Less is More…Literally
You may have heard the saying that the only constant is change, and when it comes to the world of graphic design, this rings true. The design world is constantly shifting, changing and evolving. Each year new trends in design emerge and one must keep up with them or get left in the dust. One of the biggest trends this year has been the return of the hand-drawn look. Graphic designers are creating hand-drawn art and integrating it into new and fresh projects. Instead of the highly polished 3D look we have become accustomed to, designers and clientele are now embracing the look of sketches, doodles and hash marks. The basic product of the human hand is a stark contrast to all the digital processes of design, which makes it increasingly alluring and highly effective. The hand-drawn trend isn’t only staying in the world of print design, but is spilling over into web design and animation as well. Let’s take a peek at some of the ways hand-drawn art is used in today’s market.
1. Art Minimalism
Many times artists, designers and illustrators will use hand-drawn elements for personal portfolios. However, lately we’re seeing these elements being the only feature of an entire project, whether it’s print or web. This pattern is cohesive with the Minimalist theory, which expresses the essence of a subject through the elimination of all nonessential ideas.
2. Supporting Content
Instead of using hand-drawn elements for the main content of a project, some designers will use these doodles to support the main content. These doodles can be used as textural elements and background filler for almost anything. In some instances only a single element of the project is done in hand-drawn style. For example, maybe the social media buttons on a website are hand-drawn, or maybe a side illustration in a spread is done as hand-drawn art.
3. Incorporating Style
Reverse the information you have in number two and that is what you get here. The hand-drawn elements play a bigger role in the overall design, but at the same time, they don’t overwhelm it. In designs like this, the hand-drawn elements are surrounded by more stable and geometric elements of design. For example, on a website, the logo and infographs might be hand-drawn, while the navigation and background might be solid.
4. The Combination
Hand-drawn art captures a sense of spontaneity, but sometimes it can lack visual appeal. This is where computer illustration comes into the picture. Some designers intertwine hand-drawn styles with illustration. When you combine a hand-drawn image with the technical abilities of computer illustration something appealing and intriguing is born. At the same time, you must be careful to keep the originality and feeling of the hand-drawn art alive, while still enhancing the visual of the overall design.
Back to Basics…Type
Illustrations and textures aren’t the only place where the element of hand-drawn has crept in. Hand-drawn typography has recently emerged in print and digital medias and continues to be a growing and evolving trend. In this day of digital technology, designers, illustrators and art directors are continually looking for ways to stand out. Many companies and clients are also looking to stand apart from the competition. This is where hand-drawn typography comes into play. In an effort to stand apart, designers are starting to incorporate new and unique fonts into their projects, and clients are taking it all in. Fancy calligraphy fonts, typically used for wedding stationary, are being brought into everyday designs to give dimension and add a touch of flare. Hand-drawn typography communicates different personalities and brings in sentimental value. Here’s a short list of different way designers use hand-drawn typography in print and digital media.
1. Logos, Packaging and Branding
Most of the time images and illustrations are used in branding to give recognition to a company. Instead of illustration, many designers are using hand-drawn fonts to create uniqueness and give life to a brand. These types of fonts stand as a handwritten signature for the company and are enjoyable and relatable for clients and target markets.
2. Posters and Layout Designs
Posters are often designed to catch a viewer’s attention and put forth the important information right away. Using hand-drawn typography in posters and layouts helps create contrast and pulls in a viewer through unique shapes and styles. Imagine you’re looking at a wall filled with various posters and layouts. The ones that contain handwritten type are going to jump out and grab your attention specifically because the fonts they contain are different and unique.
3. Digital
Incorporating handwritten type into websites can sometimes be difficult and risky, since websites aren’t universal and are constantly changing. Handwritten typography can help main points come across more efficiently on websites and other digital media. It’s not always easy, but when done correctly, the integration of web, text, image and illustration can create wonderful works of art, that are both aesthetically pleasing and informational.
Hand-drawn art and typography may be trends at the moment, but their overall effect will create a longer-lasting movement. The raw and earthy qualities of this art type relay information on a very emotional and personal level. This trend won’t be going anywhere for quite a while. So, how impressive can hand-drawn results be? The answer…is very.
If you need a talented group of designers to create any brand elements for you, whether hand-drawn or digital, give us a call at 701-478-1111 and ask to speak with a Marketing Advisor or visit absolutemg.com/contact. Our designers are experienced and up to date on all of the current trends.