Fonts – Do’s & Dont’s
Posted on Mar 16, 2012 by Dennis Driscoll in News
What font to use and why:
Its a constant battle as a designer to not only stay current and maintain style that is appropriate to the current trends but also create something timeless that a client can use without the thought of needing an upgrade to their branding in 6 months. I came across an article that really captures the essence behind the thought process. I liked some of the author’s key points below:
Rule 7: Thou shall not choose the latest cool typeface for every new project you work on
Commentary As designers, we’re all susceptible to a bit of typeface mania every now and again. You know how it is—a MyFonts newsletter arrives in your Inbox, you scroll down, and there it is. You think, “My God! That font is amazing. I must buy it and use it on the project I’m just about to start.” But hold on just a second. It might be a great typeface that you can’t live without, but is it truly right for the project? More to the point, will your client respond well to it? For example, if you’re working on a new logo for a mortician, MetroScript might not be a good font choice, no matter how much you like it. Likewise, Futura might not be ideal for the badge of the local amateur baseball team’s uniform, unless of course they all work together at an interior design store and are in to 1920s European architecture. These are extreme examples of course, but think carefully about the appropriateness of your font choices, and try not to get carried away by your own personal favorites when a tried and trusted font might serve you better.
Rule 8: Thou shall learn that trendy typefaces do not always prevail
Commentary Life is full of regrets and errors. Why did I say yes to that last cocktail? Perhaps the adoption of 12 children was overkill? Trendy typography is one of the most egregious of these errors. Curlz may seem “wacky” and “fun,” but it will ruin your life. As designers, we have the pressure of remaining aware of shifts in popular culture. Understanding what is trendy is part of the job. The obvious reason for choosing classic over trendy typefaces is that the trendy fonts will soon be out of style. Classic fonts have survived the test of time. Consider your haircut in high school. Is that school photo one that you use as your headshot for publications? No. Each of us, at one point, has fallen into a trendy and tragic hairstyle. Trendy type is the same. Template Gothic was groundbreaking in 1990. Four years later, all of these projects were dismissed as, “So 1990.” These projects now sit unseen in designers’ flat files, like a high school senior photo, hidden from public view. SA
This was originally posted at : http://www.peachpit.com
Check out the article, some of the points made are quite insightful!
2011, A Year in Development, The Law Firms
Posted on Dec 29, 2011 by Dennis Driscoll in News, Web Design
2011 brought a great bounty to us, clients with law firms! Before we knew it, we had one after another calling us to get new websites designed. I will keep this post short, as there is quite a bit to check out.
Below are four law firms who opted for a redesign this year, and as you can see, each one has its own personality and feel.
The law offices of Michael Hooker, Esq.
The law offices of Michael Greenberg
2011, A Year in Development, ESCO
Posted on Dec 28, 2011 by Dennis Driscoll in News, Web Design
Lucky Number 13 on our list of launches is ESCO!
ESCO enjoys the reputation across the industry as the leader in high-quality energy efficiency lighting and the committed service, competitive pricing and know-how that comes along with it. To say the least, they have been around a while and needed a facelift. ESCO hired DIF Design to rebrand the company, re-designing all of their materials, website and logo.
We went at this project like all others, market research. Through careful study and target market analysis we arrived at the new look and implimented it on their website.
2011, A Year in Development, ICT Center & GoBerry
Posted on Dec 27, 2011 by Dennis Driscoll in News, Web Design
Welcome back, I hope everyone had a great start to the Holidays! Well in accordance with our end of year website highlights, and taking into account the Monday holiday, we are bringing you two launch announcements today.
The National Center for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) is recognized nationally as a leader for its expertise in developing and distributing comprehensive ICT content supporting business and industry’s efforts to educate and train the ICT workforce.
Gordon F. Snyder, Executive Director of ICT, has been working with us for years. This is the second time Gordon has come to us to redesign his website, which we believe should be done every two to three years. Gordon thought that in order to get the word out on their website, social media was the key. We re-designed the ICT website to bring twitter, Facebook, blog posts and YouTube directly to the home page for an information rich environment. Visitors can get an excellent idea of what is happening at ICT just from the homepage.
GoBerry, our second installment in today’s post, serves frozen dessert with fresh fruit and berries. GoBerry’s frozen yogurt is made with the freshest ingredients and is produced without the use of dairy containing antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
Alex and Molly Feinstein wanted a simple website that represented a product that highlighted the freshness and its taste. We kept it simple, images of fresh fruit and berries, and threw in some chocolate…who doesn’t like at least something there.
2011, A Year in Development, Michon Associates
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 by Dennis Driscoll in News, Web Design
With 25+ years of experience in her field, Sandy Michon is at the top of her game. Relaying that with a website design, while looking contemporary, and edgy, was her goal.
In the design process we incorporated bold color with simple details. An open and airy layout with a sense of business longevity flirting with a youthful attitude.
Most will find this website simple and easy to use, never thinking about the subconscious undertones of creating trust and professionalism.
Visit the Michon Associates Website
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