tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16968617832891816212024-02-20T15:15:17.239-08:00Design with DirectionChris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-89725894733841358292010-05-14T09:31:00.000-07:002010-05-14T09:42:18.590-07:00Design or Copy - which would you choose.<object height="435" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OLsX6KqAFQM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OLsX6KqAFQM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="435" height="340"></embed></object><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So recently my business partner in our sister company Primal Creative and I had a recent discussion about what's the most important aspect of advertising/marketing. Is it the design or the copy that goes along with that? Check out the video above.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course most of you knowing me are probably guessing that I'm coming down on the design side - which I guess is pretty true. I do think design in a visual industry is the initial introduction to the viewer and for that reason alone becomes more important. That's where it stops for me. I think the copy needs to carry us through to really get your message across. Mainly though I want to emphasize that what's most important is concept. Without a real concept and a real plan it doesn't much matter if copy leads the way or design leads the way. My business partner, Rodney, argues that design can improve copy, but copy does little to improve design. True or not, it's a harsh statement for our current environment.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In today's world of 140 characters is design and concept going to trend to be more important or less? I hate to think we are going to be raising a bunch of rugrats that will have no aesthetic ability. Will this next generation suckle at the teet of technology only caring what their peers think and hollering at each other through cyberspace? Or will this next generation rebel and send the Millennial generation packing with their tweets and status updates? </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hmmm - I know we like to think that technology only improves the world, but think about the history of communication. Think how far we've come from drawing images on the walls of caves. At what point is just emanating information not considered communication. Let us all remember that communication is a 2 way street and frankly whether it's done with copy or design it makes little difference if no one wants to listen.</span></div>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-24421093975978379542010-03-11T05:53:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:04:55.102-08:00What to Doodle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/S5j2Hy1KBDI/AAAAAAAAAMU/cbw5ltukBt8/s1600-h/doodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/S5j2Hy1KBDI/AAAAAAAAAMU/cbw5ltukBt8/s640/doodle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This last year I've been sitting on the board of the American Advertising Federation. Overall it's been a great experience and personally I have loved the stuff I've poured myself into, but there is one small thing I can't stand. What's that you ask - well it's the 2 hours that we meet every month to discuss the particulars. I know it's a necessary evil, but for me, a creative person, it's like driving a nail slowly into my skull. There is one thing that keeps me from going nuts and that's doodling. I know everyone probably thinks I'm ignoring the goings on and not paying any attention at all, but the reality is that couldn't be further from the truth. There have been many studies done that show doodlers, whether in a meeting or on the phone, are actually taking in more information then people that don't doodle.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you aren't a doodler I know it's hard to believe, but what the studies show is I'm concentrating on what is being said and in a subconscious way by doodling my mind is occupying that other part of me that I guess doesn't really want to be there. The doodling uses a low functioning part of your brain - thus the high functioning part is left to listen and take in information. It's not like I'm texting or checking my email like so many other people I see - that takes concentration. The sad part playing with your phone doing a meeting has become acceptable. All I ask is the next time you see someone doodling don't just assume we are ignoring you - the truth is in today's world we may be the only ones truly listening.</span></div>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-56833216034452698422010-01-13T12:03:00.000-08:002010-01-13T12:21:45.988-08:00What's in a Price<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >I often talk with clients about pricing. Obviously, it's one of the most important things there is to do before starting a project. Yeah I have the clients that I've worked with for so long they know I'm fair in the way I charge and have no worries about my pricing. Lately though, I've been running across a lot of potential clients that want comprehensive pricing - I applaud that. I don't know if I would want to work with a client that doesn't want to at least know what a project would cost up front. But in the end I want to say don't just make a decision on pricing. I've got more then one client that went with the cheaper firm and after they paid them they hired me to do the job right.<br /><br />Here's the thing - all prices aren't created equal. This applies to almost everything in life. Yeah you could go with the lowest price, but you have to ask yourself are you confident with that firms work, are you confident that they are going to turn your project around in a fair time frame and most importantly are they going to make those 7 rounds of changes expediently? I've heard of clients that end up waiting 4-5 days to get simple text revisions made.<br /><br />I'm not the cheapest place to get design done, but I'm also not nearly as expensive as an ad agency. My overhead is low and my quality of work is stellar. I pride myself on responding to my clients and making sure the are getting the best product for their business. Maybe that's why I have many client relationships that are well over a decade old.<br />I love what I do, but I hate to see people pay a lot of money for really bad work. Next time you are looking to hire a design firm take a good look at their work, talk with the actual people you'll be dealing with and most importantly make sure they really want to build a relationship with you. Believe it or not there are a lot of firms that are just trying to pay this months bills and aren't thinking at all about the future.<br /><br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-69658921217560011452009-11-05T07:12:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:48:58.584-08:00The Education of a Logo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLzx0Q2DtI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Lz7P0TCKTvc/s1600-h/logos1109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLzx0Q2DtI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Lz7P0TCKTvc/s400/logos1109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400646940339080914" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Recently I've been doing a lot of logo work and I wanted to talk about how the whole process should work. Most people think a logo is a simple thing to produce. That it could be done in a few hours and really shouldn't cost that much money.<br /><br />First the client really needs to define who/what they are. What is the logo for? How is it going to be used? What are your competitors logos like? Are your competitors logos really viable? What makes you unique? These are all questions that I ask when starting the process of developing a logo. Sometimes I have clients that come to me and say "I don't know what I want, but I want it to be red". Really? Why Red? "No real reason, just because it's my wife favorite color." This is not a good reason. Honestly most people don't care what your wife thinks.