Category Archives: Branding

First a Sign; then Streetscape Icon; Now Art

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Hunt Design

Designed around 1900 by architect Hector Guimard, this art nouveau subway design has been defining Parisian streetscapes ever since – over 80 of these elegant gateways survive. This original example now holds court in the sculpture garden at the National … Continue reading →

Posted in Architectural, Branding, Outdoor, Placemaking, Signage, Typography, Urban, Wayfinding | Leave a comment

First News Racks. Now Shipping Drop Boxes.

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Hunt Design

Joining out-of-control newspaper racks on our crowded sidewalks is a new clutter source — branded shipping stations. Usually seen inside office building lobbies, these ungainly and messy-looking drop boxes are popping up in the public way. More unregulated commercial mess … Continue reading →

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Type on the Go

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Hunt Design

In this era of digital printing and dynamic messaging, the simple picket sign still manages to attract attention and deliver eye-catching content. Made from inexpensive materials, the signs can be produced quickly and scaled to fit any message. The objective … Continue reading →

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Sticker Shock

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Hunt Design

Graffiti is bad and deservedly gets its share of public shame, and, hopefully, legal penalties, but what about those awful stickers? The self-adhesive promotional stickers handed out at clubs, skateboard shops and music stores have become a new kind of … Continue reading →

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Light Rail? What?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Hunt Design

Right out of the government sign manual, this sign is a good example of a failure to communicate effectively. What is light rail anyway? Is there a corresponding sign for heavy rail? Light Rail is an engineering or planning term, … Continue reading →

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City Practice Versus City Intent

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Hunt Design

The City of Ventura sign code prevents this local cafe from using an existing signpost and panel to advertise its little shop. Like many cities, Ventura often restricts the size of a sign to be commensurate with the shop it represents. Likely, … Continue reading →

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No Place for a Flag

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Hunt Design

There are a lot of great and appropriate places to display our national flag, but stenciled on a curb is not one of them. The “flag should never touch the ground” concept is pretty much obliterated by the well-meaning, but … Continue reading →

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Sign Spinners

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Hunt Design

Talk about your animated signs! We often say that a human being is the best directional sign. Here, we get a sign and a person. And we get motion – real human powered animation. Occasionally annoying, but often entertaining. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Branding, Outdoor, Urban, Wayfinding | 3 Comments

Color in the Marina

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Hunt Design

Small bits of animated color add much to any environment. Color provides depth, definition and drama to otherwise neutral vistas. Color is counterpoint and contrast. Take out color and the resulting monochrome scene is just not the same.

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Something Happened Here

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Hunt Design

They’re everywhere. On walls, in the sidewalk, on bridges, in parks and on statues. Bronze plaques commemorating somebody or something are familiar and friendly elements of the streetscape. Easy to overlook, and sometimes boring to read, these cast metal panels … Continue reading →

Posted in Architectural, Branding, Destinations, Placemaking, Typography, Urban | 1 Comment