So this might turn into a long rant, or maybe it will stay just a spark of a thought...

I do find it ironic how, these days, so many designers, illustrators and creatives in general (including myself in the mix), find inspiration and solice in the work of eras long gone. That itself isn't ironic, but it is when you consider that the "designs" we mimic were not "designs" at all when they were created. Many times we essentially look back to those who were not designers, illustrators or 'creatives' for what is the standard of design, today. 

When looking at old antiques you see people's and company's marks and "brands." These were not logos, they were not meant to convey a message or extend their brand image. It was a necessity to make their mark within their niche. It was a way of saying "these are my creations." But the beauty of their designs shines through in the detail and absolute craft in the way they execute. Letter-spacing, font characters, color palette and scale are so spot on. This coming from people who could care less about Adobe, Apple, AIGA or design school. They have more craft and precision in the work they produced by hand, than 99% of designers today. The computer is the most extraordinary tool, and yet it has ruined the direction of design.

This is not a rant on the demise of design, but a mission statement for myself to find that craft and passion again. Was it their tools? Was it society and the expectations for greatness? Who are these people that created such priceless designs, and what do they think about the direction of logos, branding and marketing today? Do they care? Do they realize that they were at the forefront of it all? I am sure most have not been alive for quit sometime, but they must have seen the change from a craft to a profession. Is it better to be a craftsman or a professional? There is a difference.

I love seeing the old metal nameplates on old tools, appliances, city bridges and manhole covers. Or the brand on the bottom of old wood furniture. Not only is the furniture beautiful, but so is the ligature or icon that they chose to represent themselves. Such an awareness of great design and the blueprint for a successful logo, in a time when guidelines, schools and associations didn't exist to tell them.

In a time when anyone and everyone is, and can be, a designer, it's more important now than ever before that we set ourselves apart. 

I want to find that craft in design. I am guilty of the lazy ways we have come to accept. Design is about ideas. It's also about the execution of the craft.

Here's to the the "designers, typographers, brand builders and creators" who came before us. You created out of necessity and inspire and direct all of us "professionals" today.