Brilliant Design or Great Marketing?

{Before I get to the heart of my question, let me say this...I am in awe of established designers not only for their talent, but for their necessary tenacity to get where they are.  As in most careers, not any easy thing, garnering acclaim.  So, that's my disclaimer before I start.  Those I refer to in this post are brilliant, and I pose my question as something to ponder, not as a judgement on the execution of their aesthetics.}


What's the question?  When a top designer hones his or her "look", is conscious thought given to the palettes used, based on how they will photograph?  (I hear you gasping at the suggestion.) 

Jackye Lanham via Cote de Texas

This thought came to my mind the other day when I read two posts on two different blogs, visually devouring the images as I read.  Later in the day, I thought "I wish the colors in my house were all light neutrals -- they'd be so much easier to photograph."   Light bulb!  Have those who have reached stellar success consciously made the decision to use light colors and shades of white to make the most of their portfolio images?  It is an indisputable fact that whites and lights look stunning in photographs.  If so, I say, "Bravo!", brilliant and talented marketing at its best, equal to the talent of said designers (if they do in fact, exist!).   After all, portfolios are a vital part of the business of design, yes?

Jackye Lanham, via Cote de Texas

The above images are from the fabulous Cote De Texas blog, where Joni recently highlighted the ultra beautiful work of Jackye Lanham.   I'm sure you've already seen them, but look again with a different eye (these rooms are the epitome of gorgeous to me).  Much of Ms. Lanham's work is done in neutrals.  Is that an intentional part of her look for the purpose of her marketing?

Now let's look at a fantastic post done by Maria Killam at Colour Me Happy on the topic of the great Vincente Wolf.  In her post, she tells us that Wolf only uses Ben Moore's Super White in his work.  Is that for brilliant photography or because he truly believes it is the best possible design choice?  Here are a couple of photos I borrowed from Maria...

Vincente Wolf via Colour Me Happy

Vincente Wolf via Colour Me Happy

Vincente Wolf is a brilliant designer, as is Daryl Carter and my personal favorite, Phoebe Howard. They both do a ton of neutrals and lights, too.  I could name others, but you get the point.

Again I go back to my opening statement for this post.  I am not suggesting manipulation for fame or insincerity in design.  Hardly.  I am simply continually fascinated by every aspect of design, even the mind of the designers themselves.  In an endless effort to improve my own skill, as so many of us do, I look to icons for inspiration and lessons.  Where is there more to learn, I ask.  So when I read both Joni and Maria's posts in the same day and the thought came to me, I had to share it.  And, as I said and we all know, design is indeed a business.  Brilliant marketing helps.

Perhaps designers who read this post will think I'm nuts.  But, who knows?  It's interesting to contemplate, isn't it?  If you're establishing a look for yourself (aside from the fact that you are passionate about it), would you use only certain colors because they photograph well? (And don't do the immediate "of course not!" and huff off -- think about it...)

Talk to you soon,
Carol