New Design Annual

FYI - HOW Magazine has put out their 2009 International Design Annual, and it really has some cool design. It is really necessary to know what is going on in graphic design; it's also inspiring. You shouldn't ever copy someone else's work, obviously, but as graphic designers, we get stylistic references from everywhere...and there is some really great design going on right now.

I like graphic design that communicates well, is professional, and is aesthetically pleasing in its own right. This is something to which we should all aspire; even if the jobs are small, work to make them beautiful too. Think about this in regard to your own designs...how even the smallest client can be made into a brand that is sophisticated. Sometimes a client will want what they want, and you may not agree with it, so the job is not something you're happy with. But - as you get better, clients will often defer to your design expertise. This is why you need to start looking at a lot of design with an open, appreciative (yet critical) eye. It will help you get better as a designer.

In this project, I know it is something that will go in your application portfolio, but also think about it as a chance to have a lot of creative freedom for a client and run with your ideas. We will streamline them to make them as good as possible. You don't always get fun clients or complete creative freedom in the professional world, so take advantage.