Out With the New
So, I gave in recently and purchased an iPhone (I know – I’m probably the last person in the world to have finally gotten a phone that can handle storing more than twenty text messages). I guess I had avoided it for so long in fear that I would develop a dependency on the delicious modern technology. Sure enough, I find myself constantly using it for e-mail, text messaging, and frequently checking updates on all of my favorite web sites and newspapers. The funny thing is, I’m not the only one doing it. A quick glance up from my new toy in the subway, and I see everyone else is doing it, too. In fact, people are more likely to check The New York Times on their cell phones these days than they are to read the actual paper. I look to my left, and someone is using Amazon’s Kindle to read a novel. What’s happening to the printed piece with this constant advancement of new technology?
I see more and more that print is becoming old news (pun intended), and the electronic display of information more prevalent. Now, don’t get me wrong – this newer technology is great, and retrieving information has never been more convenient – but there’s something to be said about the charm of print. Materials are always a focus of the print designer – coated or uncoated paper. Color. Weight. Size. Cut. All of these are factors not only affect how a piece will be printed, but can actually add meaning to it. The right display of content can make the photography within a piece come to life. Materials can mean the difference between a viewer glancing at content, or connecting and interacting with it. Of course it is necessary to keep with the times and create design adaptable to new technology – but in this fast new world of e-mail, e-zines, e-news, and abridged versions, we can’t completely forget about the basic human sense of touch, or of the connection that comes from holding something tangible.
Plus, I just plain love the smell of old books and newly printed publications. The smell of electronic screens? Not so much.
Suggested Reading: The Last Magazine, by David Renard
Ideas | Influence
Finally, our blog: a place you can view new work – ours, and that of interesting photographers and artists we think you need to know about. We’ll also write about trends we’re seeing in all areas of communication, and share cultural observations.
This news channel came to fruition courtesy our team and resident web genius Erik Frick and is now on a content management system, which means we can add interesting tidbits as soon as we find them— keeping us on our toes, and you in the loop. Content management systems are ubiquitous these days, and we’ve tapped Erik to write a series of posts about why this is important to you and why it should be your platform of choice going forward.
We promise to be interesting and relevant, and if we aren’t, let us know. Comments are encouraged and welcomed. We look forward to conversing with you all.
New Work: DCC
Never let a brand building opportunity go to waste. The Decker Design team has created an environmental installation in the pressroom at Digital Color Concepts at its New Jersey plant location. The installation is made from elements of the company’s brand identity that was also created by Decker. Playful in appearance but strategic in concept, the environment is an opportunity to cross-sell services, demonstrating vinyl signage technology capabilities from its New York City plant. In addition to adding color to the manufacturing environment, the installation provides the sales force with conversational fodder for visiting clients.
