Design Evolution

Every design develops from a process, involving research, brainstorming, and trial and error. To me one of the most interesting design evolutions is that of brand identity. It always fascinates me to see where a logo started and how it has evolved over the years in order to conform to trends, style, and the growth of its brand or company. However, not all logos change over time, there are some logos that will forever remain classic (such as Coca Cola). While there is controversy in the design world debating whether or not brand reformation is beneficial and ethical, my opinion is that it depends greatly on the unique situation and brand. Some of the most well known examples of logo evolutions are shown below. However, some of these evolutions have many more steps than what I am showing. One of my favorite examples of brand development is from my alma mater, Penn State. When the new lion illustration was introduced in 2001 the majority of Penn State fans, students and alumni were not pleased. This failed attempt at a logo change resulted in Penn State going back to their logo roots four years later in 2005.

The Fine Lines of Advertising

I love the nostalgic quality of billboards and how they only provide a brief moment to capture their audience's attention. Billboards are good old fashioned print design at its best. However, many designers miss their mark with billboards and either don't captivate attention in their moment of opportunity, or do capture it but leave viewers questioning the message as they drive by.

I love the concept and aesthetic cleanliness of Pom's recent ad campaign; however, one of their billboard designs has left me  feeling uneasy on several occasions, whiling driving North on 93. I personally feel that suicide and imagery of  a noose is a very heavy and touchy subject; a subject that is excessive when comparing it to the health benefits of a fruit juice. While Pom's goal was to present edgy marketing and to capture attention regardless of the viewer's emotion, Pom has gone overboard with this one.

Collaborative Power

The design industry requires designers to be creative, sharp, witty, conceptual, communicative, knowledgeable and up to speed on current events. One of the many things that I love about this field is the willingness and ability of designers to come together as a community, for both design and humanity. There are numerous design competitions/exhibitions out there, but the ones that intrigue me the most are those with a cause and those that are striving to open our society's eyes for the greater good.

A fellow Penn State Design alumna, Leif Steiner, and one of his colleague's, Josh Higgins, are founders of an ingenious creative fund-raiser. Their project brings designers together in order to benefit victims of the the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. Artists and Designers donate limited edition posters to The Haiti Poster Project, the posters are then sold online and all proceeds are given to Doctors Without Borders. Leif Steiner also organized a similar fund-raiser for Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Hurricane Poster Project donated all proceeds  to The Red Cross in order to help aid in the Hurricane Relief.

The most recent design competition that instantly caught my attention was GREENPEACE's effort to rebrand BP. This competition is not raising money for a cause; however, it is raising attention and awareness to the already ill fated oil company. The winning logo will be used internationally in a campaign against the oil company. The winning designer will have the opportunity to work with a top graphic designer in order to refine their logo for the campaign.

Along with the attention and concern for current events, design competitions and exhibitions similar to the three mentioned above, are always a fascinating venue in order to see how unique and contrasting designers thoughts and styles are. Unfortunately, I have yet to find the time to design for any of these mentioned exhibits; however, I plan to set some time aside soon from my 9-5 and extracurricular activities in order to participate in an exhibit that speaks to me.