digit | pin it down Badges present a small canvas that force designers to get right to the point, as this collection from Stereohype shows.
Few design projects offer as little space to work with as a badge. Rather than restricting your creative urges though, this gives you a rare opportunity to get straight to the point with a single iconic image or phrase. No messing about – just say it. Badges have been an integral part of every subculture since the 60s. Hippies, punks, mods, metallers, and indie kids have proved their allegiance to a band or a cause by attaching a badge or 20 to their clothes, bags, and other accoutrements. And as bands and movements fall in an out of favour, they can change to fit the current trends.
Badges are more than this though. They allow you to
modify what you wear without the hassle having to learn how
to sew. You can subvert what you’re wearing, or reinforce it,
or do the former on one day and the latter on another.
For design, as with children, the best thing about badges is that you can make them yourself for very little cash indeed. You can make one, wear it out, get bored of it and throw it away the next day – and then make a new one. As instant gratification goes, it’s the Pot Noodle of design – though slightly more nutritious. B.I.O. (by invitation only) button badge design initiative by FL@33
All badges: Stereohype, [ www.stereohype.com ]

other FL@33 profiles include
dpi magazine | 10-page profile | nov 2006
new graphic | 12-page profile | july 2006
computer arts 124 | 6-page profile | june 2006
+81 | 6-page profile | may 2006
and – art and design mag | 10-page profile | march 2005
step magazine | jan 2005
novum | 8-page profile | nov 2004
étapes:102 | 4-page article | nov 2003
grafik 110 | 6-page profile | oct 2003
page | 3-page article | april 2003
creative review | nov 2002
étapes:79 | dec 2001
for a complete list please visit our press section

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