Aaron Draplin, the founder of Draplin Design Co., is known for his bold, unapologetic style and his deep passion for design. With over two decades of experience in the industry, he has become one of the most sought-after designers, and his work has been widely recognized for its impact on the design community.
Here are some of Aaron Draplin's key takeaways for designers that can help you improve your craft and bring your designs to the next level:
Book by Aaron Draplin that is available on Amazon:
Products designed by Aaron Draplin:
Youtube videos:
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Aaron Draplin’s Bio
Aaron Draplin is a graphic designer, illustrator, and founder of The Draplin Design Company. He is known for his distinctive style, which blends vintage Americana with modern design elements, and has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after designers in the industry.
With over 20 years of experience, Aaron has worked on a wide range of projects, from logos and branding to packaging, product design, and more. His clients include some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Nike, Ford, and The Obama Administration, as well as smaller companies and startups.
One of the reasons why Aaron is a great designer to follow is his unapologetic approach to design. He is passionate about design and isn't afraid to push boundaries or challenge traditional design norms. His work is always bold, impactful, and memorable, and he has an innate ability to create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, Aaron is an excellent communicator and teacher. He regularly gives lectures, workshops, and presentations, sharing his design knowledge and experience with others. He has also written several books and published his work in various design publications, making his design philosophy and process accessible to a wider audience.
Whether you're a designer, artist, or just someone interested in design, Aaron Draplin is a great designer to follow. His work is inspiring, and his approach to design is both practical and impactful, making him a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their design skills or learn from one of the best in the industry.
Here are some of Aaron Draplin's key takeaways for designers that can help you improve your craft and bring your designs to the next level:
- "Embrace Your Roots": The Power of Nostalgia in Design
Aaron Draplin is a firm believer in the power of nostalgia in design. He often draws inspiration from old logos, signs, and packaging, incorporating elements of the past into his modern designs. This creates a unique look that is both timeless and relevant. Draplin encourages designers to embrace their roots and use their own personal experiences and memories as a source of inspiration. - "Stay Focused": The Importance of Concentration in Design
One of Aaron Draplin's biggest design mantras is "stay focused." He believes that designers should always maintain their focus and not get distracted by the latest trends or fads. Instead, he encourages designers to concentrate on what they do best, which is creating designs that resonate with their audience. By staying focused, designers can ensure that their work is meaningful and impactful. - "Work With Your Hands": The Value of Hands-On Design
In an age where technology is king, Aaron Draplin is a big advocate for hands-on design. He believes that designers should get their hands dirty and experiment with different materials and techniques. Whether it's sketching with a pen and paper or working with physical materials like wood, metal, and fabric, hands-on design helps designers get a feel for the materials they are working with, and this can have a profound impact on the final product. - "Be Bold": The Benefits of Taking Risks in Design
One of Aaron Draplin's most notable qualities is his boldness. He's not afraid to take risks, and he encourages other designers to do the same. Whether it's using unexpected colors, unconventional typography, or unconventional layouts, taking risks can help designers create designs that stand out from the crowd. - "Know Your Type": The Importance of Typography in Design
Draplin is a big believer in the power of typography in design. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your typefaces and understanding how to use them effectively in your designs. From choosing the right font for the right project to pairing fonts in a way that enhances the overall look and feel of a design, typography is a critical aspect of design that should not be overlooked. - "Make it Simple": The Beauty of Simplicity in Design
Draplin is also a big proponent of simple, straightforward design. He believes that designs should be easy to understand and that the message should be clear and concise. By keeping designs simple and straightforward, designers can ensure that their message is communicated effectively, and that the design does not distract from the content. - "Experiment with Color": The Value of Color in Design
Color is another aspect of design that Draplin values highly. He encourages designers to experiment with different color combinations and to use color to evoke emotions and convey messages. Whether it's using bright, bold colors to create energy, or using muted colors to create a sense of calm, color is an important tool that designers should be familiar with and use effectively. - "Don't Be Afraid to Fail": The Importance of Experimentation in Design
Finally, Aaron Draplin emphasizes the importance of experimentation in design. He encourages designers to take risks, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. Whether it's experimenting with new materials, techniques, or design styles, experimentation can help designers develop their skills, find new creative avenues, and create designs that are truly unique.
