Case studies

Don’t forget about the price tag

If you’re in the UK or EU, you probably don’t need reminding of the cost-of-living crisis. In the economic downturn following the COVID years, consumers have seen prices for everyday food items skyrocket due to soaring inflation, supply chain issues, and price gouging. Some retailers have adopted potentially controversial strategies like dynamic pricing, where shoppers face fluctuating prices, making careful budgeting impossible.

However, German discount retailer PENNY, as you might guess, is all about price. With the price for their in-house product range dominating the look, designed with the help of German advertising agency Serviceplan, what you see is absolutely what you get.

In the jungle, the mighty jungle

Through its devised name – Wild Thingz – and identity, London and Los Angeles-based branding agency How&How has created a look and feel for the plant-based, artificial-free, and low-sugar sweet brand (formerly known as Just Wholefoods) that holds its own against the big-name sugary behemoths. Wild Thingz is slaying sugar cravings in a more natural way and, according to Associate Creative Director Priyjah Paramasivam, proving that “organic can be wild, overgrown, raw and rebellious, and have a voice to call out the big brands.”

Paper playground

Hybrid Design and Mohawk reunite once again, as part of their long-term collaboration to bring the best out of the NY-based fine paper mill’s portfolio. This release, which they describe as Mohawk and Fedrigoni’s “love letter to colour and texture” is a vibrant showcase. Featuring four dramatic textures and 28 sophisticated colours, Mosaic’s swatch book, designed by the San Francisco-based studio, continues its (literally) unbound approach. Each card is marked with an expressive printed shape and coloured in a pair of hues that truly sing.

Standing out effortlessly

Offering tailor-made payment solutions, payment provider Ecommpay (and their 11+ years of expertise) aims to simplify transactions for businesses across the world. In the face of surging demand for cross-border digital transactions, they recognised the need for a fitting brand refresh – one that would position themselves better in this increasingly competitive marketplace.

To craft a brand strategy that could not only hold its own against industry giants but also communicate Ecommpay’s unique strengths, Netherlands-based agency Verve took a deep dive into the world of finance – engaging with people from all layers in the company.

A camera for your mind

Visual Electric is the image generator you didn’t know you needed

To work with AI or not to work with AI? This question could very well be the hottest one at this point in time. However, it’s safe to say that for those who are dipping their toes in the proverbial water of generative tools, it’s an exciting time to be a designer. Visual Electric, the first image generator built specifically for designers, gets that. Already ahead of the game, Visual Electric has been there, done that, and along the way, also identified what the biggest, most popular image generators are lacking when it comes to dealing with the workflow of designers.

Interviews

Shweta Malhotra

In a world of maximalist visuals, graphic designer Shweta Malhotra has carved out a unique space in India’s visual landscape. Balancing simplicity with cultural depth, her work offers a fresh perspective on contemporary design, with influences ranging from Japanese masters to Indian artists. In our interview, Malhotra takes us on a journey through her 20-year career, from her early days in advertising to her current role as an independent powerhouse, and delves into the evolution of her instantly recognisable, minimalist aesthetic. As Malhotra looks to the future, she reveals what is currently inspiring her and how she plans to continue pushing the boundaries of her practice.

Assets

“It’s a wonky process when you’ve just started and are still trying to find your creative voice.”

Ashley Govers, From Form
12th November 2024

Books

Posters Can Help

Slanted Publishers firmly believe in the problem-solving power of design, working tirelessly each day towards a vision of the world that is sustainable, inclusive, equitable and safe. This book is aimed at bringing the global creative community together to take a small but valuable step towards solving the significant problems of our time.

With a global call, Slanted invited the design community to contribute a piece of work and a donation. A total of 434 people from all over the world participated in this project, submitting almost 700 posters. To express their appreciation for the work, all the proceeds have been donated to two select organisations: ARTHELPS and MSF—Médecins Sans Frontières. Through this initiative, Slanted seeks to emphasise the immense potential of design in tackling complex issues.

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