<br /><br />Most people see the start of their identity as their logo and for the most part this is correct. The logo is what most people see first before they ever step foot in your business so it's one of the most important items in defining who you are. I've had clients come to me and say do what ever you want (of course this is always a bad sign - it's a sign of a client that has no idea who they really are or they just don't care). You can't really expect a designer to define you if you can't define yourself. Do the homework and get knee deep in it.<br /><br />Once I have all the information I need from the client I start sketching and brainstorming and building ideas. The one thing I'm really trying to do is to define several different directions this logo could go. I prefer the elements of a logo to have meaning and I have to know that the finished piece is going to have appeal to the appropriate audience. All this back and fourth, beating ideas up and then bringing them back to life happens in the studio (luckily because some of the stuff belongs in the pasture with the cows). This is the part the clients don't get to see. They don't get to see the bad ideas that helps get us to the great ideas.<br /><br />From here I pick the top few ideas and present them to the client. We have conversations about the font (serif or sans serif). We talk about colors and the overall impression that a logo will give. Hopefully after that is all said and done I'm on the way back to the computer to refine a couple of strong ideas. After the ideas are flushed out and the client is happy this is really where we start perfecting color. Too many people get hung up on color from the beginning and personally a lot of times I will only show a logo idea in black and white to star. I can't tell you how many times I've had clients not like a logo because of the color - they weren't even seeing the concept.<br /><br />Once a logo is chosen and the colors are refined I create final art in several different formats. Depending on the client we will also produce usage guidelines that shows anyone that would be using this logo what's appropriate. So next time you think doing a logo is as simple as hiring your next door neighbor for $100 you might want to really consider if that's what's best for you and the future of your company. You might want to think of what the real value of your logo is.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-25221615183821874982009-11-05T06:33:00.001-08:002009-11-05T07:12:15.097-08:00How Design Has Changed Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLrI3lHdwI/AAAAAAAAAJk/S9PdwoNHHp4/s1600-h/now.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLrI3lHdwI/AAAAAAAAAJk/S9PdwoNHHp4/s400/now.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400637440761755394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLrI-sBF0I/AAAAAAAAAJc/d3lK8MYFECw/s1600-h/then.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SvLrI-sBF0I/AAAAAAAAAJc/d3lK8MYFECw/s400/then.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400637442669745986" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >This morning I was thinking about what I was like when I first started my own design studio. This was 15 years ago so it's been awhile. The main thing that I grabbed onto in my trip down memory lane was what I used to think being a graphic designer truly meant.<br /><br />Back then I thought being a graphic designer meant making stuff look cool. That's it, if I couldn't make it look cool (at least to my standards) it was some lame client that just didn't know what was good for them. Over time I slowly matured, I slowly begin to realize that my job was to really figure out what my clients goal was, what they wanted to accomplish with this piece I was producing. Believe it or not for the first few years I was doing stuff that just looked cool. I know it's hard to imagine, but so much of my work was for night clubs and the music industry and the main goal reall was to just get someone's attention. I was doing my job, but it had truly little design merit.<br /><br />In the past decade I've been truly looking at concept and function and for the most part everything I have done is cool in its own way. I learned that I really have to live in my clients industries and learn to define my client as a leader. It's their business, they know what they need, but it's my job to make sure it has a concept and that it is graphically pleasing and functional. I love what I do and I can't imagine having any other background then I have. The preconceptions and mistakes in my past have made me who I am today. I think my clients would agree that not every design studio is created equal.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-80514008605857854372009-09-23T14:30:00.000-07:002009-09-23T14:40:16.408-07:00Looking for Inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SrqVj0FwobI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WQO30U-NiOA/s1600-h/cannedtomatoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SrqVj0FwobI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WQO30U-NiOA/s400/cannedtomatoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384780746985611698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We all specialize. Whatever your job is you are constantly looking at other peoples work (most likely your competitors) that are in the same industry as your are. I know as a designer I use to saturate myself in work other design firms had produced. Lately though I've found great inspiration by looking completely outside what I do. Instead of looking at graphic design I find myself looking at fashion, interior design or even nature for inspiration. I look at furniture and examine the textures and qualities that make a piece amazing. Believe it or not I've found it very helpful in spurring me in a new direction for a project I'm working on.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />By going outside your industry and examining well produced work and well crafted products you can become inspired. Let's face it, you most likely are doing something that someone else has already done in your industry anyway. Your goal should be to lead not to follow. Be original and exceed boundaries that have been set. In this new era of anything goes don't be afraid to push the envelope. If you have a great concept and you are communicating effectively it will be successful. Look beyond all that junk that you've collected on your desk.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />I can honestly tell you that sitting in front of a computer screen is that last place you are going to come up with new and original ideas. Find that place where you are able to think creatively. For some people it's driving or sitting under a tree while eating lunch. I know for me it's in the shower (don't tell the environmentalists). I can stand there for hours and just zone out while the ideas pour out of me. Now if I can only work on that whole waterproof paper thing. </span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-60783391133217101292009-07-30T04:41:00.000-07:002009-07-30T05:11:52.648-07:00Why Handmade<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://knackstudios.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SnGNL-vlcuI/AAAAAAAAAI8/4n43xKS9_VI/s400/jewelry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364223868135633634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Photo snaked from <a href="http://knackstudios.blogspot.com/">Knack Studios</a></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />I was doing a little thinking last night and a conversation came up between my wife and I about why "handmade" or the "DIY" look has become such a big thing. You may not realize it, but everything from clothing and jewelry designs at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.anthropologie.com/">Anthropologie</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> to the new lines of furniture at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> has the feel of reclaimed or "I did it myself" to it. Personally I think it's awesome because this comes from a real movement that has finally hit the main stream. It is the "DIY" movement that has created websites like </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.artfire.com/">ArtFire</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> with artists and craftsmen selling their own handmade and crafted wares.