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More Design Tips
- • How “Category Creators” Inspire and Empower Customers
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- • Overcoming Obstacles in Design
- • Try Word Lists for Advertising “Gold”
- • Building the Perfect Letterhead
- • Attract Magazine Readers with Short-Form Columns
- • Essential Dos and Don’ts for Adding Beauty to Your Page
- • Grab Them Right Out of the Gate
The Risk of Over Designing
Simplicity is often seen, but it's a concept that is not easily explained. For some graphic designers, it's second nature. For others, it involves much forethought. Today's designers are trending toward more simple, clutter-free designs, as they return to simplicity. Here are some examples of how the traditional theme of less is more is used:
- Advertising
Not only can simple ads grab attention, but their short and to the point messages are also easier to comprehend. The concept of "less is more" is especially effective when writing ad copy.
- Catalogs and Brochures
Catalogs and brochures are expected to be a vast source of information, yet readers appreciate when they are simplified, organized, and easy to read and comprehend. Simplicity is often its own reward since it encourages increased use.
- Packaging
Like a poster, a package needs to attract the eye within seconds of its initial viewing. In recent years, shelves have been jammed with products whose designers have attempted to out-design one another. This gives simple package designs featuring primary colors, bold copy, white space, and clean design the ability to effectively break through the clutter.
- Identity
Not only do logos convey the personality of a company, but they also offer a memorable impression. Simple designs that incorporate a company's complex ideas are the root of a logo's power.
Less is More
by Steven Heller and Anne Fink
This book explores the emerging less is more attitude in graphic design through work and insight from 96 of today s hottest (and coolest) designers. A great variety of styles and points of view are represented, from such respected names as Art Chantry, Janet Froelich, and Stephen Doyle. Featured profiles examine the individual styles and influences of seven prominent designers. The book sets the stage with an insightful essay tracing the ebbs and flows of less and more through 500 years of graphic design.
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