| Jan. 29, 2009 | Posted by: ellen |
Graphic Design’s 15 Minutes of Fame
When it comes to the news, graphic design is usually a behind-the-scenes player. While a lot of design goes into the news, the industry of graphic design rarely makes the front page (…or any page, really). We’ve been upstaged by architecture, product design, interior design, fashion design… you name it. In fact, many people (my family included) are a bit confused about what graphic design is exactly. However, if the last few months are any indication, the tides are about to turn. For the second time in the last few weeks, graphic design has made the front page of the New York Times (okay, the online edition… but still)!
First there was the buzz over the Obama logo design. Now the New York Times is examining the history of the Superbowl logo – a graphic that has a 43-year history and is seen by millions every year.
What I find particularly interesting about the article is that they’ve enlisted the design advice of a handful of “celebrity” designers. To help illustrate the possibilities, they’ve asked these designers to submit their own solutions and explain what they would’ve done differently and why. The result is a group of logos that are probably a bit highbrow for the Superbowl, but help showcase how influential a logo can be.
This is the actual logo for this year’s Superbowl:
Here are some of the designer’s results:
I predict that getting press in respectable newspapers is only the beginning. It’s only a matter of time before we hit prime time with reality shows like “Logo Showdown” or “Identity Crisis: Branding Gone Wrong.” Stay tuned…
I actually love the designer submissions. They are very “designed” and clearly not from a sports graphic designer as they are a bit soft.
Well with the exception of the Pending Stimulus Package joke mark, which upholds the standard “beer label” inspired look.
You know, they are making that CMYK: Top Designer show. Not sure if that will be quality though. In any case, I’m for anything that will turn this slow-down around!
Oh my gosh, I had no idea about the show until I googled it! That’s pretty funny. I wonder what network it will air on. The show’s logo deserves an entirely new blog post. Makes me wonder what kind of graphic designer they’re trying to attract…
omg…more research must be done on this show… I’m not sure if I am excited or afraid.