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />In the graphic design industry it has prompted a complete revival of letterpress artists across the US. 5 years ago you would've been hard pressed (no pun intended) to find more then 5-6 decent letterpress operators across the states. Now almost every town has one. I dig it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So here is the question. Why has this movement become so big? Especially when you think about all the people that love to be in constant contact by keeping their Iphone in front of them 24/7 and making sure they have all the lastest apps. Especially when you think how everyone sits in front of a computer all day. Hasn't technology just made our lives so wonderful? Isn't it great that you don't have to (if you don't want to) ever devote your attention to anything that is perceived as "real". </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />I think we can all learn something from the Buddhist's ability to "live in the moment". To appreciate our time with our loved ones and to devote our full attention to something other then these little bits of technology that control our lives. Maybe that's why this "DIY" movement is so important. Maybe everyone getting out there and using their hands to create something is the escape from this control of technology. Maybe we all need that time to think and meditate about our goals and aspirations in life. Who knew "handmade" could be so profound. The irony is once we make all this stuff what do we do with it? We sell it online.</span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-72872701454647009382009-07-30T04:22:00.000-07:002009-07-30T04:40:50.475-07:00Don't Ts Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SnGGV1eklnI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ptwxjmjxgqE/s1600-h/tshirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SnGGV1eklnI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ptwxjmjxgqE/s400/tshirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364216340865652338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >So the other day I ran across this <a href="http://nonsek.com/">website</a> for a random tshirt design generator. The name of the company is called <a href="http://nonsek.com/">Nonsek</a>. They've created an online application that takes artwork provided by various designers and once you "enter the machine" you are able to randomly remix yourself a new tshirt design in a matter of seconds. It basically takes 3 images from a specific artist and randomly layers them on top of each other. They've broken it down by artists. Each artist has their own "channel" so you get to pick which artist you want. It's pretty cool.<br /><br />The funny thing about this is the fact that it is completely random. This idea has almost become a formula for many graphic designers these days. 3-4 random images - some text and viola a pretty design. Don't get me wrong I love it for tshirts, but this also in a way proves what's wrong with a good portion of designers these days. What's wrong with America really. There is no effort to even try and create a concept. It's all just "me make things look pretty". Which is awesome - I think that's my next tshirt design (for myself anyway). But maybe all of us (you know who you are) could just try a little harder to make people think a little more. Or maybe I should ask all of my clients to keep their text to 140 characters so we can all become just a little less caring everyday.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-38120380764893135912009-05-28T10:26:00.000-07:002009-05-28T11:22:51.665-07:00Hey There! I am not using Twitter.<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >If any of you know me you know that I don't "tweet" and I don't have a Facebook page, heck I barely take my cell phone out of my pocket. Don't get me wrong I love technology and what it has done for the design industry. I just don't get inspired by these things. What inspires me is people that create using their hands and good old elbow grease. Sometimes I just wonder:<br /><br />Really photos of the birth? We didn't want to see them before Facebook why would I change my mind now?<br /><br />Oh yeah, who wants to see all 70 photos of your kid? I think 2-3 would suffice. Try making a decision.<br /><br />Actually putting pictures of your children online is just a little strange to me.<br /><br />Why do I need to get poked? Can you imagine if you went around poking your friends all day?<br /><br />Do blind dates really exist anymore?<br /><br />Do I really want people that I haven't talked to for 20 years finding me? You know there is probably a reason I haven't talked to them in 20 years.<br /><br />140 words? How was that decision made? I have friends that couldn't tell you what they had for breakfast in that short of time.<br /><br />POKE<br /><br />Why would I tell everyone? Uh excuse me can I read all you communications between you and your friends and your wife and your mother and your accountant?<br /><br />Do you really want to know what I just did?<br /><br />How many people do you know are really so interesting that you want to hear their every thought?<br /><br />POKE<br /><br />What's up with texting? It makes my thumbs tired and personally if I really want to talk to you I'll call.<br /><br />Can teenagers communicate face to face anymore?<br /><br />POKE <span style="font-style: italic;">Man that's annoying.</span><br /><br />$100+ a month? and you are complaining about the price of gas?<br /><br />Is "third wheel" now defined as a date without a cell phone?<br /><br />Why IM over email? Just curious. Personally I love the smell of thermal fax paper...<br /><br />Really, in the movies? (That statement would of had a whole different meaning 20 years ago). You paid $9 to see a computer animated film and you spent half your time texting your "friends".<br /><br />Hw wil Ppl sp n the fture?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />Seriously though, I do wonder how people set their priorities. My big concern is down the road how will individuals be able to cope? I'm fine being alone. I don't need someone I really barely know validating my feelings or who I am. How will people communicate? Kids that are raised texting will have very little ability to socialize in a person to person environment. Heck maybe they won't need to. They will at the very least have a hard time structuring a written sentence. Progress and change - continue I say and sooner or later I might turn my cell phone on (if I remember to take it with me) and call you about how I have 712,000 followers. Notice I said call. I guess at this point I'm just not that into it.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-32902388829388129552009-04-15T05:38:00.000-07:002009-04-15T05:44:22.607-07:00Why Are We Loyal to a Brand<span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Recently, I've been writing a lot lately on here about different brand and package redesigns. And just this last week, I received news from Netflix that they were raising their prices for Blu-Ray subscribers. It wasn't just a $1 a month, it was $4 a month. That's almost a 20% increase in cost! So, as a loyal customer over the last seven years, I had to ask myself "why am I so loyal to Netflix?" I used to recommend them to all my friends and really did love the service, but everything has a value. So do I downgrade my service or cancel it all together? That I can't say yet. Regardless, they've lost any positive word of mouth marketing that they were getting from me and I guess actually I'm negatively campaigning against them. That said, how important is it that customers love a service or a company? Does it really increase business? I'm sure you would all agree it does. How many times have you been referred to a company or business and loved the outcome? If so who were they?<br /><br />I want to say, I did communicate with Netflix and let them know my dissatisfaction with their decision. On their blog alone, there are 1100 posts and many groups have popped up on Facebook and Myspace expressing distaste in their decision. Here's the bad sign, Netflix has chosen to not respond. They've offered no further justification or breakdown of costs, only silence. I personally feel their action or inaction will have a long term effect on their business. These days, customers expect to be appreciated and not looked at as "just customers." Don't you agree?