the next in the elements series of e-zines - here looking at current trends in design, flat design, vintage and retro elements, handwritten, script and other fonts - downloadable design resources and more
5. elements vol 3 ed 2 new design for business p5
new styles for content
Flat design has become the big thing over the past year - nothing stays
the same, things move on. It may be the case that certain elements of
the core of flat design change, are discarded or mutate. Certain things
are likely to remain or develop - parallax scrolling, responsive and single
page websites, a more ready use of simpler principles of design, more
iconic illustration, a less ornate typography.
A major element of current typography is the use in certain instances of
fonts with a handwritten element. Overall there is a greater use of script
or script-like fonts.
The handwritten aspect of font use adds a certain informality,
approachability, friendliness to an illustration. Scripts and brsuh scripts
add a near retro feel to something, often reminding us of classic car tags
and logos as well as a slightly more formal idea, a little more business-
like but with a certain playfulness and homeliness.
11. elements vol 3 ed 2 new design for business p11
Script or brush script fonts provide a hint of a retro feel to illustrations
and designs. They can remind us of that comfortability of the past,
its surety and homeliness as well as the idea of being ‘tried and true’.
With some of these fonts you get a reminiscence of those metal name
badges on old cars, how they were styled, with their almost hipster
qualities.
Background and font colour are also major influences on the emotional content
generated by design pieces. Each points to particular areas of meaning, adding
something else to the message portrayed. We can be reminded of the classroom,
the lecture hall, college, or a well worn surface. Then again things can be too
bright and clash with the surrounding elements of the imagery.
12. elements vol 3 ed 2 new design for business p12
Vintage and retro styles or elements of style are used to great extent
currently. Such styles or ornament give a feeling of reliability and quality.
The past, be it 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond are generally seen in the
light of quality and not those areas in which they were lacking.
There are pointers in other areas of style where what is indicated is the 80s
and 90s, its highly vectorised foundation and rather more handwritten text.
We are reminded of the earlier days of the internet and all that such
promised. The ornament and use of badges, banners, ribbons gives us a
flavour of old Paris (as shown) and the romance of swing or deco bars,
clubs and more.
13. elements vol 3 ed 2 new design for business p13
http://f4mmedia.deviantart.com
resources for free download from f4mmedia
on deviant art
resources