Why do starbursts suck?
No, I mean it. This is a legitimate question. I've more frequently had clients say the phrase to me: "Maybe put a starburst on it." Why do they think it's necessary?
I've found a couple sites (here and here) that down starbursts. I know in my gut they suck and are cop-outs to better design. I can't help but think that a starburst is just akin to screaming at the person who's looking at the ad/postcard/poster. Sure ... used in a kitchy way, it has a fun spin to it. But why do clients think that they actually get better sales from them?
Hey look, that stockxpert ad at the top of the screen I'm posting this into has a starburst telling me to "Start your search!"
Are they legit design elements? Do I worry too much? Should I be so ecstatic about the Patriots losing last night?
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I realize they're just circles and ovals with sharp points jutting out from them, but I really can't stand them either. What's wrong with a bar or a change in the font colour to draw the eye? Why must one stoop to using this cartoon, cheesy gimmick?
ttfn!
3dogmama
Starbursts ruin the message
Starbursts are a fallback design element used by folks who also hate white space. :) But seriously, they are a crutch used to grab attention but what they really seem to do is distract from the message of whatever they are put on. They are definitely the bottom feeders in graphic design and make things look like they came straight from an 'As seen on TV' commercial.
They can be done tastefully to highlight a special deal or for emphasis, but they oftentimes are overkill. People fall back on them when they want to differentiate themselves from the crowd but due to overuse they end up doing the opposite.
HowDesign says they 'violate' your design: http://www.howdesign.com/dc/features/packagingprimer_1.asp
BeADesign talks about starbursts ruining a serious message:
http://www.beadesigngroup.com/blog/archives/2006/07/design_solutions_starbursts_an.php
I'm inclined toward BeADesign's idea on this.
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