<br /><br />So, I'm curious, why are we so loyal to certain brands? I know studies show customer service, product innovation, etc. But I want to know what brands you are loyal to and why. Click on post a comment at the bottom this post to join the discussion.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-61309965448533194312009-04-10T10:33:00.000-07:002009-04-10T11:17:22.712-07:00Is the End of Good Design Near?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sd-MpUoPnuI/AAAAAAAAAIs/T3-8C59mXbY/s1600-h/cheru.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sd-MpUoPnuI/AAAAAAAAAIs/T3-8C59mXbY/s400/cheru.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323127926115245794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >First let me say I never thought I would be saying this - "there's a downfall to producing good design". Go ahead read it again. It appears that by producing really well designed work for the same amount of money or less then what a company was previously spending to produce crap is a bad thing.<br /><br />This is a fight that has slowly been developing over the last couple of years. By working with my clients and knowing what our overall budgets are upfront I am able to produce much better work then their previous firm. It's not that my design services are necessarily cheap, but I truly am concerned about my clients getting a useful end product. I would rather make sure we are spending some money on photography or illustration instead of using stock and keeping the rest for myself. I would rather see the project be printed on a paper that makes the project pop, then have to go to cheap coated stock. I'm willing to sacrifice a little on my end to make a project great.<br /><br />So many people these days want the perception to be that it was cheap to produce, regardless of if it really is. If it's perceived as cheap then there will be no questions from the board, or their bosses or their stock holders. Too many times recently I've heard it looks too expensive. How do you fight that philosophy? I understand where my client is coming from - I understand that they have to answer to a higher power, but how does this make their company better? How does it help them to advance their initiative? Since when did being mediocre become something to aspire to? It's a sad day, not just for design, for all businesses. It's sad when as an individual you are looked down upon for being successful. It's even more sad when as a business you are shunned for wanting to lead the pack. My sweet America mediocrity appears to be our destiny.<br /><br />I remember when looking at the bottom line meant something. When doing the best you could was expected. I remember when I wanted to get out of bed in the morning, because I was dying to do something great. I wish, I hope that as we walk down this road more people will appreciate what used to be. Don't get me wrong, I love my clients and I'll still fight for good ideas, but I hate this new social conscience that a select few in this country has chosen to project on all of us. Damn it, I want to be successful, I want to want to get out of bed in the morning, I want to lead the pack and most of all I want to produce good design.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-67941981411831029112009-03-24T05:52:00.000-07:002009-03-24T06:24:37.671-07:00Now That's a Good Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScjeOcYONAI/AAAAAAAAAIk/NJqJgfeiK0c/s1600-h/bakedlays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScjeOcYONAI/AAAAAAAAAIk/NJqJgfeiK0c/s400/bakedlays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316743699828192258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >So, I've been talking a lot lately about all these brands that have been re-branding or re-packaging and going down the wrong road. In my weekly trips to the grocery store I notice a lot brands going under the knife and I wanted to talk about a re-design that I thought really works.<br /><br />Several weeks ago Baked Lay's introduced a new flavor called Southwestern Ranch to launch their new package design. It's hard to believe that Baked Lays have been around for 15 years, but it is nice to see them move beyond their bright yellow packaging. The new design uses toned down colors as well as a nice new matte finish material for the package. It's also nice that BAKED has basically become a brand so they made it much larger on the package. This is also a great example of how you can take an existing logo and make some minor adjustments to it and adapt for the present day (something Tropicana should have thought about). You really have to examine the logo closely to realize the changes that were made.<br /><br />Now here is the real kicker. Over the last several weeks Lay's have slowly been working the new look into their existing flavors. Oh, by the way, I purchased the new flavor because of the package and it is rather nice (a bit spicy, but I like). So I'm looking this last weekend and actually saw about 1/2 of the Baked Lay's flavors in there nice new wrapping and actually picked up the Sour Cream & Onion and put it into my cart. It wasn't until a minute later that I realized I don't even really care for Sour Cream & Onion - but the colors of the package was just so appealing I picked it up. Of course I put it back and insisted on only grabbing a flavor with the new look (I'm a package snob). Congrats Lay's on making our shopping experience more enjoyable. I'm just glad to see a successful re-design that isn't a step backwards.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-64977997368415805262009-03-19T08:16:00.000-07:002009-03-20T05:40:20.747-07:00It's Time to Grow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScJlZ5A3soI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Heo5J7sbFmA/s1600-h/grow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScJlZ5A3soI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Heo5J7sbFmA/s400/grow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314922005726212738" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Alright, most likely if you are reading this entry you've received the Popcorn Initiative spring mail out. So below find the directions on how to plant your wild flower seeds that you've received. I'm planting mine tomorrow. I'd love to see some photos of what you grow. Happy planting and happy spring.<br /><br />It may sound obvious enough, but choosing the most advantageous site on your property is a very important determinant in the eventual success of your wildflower garden. The most important factors to consider in this regard are the amount of average daily sunlight, the relative quality of the soil, and the accessibility to a water source like a hose or a sprinkler.</span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Though many wildflowers do tolerate some filtered <strong>shade</strong> - and a few actually thrive in it - the vast majority are definitely sun-lovers and will likely demonstrate the strongest bloom where exposure is greatest (especially in the morning). Therefore, the general rule of thumb when considering the optimum planting site on your property is 'the more sun the better'. This naturally means that areas with little or no tree coverage and as little obstruction from any structure such as a house, garage, or barn are best.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Soil</strong> too is sometimes a consideration when planting wildflowers, but it's important to keep in mind that wildflowers will generally sprout in all but the most difficult conditions. This means that pampering your site with <strong>fertilizer</strong> or rich sod is not usually necessary. In fact, doing so can sometimes achieve the opposite result by inviting unwanted weeds and grasses. Only in the poorest of conditions, where the soil is literally sterile, is using an accelerant advisable.