Michael Kerby’s Post

When I think of shocking design I think of Adbusters.  Although I can’t say I completely agree with everything they have to say, I must admit that they effectively shock viewers through their design.  There is almost alwasy a clear and concise message that is being portrayed.  Usually that message relates to consumerism.

That is the case for both of the ads included today.  There designs are often clean and to the point.  In the design with the Ipad, they very effectively use white space to draw your attention to the young boy and ipad.  With the other, they use lots of color to draw the viewer in.  Both ads use graphics that the viewer is familiar with in order to grab the attention of the viwer.  Both ads are very effective and shocking.  This is the kind of design that makes me stop and think for a second.  

Danielle Dye’s Post

Advertisements, done well, on the sides of buildings are an effective and interesting way to get the information across. I thought this Nike ad was such a neat idea. It's effectively getting across the idea that these are swift running shoes and with the appearance that the windows are effected by the shoe going by, makes it even better. The size and location of an ad like this isn't going to be missed. People would notice that the windows seem out of wack on this building and that would draw them in.  

At first glance I figured this second advertisement was an ad for paint, but in fact, it's an ad for Nationwide Insurance. I thought this was a really clever way to show that life does "come at you fast". Anyone going by definitely wouldn't miss this advertisement. With the yellow cars at the bottom, it really does look like paint spilled down the side of the building. Using the three banners was a really interesting and effective way of using the sections of the building. Effective advertisements on the sides of buildings like these are definitely memorable.

Jay Vogt’s Post

I ran across this brochure that was created for the Genesi company and was really intrigued. The first thing I noticed was the idea to integrate the CD into the artwork of the entire design. I looked up the company and found their website (http://www.genesi-usa.com) and I feel that, although the color scheme of the brochure is obviously different, it still conveys the same message that the company wants to convey with their website: a clean-cut, modern tech company that's constantly

thinking of innovative new ideas. 

Back on the critique of the design, I love the choice to stick with shades of black and shades of blue, instead of going all out with color. I love the idea on the front cover that has "MADE IN genesi," fairly subtle and great in conveying the company. Also, the quote on the cover was an excellent idea too! 

When you open up the brochure, I love the simplicity and the creative designs depicted in the brochure. It has the basic information located in the corner of the brochure and then has a CD and a pocket containing what I would assume is more detailed information. I think in a company that deals primarily with the digital age, it makes sense to have a lot of the information on a CD readily accessible with the brochure. I like the pocket design, as it is subtle and clean cut, but still obvious once the brochure is open. 

The last part of this over all design I thing is an out-of-the-box idea, while still being a box! (no pun intended.) This guy was looking ahead at where this brochure would be distributed and thought to create a box that can be used to store stacks of these brochures for handing out. Not only did he make functionality out of it, but he also was able to incorporate more information plain to see on the box. 

Daniel William’s Post

The use of negative space in design is one of the strongest things a designer can do. Negative space is often very subtle and very aesthetically pleasing. Simple use of negative space seems like a very simple thing, but it is not the easiest thing to accomplish. A designer must be clever when trying to make creative use of negative space. Every part of design should be deliberate, but especially so in designs such as the examples. The designer must be looking for how to change a seemingly plain design into a clever design that is memorable.

The Logo that says "NEGATIVE SPACE" is simple and would be fairly boring if it were not for the hidden "E" between the N and G. The same goes for the "BLACK CAT" logo. It is a simple typographic logo with nothing special, but with the the cat's eyes forming the C's it makes it exponentially a better design.

Morgan Henson’s Post

One thing I've been noticing lately is how so many companies are beginning to recreate or "rebrand" themselves, either to keep up with the times or create a new identity for themselves. I've found plenty of examples lately but these are the ones that stuck out to me the most.

The first one is the Florida Marlins major league baseball team, newly renamed the Miami Marlins. In my opinion, there is no better time to rebrand than when the company changes names. 

Although the new logo slightly resembles the Super Mario M, I am convinced that this new logo will be very effective and distinct to the team.

I am sure that we are all familiar with the second one: AOL Instant Messenger. Honestly I was not aware that AOL was even in existence, but it appears that with their new logo they are trying to stay afloat! I do enjoy the new logo and it is much more modern, but I will miss the yellow buddy.

I have conflicted feelings about the new Doubletree logo. When I first saw it advertised in Springdale, I remember initially thinking that it was terribly ugly. But after looking at the old one I cannot decide which one is better (or worse!) The new one is definitely more noticeable than the original, but that may not necessarily be a good thing. However, I do think that it is wise that they associate themselves with Hilton Hotels, which they successfully do with the "by Hilton" placed strategically underneath. There are plenty more examples of companies recreating themselves (and many, many opinions on them) at http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/