Blog - Graphic Design
Michael Peters - tells it how it is!
Design industry legend Michael Peters tell you why small is the new BIG!
Michael Peters belongs in the design industry hall of fame! He has been at the forefront of the UK design industry for more than 35 years. His work has revolutionised the relationship between design and business and his influence on consumers has been enormous.
He is the founder of Identica and Michael Peters Group PLC. Today he runs a virtual agency, using creative partners when required according to a new business model he describes as the ‘artists’ attic’.
Why? Because he believes a cataclysmic shake-up is forcing the design industry to reinvent itself.
“Clients,” he says, “are sick and tired of the bullshit in our business. They want to connect around ‘the kitchen table’. They want the killer idea, not the Mayfair address. And I want creative people to be recognised as crucial cogs in the wheel of commerce. It has to be a partnership, not a client-servant relationship.”
To hear more of Michael and attend the event, book your place here or visit the designer breakfasts website.
We hope to see you there!
Design to overcome the downturn
The Design Council have compiled research showing that more than half of UK's businesses are looking to design their way out of the recession
It may be easy for companies to cut their budgets when times are tough, but design can be a powerful tool for any company.
The Design Council have compiled some facts, figures and case studies showing that when the going gets tough, the tough get going (thank you Billy Ocean)
Facts
The Design Council research shows that more than half of the UK’s businesses:
Are looking to design their way out of downturn
Over half (54%) of the firms in our survey thought design would contribute to a large or great extent in helping maintain their competitive edge in the current economic climate.
Think design is more important now
Similarly, 53% thought that design had become more important in helping the firm to achieve its business objectives over the last three years.
Think design is integral to the economic performance of the UK
The same number agreed or strongly agreed that design is integral to the country’s future economic performance.
Case Studies
Our favourite case study from the research gathered shows how the Nottingham based brewery, Castle Rock, used design to improve its image and strengthen its main corporate identity and portfolio of brands. Since the rebrand, Castle Rock’s growth rates have doubled and its brewery is running at full capacity, with demand currently outstripping supply.
Take a look at some more case studies that have used design to overcome the downturn
Design Funding
Independent research shows that companies that don’t invest in growth, research and development during a recession are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those that do. But what happens if you just don’t have the money to invest into research and development? If your company spending is more than £10,000 during the tax year, then research and development tax credits could be available to you. (This includes design projects).
To find out how R&D tax credits can help your company, click here.
Or click here to see if you can claim R&D tax relief
Design the Perfect Pair of Trainers!
RYZ invites anyone to design the perfect pair of shoes, and they will produce the most popular designs
Founded by a group of trainer geeks, this website gives all budding designers the chance to create the perfect pair of trainers! Download the template, get designing, submit it, and wait for the votes to fly in!
The design that receives the most votes will then go into production, and get sold on the website for the whole world to buy. Not only will you receive the acclaim from all your mates, but the designer will also receive $500 and a $1 royalty!
Choosing the right colours
Are the colours you choose for your business really that important?
The colours you choose to represent your business can say a lot, so are you sure the ones you’ve used in your designs are saying the right things? Certain colours are naturally associated with particular industries. Green for “green” companies or environmentally friendly associations, Blue is used for water companies or legal/financial businesses, and I guarantee Purple makes you think of chocolate! But what about the rest of them………
Red say’s powerful, passion, love, heat & strength. Virgin, Vodafone and Coca Cola all rely on Red to stand out. It’s easy to remember these companies as soon as you see red.
Yellow is bright & optimistic and can suggest sunshine & warmth. The golden arches of McDonalds are recognised the world over as a welcoming place, but be careful, it can also represent cowardice!
Blue, the colour of safety, truth & dignity. Many financial associations such as Barclays us the positive hues of blue to communicate a safe and secure place to place your money!
Green is the colour growth & nature, and has been used by environmental agencies & charities alike. Oxfam, BP and Holland & Barrett all use the positive colour in their branding.
Purple conveys wealth, intelligence & sophistication, which is why Cadbury chose it for it’s velvety yummy chocolate! It does have some spiritual associations too, the Catholic faith relate it to mourning.
Brown can mean trust, but is also seen as old fashioned and frumpy in some people’s eyes. Fashion & Interior trends have seen Chocolate Brown becoming increasingly popular. It’s especially used in coffee bars to simulate a relaxed atmosphere.
Orange is warm and autumnal, think pumpkins and walks in the forest. It’s reliable and safe, so it’s not surprising that Sainsburys, EasyJet and of course Orange have all used it to excellent effect.
Black is for strength, but also globally associated with death and mourning. Organisations can use it to indicate seriousness.
White is traditionally used with other colours such as black. It can portray purity, cleanliness & lightness, but avoid it in Japan & China as Eastern cultures believe it conveys death.
That might all seem a lot to digest but it goes to show colour isn’t just about personal preference. Your choices will ultimately be influenced by your companies’ aims, goals & the image you want to portray.
A few things to remember…
Use company colours to tie all your marketing material together.
Use colour for impact and emphasis but not too much at once.
Use tints and shades for variety and stick to colours from within one colour scheme as much as possible.
BE CONSISTENT! This is extremely important when using colour. If all your titles in a page are green, then that should be repeated throughout the whole document. Stick to the exact colour chosen by your designer too. If your logo is blue, find out the CMYK value and use the same blue all the time.
Have fun with colour! Take the meanings of colour into consideration, but remember it’s good to stand out from the crowd too. I mean, there’s nothing cowardly about Rubber Cheese is there!
Copyright © Rubber Cheese® 2008
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Blog post by LogoCritique.com: Color Psychology in Logo Design
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