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lastly, when choosing the best site for your seed installation, the availability of a steady <strong>watering</strong> source is helpful, but not usually necessary. In most regions and during most seasons, natural rainfall will be sufficient to provide the water necessary for a successful bloom. However, if you live in a particularly arid region, are planting during drier months, or are simply experiencing prolonged drought, it will definitely be to your advantage to water your site every other day or so for the first few weeks after planting until root growth is established.</span></p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >Now all you need to do is clear the area of existing weeds or growth and to loosen the soil. You can do this simply with a rake, hoe or shovel. Work the soil as best you can, of course you'll get some weeds sprouting along with your flowers.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />Next, you want to sow your seeds. Simply scatter the seeds evenly over the area or in the pot you wish to plant. This can be done by putting the seeds in your hand or just shaking out of the envelope. After you get your seeds sowed lightly compress your seeds into the soil. Don't push them down any further than 1/2 inch. You just want to protect them from the birds and winds. An easy way to do this is by pressing them in with your hands or feet - just keep the pressure light.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />Now you are ready to watch them grow, I hope...</span><br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-31264634019194895582009-03-19T07:54:00.000-07:002009-03-19T08:14:26.008-07:00What an Exquisite Corpse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScJgmUZgYNI/AAAAAAAAAIU/GgCEhP0zLZE/s1600-h/corpse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/ScJgmUZgYNI/AAAAAAAAAIU/GgCEhP0zLZE/s400/corpse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314916721677590738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >No, I'm not talking about some dead guy here. I'm talking about a technique </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_1">that exploites the mystique of accident. A kind of collective collage of words or images called the cadavre exquis (exquisite corpse). Based on an old parlor game, it was played by several people, each of whom would write a phrase on a sheet of paper, fold the paper to conceal part of it, and pass it on to the next player for his contribution.</span><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_2"> When done with art it works exactly the same way. The first artist illustrates a panel and hides 95% of the panel before giving it to the next artist. The artists have to continue the illustration from the 5% that they can see. A lot of times this creates amazing images that have great contrast in style and meaning.<br /><br />I wanted to share a couple of artists that have taken the exquisite corpse idea to the next level. They passed the image back and forth 60 times to create an amazing 35 foot long piece. Check out all panels of the piece at their site <a href="http://www.jabcstudio.com/pages/corpse.php">http://www.jabcstudio.com.</a><br /><br />A little thought for your spare time with a fellow creative. The best part is you can do a written corpse or an illustrated version. I've done it and it's a great deal of fun. Oh yeah, it doesn't have to be done on a computer. So go get your corpse on...<br /><br /></span><br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-70960831159348997912009-03-05T06:08:00.001-08:002009-03-05T06:30:01.180-08:00The New Brand of Recovery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa_hqSgLdJI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ouSvqDIDF_c/s1600-h/recoverylogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa_hqSgLdJI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ouSvqDIDF_c/s400/recoverylogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309710602330666130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So this came to my attention a couple of days ago. We have a new logo to represent our current recovery "stimulus" package. The first thing I noticed was how bad it is. I instantly thought of the logo for the National Recovery Administration from the 1930's. Take a good look at both of them. From a design standpoint there is no challenge (especially when you add in the 75 year difference) the NRA logo wins hands down.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />Of course we have the obvious stars, what's up with the 2 stars that are bastardized bleeding off the blue? The gears that represent work, haven't we come a little further in 75 years? And the tilted green ghost, oh wait I guess that's a plant representing "green" growth - I get it...</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />This stamp was created to mark every project of the "stimulus" package of 2009. I saw the question raised yesterday - how do we mark the pig odor research in Iowa - does each pig get the new stamp branded on them? And since the logo itself was a government project that I sure taxpayers payed too much for, shouldn't it have a stamp on itself? I have great concerns about where this idea of branding government money will take us as a nation.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />Do a little research on the National Recovery Administration of the 1930's and you'll realize that the government used the symbol to try and halt free business. They tried to control prices and most importantly if you resisted to display the logo or wear the logo as a worker the administration actually campaigned for the public to boycott you.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />We are all in this regardless of how much money each of us puts into the recovery, do we really need a clip art created logo to tell us that our government is working for us? Maybe every politician in DC should be wearing the new logo on their lapels. Maybe it would remind them they represent the public where they reside. I believe this logo will be short lived - even the NRA only lasted 2 years before being put out of business by the supreme court in 1935.</span></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-12450764578348751862009-03-04T09:51:00.000-08:002009-03-04T10:01:20.397-08:00Observe or Inspire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa7BKYq2y9I/AAAAAAAAAIE/PK1Z7Z1r-eA/s1600-h/cardobserv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa7BKYq2y9I/AAAAAAAAAIE/PK1Z7Z1r-eA/s400/cardobserv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309393394881448914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I wanted to do a brief post about a great site called </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://cardobserver.com/">Card Observer</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. The idea behind the site is to basically feature really well designed and produced business cards. The thing I love about sites like this is they really inspire everyone to want something better. The production techniques highlighted range from letterpress, die cutting, screen printing to special ink techniques.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Check it out and get inspired. It's one thing to observe and another to inspire and be inspired. Just in case you were looking for a particularly well done card check out the entry from </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://cardobserver.com/gallery/popcorn-initiative">2.28.09</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. It's one of my favorites.</span></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-30452116773596536282009-03-03T07:44:00.000-08:002009-03-03T08:06:26.211-08:00What's Kraft Up To?<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa1QtlvVwKI/AAAAAAAAAH0/yU3zAYONH7M/s1600-h/kraftlogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 113px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa1QtlvVwKI/AAAAAAAAAH0/yU3zAYONH7M/s400/kraftlogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308988279894687906" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So on the heals of the Tropicana debacle I was shopping this last weekend and noticed another terrible mistake being made by a huge food manufacturer. This time it's Kraft. They recently had changed their corporate logo, which frankly I payed little attention to since it was really more of a corporate internal change at this point. You can see the trusty hexagon shape that's been around forever and the new flowery butterfly thing that they have now. I can't understand why they would move in this direction. It's not like there is any element of this new logo that can replace the current (before) Kraft logo that stills occupies all of their packaging.