Posted by admin | Posted in Trends in Design | Posted on 19-06-2008
Today at lunch with some colleagues and friends, an interesting question was approached. Is the new phenomenon in Graphic Design that is known as "vector" artwork (and by this I refer to the swirly, squiggles that are prevalent in today’s print pieces, not the literal meaning of "vector" images.) too feminine?
Hmmm… we discussed it and brainstormed a bit. My lunch party was made up of an interesting crowd. A female designer/writer, a male writer, a male web designer and a male systems administrator and then myself (another female designer). This being the case 2 of the 3 guys said they didn’t consider the vector designs "girly" if done correctly. One was a little less than positive about it.
I’ve noticed that the trend has be very popular among some large scale restaruants on menus and promotional pieces. One which immediately comes to mind is the artwork at McAlister’s Deli. Which was where we were today.
I recently finished a project that I did with a heavy vector scroll pattern. The piece was entirely done by hand, but the look of it is definitely more on the "dark" side as far as design goes. It’s not got the light/white imagery that is normally associated with such scroll work.
See what you think .. . .
Well? Is vector swirly images just for girls? Cast your vote, but be sure to give some good reasoning to back it up!
As concerning your main image I really don’t see it as too girly or manly, sure there are scrolls and such, but that doesn’t automatically label it feminine. I see this more as a Gothic art nouveau theme, an (old French design style). When it comes down to things being girly or manly that not even a real issue, Does the design itself do what you need it to do. Each person in this big world has a personal taste weather they speak it or not.
Some people like scrolls and others don’t, I am very indifferent about scrolls, I just like a well executed design. Good job and good day!
well.. i think your header is guurrly..
keeps up the good work!
I don’t believe that the vector swirly images are just for girls. Looking at alot of printing everyday it has all become the latest fade. Everyone and their grandmother are using the swirly images. ORU is now changing some of the branding over to the swirly stuff. I personally like it, but now everyone is doing it. I think I saw a construction company logo passing down the street that now is using the swirly style. Therefore I think it can be used for anything, but sometimes people go overboard, as with anything now a days.
I am a journalism professor and produce an alumni magazine that targets grads in our department. Many are involved in the media including the technical side. I pick a graphic theme each year and follow it carefully.
In the past I have used a theme that looks like the reader is looking through a viewfinder; it was appropriate for the field. I’d estimate half the readers are male. I watch the trends and design to suit. The past two or three years I have watched the “swirly” look dominant the market, but I am receiving feedback that men are turned off from it. I was in the meeting where we polled three men about their feelings about it, but all three are involved in publications and understand the trends.
I’m going to be targeting some rough-and-tumble men out in a dog-eat-dog world. I can see them getting the mail, see all those swirls and yell, “Honey, there’s a magazine that came for you.”
I’m really nervous about following THIS trend. I just don’t see the swirls on “Field and Stream” or on Bass Pro’s catalog.
[...] Several months ago, I posed a question regarding the use of the ever-popular swirly effects that are seen "growing" into many modern designs (such as this blog!). Click here to read that article. [...]