Each December we take a look at the year ahead to see what trends are coming for branding and signage, and these are ones we believe are coming if not already here.
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Signs
Ortwein Sign installing solar powered sign in Cleveland, TN at Spring Branch Industrial Park
Signage continues to be on the forefront of the push for sustainability. This means that increasingly we’re seeing more LEDs in place of bulbs, and more uses of solar energy to power signs as well. Likewise the materials used for signage are increasingly eco-friendly as well, including recyclable materials such as aluminum or bamboo.
At Ortwein Sign, we’ve been ahead of the curve with our development of signage that includes solar panels to power the sign. Read about our Solar Powered signage for a Cleveland Industrial Park.
Deconstructed Designs
While designers are taught many of the same traditional design techniques for a reason, i.e. they’re common, popular, and do work in many situations, it’s also important for designers to know and understand the rules of designs so they also know when to break them.
Andy Warhol shook up the art world by breaking the rules. Similarly so did the New Wave film makers from France and beyond. Nowadays we’re seeing more and more designers break the rules and create some really incredible pieces of branding. Examples of this in design can be seen in brands and designs that are assymetrical, less rigid, and truly unique.
Assymetry and Visual Texture
One method in which assymetry and deconstructed designs can be used is to create visual texture with designs, logos, brands, and signs. This can be done through overlapping design elements, ignoring margins, putting images first above text, and incorporating grunge-like aesthetic. (These are all examples our designers are seeing as we enter the New Year.) Though these design techniques may not work for every brand, its worth considering depending on the effect you’re looking for.
Groovy Fonts
1970s fonts are back in a big way, as artists are getting groovy again with their fonttype preferences. Likewise designers are often choosing fonts that are either extremely narrow, or very bold, to stand out.
AI Generated Content/Designs
AI is increasingly becoming a tool that companies rely on to develop content, images, and designs. Though it’s not pervasive presently, we expect to increasingly see brand managers and designers turn to AI tools to help assist or adapt their work.
Pantone Color of the Year
Though there’s debate whether the designation truly has much effect on designers, it’s become increasingly a moment even non-designers look forward to and that’s the designation of Pantone Color of the Year by the Pantone Color Institute™. This year the institute chose PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz. According to Executive Director Leatrice Eastman “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”
The announcement goes on to declare, “PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”
Will we see more Peach Fuzz in our signs and signage designs? We will see as the year progresses.
Visit www.OrtweinSignInterior.com to read our thoughts on the trends in Interior Signage.