image via thedieline.com
I’ve always enjoyed design on packaging, and though it wasn’t my strong subject in school, I still enjoy looking at it an admiring the differnt styles of packaging, especially when it’s designed well. I came across this blog called TheDieline.com that has tons of very interesting packaging, be sure to check them out.
I hate to focus on the negative but Smashing Magazine has an article dedicated to the 10 most common mistakes made by people when choosing a logo, most notably relying on current logo trends and also relying on color for your logo. Everytime I personally design a logo I always work in black and white because, I was taught that if a logo works in black and white, it’ll work in color.
Also many people seem to follow trends such as the current ‘mac’ trend where they want to refelct everything they see, or put a shine on it, but 5 years from now you’ll need a new logo because there are always new trends. You want your business identity to stay with you for a very long time, look at Coca-Cola, they don’t change their brand very much.
A great way to market yourself as as freelance graphic artist or logo designer is to submit your work to the dozens of contests that are going on any given day, sure you’re not going to enter all contests and some don’t even have monetary compensation but the outcome can be more rewarding. The Logo Designer Blog has a post with three different books that are calling for all logo designers for entries. Two of them have entry fees, though one includes a free book and the last one is fee-free! Be sure to check it out as the deadlines are fast approcaching.
Here’s a site that at very least could be used for inspiration in logo design. 38One has an extensive collection of very good logos from around the world. Check out the site!
Every year there seems to be trends in logos, not many stand the test of time, but for instant recognization, many business models fall into the trends of the time that they’re staring their brand. Logo Lounge has posted a great article about all the recent trends from photo fills to mosaic styles. Be sure to head over and check it out.
Stephanie Orma wrote a nice little blog post about the lure of graphic design competions an their hefty fees involved in entering. While some may not find the appeal of the contests too strong, Stephanie makes a good point by saying that even if you don’t win, your design may be seen around the world, and that is very appealing. Be sure to read the post at the Examiner.
Have you always wanted to be a graphic designer, or looked at something and thought “I could have made that.” Well PSDTUTS is offering 50 100% free lessons in graphic design, the topics cover a wide range indepth including Typography and Color Theory. Be sure to check it out, you’ll definately learn something.
I came across a brilliant blog entry entitled 50 Popular Airline Logos on the Web Designer Depot.
The blog which is new to me will definatley be on my regular blog rounds.
Chris Creamer has an excellent site dedicated to sports logos, there’s over 10,000 logos available on the site and included are all major American sports associations. The logos are not only current and team logos but also college and event logos such as the Rose Bowl. Be sure to check out his site.
I found this very cool and educational table of typography on Gizmodo, it seems that the design team at Squidspot came up with the idea and executed it beautifully. The table also includes the author of the typeface as well as the year it was created. Be sure to check it out.
