Happy New Year, Gentle Readers! I hope you had a wonderful, restorative holiday season.
I don’t want to start the new year on a negative note, but the recent proliferation of “word art” demands an intervention.

I am sorry to say that I am not a fan.
I believe that the art in your house should be visually interesting. Whether it’s abstract or figurative, colorful or black and white, printed or created by hand, art is ART. Not signage, not belief statements, and definitely not commands.

By “word art,” You know what I’m talking about.



And of course:

(How hilarious is this one, though?)

Look. If you’d like to hang a piece of word art for fun, inspiration, or mindfulness (preferably in a powder room, kitchen, or kid’s bedroom) please go right ahead. Of course! It’s your house! Do whatever you like!
But as a trained professional, I advise against more than one.
Word art, like mirrors, is a bit of a copout. It indicates an unwillingness — or an inability — to commit to art. Maybe you don’t know what kind of art you like, but you know the walls need something…and the You Are Here sign was right there when you were ordering your holiday cards!

There are exceptions, of course.
I’ve always thought that “eat” signs were kind of cute. Especially if they’re huge.

I also like super colorful typography posters in the right context.

Pillows aren’t art, they’re accessories, but when else can say that I find words on pillows charming and amusing? Especially in needlepoint.
Finally, it goes without saying that art with words in it is more than fine ;)

I love words. I love typography. I’m obsessed with graphic design. But I don’t love words on walls as a substitute for art. You deserve better.
Annie Elliott Design is based in Washington, DC, but we travel for fun projects. Thank you for your patience, Gentle Readers, as I took most of December as a blog break! Happy New Year.