100 Archive is an annual collection of design work from Irish studios and designers. The 2024 archive was recently published, and I’m pleased to have my book Identity Designed: The Process featured alongside such a fine curation.
Here’s a before and after snapshot of my logo redesign for Quillette, an Australian–based online magazine that focuses on long-form analysis and cultural commentary.
Elsewhere, I’m a quarter of the way through writing the third edition of Logo Design Love. This and previous editions have featured work and advice from Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, Pentagram, Johnson Banks, UnderConsideration, and more. I’m delighted with the new contributions coming in from kind folk worldwide.
I was initially unsure about refreshing the book. But as I work through the process, I’m glad my publisher thought it worthwhile. I get to write and create something tangible, to share my work and the work of people more talented than me. There’s a joy and satisfaction there that I find hard to put into words.
Things worth sharing this month:
“Online, it’s easy to look like an authority on design without making very much of it. […] The more you perform, the more visible you become, and the more performance the system demands (ad infinitum).” Elizabeth Goodspeed on the rise of the designer as influencer.
“People need a new logo, and they want it to look better than the old one. That’s fine. That’s great. But they don’t need to say we’re ‘reinventing a category’ every time.” Rob Alderson interviews Ben Terrett on his CBE, AI, and why designers need rigour. A worthy read on Design Week.
Designing beyond trends with Alex Swatridge of DutchScot is a great episode of Monotype’s Creative Characters podcast. Shared by Ash O‘Brien on LinkedIn.
“It’s quite telling that we have decided, as a society, that the opposite of work is play,” said Armin Vit. Rob Alderson added how, “that has created a false dichotomy, that work cannot have an element of play.” A design system for thinking differently — play is a serious force.
If you’re looking for some of today’s most talented studios, Creative Boom published 25 creative studios inspiring the most in 2025. I’ve been enjoying The Studio, Creative Boom’s online (and offline) community. Nearly 5,000 creative folk have signed up to find help, show their work, and share advice.
I recently re-watched this 2018 video from The Futur, What Makes a Logo Great and Iconic, with Sagi Haviv. Full of excellent advice.
Pacdora is an intuitive tool for packaging mock-ups. It lets you share a link with clients so they can rotate and enlarge the 3D model. Not new, but new to me.
“What we make stands testament to who we are.” From a conversation with Jony Ive.
Bill Gardner of LogoLounge sifted through thousands of logos before publishing the 2025 Logo Trend Report, including this lovely example for Centersquare by Jones Knowles Richie.
Many thanks to Gary Simon for interviewing me on his DesignCourse YouTube channel. We had a brief chat about design pricing, finding clients, and integrating AI into the design process. I watched a little. Practice is needed.
Listening to The Undivided Five by A Winged Victory for the Sullen. A truly beautiful album. The artwork and motion design was masterfully created by Davy Evans.
Until next time
Hoping all’s well your side.
— David
It’s about time I thanked you for sending your newsletter, David.
I always enjoy reading each edition. When I’m sitting alone at the computer in my quiet home in Ayr, North Queensland, the arrival of your dispatch connects me with the wider creative world. It’s both insightful and inspiring, and I’m always excited to see what you've found to share. Thank you for continuing to include me. Scott Morrison