Our thoughts on all things brand related.
Merging the worlds of design and travel
Pantone, Inc. is best known as the source of industry-standard references for color. The brand primarily targets design professionals. It is fair to say that Pantone revolutionized the graphic arts industry by allowing designers and printers to categorize and replicate color, accurately, anywhere in the world, by referring to uniform color palettes.
Recently, though, Pantone has begun to branch out, addressing a new audience: consumers. Pantone Universe is a new, multifaceted sub-brand that makes Pantone color the centerpiece of everything it does, from the Pantone Universe magazine to a line of themed products ranging from eyewear and jewelry to kitchen gadgets and more. Continue reading
When a shape is just a shape
By Paula Snyder
Garnering attention in the media recently is the logo created for the Nuclear Security Summit, hosted by President Obama in Washington, DC last week. A theory popularized by a FOX News segment, but also running rampant across various newspapers and blogs, claims that the logo echoes the Islamic crescent moon and star symbol.
Must we give up good typography in the name of convenience?
As a design professional, the recent flap over IKEA’s decision to change its typeface from Futura to Verdana really struck close to home for me.
IKEA has long been held up as a prime example of good design that reflects and contributes to the brand. Futura is a very clean, contemporary typeface that dovetails perfectly with IKEA’s Swedish heritage and streamlined, efficient product line. Continue reading
Aesthetics vs. so-called “security:” Was this really necessary?
A July 27 New York Times article covered the dismantling of part of a brand-new, architecturally powerful border crossing building on the Canadian border in Massena, New York. As a design professional, this caught my eye and raised my ire on a number of levels.
The design for the building in question was unveiled four years ago, and work was completed less than two months ago.
Continue reading