</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa1Sab4R1TI/AAAAAAAAAH8/XaYf2n155jk/s1600-h/kraftshredded.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/Sa1Sab4R1TI/AAAAAAAAAH8/XaYf2n155jk/s400/kraftshredded.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308990149853566258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Let me get back to what got me to this point. I was in the cheese section (this is where I spend a large amount of time in the store - cheese is awesome) looking for some shredded cheese and noticed this awful package (above). Kraft seems to think that it's now necessary to put pictures of big blocks of cheese on there shredded cheese packages. This is insane. Who needs to see what cheese looks like when "hello" it's right there in the see through package.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">To me this packaging really starts to take on the look of a generic brand, too bad it's not priced that way. Honestly I can't say I really cared for the old blue Kraft Cheese packaging. I never purchased it - I was always drawn to the Sargento packaging. I guess if I'm going to pay $4 for cheese I don't want it to look generic. My personal fear is that all brands will start down this road. I would love to know what the thought is behind these changes. Maybe someday we will find out. What do you think?</span><br /><br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-61656818390331133042009-02-25T06:19:00.001-08:002009-02-25T06:51:09.616-08:00Rebranding...Really?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaVZDrihLlI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ZzO7Soq5h3Q/s1600-h/2969469986_263defd0b5_o.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 189px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaVZDrihLlI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ZzO7Soq5h3Q/s400/2969469986_263defd0b5_o.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306745655687982674" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">OK, so I've been seeing the new Pepsi logo floating around and had pretty much passed it off as crap, but the other day I saw something that really got me. It was a document that explained the process of the tweak that was made to the logo and why at this</span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://gawker.com/5150582/breathtaking-document-reveals-pepsis-logo-is-pinnacle-of-entire-universe"> link</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Take a read and see if you buy it. As a designer I have no doubt that people in the creative industry shovel BS, but this is beyond belief. If they spent as much time working on the rebrand as they did to justify it, Pepsi might have a new unique logo. Of course I really question Pepsi more for buying the whole load.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaVZ47aVj7I/AAAAAAAAAHs/NMNtp7UxPM4/s1600-h/tropicana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaVZ47aVj7I/AAAAAAAAAHs/NMNtp7UxPM4/s400/tropicana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306746570481700786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway the thing that got me looking at this whole rebranding fiasco was when we were in the store 2 weeks ago and my wife was looking for her normal Tropicana OJ. After 30 seconds of examination, we realized that it was now branded to look like a generic (at least that was my opinion). A huge stockphotoish glass of OJ on the box with the name turned sideways (strangely like the new pepsi bottles). The amazing thing is this ended up being a topic of conversation between me and my wife for the next half hour (btw she's not a creative). We talked about how could they lose their custom logo type as well as the orange with the straw stuck into it representing freshness.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Yesterday I read how Tropicana spent $35 million on the rebrand and that it was a huge mistake. Obviously they had been getting a lot of feedback about how much their rebranding failed. So you guessed it, they are going back to their old packaging (bravo).</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Here is the kicker I find that Tropicana is owned by Pepsi Co and imagine to my surprise both brands were rebranded by the Arnell Group. Huh - somebody at Pepsi Co might be out of a job soon. Oh yeah and just to let you know Peter Arnell (of the Arnell Group) recently spoke at an event hosted by Pepsi Co and explained, "consumers needed to be able to visualize the juice inside the orange. ” Because us little consumers don't know what orange juice looks like.</span></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-51908580957402699722009-02-24T06:01:00.000-08:002009-02-24T06:59:30.705-08:00Taking Ownership<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaQKqdYYNEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z4e1SU91_vg/s1600-h/2008+metroplan+inside2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaQKqdYYNEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z4e1SU91_vg/s400/2008+metroplan+inside2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306377985506948162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaQKqSorjlI/AAAAAAAAAHU/7GKSKVtnu-E/s1600-h/2008+metroplan+cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SaQKqSorjlI/AAAAAAAAAHU/7GKSKVtnu-E/s400/2008+metroplan+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306377982622535250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There are several things I love about winter, but the main thing is the rush of annual reports that start up. A lot of designers would tell you how much they hate annual reports, how constrained they are, how uncreative they allow you to be and most of all how little of a budget they have to produce an amazing piece. All of those things can be true, but I think with a little work designers can show their clients how a creative and engaging annual report can benefit them and hopefully in the process excite their client about the report as well.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Above is my latest completed report. It's for a metropolitan planning organization, which on the surface sounds pretty basic and dry, but in reality has a lot of interesting angles to concept an annual report around. I started working with this organization 6 years ago and since the beginning things have changed a lot. The organization has come to see how valuable of a PR piece a well produced report is to them. And personally I love working with this client on their report because for the last several years they have been taking ownership. Every year now they are thinking ahead and on the look out for ideas to make their report even better then before. They are excited about their own annual repor, what more can you ask for. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Maybe I'm different because I want the client to be involved in the process, I want them to think about paper and ask what they can do to make something work even better. I prefer to do work with my clients instead of do work for my clients. As a designer I always take ownership of the work I do (even though sometimes I would prefer not to), but having clients that are willing to take ownership makes the work I do that much more valuable. </span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-62663598371802824982009-01-05T11:33:00.000-08:002009-01-05T12:05:20.959-08:00It's Just a Little Gift.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SWJnu7APxFI/AAAAAAAAAHM/RcrygcAZ_OY/s1600-h/bird+2008+ornament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SWJnu7APxFI/AAAAAAAAAHM/RcrygcAZ_OY/s400/bird+2008+ornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287902968296752210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SWJnuSGUHaI/AAAAAAAAAHE/pvLZXYZpiyw/s1600-h/2008+ornament1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SWJnuSGUHaI/AAAAAAAAAHE/pvLZXYZpiyw/s400/2008+ornament1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287902957316349346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Every year since I started this crazy company I've been doing some sort of handmade ornament for my clients and vendors for Christmas. I know, it's not really politically correct, but I love Christmas ornaments and I think a large majority of other people do too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This year I had been talking to a local pottery artist in Greenville and decided it would be great to work with her on this years ornament. Her name is Lily Stratton and her website is </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.lilypottery.com/">http://www.lilypottery.com/.