Simplicity

 "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity." --Charles Mingus

One of the hardest things to accomplish as a graphic designer is to find the  compromise between simplistic and simplicity. As the graphic here shows, simplicity is about being aware of your design and knowing what is most effective and what is unnecessary; where as simplistic is more of a lack of effort or wit. Too often, designers try too hard to come up with complex, fantastic ideas. However, a lot of the time designs that have the right element of simplicity are most effective. Hans Hofmann once said, "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." 

There have been rumors that major companies are gravitating towards minimalist branding. Good Design Daily had an article on their website that showed what packaging designs may look like in the future. Here are some examples: 

Red Bull can becomes progressively minimalistic.

The Nutella jar undergoes the same kind of change.

On a different site, I found the Pepsi logo timeline. The Pepsi logo has also become minimalistic.

I believe that these minimalist takes on branding can be very effective. Some may think they are too simple or plain, but I think they become more obvious or apparent on a shelf with other products that have complex or intricate packaging. Leonardo da Vinci said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." I believe this reigns true for these designs and the idea of simplicity in design. However, if this trend catches on and spreads like wildfire, the simplicity may not be as effective because it will be the norm. The unique quality that it holds now definitely helps the cause. Some businesses are using simplicity not only in their branding, but also in their advertisements. Take a look at this ad for a hat business:

This ad shows that a hat can make all the difference between looking like Adolf Hitler or Charlie Chaplin.

This ad is very minimalistic, yet it is so creative and clever. There is no need for a lot of text or explanation. The design speaks for itself. This design is what I hope to someday be able to accomplish. Eliminating unneeded parts of a design is often difficult because I have tunnel vision at times, but it is an important to skill to attain because it is often more effective. Another example of simplicity in a different context is the Hunger Games movie poster. I thought I'd include it in honor of it's premier tonight. There is not a lot going on in the poster. It is simply a picture of the main character, Katniss Everdeen. However, the darkness that consumes most of the poster and the lighting on her face speaks volumes about the story. It is not a happy, feel-good kind of story. It's dark and haunting. This poster fits the movie so well. The designer could have easily placed a battle-like scene on the poster to show the violence that exists in the movie. However, I do not believe that would have been as effective. The simplicity of the this design makes it extremely effective.




In the end, simplicity can often have more complex thoughts behind the design than an extremely intricate design. Accomplishing simplicity is not about being lazy or taking the easy route. It is about leaving only the most effective parts of a design to portray your message.