Over the bubble…
Regular contributer Simeon King from Lifesize is up for some botoxing. The use of speech bubble has got him steaming. However as Jesus said in the defense of the adulteress facing a stoning (KJV — John 7: 53 – 8: 11) — He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.
The studio over the years has used a speech bubble, or a dozen, in its work, and shots of cute puppies thrown in for good measure too. That said (pardon the pun), speech bubbles do seem to be popular this year for design festivals on the east coast of Australia.
King makes his point succinctly:
More quotes. More speech bubbles.
Yeah okay, everybody has done them.
Can’t let go. Got nothing to say… put it in a bubble.
King then takes a swing at Sydney‘s International Design Festival.
And a bit on design of design. Hard to do and hard to sum up.
But hey…Sydney Design is a nightclub baby.
Thank you Mr King, let the images speak for themselves, commentary awaits.
3 comments3 Comments so far
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We note Simeon King‘s comments regarding the R-Co work for State of Design. We respectfully suggest that he should look deeper into the design solution which he has chosen to comment on. The State of Design identity was required to be an extension of the Design Victoria master brand (ref: http://www.designvic.com) which features a series of heads symbolising collaboration and design engagement. Using a ‘speech bubble‘ graphic allowed us to integrate the State of Design identity with the master brand of Design Victoria, as well as create a family of sub brands to form an overall architecture (Design Capital, Design for Everyone, Design Made Trade, Premier‘s Design Awards). Each element of the State of Design brand identity has been carefully crafted and expresses specific messages — distinctly and uniquely.
I am writing, not to justify our design solution, but to explain how it evolved and why it is appropriate. The underpinning objective for Design Victoria and State of Design is to promote collaboration, connection and inspiration. Using a graphic element (speech bubble) as a central idea that can be understood by a wide audience introduces an inclusive and recognisable message – “become a part of a design dialogue that is all about rewarding outcomes“.
Review of the work undertaken by our team, I hope will demonstrate the design care by which all elements are crafted to create the total and complex impression.
I cannot help but reflect upon the egocentric and mean spirited commentary of some people when they discuss graphic design in this country. Simeon King could have chosen to reflect how design outcomes are evolved and interpreted based upon a similar theme. Instead he chooses to make commentary with no concern for accuracy or respect for the design firm‘s he is observing. Frankly, his hip hop is an insult.
It is also unfortunate that Andrew Ashton chooses to allow this type of corrosive blogging to appear on his site — it‘s a poor reflection on standards and credibility. The sniggering of Simeon King does not enhance Ashton‘s reputation — but then again, misery does like company.
We would welcome Simeon to visit our office and meet the designers of the State of Design identity in person – young professionals who I am sure would be happy to be generous with their time and share their experiences. At R-Co we walk our talk. We hold our reputation in high regard and I will defend the creativity of my team without fear or favour. How is your talk walking Simeon?
Richard Henderson
CEO and Creative Director
R-Co
Simeon King must be a very valuable ‘regular contributor’ to write such long and insightful reviews. Where he finds the time? Such depth, such reason, and vision. Encore Simeon!
I understand and appreciate the rationale, but intended meaning aside, speech bubbles have become an overused visual device. See:
http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/photoshop_20_the_wrong_kind_of.php
http://www.logolounge.com/logotrends/default.asp?Archive=True&ArticleID=384