»  Ben's blog

I recently heard this statement by a fellow designer who saw no merit in design annuals...and apparently he's not alone. I on the other hand, do not completely agree and wanted to hear the rational behind such a bold proclamation. After all, almost anyone involved in advertising, packaging design, web design or some sort of marketing has leafed through a Communication Arts or CR at some point to gain insight, find inspiration or pass the time.

However, it seems that there are an increasing number of creatives who do not believe or agree with what amounts to design competitions, if simply for the fact that they reward firms and design shops who can afford the entry fees. And let's not fool ourselves, it is a numbers game. If you can afford to enter 20 pieces, your chances of getting accepted are probably pretty good, unless the work is garbage. These are usually the same sort of designers who do not believe in accolades or recognition as a vital part of a career. To that I would have to say "who doesn't like a pat on the back?!". Granted if you are Bruce Mau or Austin Howe, it's easy to subscribe to this viewpoint because you are already established. But for up-and-coming designers or firms looking to make a name for themselves and garner attention, these publications offer a chance to do just that and came make the difference between a bad year and a successful year.

There are also those who feel that most of the annuals amount to nothing more than eye candy. A narrow representation of design that celebrates shallow execution and does nothing to highlight or explain the strategic thought behind the design that is often the backbone of successful creative. To some extent I sympathize with this assessment. I would also have to implore viewers to think more about what went into creating the work. An idea without action - execution is nothing more than a thought that exists only in the mind. Even though execution is one small aspect of design, most people's immediate reaction is to the visuals that they are presented with. So without successfully emplementing a concept, even the greatest ideas in the world are lost on those who only see poor design.

So to the creatives that dislike these publications or see them as relics, I think it's more about the individual than the actual magazine. In many cases I think it boils down to a change in taste over the years. The things that young people find amazingly interesting as a design student or fresh out of college might not stimulate them further in their career as they begin to delve deeper into the specifics of their disciplines. But just because you've developed a healthy appetite for highly caffeinated coffee drinks as an adult, doesn't mean that the hot chocolate you loved as a kid isn't any good.