‘Oh god,’ you think ‘not design jargon’ as you open a reply from your graphic designer. ‘Please, god, no more graphic design terms.’ Every industry has its terms that seem like they’re in a different language (and sometimes are). They can leave you feeling confused and bewildered. You can just imagine the designer’s smugness: [...]
Marketers and designers can sometimes seem at odds to one another. Marketing is perceived as very data driven, all about metrics and performance, whereas design is seen as purely creative and visual. These two camps should be at odds with one another, right? Well, I believe that marketing and design work better together than apart. [...]
I feel like this one needs to be said in a slightly more direct manner than usual. Changing your logo is not a rebrand. Glad I got that off my chest. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. Oh, you wanted more? Well, I guess I could delve a little deeper. Why are you [...]
'Are you worried about Canva?' I've been asked this question a few times. On the surface, it makes sense. I'm a graphic designer and make a living through design. Therefore, any form of automation or 'DIY' option should be a killer for my business. It's not hard to see why some designers feel uneasy about [...]
There are many things that a happy designer can do that a frustrated one can't. Contrary to popular belief, creativity often doesn't come from pain. The trope of the 'tortured creative' is, for the most part, incorrect. As such, a relaxed designer is more likely to be able to find more creative solutions to problems. [...]
On your adventure, you come across a village under siege from bandits. You have your own mission, but without aid, the villagers will surely lose their harvest - or worse. Do you turn and leave them to their plight, or step in and help? Empathy is the skill that allows us to see the [...]
When it comes to creating, maintaining and growing your brand, it’s important to understand what personality it has. Like people, brands have personalities that influence how they connect with an audience. People respond better to brands speaking their language, and having an archetype can help you find that voice easier. Brand personalities are great because [...]
When it comes to your brand, the logo is often a star player in your brand identity. It holds a prominent position and, when designed correctly, can be a powerful marketing tool in itself. So getting it right is important, but why is it difficult? Surely it’s just a drawing, that shouldn’t be [...]
Branding is a huge part of the market strategy for any business. Increasingly, people shop with brands that speak to their core values. With so much choice, they can afford to. As such, your brand needs to be strong and clear to stand out amongst the others in your market. This is often a mammoth [...]
People tend to notice colour in logos first, but shapes are just as important. In this series, we’ll look at common shapes used in design and what they mean. This article looks at horizontal lines. Horizontal lines Horizontal lines are used to create a strong sense of tranquillity and calm. Their simple, 'A to B' [...]