Traditional design processes dictate that logo design be undertaken in a pure, pared-down visual form — creating a logo in black and white. I was taught to design identities in black on white to ensure the mark communicated successfully at its core.  Traditional thinking has it that the mark has to work in black and white first. Also, clients may be unduly swayed to or from a logo if we showed them initial designs in color. If a client hates orange, then that logo, which might be the best at communicating the personality of their brand, has died an early, perhaps unnecessary, death. So, at Go East we continue to start all identity projects working with black on white.

However, I am beginning to question the wisdom of this approach.

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I like sports. Ok, I like sports a lot and I also like following the trends of design in sports. I especially look forward to seeing which teams change or update their brands, logos, uniforms or colors at the beginning of every new season. These changes can range from the complex — logos, uniforms, colors, etc., to the minute — piping on the numbers. It’s apparent that, no matter the change, teams are always looking for ways to stay current while still maintaining their brand equity. This can be a tricky road to navigate, especially for teams that have been around for awhile and have a loyal, passionate fan base. What I find most intriguing are the teams that have recently returned to the more traditional, classic designs from their past.

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First, I need to say that I am a huge Burton fan. Here comes the but, and I mean that literally. I am pretty disappointed that they felt the need to produce a line of mens snowboards with designs of naked Playboy centerfolds on them.

The Burton Love Series of snowboards is a collaboration with Playboy that will hit the slopes this winter. As a designer, I think I have an open mind. And I get that, design can/should push the boundaries.

Seriously though, naked women on snowboards? Is this really necessary? Have you hit the slopes lately?

They’re filled with kids. And, check out all the girls riding. Maybe snowboarding has become too mainstream, and this was Burton’s way of shaking it up. I’m sure the controversy over these boards is going to help Burton more than hurts it. I don’t think you can say the same for the dude who’s riding on one. I doubt he’ll be getting much LOVE from the chics.

The Victoria and Albert Museum offers a fantastic resource for unusual object imagery. There’s plenty of diversity, ranging from antiques and objets d’art to current trends in fashion, furniture and retail. Some of the images are so incredibly odd, I can hardly believe my eyes.

courtesy of TrueisTrue.com

I really admire Mike Cina of You Work For Them because he and his partner have shown that the designer’s vision is his or her  value. A designer’s technological or hand skills pale in comparison to the ability to imagine, to envision and to dream. Art, business, design become powerful when powerfully melded together. True is True is Mike’s digital scrapbook. It’s a great for its simplicity and its power. 

The Rake has a great article on You Work For Them. Props for it.

Sometimes one of the first and longest lasting brand or design decisions involves color selection. Every color has a different feel, look, or emotional resonance. Colors will evoke strong feelings towards a brand or design, so it is vital to choose a color that will represent an identity effectively.

“Research reveals people make a subconscious judgment about a person, environment, or product within 90 seconds of initial viewing and that between 62% and 90% of that assessment is based on color alone.”
- Why Color Matters

(via SwissMiss)

This year Go East will celebrate its 20th anniversary. We have many, many things to celebrate as 20 years of success in the creative industry is a huge milestone. 

Inevitably, celebrating anniversaries raises the question of developing a logo for the anniversary. Commemoration, celebration, nostalgia and gratitude all arise at this time, as does the desire for a logo or mark that embodies the spirit and emotion of the anniversary. The responsibility for capturing these emotions, as well as determining the creative tone of the upcoming celebrations, falls to the designer designated to create the mark. This is no small challenge. 

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You heard it here. Mushrooms are the hot design trend for Autumn/Winter 2009. Mushroom colors, patterns, shapes and textures—it’s all ripe for the trend picking. We look forward to seeing funghi on all fashion, furniture, stationery and accessories this time next year.