Why Trinidad and Tobago does not have great graphic design

Hey guys, this hot topic covers something that has been burning my chest for a few years. Which is, graphic design in Trinidad and Tobago sucks. We are surrounded by really bad logos and uninspired designs. Sure there are some exceptions, but for the most part, it's not good. I want to share some of the work I've seen that is really amazing and cool. Today's post is going to be a bit more informal than the rest and more personal.

First up we have one of my favourite agencies, Wolf Olins These guys are some of the best, designing for major companies such as TikTok, Instacart, Uber and The Economist. Their beautiful website displays some of their work and it's really top of the class. I like how they present their reasons for each project and make each one free for download so that designers can learn from them. Many advertising agencies in Trinidad do not even have a website to begin with. My additional favourites include Pentagram, Works Studio and Ogilvy

Next, I want to show some of the work I personally love. These pieces of design utilise great typography, and layout and some of them are really witty. I’m unable to find captions for them, I apologise for that.

I firmly believe that one of the best ways to improve is to study the best of the best first and then develop your taste. It is the same with art; learn about Picasso, Leonardo, and Vincent Van Gogh and understand what made them so good. Later if you decide there is a painter you want to be like, copy them. After you have copied them, make it in your own style.

Finally, I want to touch on some of my favourite graphic designers. Micheal Bierut, Paula Scher and Stefan Sagmeister. There are many others. On the local side of things, I do like Nicolas Huggins and his illustrations.

This has been my 2 cents on the type of design that resonates with me. If you want to learn more about great graphic design I will link a few books that I have bought. A Smile in the Mind and Steal like an artist.