The Old State Design Studio has created a magnificent look for their blog. Not only does it play on my “simplicity heart strings” but the layout of the page fits their brand perfectly. By using subtle logo insertions and old print design techniques they have wrapped up a 21st century medium into a newspaper from the past. Partners Travis McElroy, Curtis Hale and Chris Vincent have “steampunked” their blog by keeping the color range to black, white and grey, using large type treatments with small ones, and paying attention to fine detail which any old world craftsman would surely honor.  Catching me by surprise, they’ve added in a functional yet modern search. By “activating” the search, a rather large search form appears (draggable) allowing the user to find what they’re looking for or choose from categories recommended below. Blog post title type treatments are done very well. Using large white type centered above the post data helps to reinforce their look but is once again contradicted by cheesy gradients and rounded corners in the comments section. Stick to the old style and don’t let the pressures of reflective gradients and drop shadows get in the way of your vintage vision.

October 9th, 2008 by watch84. Category:Website     No Comments