Book by Aaron Draplin that is available on Amazon:
- "Pretty Much Everything" - This book is a comprehensive look at Aaron Draplin's design philosophy, process, and work. It covers a wide range of topics, including typography, color, grid systems, and the importance of authenticity in design. The book is filled with beautiful images and inspiring stories, and is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Aaron Draplin's approach to design.
Products designed by Aaron Draplin:
- Field Notes Notebooks (Available on Amazon) - These notebooks are a staple of Aaron Draplin's design philosophy. Known for their rugged construction and minimalist design, Field Notes notebooks are perfect for taking notes, sketching ideas, and keeping track of important information. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Merch on Draplin's website http://www.draplin.com/merch/ - Aaron Draplin Stickers and Pins - These stickers and pins are fun, playful, and perfect for customizing your gear or adding some personality to your laptop or notebook. They feature Aaron Draplin's distinctive design style and are made from high-quality materials that are built to last.
- Aaron Draplin Art Prints - These art prints showcase Aaron Draplin's unique design style and are perfect for decorating your home or office. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and feature bold, eye-catching designs that are sure to make a statement.
- Aaron Draplin Posters - These posters feature Aaron Draplin's signature design style and are perfect for adding a pop of color and personality to any space. Whether it's a poster of one of his iconic logos or a print featuring a simple, minimalist design, these posters are a great way to add some style and creativity to your walls.
- Aaron Draplin Coffee Mugs - These coffee mugs are designed to be both functional and stylish. They feature Aaron Draplin's distinctive design style and are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, these mugs are the perfect way to start or end your day.
- Aaron Draplin Keychains - These keychains are functional and stylish, and feature Aaron Draplin's signature design style. They're made from high-quality materials that are built to last, and are the perfect way to keep your keys organized and add some personality to your keyring.
- These products showcase Aaron Draplin's signature design style and provide fans and design enthusiasts with a tangible way to connect with his work. Whether it's a notebook for taking notes, a T-shirt for everyday wear, or a piece of wall art for your home or office, these products are a great way to incorporate Aaron Draplin's design aesthetic into your life.
Youtube videos:
- Aaron Draplin: The basics of branding
https://youtu.be/Gia80vaextU - Things That Don't Have a Thing to Do with Graphic Design
https://youtu.be/5MYItwY_LBs - "That Underdog Spirit" - Tall Tales from a Large Man
https://youtu.be/zYdjlV-jvY0 - Aaron Draplin: How to start your brand
https://youtu.be/a66wrMM_cfA - What I’ve Learned Since March 15: Changes, Lessons, and Enlightenments
https://youtu.be/27f8hI2BG80
Aaron Draplin’s Bio
Aaron Draplin is a graphic designer, illustrator, and founder of The Draplin Design Company. He is known for his distinctive style, which blends vintage Americana with modern design elements, and has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after designers in the industry.
With over 20 years of experience, Aaron has worked on a wide range of projects, from logos and branding to packaging, product design, and more. His clients include some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Nike, Ford, and The Obama Administration, as well as smaller companies and startups.
One of the reasons why Aaron is a great designer to follow is his unapologetic approach to design. He is passionate about design and isn't afraid to push boundaries or challenge traditional design norms. His work is always bold, impactful, and memorable, and he has an innate ability to create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, Aaron is an excellent communicator and teacher. He regularly gives lectures, workshops, and presentations, sharing his design knowledge and experience with others. He has also written several books and published his work in various design publications, making his design philosophy and process accessible to a wider audience.
Whether you're a designer, artist, or just someone interested in design, Aaron Draplin is a great designer to follow. His work is inspiring, and his approach to design is both practical and impactful, making him a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their design skills or learn from one of the best in the industry.