the conversation if you’d like, but one of my favorite responses to the debate was from Fred Showker, someone who I haven’t run across online before. He mentions in one of his comments about the “acid tests” that any logo has to go through. Tests such as scalability, black-n-white, screen printing, stitching, etc. He says:
“Too many people rely on process color, and computer effects to “carry” the design — or lack thereof.”
I’ve run into problems in this aspect as well with several of my logos. Though I’ve tried to discover in advance through creative worksheet questioning on “how” my client will use the logo, sometimes they don’t always know. It’s not long until a fancy “online only” logo gets stitched on a hat.
I enjoy looking around and seeing where trends are going and what new innovative ways graphic designers are using to represent their client’s brands. But as graphic designers we’ve got to keep the basics in mind and remember that logos are as practical/functional as they are beautiful.
Join the conversation! –>Logo Design Trends 2009
Thanks for the mention in your post.
I really appreciate the comment of LogoLounge.com’s Bill Gardner in reference to the site’s 2008 logo design trend announcement. Gardner writes:
“Please remember that they [trends] are gathered here to chart long-term movement or change, not to offer design suggestions. It’s a living history. The key is to study the trends, then evolve forward – as far forward as you can leap – from them.”
Thanks for the links out Brad. I only just came across this article from clicking from somewhere else and then saw my name which was a pleasant surprise. I agree with Jeff’s “annual design trend comment.” Thanks again Brad.