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Pantone’s fashion colour report for fall 2010 is vibrant, fun and a little bit retro. Fashion crosses over to graphic design and for that matter, all things design! So be sure to incorporate a little endive or golden glow into your life!

I’ve come across a recent design trend. It’s a very clean, simple, modern banner graphic. There’s a beautiful shop in Gastown using this in their logo. (Old Faithful Shop)

Have you discovered more of these banners? If so, comment below with some links! Or send us a tweet @cowieandfox

I recently watched a short documentary about the dying art of hand painted billboards. It was created by Stella Artois (yes….a big corporation, but it’s a really inventive way to promote your company!), and it featured colossal paintings completed during a 28-day period on a 20- by 50-foot wall in SoHo.

According to some people the technique of hand painted advertising is making a come back, but it’s hard to believe it when we live in such a fast paced society where a 20 foot billboard can be printed off and hung within a few hours.

Apparently the larger companies are willing to fork out the big bucks because it’s authentic and it creates a spectical in the city or a “buzz.” I can definately understand that, since you can actually watch the image appear over a period of time, while the guys are dangling above the city in their rigging.

I am blown away by the skills they have. Unfortunately I don’t think those skills will be passed on to too many more people in the future if their industry really does die.

So next time you think of designing a billboard, why not think of the artists and get it hand painted for a change!

Check out the documentary here:

Today the Vancouver Whitecaps revealed their new logo. It’s much more modern, clean, contemporary and “pro.” The reflected peaks can also be interpreted as V’s for Vancouver or W’s for Whitecaps.

What do you think?

After:

Before:

Yes it’s really true, fluorescent colours, like Pantone Plus Neons, are found in nature! Check out the photo below of fluorescent minerals by Hannes Grobe.