Identity Designed #020
A new client, a new relationship to build, a new brand to research, new ideas, new sketches, new rounds of feedback. That’s why it’s always a highlight when a client’s final words make the whole journey worthwhile:
“I originally planned to work with a local designer for the logistical ease of in-person meetings. When that didn’t work out, I reached out to David. I had read his book Identity Designed, loved his work, and more importantly appreciated the design approach he shared in it.
“The process has been highly collaborative. David listens carefully, responds thoughtfully, and captures the essence of the brand I’m building with rare precision. While the quality of the final design speaks for itself, I equally valued his professionalism throughout both his design process and communication. Despite the geographical distance and time difference, working with him gave me real peace of mind amid the chaos of launching a new business.
“I look forward to working with David again as Silk & Saffron grows and evolves, and I’d recommend him without hesitation to anyone building something they care about.”
Thank you, Elaine.
View the Silk & Saffron case study.
Some things I found interesting this month:
Massimo Vignelli Makes Books is a lovely short video. Via Michael Bierut.
For recent reads on AI, Christopher Butler shared a short essay on Making and Machines. “My daughter will forget the specific collages we made. But she won’t forget what it feels like to make something with her hands, to work within constraints, to put herself into an object and see it become real. That’s what making gives the maker. And no amount of effortless generation can replace it.” And Rob Alderson launched Undo where he said, “The discussion around AI and design tends towards the extremes. Undo is an attempt to create a new sort of coverage.” I like that, because the most visible online content is out of proportion with how we generally think and act. Rob’s interview with Luke Tonge is well worth a read.
Elsewhere on AI in design, this caught my attention:
“We [Porto Rocha] built a hypothetical brand YOYOYO with Google DeepMind’s Nano Banana Pro.
“The challenge was simple but ambitious: use the Nano Banana Pro models to build a new brand and fully realized 3D product from scratch.
“The result: a product that elevates play into a modern design experience. A toy, yes. But also a demonstration that craft and scale can coexist in collaboration with the people who make it possible.”
A rare look at how AI can be integrated into the process.
“Be hungry, calmly.” Pentagram partner Andrea Trabucco-Campos — who also recalled Paula Scher saying much of her best work was created in her 50s — in conversation with PierCarlo Tozzi.
Rewatched the late Ken Robinson’s now 20-year-old TED talk: Do schools kill creativity? As true today as it was in 2006.
Bill Gardner’s new book, The LogoLounge Guide to Iconic Branding arrived recently, and while its focus is on logos and what makes them work, I especially appreciate the attention Bill gives to the sensory dimensions of a brand — how something feels in your hand, the smell of a space, the sound that plays when you open an app, even the taste associated with a product. As identity designers, we’re trained to think visually, and this is a nice reminder that the marks we make are just one part of a much richer experience. Read a sample and pick up a copy on Amazon. Recommended.
Minimalissimo — “the global platform for the best in minimalist design and culture” — got a splendidly relevant redesign.
950 drones were used to recreate the Titanic floating in Belfast harbour. Would’ve loved to watch this in person. Alas, the public wasn’t informed due to “safety reasons” or some such malarkey.
Just a Design List is a curated directory of design practices, searchable by discipline or geography. Credit to Wenceslao Sanz.
The Firewall is a fantastic 5-minute read on applying for a design position at tech firms, in person. Via Ben Terrett.
A real pleasure talking with Danielle Townsend for Rough Drafts. “Most design podcasts focus on finished work: the award, the commission, the retrospective. Rough Drafts goes earlier. Each episode explores the thinking before the thinking, the first sketch, the direction that didn’t work, the moment a project changed shape.” I also spoke with Katy Cowan for Creative Boom. Katy and Danielle are doing stellar work in the profession.
You’ll find sample PDFs for my two latest books on my website, and I have some physical copies of Logo Design Love to give away. If you “like” or comment on this post (if reading by email you’ll need to visit Substack) I’ll randomly draw three winners before sending the next newsletter.
Will be heading to Birmingham Design Festival next month for some Friday talks at BCU Parkside. Most of the festival tickets are free, courtesy of the stellar work Luke and Dan put into the event each year. See you there?
Closing this one out with Riksarkivet, by Hania Rani.
Until next time
Enjoy the small things.
— David
I always look forward to reading your latest collection of inspiration. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, David for all that you share. It's priceless!