Current trends in Graphic Design

Current Design Trends.


Humour
Or taking yourself and concepts very seriously were running trends through a number of designers. This proved to be a big tool in self promotion as the people following this were very easy to talk to and charismatic. 


Chris Doyle's 

work had many undertones of humor, which was a productive makerting tool for him when he released his personal style guide. In this piece he was at the centre of a style guide on how he lived his life. It went viral on the internet, giving a lot of positive attention to him as a creative. His work in the AGDA calendar also used humor as a vessel to give the calendar integrity. As it was sent to many designers, who are quick to judge work, especially when it is a design for a design foundation sent to designers. 


Claudio Kirac's
work very much took a humours  approach to every day subjects in the art works completed. Slipping in little faces and out of place objects he injects a world of personal social commentary and personal style that have allowed him to complete such a fulfilling and complete career of his dreams.     












Typography
Is very much a trending element in many contemporary designs, with focus on custom font faces and advanced use of kerning to give a tailored look to an often bland and overlooked area of design.



Fanette Mellier's 
work uses typography many times to encapsulate her fantastic use of colour and to give emphasis to the work in the context of its landscape, such as her piece for "Les Coloures" or Colour Festival, which was hand crafted typography placed in an urban environment. The uniquely crafted style very much stood out. Her work in "les charmettes" or The Charmettes Festival also had a similar appeal, with very special custom printed, and very detailed typography. It was placed at the back of a dinner party as well as shown all throughout the festival to give flow as you moved around. 




Something Splendid's 

work also encapsulates a conceptual theme into a custom typography, giving a very meaningful look to the types applied to designs. Example the font made for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The type is made to look like a birds eve view of a city scape. This is relevant as the festival is held all around the urban ares and city of melbourne. They have also done typographic work as a promotional tool with the website http://cocktailtyper.com/ , which allows you to type a message on a board layered with cocktail umbrellas. This creative piece has won them much attention. 


Resources:
http://cargocollective.com/christopherdoyle
http://www.claudiokirac.com
http://staybearded.blogspot.com/2008/06/fanette-mellier.html
http://www.somethingsplendid.com.au/




Work Critique

"The Racist Brain" 
by Adam Hunt


This is a very clean and clear piece.  Developed for the European youth campaign against racism, it is an anti racism piece. 


Using a limited colour palette and elements of design, a clear hierarchy has been established. Eyes are lead first to the brains, due to the colour. Second to the type below due to the contrast on the background. At this point the concept comes clear.


The concept of racists having a smaller brain is visually clear and concise, and encapsulates the message of the campaign and organisation clearly. 


This was a successful campaign as it bought a lot of attention to the campaign, in the form of a debate. Many people felt offended by the campaign, which was then bought into the media and given international attention. Shown in this is that the concept of the poster was very clearly understood.
A+