I’ve been wanting to discuss the Obama Design since day one.  Many people have agreed that the design behind the Obama campaign has been stellar and reaching people unlike previous elections. What is behind this?   

The Symbol

So, never before have I seen such a flawlessly run design campaign.

Politics aside, the mobilization of the logos, the diverse options, and the inspiring mottoes and - dare I say - typeface have people eager to put stickers on their bumpers.

Seriously, never before have I been thinking about putting a bumpersticker on my car.  Bumpersticker activism isn’t how I want to change the world.

But the simple circle with the new day dawning over the striped fields…something about that image just gets into the core of me.  It doesn’t just represent Obama - it represents something deeper, something organic and powerful that connects us all to the earth beneath our feet and the people on the street.

Even if Obama didn’t win, I really think this logo could be something people across the country could unite under.  It represents the best of us, the intrinsic American spirit that is about community and roots, as well as change and growth.

You have to admit, it’s fabulous design that manages to take one symbol and tweak it to fit so many different people.  It gives credence to the underlying statement: that we are all equally important and united, despite our individual differences.  (For a sample of the logos as made individualized for each voting group, you can check the BarackObama website, or you can read this blog that includes a sample of each.  )

Designbay did a study of winning presidents and their logos, and then compared this year’s candidates.  The Obama logo is designed to win.

Designers Review the Branding

K-Co, my top-notch designer friend, and I have discussed the Obama branding and what makes it so alluring. The branding has a lot of designers talking.  One designer and critic, Michael Beirut, was asked to give his opinions of the Obama branding and the effort that has gone into it.  His views seem somewhat amazed at the level of detail put into the branding, and his tone sounds a bit conflicted.  But he says it clearly - the design and branding are impeccable.

The website is part of the branding technique, and people definitely have opinions about that.  Friends I’ve talked to find it simultaneously helpful and beautiful, but expansive and overwhelming. Back in 2007, the Bivings Report took a look at the Obama campaign site.  They gave it pretty high reviews, although some issues were noted.  Additionally, Brian Yerkes provided his own review in June of ‘08, which goes through some detail as to why the Obama website is superior. 

In January ‘08, the Boston Globe put together a review of fonts by The Font Bureau, Inc. focusing on which fonts in the campaigns really speak of change.

The Website and the Store

Have you been to the BarackObama store?  Not just your typical cheesy election stuff.  The designs are quality and make you feel inspired and happy to be a part of the experience.  In addition, if you’re looking for something higher end, there are the Runway to Change and Artists for Obama lines.  SwissMiss featured the newest art poster in a blog post a few days ago, referring to it as a “typographic waterfall” as lovingly as any designer might.

The problem?  Everything I want (or can afford) is sold out!  (Perhaps I should check out the Democratic Stuff website.)

Next Post: Capitalism, Artists and DIY Speak Up For Obama