On presenting stationery
One of the benefits of using a site like Designspiration is spotting interesting trends in how creative work is presented (not so much with Ffffound – the only trend you're likely to spot there these days is "people have nipples"). For example, a couple of years ago, it would've been full of pictures of people holding up/hiding behind posters.
The latest unavoidable trend is of beautifully composed still life pictures of stationery. Usually arranged in a grid (but photographed at a faux-isometric angle), they'll feature the standard letterhead, business card, branded envelope and, increasingly, a rubber stamp. Extra points for throwing in a couple of random items from the stationery cupboard – some bulldog clips, maybe a stapler. If relevant, chuck some meat in there too.
There's no denying it's an effective presentation style (and I really want to get a rubber stamp made now), but it does seem to be a bit of a fad. Not necessarily a bad thing, but where's the variety? Anyway, here's some of the best examples I've seen:
Caleb Owen Everitt for The Chop Shop
The Official Manufacturing Company for Olympic Provisions
Daniel Gray
A few more examples – found on Designspiration under the tag "stationary". Hmm. Quite.
Daniel Gray
Reader Comments (5)
I been noticing this too and feel the same way. Looking at these examples makes me realize that these compositions and extras help push the feel of the brand. Really helps that all the work is really good. I guess to really judge the "trend" we need to track down and document the bad ones that include objects and perspective that don't add any extra value. Maybe find a few that try to use this style as a way to make a bad design look better?
Same thing with the poster holding really, the dilemma of how to present printed work online. It is a bit of a fad but it makes a lot of sense when your showing stationary, more of a trend to use the same style to photograph anything as with; http://thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com/
Also usually bonus cool points for having a fancy wooden floor?
Good question about whether bad design would still look good with composition. I say it would...unless the design is really bad. A well-styled photo can make anything look at least interesting. It would be fun to try.
Great samples! Making the grid layout more interesting with photography and applicable props. Super Like!
I agree. I haven't seen to much variety in stationary design these days. I want to see something really unique, but really practical. Something super simple, but makes my jaw drop when I see it. I want that.