• “The Elements of Brand Design,” by Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller, is now available from publisher Taschen. The richly illustrated book explores the history and evolution of modern branding, from the 19th century forward.
A short excerpt: “The use of colour was also soon regarded as another important element for identifying brands, following the example of national colours. As legend has it, barrels of Coca-Cola were painted red to help tax officials more easily differentiate them from barrels filled with alcohol, which was subject to heavy taxation. The world-famous trademark colour thus resulted from a purely practical consideration.”
• Cat How, founder of How&How, writes in a Design Week article about the courage to be disliked. It’s uncomfortable, but sometimes necessary, she says.
“Before they become the campaigns people celebrate or the brands people love, big ideas tend to create friction. With clients. With stakeholders. And, let’s be honest, within creative teams too. So it’s easier, isn’t it, to smooth the edges, keep everyone happy and avoid tension wherever possible? Sure, dilute the work, no biggie… but at least we keep the peace? But comfort is a terrible design strategy.”
https://www.designweek.co.uk/the-courage-to-be-disliked-why-creative-leadership-still-matters