Fall 2011 news: embracing the warmth

I've recently learned about a Japanese world view called Wabi Sabi. It embraces a minimal aesthetic and characteristics include simplicity, asymmetry and roughness or irregularity, especially that caused by time or use. “Wabi-sabi is flea markets, not warehouse stores; aged wood, not Pergo; rice paper, not glass. It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind." — Tadao Ando

As a member of the design community, I am always keeping up with what's going on with marketing and design. And what I've noticed is a more organic approach in visual communications. I've seen a lot of type that has a hand drawn feel. No two letters are the same. Nothing looks like it was created on a computer. I've seen tiny gorgeous and limited edition hand made books. And don't get me started on all the reclaimed wood in Starbucks. I know it's reclaimed because it's actually stamped "reclaimed urban wood." Of course there are more apps that filter photos to look like old Polaroid's. Funny how that one's coming back.