Brand New Awards

Award books and magazines glut the design industry, generally the most uninvolved and uninventive solution to content. The Brand New Awards gave us the usual apprehensions, but it was a good purchase. Its shining feature is that production alone seems to have cost near every penny we paid. The paper feel and vibrancy of the print colours is surprising. Inside features “a judged competition that celebrates the best identity work.”

The winning work shows a strong emphasis on concept and modernity; the layout for displaying the work isn't exactly innovative but has tasteful functionality. The standout is the bold television work, which uses witty and energetic design solutions to create adverts that feel less like a shameless plug and more an integrated, integral part of the show. Adaptable identities are in vogue, and TV has always used them to an extent; but these are more varied, careful, individualized.

This all is organized by UnderConsideration in the spirit of its blog Brand New. The blog itself is a rare source for the probing reflection of working professionals on the newest in identity design. It's not exactly a critique of your own work, but the insights offered are very helpful, applicable and most important, realistic. You’ll be happy to learn that student work along with professional is welcomed for the BNAs.