</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I did a sketch and told her to add her own little touch - after all she is an artist. After a couple of little tweaks of color and minor design changes the final outcome is the porcelain bird above. It turned out amazing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After I decided what I was producing for the ornament it was time to turn to the actual design of the card and package. Since the great illustrator Charley Harper died last year I wanted to do a tribute to him in his style - which really works great for letterpress. So the next step was to find the perfect person to do the letterpressing. Having worked with </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://porridgepapers.com/">Porridge Papers</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> in Lincoln Nebraska a couple of times I contacted them. After some plotting on how to best setup the file to letterpress correctly the job was sent to Nebraska to return as a beautiful set of cards. One card was then applied to a aluminum CD tin and the bird was inserted along with the Christmas card and some tissue. Overall it was a daunting project for a little gift for clients, but every year I hear how much these gems are loved.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Out of all the items I design and produce my Christmas ornaments are the ones that make it out of storage every year and back on to a beloved tree. I can only hope that they will be around long after I'm gone. To check out ornaments from past years check out my <a href="http://popcorninitiative.com/">website</a> under the misc. section of the portfolio section.</span></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-79157049861618024152008-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:002008-11-09T13:16:13.494-08:00Green at What Cost?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SRdR_OH6MAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/nRt_pOhe2Oc/s1600-h/green.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SRdR_OH6MAI/AAAAAAAAAGc/nRt_pOhe2Oc/s400/green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266768435797962754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So a couple of weeks ago I was out enjoying the change of seasons and I happened across this amazing photo. It really highlights the interaction of man and nature. It got me to thinking about how much are we willing to pay to be "green". With the economy in a major downturn and the pending "change" coming to the world how much are we really willing to spend?</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />My personal opinion is that this commercialized push to be green will be relatively short lived. Most corporations have jumped on this band wagon as a way to get good PR, not necessarily because they want to change the world. The one thing it has done is drawn attention to every aspects of our lives. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to cut the TP down to 3 sheets per use like some have suggested. I work hard for my money and I would like to spend it myself. The last thing I want the government to do is dictate to me what I can and can't buy. I'm not saying that I don't believe in being green - I just would prefer to not be told that I have to be green in every aspect of my life.<br /><br />I'm not into organic, but I'm into buying local - you go figure the difference. I don't mind recycling, but I'm not going to start piling my garage with garbage. I conserve on gas by running to several places all at once, but I don't want to drive a car that looks like a golf cart.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now the real question - how much are you willing to pay to be green? Are you really willing to pay 10 times the amount you pay now for your electricity? Are you really willing to pay $4 a gallon for gas? Are you willing to pay $3 for 1 organically grown avocado? Why shouldn't the free economy be allowed to sort these things out. Maybe there are enough people out there that will be willing to pay extra for these things, but don't force it on us. Between taxes and the necessities of life I'm tapped already. Just like that photo above, nature seems to do a pretty good job recovering from our obsessions. Yeah, it's going to be a little scarred, but over time it will bounce back just fine. I think it's more important for us to be responsible than it is to be fanatical.</span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-21625090270967192152008-09-26T10:47:00.000-07:002008-09-26T11:18:11.682-07:00The Propaganda Revolution?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDCwAM5I/AAAAAAAAAGE/xjSgbER4DAk/s1600-h/quiet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDCwAM5I/AAAAAAAAAGE/xjSgbER4DAk/s400/quiet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250395673815167890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDNtjMTI/AAAAAAAAAGM/S-7m3Xg_nMs/s1600-h/womenfact.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDNtjMTI/AAAAAAAAAGM/S-7m3Xg_nMs/s400/womenfact.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250395676757668146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDBy7GhI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cGMmbSep0aU/s1600-h/poster-12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SN0nDBy7GhI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cGMmbSep0aU/s400/poster-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250395673558981138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So with the former Soviet Union starting to take shape again and the possibility of a "depression" as the pundits say, are we looking at a possible era of new propaganda? I'm not talking about the propaganda we get everyday by watching network television, I'm talking about the design propaganda that took us through the depression and WWII. There was amazing work produced back then at the expense of the governments of the USSR and the USA. Work that I think you would be hard pressed to matched on such a scale again. I think the real question is, does the world the way it is today have a place for such propaganda.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Personally I think as a whole that with the wide access to the internet and television that printed propaganda has little chance of a revolution. Sure the pieces could be produced, but to what success? Designers and collectors would love to get their hands on political and social propaganda posters. This is a problem - well designed, graphically interested posters would immediately disappear from their place of post, thus not allowing the message to get out. That's why I think the evolution of propaganda has already happened. Examine the current presidential election - messages, videos and stories being disseminated on the internet. Supposed news organizations with an initiative for a specific candidate. Regardless of the truth of any of the items they are around the world in seconds. A successful YouTube video today is 100 times more effective than a great propaganda poster of the 1930's.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The whole thing that's sad about this is that those posters of the 1930's and 1940's will always be cherish and have a place in history. But how long will the modern day videos and internet stories be remembered and cherished? That's the problem with the internet - there's no tangible element to remind history that it existed. Print will never be perfect, but it will always be part of history.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As a designer I say we start producing propaganda to halt the evolution of propaganda - let's see how that would workout. Of course we may need a government agency created to oversee the PATEOP (Propaganda Against The Evolution Of Propaganda).