Identity Designed #013
With this first newsletter of 2025 I thought I’d share a positive note for my fellow designers searching for new work, from a 2012 speech by Neil Gaiman (on YouTube).
“People keep working in a freelance world [.…] because their work is good, because they’re easy to get along with, and because they deliver the work on time.
“And you don’t even need all three.
“Two out of three is fine.
“People will tolerate how unpleasant you are if your work is good and you deliver it on time.
“People will forgive the lateness of your work if it’s good and they like you.
“And you don’t have to be as good as everyone else if you’re on time and it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.”
So for those who might be anxious over the future of the profession and the impact of AI, don’t look too far ahead as it’s likely to cause unnecessary worry. Instead, reflect on how you have the skills to help people today. Use those skills. Show your work. Enjoy the process. Because life can be fleeting, and if we’re not enjoying what we do, well, where’s the fun in that?
From Identity Designed
In an Australian first, WHEN provides at-home egg count testing and access to the country’s leading fertility experts. More from Universal Favourite, Sydney.
Mountainview Brewing Co. is a craft brewery nestled in the shadows of the Cascade foothills in iconic Hope, BC. More from Memory, Salt Spring Island.
From Logo Design Love
Super Logo Design, edited by Taki Ono, is a two-volume set of paperbacks published in 2001 and 2002 by Graphic-sha in Japan. The nostalgia was strong with these ones.
SELA (Space Exploration Logo Archive) is a project by Rome–based designer and art director Davide Mascioli. Available online, too.
Last, not least…
If you’re in Dublin this Friday, on January 10th, the impressive Danielle Townsend (LinkedIn) has brought together a fantastic speaker lineup for the BOUNCE design conference.
Leah Spencer gave an intriguing look into the process of her type revival for film and TV. “I create anything that is seen on screen with text and/or imagery, such as storefront signs, food packaging, patterned wallpaper, stacks of bills, newspapers, lost cat flyers… even children’s drawings.” Via Garrick Infanger.
“AI is another tool, and how it’s used is the responsibility of the designer who is charged with delivering the project and making those kinds of decisions.” Paula Scher reflects on the backlash around Pentagram using Midjourney.
Australian designer Jacob Cass kindly invited me onto his podcast a few months back. Now available on YouTube. We talked about designing strong logos and the challenges of life as an independent designer.
Peter Broderick, Eyes Closed and Traveling. A beautifully emotional piano piece that’s “like sinking into a memory you can’t touch.” Headphones recommended.
The Ad Contrarian Bob Hoffman released a new book, The Three Word Brief. “Branding is a made-up word about an imaginary activity. Successful brands are not built by ‘branding’. They’re built by doing a lot of other things right.”
A comprehensive and recommended article on the
Substack: Brand evolution or revolution? Knowing why and when.I’ve been using the new Mac mini for a month or so (M4, 24GB memory). It’s fast, silent, and does everything I’ve needed it to. Very impressed.
“Share something slightly personal about yourself occasionally. Not because it’s all about you — but to give [others] permission to open up too.” Alex Mathers on how to become more interested in anyone you meet, on
.With that in mind…
Wishing you and your family all the very best in 2025.
Your photos
If you’d like me to plug your website in an upcoming newsletter (10k+ subscribers) send a photo of yourself with my latest book (on Amazon.com, .co.uk, .ca). I’d love to I’ll include you. Email to hello@identitydesigned.com.