DESIGN CHATTER
The Fonts that Set The Mood For TV & Film
Apr 04, 2025
Have you ever noticed a font in a movie and thought, I’ve seen that before? That’s because typography sets the tone before a word is spoken! Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums wouldn’t be the same without Futura’s quirky precision, just like Stranger Things leans on ITC Benguiat to fuel its ‘80s nostalgia. And Avatar’s choice to use Papyrus…still under debate. From The Matrix’s techo-futurist Courier to Pulp Fiction’s bold Aachen, fonts shape how we experience stories.
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April Fool’s Day Hits, Misses, & Awkward Attempts At Humor
Apr 02, 2025
April Fools’ Day is always a mixed bag when it comes to brand pranks: some are hilarious, some are just plain weird, and a few make you question how that idea ever got approved. This year’s holiday saw everything from HOP WTR’s cheeky “Hoppi” rebrand to Deep Indian Kitchen’s attempt at chicken-flavored ice cream (yikes, no thank you). While some brands nailed the humor, others reminded us that universal humor is harder than it looks, especially when designers get AI in the mix.
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How chasing design trends can weaken your brand
Mar 31, 2025
Most businesses want to be seen as contemporary and professional. However, far too many of them make changes that go against their brand standards in an effort to keep up with modern trends.
We don’t have to go too far back to see examples of companies incorporating the latest fad into their branded campaigns. The mid-2000s were ripe with brands jumping on the bandwagon of flat web designs, minimalist geometric logos,
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Avoiding sticker shock: Setting realistic expectations for design estimates
Mar 31, 2025
You need a logo design or want to rebrand your business. Great! Now, you’ve reached out to an agency like ours to talk about your needs and get an estimate.
But once it’s in your hands, there’s a problem. This estimate is more than you expected, and there’s a bit of sticker shock.
Understanding what goes into design pricing can help you set realistic expectations and, hopefully, avoid being surprised by a quote.
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2025’s Hottest Photography Trends: How KEYLAY Design Can Bring Them to Life
Mar 28, 2025
Visual trends are shifting fast, and Stills’ 2025 Photography in Design Trend Report is packed with insights about how to use photography to keep your brand looking fresh and impactful. From raw candid shots, to bold dark imagery and nostalgic digital imperfections, the latest trends show a move toward authenticity and depth of field. Whether you’re embracing high-contrast flash photography or experimenting with collage and “half-finished” aesthetics, staying ahead of these shifts can elevate your brand’s perception.
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Driving Change With Good Design
Mar 26, 2025
Packaging design isn’t just about making your product look anymore, it’s about trying to make a difference in the world. As the Pentawards packaging awards preps for the 2025 competition, its trend report highlights how designers are using packaging to tell stories, tackle social issues, and push sustainability forward. From repurposed wine bottles funding rare disease research, to condom packaging, this year’s entries prove that great design can do more than sell: it can inspire change.
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