Design Trends Archives | Alexandra Adams

February 15, 2016 — No Comments

Design Trends: Handcrafted Artists

Handcrafted goods are having a major moment right now. Ceramicists, weavers, and embroiderers are gaining traction and popularity, and the handmade element is incredibly appealing to consumers who are used to mass marketed, generic products.

It feels like everyone has been taking pottery classes and been learning to make their own ring dishes and vases, and professionals are seeing even more popularity. With the rise of succulents and other small plants, the need for their containers has grown as well.

Some of my favorite ceramicists:

suiteonestudio

tortus_copenhagen

tom_kemp_

Embroidery has also cycled back around to the forefront of the artistry scene. Rather than the more traditional designs, however, 2016 embroiderers are embracing more assertive mantras, brighter colors, and even full scenes.

sarahkbenning

happycactusdesigns

threadhoney

I love the variety in aesthetics that can be achieved through the individual makers and traditional mediums. What other handcrafted trends have you been keeping up with recently? Who are some of your favorite artists to follow?

(featured image artist: elizabethpawle)

Published by Alexandra Adams in Art, Design Talk, Design Trends

November 5, 2015 — No Comments

Design Trends: Brush Lettering

Trends are cyclical, and everyone knows it. Much of the 80s and 90s saw a rebellion against the cleaner mid-century modern design aesthetic, influencing a more punk/grunge look. The early 2000s and 10s brought about a resurgence in precise and controlled digital type–especially sans serifs. So many sans serifs. Now, of course, the trends have cycled around once more and people are finding more appreciation in the forms created by hand-lettering. Calligraphy became incredibly popular last year. Modern calligraphy, with its hairline thin lines coupled with very thick downstrokes and large spaces between letters, has become the go-to style for everything from wedding invitations to personal notes.

But 2015 has since seen the rise of brush lettering, and it's dominating the spotlight right now.

Brush lettering features a heavier hand, and is less precise than standard lettering. Its "messiness" gives it character, and lends itself to a more personal and custom look. When combined with a dry brush or watercolor effect, the type gains even more customization options and the same words can look different in a number of ways.

How do you feel about this trend and its speedy ascension to popularity?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Design, Design Talk, Design Trends

October 8, 2015 — No Comments

Design Trends: Candy Minimalism

This post is the beginning of a new series I'd like to start writing about design trends and movements. Candy minimalism has exploded in the art and design world since Matt Crump began posting his sweet creations on Instagram. He has since created a features account, @candyminimal, where he reposts the standouts of the hundreds of #candyminimal style photos published daily.

Obviously, key elements of this trend are the colors and saturation as well as minimalism (hence the name). To achieve this kind of look in your own photos, try out these tips:

Look up. Cropping out the busy streets or the façades of boring buildings give you more negative sky space and room to play with color.
Play with the composition. Really consider the shapes formed by the negative spaces and what's left in the image to create a truly compelling snapshot.
Choose your colors carefully. Evaluate the subject matter of your photo and think about the colors that would compliment the content well.
Details matter. While the focus is minimalist, interesting textures found in architectural structures or plants can add depth to your compositions.
Edit your photos! There are tons of apps that are helpful in editing your own #candyminimal photos. Check out Diptic, PicTapGo, AfterLight, VSCOcam, Touch Retouch, ArtStudio, Tangent, Mextures, and of course, Instagram.