Three things defining design work in 2019
According to D&AD’s 2019 Insight Report, the designers that stand out are those who use humour in the face of adversity, prioritise mental health and recognise technology as a tool,
Branding
The latest news, analysis and opinion on visual identities, rebrands and logo design, from sports brands to start-up tech companies.
V&A gives Friday Late series new conceptual look based on time
Designs by Paq incorporate bright sundial-inspired type contrasted with bold photography to show the “spirit and fun” of the monthly event.
Foxall Studio designs “split screen” titles for Channel 4’s Chimerica
Fake news, doctoring photographs, and the themes of perception and reality are all reflected in the title sequence of a new Channel 4 drama.
Alex Breuer: “Guardian readers are a visually literate bunch”
The Guardian Media Group’s Sunday paper, The Observer, has launched a biannual, print design magazine, which looks to bridge the gap between consumer and specialist publications.
Extinction Rebellion on designing “angry but peaceful” protest graphics
Protests against climate change and ecological destruction are currently taking place across the world – we speak to graphic designer, Clive Russell, about how the eco group has used creativity
How Monotype transformed 60-year-old typeface Helvetica
The type foundry has released the first redesign of the well-used typeface in 35 years, giving designers more options for glyphs and sizes in a bid to improve its readability
Hinge redesigns to get people off dating apps
The app has a new look that aims to discourage users from “game-like” swiping and mass-dating, and instead inspire them to form long-term relationships.
World’s most liveable city Vienna launches new place branding
Austria’s capital, which was crowned the best place to live last year in a global survey, has a new identity designed by Saffron, which aims to unify government and public
How to become a: product developer
As part of our series looking at jobs in design studios, we speak to Nikki Stuart, production manager at Here Design, about creating everything from pop-up restaurants to tote bags,
Halifax gets a new brand to keep up with digital banks
The 166-year-old high street bank has been given a new visual identity by Rufus Leonard, which aims to “declutter” the brand and help it appeal to younger people.
Our favourite talks from Offset Dublin 2019
The three-day design conference returned to Ireland this month with a host of graphic designers, illustrators, animators and makers taking to its stages to talk about their work and offer
Skittles celebrates Pride 2019 with special packs by LGBTQ+ illustrators
The sweets brand has launched a new campaign, which sees four limited edition pouch designs created to mark Pride events happening across the UK this Summer.
Why are more cities and towns taking on place branding?
As more areas invest in new identities, we speak to designers and councils about why this is a growing trend, the benefits a visual brand can bring to a locality
London Handel Festival challenges “stuffy” image of classical music
The new identity, designed by Baxter and Bailey, looks to mix classical and modern elements to broaden the festival’s appeal.
Stretchy kids’ clothing Petit Pli gets an identity that grows
The sustainable fashion company, which sells clothing that expands as its wearer gets older, has new branding that looks to be “more human” and “less technical”.
Bristol City FC gets a new robin crest to mark 125 years
Mr B & Friends has created a new badge which looks to reference the historical relevance of the red-chested bird to the club, and engage younger fans.
Design inspiration: the best studio work from March
Reimagined Baby on Board badges, a musical Google Doodle people can compose themselves, and a virtual reality kit for kids are some of our favourite projects this month.
How to become a: sound designer
As part of our series looking at jobs in design studios, we speak to Luc Van Stiphout, head of music and brands at MassiveMusic, about the joys of working with
Studio works with young disabled musicians to create “accessible” identity for orchestra
Fiasco Design has created a new look for the National Open Youth Orchestra featuring a colourful suite of logos created by the group’s members and a bespoke typeface designed for
New Hay Festival branding looks to capture event’s “growth” and “utopian” spirit
Pentagram partner Marina Willer’s team has created an overarching visual system for literary event, Hay Festival, and its many global offshoots and projects, in a bid to bring clarity to
Should Plaid Cymru be rebranded to sound more English?
The Welsh political party has suggested it may be changing its name to the New Wales Party, in a bid to be more “inclusive”, particularly towards non-Welsh speakers. We look
David Cameron’s youth scheme set to rebrand — but is it worth the money?
The National Citizen Service (NCS) offers four-week programmes for teenagers across the UK, and is set to be rebranded and given new marketing campaigns for a maximum spend of £10
How to become a: motion graphics and realisation designer
As part of our series looking at jobs in design studios, we speak to Fahud Ahmed, realisation designer at Design Bridge, about the need to be constantly curious, how he
Holi festival 2019: how designers use colour in ingenious ways
This week the Hindu festival of colours takes place, which sees communities across the world throw powder over each other to mark the start of Spring and celebrate love, joy