Brand globalisation and localisation

Globalisation of brands calls for localisation. The brand cannot impose itself in a colonial spirit but must take into account local cultures, languages and the written word. These are just a few examples of the many different linguistic and regional identity variations of Coca-Cola around the world.
The latest generation of the 'Dynamic Ribbon' with yellow rule, bubbles and background bands on the English language Coca-Cola brand is by Desgrippes Gobé.
The other versions are: Chinese, Arab, Hebrew and Thai.
For the brand to stay alive and current, it cannot stand still but must be constantly updated, subtly and incrementally. This reactivation, as demonstrated by the new Dynamic Ribbon, is hardly perceived by the consumer but is what keeps the brand at the forefront of our attention.

Digital era overtakes Electric era

Proof of the end of the Electric era and the dominance of the Digital era in this sign seen on a former electrical appliances showroom. The type style reflects a late50's - early 60's design aesthetic with its clean sans serif cut and distinctive 'go faster' dropped horizontal bar on the E.

The angle of the falling characters conveys a passing age but their consistent lean to the right seems to suggest a desire to move forward and on to faster, if not better, things.

Glow in the dark Flourescent tattoo

Backlight reactive ink technology creates a 'glow in the dark' effect tattoo that is invisible during the day and only appears under artificial light at night. Not sure about the health consequences...

British Savile Row tailoring meets the Queen

A Simon Waterfall suit with digital and 'Pearly Queen' inspiration meets Her Majestey Queen Elizabeth II during a British Design Leaders meeting at Buckingham Palace.

theartofquitting.com

Great thinking, great design. Keep it simple, keep it powerful. Just quit it!

Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision facade

Magnificent stained glass effect using images from Dutch television on the glazing of the Institute for Sound and Vision, Hilversem, The Netherlands by Jaap Dupsteen. The images suggest light, movement and the pulsating energy of the moving image. Neutelings Riedijk Architects.

Early C20th Japanese advertising signs

Early 20th Century enamel signs for Soy sauce and Japanese rice biscuits 'Osenbe', examples of the first advertising signs to appear in Japan.
These I found in a flea market in Tokyo but it is difficult to find antiques and collectibles in Japan due to the constant destruction that has been wrought upon the cities by fire, earthquakes and war. Plus in a society fixated on novelty, newness and technology, little importance is attached to the old.

In contrast, the past, as in culture, traditions and ceremony are of enormous importance and respected religiously. Hence the fascinating mix of tradition and advanced technology in symbiosis.