</span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-37781300833107369702008-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:002008-09-08T13:53:54.376-07:00The Impact of Image<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQv_uw_7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/kIs_4w1UWpA/s1600-h/photo3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQv_uw_7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/kIs_4w1UWpA/s400/photo3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243756495378644914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQwOPqMwI/AAAAAAAAAF0/j5qMc4YILb0/s1600-h/photo1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQwOPqMwI/AAAAAAAAAF0/j5qMc4YILb0/s400/photo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243756499274707714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQweIpslI/AAAAAAAAAF8/SPnK0AvFVXU/s1600-h/photo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SMWQweIpslI/AAAAAAAAAF8/SPnK0AvFVXU/s400/photo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243756503540281938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't you just hate it when a client comes to you and presents a project that they want to produce and they explain to you that they only have enough budget for design and printing. They have nothing for photography or illustration. What's the point? It's kind of like building a house without a roof - it's got windows and has a foundation but it won't last long and needless to say is useless.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />I can't express enough how important imagery is for any project. While there are lot of options utilizing stock these days they is still no substitute for shooting or illustrating for the actual project. I've heard many times, "Oh don't worry, Jane here is a photographer". Really, than why is Jane answering your phones. There is a reason that professional photographers get paid for what they do, simply put - it's not that easy. Sure I can come up with some brilliant ideas for a project and have an idea of how I envision a photo looking, but just because I have digital camera doesn't mean I can shoot photos.<br /><br />The photos when shot properly will perfect the concept and in turn make the piece effective. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Why spend the money at all if you aren't willing to get decent photography or illustration? Keep the money and throw a party, it might have a better result. Now when the budget for photography or illustration is considered the outcome can be outstanding. Regardless of what the project is imagery is going to make or break it. So next time you want to produce an amazing piece remember to add in the budget for photography and/or illustration. Your designer/agency will thank you, as will your boss for producing such an amazing piece.</span> </span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-46701550070601226112008-08-29T11:19:00.000-07:002008-08-29T11:46:04.057-07:00A Job Worth Doing<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >So today I was reminded of one simple rule of business - a job worth doing is worth doing right. While I always feel this way I have experienced many people that don't.<br /><br />Today I had guys coming over to sod my yard and the guy who was really just a laborer said "the ground isn't prepared properly and I really hate to put nice sod on this uneven ground". Needless to say his instructions from his boss (the owner of the company) was that it was done and ready to be put down so just do it. This led to a discussion between me and his boss that basically went nowhere. After the owner left the laborer basically explained to me that the company has a new owner and how the new owner has no interest in doing something the best that it can be. He also told me he had very little interest in working under the new owner long term since the owner took no pride in doing the job right. Now remember this guy is just a laborer, just a guy who lays sod. So this laborer and his team decided among themselves that they are going to spend the several extra hours it will take to make the job just right. He had more interest in making me happy then the owner of the company. This guys pride in his job is so important to him that he's willing to go find a company that appreciates the good work he does. Who wouldn't love to have someone like that on their payroll. Needless to say at the end of the day the guys working in the yard, doing all of the hard work. They will be getting a big tip from me.<br /><br />This really sparked that whole thought of a "a job worth doing is worth doing right". When did that change? When did so many people stop taking interest and pride in their jobs? If a guy laying sod can appreciate what he does so much that he's willing to go the extra mile to make it right, why can't all of us? I personally never take a client for granted. If I'm going to take on a job of course I want to do it to the best of my ability. By doing a great job I that client will refer me to other clients and hopefully I will have the opportunity to work with that same client in the future. It sucks to do work you hate, so if you hate it find a new job or a new client and do stuff you love. Even if you aren't making as much money you'll be much happier in the end. So the next time you take a job, first make sure it's worth doing and second make sure it's done right.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1696861783289181621.post-64099085216866098922008-08-21T05:40:00.000-07:002008-08-21T06:19:05.747-07:00Signed, "Anonymous"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SK1q5-DbcjI/AAAAAAAAAFk/724YFMy19DE/s1600-h/anonymous.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xuRpz8gZP_c/SK1q5-DbcjI/AAAAAAAAAFk/724YFMy19DE/s400/anonymous.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236959485844222514" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br />This post has absolutely nothing to do with items that are graphic or creative, but I did think in a way it was brilliant and raised lots of questions. It's a website called <a href="http://www.helloyouthere.com/">Hello! You There!</a> The whole point of the project is to allow people to be able to send constructive advice to a person or persons anonymously. Basically you go to the website and enter the Addressee and the advice you would like to send to them, then an actual letter is created and mailed post to the location provided. It doesn't quite stop there - the addressee can then respond on the <a href="http://www.helloyouthere.com/">Hello! You There!</a> website to the addressers letter.<br /><br />So, is this a social experiment? I personally think it is. The idea of what if you can tell anyone, anything without them knowing it was you is something that would intrigue almost any human. We all have that deep, dark pit inside of us that want to critique someone we know - but fear hurting their feelings and damaging relationships. Is this a solution to that? Who knows. I definitely see where people will use this to get all those little things off their chest, but obviously you can't be too specific or else it wouldn't be anonymous.<br /><br />So could this go beyond, "You really need to wear deodorant"? Why not send positive comments anonymously? Wouldn't everyone love to hear something great about themselves from an anonymous person? People always love to be credited for praise and hate to be credited for critique. I guess it's human nature, but is it just another step away from the personal aspect of communications. In the new world of emails and texting do we really need to add another way to communicate that's completely impersonal? Isn't it kind of cowardly to critique someone anonymously? Longterm, aren't we just making it so that people can't speak direct and as individuals we can't cope with criticism? Do we really want the next generation to cry and have their feelings hurt every time they are criticized directly? Just like any other tool, I think it has everything to do with how you use it.<br /></span>Chris Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030558396203282220noreply@blogger.com1