The Design Can

The other day I posted this message to Twitter about the launch of the new TPC.com home page. It's a major site for us, even though we only redesigned the home page. The secondary pages were from the TOUR's previous marriage.

I received a few well deserved kudos but more importantly one of my fellow designers pointed out a major issue with broken links involving flash navigation. (I know, who still does that?)

Fortunately we were able to fix the problem before the Big Boss found out. I think I'll be using Twitter from now on prior to launching. It's like a dozen of more fresh eyes!

Labels: branding, cool web stuff, design

I've started reading Debbie Millman's latest book, "How To Think Like A Great Graphic Designer." The premise is a series of interviews with iconic designers like Milton Glaser and Lucille Tenazas. I thought it might be interesting to chronicle my thoughts after reading each interview.

The first is Michael Beirut. I've always liked Michael. We met in Nashville in 1995 at an AIGA Board retreat. Even then he was a Design Superstar. I discovered that he played blues piano and it just so happened I had brought my guitar. We jammed in the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes. I hadn't even graduated from college yet, and here this gracious Design Legend took time to hang out with me. He probably wouldn't remember that day, but it certainly left an impression on me.

In his interview, Michael confesses his flaws and inhibitions about his talent, his Design process or lack thereof and compulsive tendencies. Very revealing and quite entertaining.

What surprised me the most was learning how much Michael and I have in common. To achieve success, we both had to work very, very hard and had to use our brains to compensate for a lack of natural talent. It's inspiring to know that someone can rise to the top of his profession despite initial shortcomings.

Like Mike, I've also stretched myself with learning to write better. Between proposals, copywriting and this blog, it's almost like starting over in a new profession. You get excited when you see a finished piece that you're proud of. Michael talks about the challenges of his writing endeavors and it's comforting to know that if Michael can do it, I can too.

Labels: branding, Debbie Millman, design, design issues

Self-Promotion. New Business Development. Not unlike the "War On Terror," the effort to promote oneself and generate new biz is never ending. It's a constant struggle because it touches so many aspects of your firm. Positioning, differentiation, product offering, what to charge, it all affects your success or lack there of.

Labels: aiga, branding, design, design issues, spark, things to do

For a company that invented itself on making the perfect copy, Xerox has outdone itself with this new logo. I think we all remember the AT&T redesign, with their implementation of the "swirly globe" look that has been synonymous with everything from high-tech companies to Church logos. Just visit http://www.logolounge.com/ (membership required) and you'll see thousands of similar executions.

I often wonder how talented and creative Designers are reduced to "My secretary likes the AT&T logo. Can't we put our X there and make it red?" (Nothing against Secretaries) I know what you're thinking...haven't you ever had to compromise? Design something you weren't proud of? Yes, but I wouldn't crow about it.

Quoted from the Times: Maryann J. Stump, senior director of brand strategy for Interbrand says. “And you can do animation with a symbol that you just can’t do with a wordmark.” Brilliant.

We can make it spin, catch on fire, anything you like Mr. Xerox, so long as your check clears the bank...She can't possibly be serious.

My explanation would be something like, "The client had a strong vision for the redesign of this Identity and was very hands on with the design implemetation. After a thorough evaluation of over hundreds of options, the client's in-house committee felt this direction best represented the interests of the company."

Gotta run. I've got to go xerox a logo by tomorrow morning.

Xerox Hopes Its New Logo Doesn’t Say ‘Copier’ - New York Times

Labels: branding, design issues, ridiculous items, tech-stuf

Labels: branding, guerilla marketing, tpc las vegas

JEA has released a new RFP and several local agencies are participating. Yeah!

I'm certain said agencies are preparing a lavish reception for Mary Fisher, Jan Korb, Tony Allegretti, Alison Blackstone and yours truly. After all it's these fine rabble-rousers that got them a second chance.

Tom or Jim, In case you're looking for thank you gift ideas, I'm rather fond of Pinot Noir and Imported Beer. Best of luck guys!

Labels: branding, design issues, ridiculous items

Baby come back, you can blame it all on me. I was wrong and I just can't live without you.

This Dell is like a desperate overweight teenager with her ruby red prom dress trying to get a date.

A few posts back I spouted about how our shop is switching to Mac after 10 years of Windows. So I'm no Mac fanboy.

Even the first generation iMac blows this design away. You know, the one with the bulbous bottom. Not even Sony could pull off a decent all-in-one, so I certainly don't have high hopes for this latest try. It's reminiscence to the Alienware line will appeal to the gamers but at $2000+ for the base model, I can't see many takers.

Hasta la Vista baby.

Dell XPS One coming next month - Engadget

Labels: branding, tech-stuf

One of our clients, Engle Homes, asked us to kick up their Web presence a notch. We are helping them with a new campaign, Choose 2 for free. So we dug up an idea from about a year ago, of adding some Flash Video. Rocky, our main client contact, has a lot of experience with public speaking. So we rented a video camera from our good friend Paul Figura and set up a ghetto-style studio in the vacant office next door.

Add a little help from Adobe Premier and Flash and voila, Rocky walks on screen announcing the big sale. It's certainly not a first for the web, but it's definitely a first for us. Too fun. Anyhow, check it our for yourself. http://www.englejax.com/index-video.html

And while your at it, why not buy a house or too.

Labels: branding, cool web stuff, design, engle homes, flash video

A new aquaintance dropped by yesterday with a little aluminum case and inside were three trays of little bottles of liquid reminiscint of magic potions from the bygone era of traveling salesmen. Inside each bottle was a surprise. Pink bubblegum, fresh cut grass and Ocean Stream were a few of these amazing scents that Muzak, a world leader in audio branding, has begun to install in your favorite restaurants, hotels and retail establishments.

I became interested in scent branding earlier this year after my first stay in a Westin Hotel. They have a branded scent called White Tea that Muzak pumps throughout the facility. You could walk me in blindfolded and I would know immediately where I've arrived. So Ken Dean, my Muzak rep, explained how they will install a unit that atomizes one of 1500 oil-based scents at certain times and certain amounts, insuring that your scent is never too overpowering or wears out.

Here's what Fast Company has to say.
"While vision is unquestionably our most powerful sense, when it comes to garnering an emotional response, scent is a much more powerful trigger. "Seventy-five percent of the emotions we generate on a daily basis are affected by smell," says Lindstroem. "Next to sight, it's the most important sense we have."

Here's one more way to craft the brand experience a customer has when they walk through door. The price you ask? For most clients it's under a $100 a month.

Labels: branding

I almost spewed (my beer) when I heard this commercial. I'm not sure even Elvis can ressurect this dieing brand. but this commercial is worth a look. I just hope my kids don't start singing the jingle (without even knowing what it means).

Labels: branding, commercials, rediculous ads

Labels: branding