Tuesday 28 October 2014

Professional journey in 7 agency logotypes

A professional journey through seven global branding and design agencies, from London to Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and back to Paris. Over 20 years of design experience reflected in a collection of agency logotypes.

Cochon or Porc?

Whilst on the subject of pigs, the Cochon Dingue logo from Quebec is  graphically and typographically bold, simple and fun. The Porc Français is decidedly messy, confused and dated looking, despite just having been launched.

Saturday 25 October 2014

UK design industry worth £15 billion pa

Statistics from the UK government and the British Design Council state that the design industry in the UK is worth £15 billion a year (2010 turnover). Design employes 230 000 people full time and 65% of UK businesses use design. Design creates value, estimated at +22% of c/a for companies using design.
In France the government and the APCI estimate the design business is worth €8 million a year, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Design employs 33 000 people and design is only used by 30% of businesses. The French government and APCI say the main problem is lack of communication of the benefits of design to French business. Maybe they should do something about that.

UK farms logotypes and design use

Whilst on the subject of agriculture, here are a few Farm logotypes from the UK. Virtually every farm in Britain has a logo, a sign, maybe a farm shop. Farmers understand design and appreciate the benefits of selling produce direct to market and therefore of communicating with the public. I have yet to see a farm with a logo in France.
Some farm shops are genuine retail design projects, ex Daylesford Organic farm, below.



New logotypes for Meat from France launched

The French bovine inter-professional association has launched new logotypes to promote French meat.
Strange inconsistencies in typefaces used, illustration styles, proportions of the flag, colours, white space across the different logos. For comparison the Australian and British equivalents - an interesting graphic treatment of the map from the Aussies, a figurative landscape from England.

Monday 20 October 2014

New London Design Museum will be free to visit

The London Design Museum will move from its current Shad Thames side site to the former Commonwealth Institute Building, Kensington Gardens this year. The £80 million project is designed by John Pawson. The Design Museum has just announced that entry to the museum will be free following the new government project to boost access to British museums. Half a million visitors are expected a year.

Saturday 4 October 2014

Les Berges de Paris signage

The Berges of the Seine have been pedestrianised and are now used by walkers, joggers and for impromptu picnics. The stencilled street signage  in Schablonierschrift type and pictograms on tarmac works very well.

Friday 3 October 2014

Great Britain's automobile brands

With the 2014 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile kicking off this weekend, here is a quick review of Great Britain's historic automobile brands. From Aston Martin & Bentley to MG & Mini it is a prestigious line up of cars and brands.

Wednesday 1 October 2014

New Umbrella symbols - an icon for democracy

The Umbrella symbols continue to develop as design students do their bit for the democratic process in Hong Kong.
Copyright of their creators who's names are not always identifiable.