I’m also a designer and was JUST discussing this topic of the human touch in design and art as a response to AI! Agree with everything in this post, but especially the last section. Nothing can replace the human mark, IMO.
As someone who is very influenced by packaging and branding, I increasingly notice that branding often very specifically skews to generational appeal: I recently went on to the Organics Basics website to look for, um, basics, and realised that their rebranding was sending a clear message to my 61-year old self that I was not their demographic. Maybe I'm only noticing this as I get older, but I don't remember this being the case before (unless it was for things marketed to an age-demographic, which you wouldn't think applied to sensible knickers), and I wonder what preceded it?
Great point - and I wonder the same thing! I think there are so many more brands now than before, they are desperate to go viral, so they cater to those that can make it happen!
As someone who wanted their brand to have a bit of that silly take while also being someone who is obsessed with old children's book illustrations I loved this. My question is where are these artists? I want to see more of this style re-emerging but where can I find it?
Annie, I am beyond happy to have found your substack! Your eye for design and detail is so beautiful. Do you have an email I can contact you at? I’d love to chat design and possible freelance work!
Oh my god, swingy leg syndrome haha... They were cute and fresh for a bit, but now they evoke the same feeling as corporate memphis that had a chokehold on possibly every IT company ever.
Yes and no. “Timeless” to whom? Timeless. Such an empty word. There’s a time and a place for it all. Not every brand is meant to be timeless. Not every brand is meant to be silly or serious. I don’t disagree that the trend after perfected AI designs may swing towards a more artisan look. But how much does it really matter if brand strategy is at the forefront of design decisions?
I’m also a designer and was JUST discussing this topic of the human touch in design and art as a response to AI! Agree with everything in this post, but especially the last section. Nothing can replace the human mark, IMO.
love this take- I miss seeing illustrations!
Not just graphic and branding, the entire design field needs to pivot toward being human and poetic, sophisticated yet easily understood the audience!
Well said!
As someone who is very influenced by packaging and branding, I increasingly notice that branding often very specifically skews to generational appeal: I recently went on to the Organics Basics website to look for, um, basics, and realised that their rebranding was sending a clear message to my 61-year old self that I was not their demographic. Maybe I'm only noticing this as I get older, but I don't remember this being the case before (unless it was for things marketed to an age-demographic, which you wouldn't think applied to sensible knickers), and I wonder what preceded it?
Great point - and I wonder the same thing! I think there are so many more brands now than before, they are desperate to go viral, so they cater to those that can make it happen!
Cackling at Regional Dentistry Associates of Eastern Nashville! My kind of dentist
Idk anything about graphic design, but I also hate the swinging legs thing.
As someone who wanted their brand to have a bit of that silly take while also being someone who is obsessed with old children's book illustrations I loved this. My question is where are these artists? I want to see more of this style re-emerging but where can I find it?
I'll let you know when I find some! Instagram probably best bet but it will take a lot of digging!
As a illustrator/hater who can’t deal with silliness, thank you
so excited to read this one
I love this take
Annie, I am beyond happy to have found your substack! Your eye for design and detail is so beautiful. Do you have an email I can contact you at? I’d love to chat design and possible freelance work!
Thank you so much! My email is anniemurphy12@gmail.com
I just found this substack!! Obsessed
God bless the algo for surfacing your letter to me. More, more!
thank you thank you! from a substack OG!
extreme agree
Oh my god, swingy leg syndrome haha... They were cute and fresh for a bit, but now they evoke the same feeling as corporate memphis that had a chokehold on possibly every IT company ever.
you know what you’re right actually 😏
Yes and no. “Timeless” to whom? Timeless. Such an empty word. There’s a time and a place for it all. Not every brand is meant to be timeless. Not every brand is meant to be silly or serious. I don’t disagree that the trend after perfected AI designs may swing towards a more artisan look. But how much does it really matter if brand strategy is at the forefront of design decisions?