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5
Oct
Print's not dead, it still has the swagger
By Dan 4 Comments
A design friend of mine recently described print as the bass guitar in a band – fundamentally not the most important element. I retorted that you sure notice when it's not there.
I also told him Paul McCartney played the Bass and to say he was a bit part player in the Beatles would be stupid and a different argument ensued not related to design.
Getting back to the point in hand, I feel his lovely metaphor does have some substance, but it is not without flaw. As we head further into the digital age, where our communications are held, more often than not in the world of pixels; Social Networking, Email, Skype and Smart phones offer a cyber environment where a our lives can seem a lot easier to manage. A few years back we thought 'where would we be without our mobile phones' now it's 'Where would we be without email on our mobile phones.' Now, you can see Wayne Rooney in 3D… I'll leave you to decide if that's a step forward.
In the grand scheme of an overall marketing campaign, the need for printed goodies will of course be necessitated by factors set within the marketing strategy: product/service, consumer target, budget and campaign purpose. Good, dedicated design for print still serves an important task for a brand. It adds something tactile, humanises, reinforces the brand's messages with a physical presence and, when done well, has quality visual impact akin to a tailored suit.
Embracing digital media excites me; with the never-ending, evolving possibilities open to us in the design arena. I wouldn't have it any other way, but I will always appreciate the need for decent printed materials; the firm handshake, to the internet smiley face.
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Comments (4)
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Dan Says:
11th October 2011
Thanks very much for your comments. We are looking to get the RSS Subscription sorted on it as we speak. Keep a look out for more blogs coming up soon!
Small business software Says:
11th October 2011
I’d have to go along with with you one this subject. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!
Charlotte Says:
7th October 2011
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Alex Says:
5th October 2011
Even though my admiration for (Sir) Paul McCartney could hardly be described as 'warm', I agree with Dan. There is something still quite nice about flicking through a brochure at your leisure or opening up an envelope to see what's inside. In the 'I want it now' culture that we live in, where everything is expected in an instant, it's kind of nice to sometimes sit down and see what's on the coffee table.
Other important bass players include: Mark King from Level 42, John Entwistle from The Who and that guy who did 'Bodytalk' in Imagination...