subject: The Price Of Style - The Power To Influence, Educate & Inspire [print this page] WHAT? WHAT?
Style is omni-present. It can't be escaped. Everywhere you look, every object you see, every book you read, every billboard in your line of sight, advertisements in magazines, newspapers and on TV, every article of clothing in your wardrobe, the plates you eat from and even the bed you sleep in - all are the result of a style process.
HOW?
The look method begins with a core plan - what are we making, what purpose does it serve, to whom is it directed or being sold? From there, the concept is refined into a solid concept - what is the general appear and feel of the article or piece? Will or not it's a high-finish product or a dollar-store item? Next, artistic renderings give the concept visual kind - sketches and/or digital pictures are developed, varied visual representations are explored. Once a graphic direction has been chosen, the visual is any refined until a final design is produced. From there, the thing or piece is taken through a production method, whether it be printing for business cards or brochures or manufacturing of a mobile phone or pair of shoes.
WHERE?
Style encompasses a range of specific disciplines that turn out our entire visual setting:
Graphic Style - product packaging, advertising, brochures, signage, business cards, banners, etc.
Industrial Design - merchandise of all styles and sizes - cell phones, appliances, furniture, cars
Interior Design - choice of the objects that confirm the planning and feel of the inside of a space or building as well as: wall materials, paint colours, fixtures, furniture, design, draperies and decorative items
WHY?
In the globe at giant, style may be a powerful tool, used to influence individuals's perception of no matter is being presented - a company, organization, product or place. With a mixture of colors, pictures and typefaces, graphic style can introduce and educate people concerning a cause, problem or solution. It can help create an emotional connection around a subject matter to bring individuals along, inspire them to think and to act. It will facilitate break through the visual "noise" of the day to deliver a message, maybe a vital one.
WHO?
In business, image is everything. Good style will help an organization increase its credibility within the minds of its target audience. By wanting at a company's brochure, net site or advertising, a good idea will be gained regarding what that company stands for and what section of the market they serve. Is it a luxury or economy whole? Aimed at a younger or a lot of mature audience? Branding is the applying of style to assign a distinct "temperament" to a corporation or organization. A brand's feel and appear provides a clue on what the company will and what it stands for. Is it a luxury whole like Mercedes? A counter-culture brand like Hot Topic? A way of life complete like Apple's iPod? An organization or product's "look" - from the product itself to packaging, advertising and store style - will typically be directly linked to its value point. One will easily discern a "low cost" product from one thing that "appearance expensive". While it's difficult to explain in written type, we are all trained to simply distinguish quality goods from low-end imitations. All these impressions and perceptions are the results of design. Pretty powerful stuff!
From an individual perspective, design will be a means to precise personal identity. Whether it's a combine of Chuck Taylors or a Prada handbag, an Andy Warhol painting or urban graffiti art, a Ford or a Jaguar, design, in its many forms, combine to make an exterior personal "brand".
The power that style holds to influence us in our everyday lives cannot be overstated. It's all around us. Good designers grasp how to use that power to boost people's lives by informing their selections and drawing attention to special topics.
