Nubbytwiglet.com 2009 Identity
I’ve started the process of reworking my identity for 2009 and thought I’d share what I’ve completed with you so far. I’m still making some changes, but my overall objective has been to streamline the original identity I developed in 2008. I plan on making modifications every year from now on to reflect the changes in my visual style.
All of the type has been done in three varying weights of Helvetica Neue (Ultra Light Extended, Roman and Black) and the numbers of the year and my address are in Poster Bodoni.
I’ve added more black to the 2009 compositions and simplified the graphics. I want the identity to project a sense of simplicity and timelessness and to let the work on my site and in the decks I present to stand out against the simple backgrounds.
At this point, CDs are going the way of the dinosaur (I honestly can’t remember the last time I used one!) but I do think that the round shape adds some visual interest to an identity.
The letterhead is still a work in progress; I may end up adding my email address at the very least and possibly my address, also. The reason I’ve left it off is because it would always be enclosed with a mailing label on the outside of the envelope and a business card on the inside.
I’ve recently noticed a trend of companies leaving their addresses off of most of their collateral since their websites contain all of their pertinent information. What do you think?
As the identity progresses further, I’ll do an update and include more pieces!
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18 People have left comments on this post
This is really awesome. I’m in love with Helvetica Neue (Light) as well. You’ve done a great job, really. I wish I could make one of my own too. Maybe next time when I’m more established. Looking forward to what you have planned for the next years to come.
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Oh, good old Jane Austen font.
Just wondering — do you do a new “identity” each year, or just when the spirit moves you/you feel your previous design is dated?
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Niki: It’s a fun design experiment to do even when you’re not established…and it’s a great portfolio piece to show potential clients!
Moni: I usually just redo mine once a year, changing out the date and modifying the graphics.
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ahhhh! the letterhead!! so good!
it’s so good that i can’t formulate anything other than that simple praise, but inside, i have so much more to gush about.
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Re: addresses – as someone who has worked in admin I will always vote for a postal address to be included.
If you get flicked the old ‘can you send xyz to abc’ it’s easier to copy their address from the email/letter/business card etc rather than having to worry about which of the organisation’s 8 office sites that particular person is from. Not exactly applicable to you, Nubby, but that’s my personal preference.
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It looks amazing! It does look very simple and timeless and still so very you. I really love the extra black. Can’t wait to see more!
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angela: Thank you!
eskimojo: I used to work in an office and couldn’t agree with you more. At the same time, I like the cleaner look. I guess it’s a trade-off of aesthetics vs. practicality. If I was a Fortune 500 company, I’d def. add it!
young: Thanks, I’m thinking that the more black there is, the better.
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Very classic design! I love how simple it is and how it’s still connected to your 2008 identity. May I use an image to link to you?
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Your design is very 80tisch, clean and to me, not so exciting. But hey, I was 22 in 1980
, I’ve seen it all before .. And the design is absolutely you, when I read your stories and look at your photos.
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Ann: Yes, you’re welcome to do so!
Frank: Thanks for the feedback. And fair enough since I wasn’t born until ‘81. I still have a lot of years left to learn and change.
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I LOVE the use of the forward slash – much better than a colon or the like. It’s so DARK though! But I will say I really like the idea of doing a yearly update.
I also think it’s badass that you combined Helvetica and Bodoni simply because you seem to be addicted to both of them, not because “they go /sooooo well/ together…” Very typopunk. <3
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Jeez, way to murder the game.
Who cares what Frank says. It’s terribly exciting to me. Stark and bold in it’s simplicity yet harboring enough style to bear the load, so to speak. Like the shoes, for instance – the entire identity would be different if you didn’t include them, so I feel they’re a very nice touch.
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Miss Elle: I’m going through a bit of a dark moment design-wise and bringin’ the black back! And with Bodoni, I usually throw it in bevause it breaks up the sometimes cold, super sleep, modern look a bit.
Will: Thanks for the awesome feedback, I guess my point with this identity is that I didn’t want it to scream anything because it would overpower the work I send to clients.
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I love, love, love the cursive typeface. It’s absolutely adorable, as is your blog which I just discovered!
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