Is Less More?

Less is more if you want it to be. If artistic design has a purpose, then you have to determine your purpose and audience before creating the design. The design for a corporate logo will not be the same as for party stationery. The design for a web site may require different artistic elements than a design for a house. It all depends on the final purpose and audience of the design.

In our society, people spend a lot of time on computers or watching television where images are splashed across the screen at lightning speed. The brain can barely register the image before the next one is posted. At the same time, the home design and decor trend is minimalist. The message being - go out there and do what you have to do in the world, but come home to a quiet zen/spa like atmosphere to decompress. The differences are extreme, but maybe necessary to create a balance in our lives.

When trying to convey a message advertisers/merchants/politicians try to create impact. Corporate logos are simple and direct. The purpose is to create something easy and identifiable by everyone. As a portrait photographer, I like to show clients a series of black and white images and then throw in a color shot. The color image has greater impact when it's unexpected. Authors love to remind people not to judge a book by its cover, but truthfully, that design is vitally important to book sales. The book jacket design is good if it makes people stop and pick up the book.

This Mardi Gras invitation stationery provides an example for when excessive design is desirable. The whole concept of the holiday is one based on excess so it makes sense for the design to match. On the other hand, this book jacket is more simple and direct. It's message: this is an intense and exciting book.  Read me.

Less can be more or not enough.  You have to know your purpose.