Good design isn’t about what’s “prettier” or what’s more appealing.  Sometimes design is tactical. Sometimes design is born of strategy rather than execution (graphic designers everywhere just rolled their eyes).

Take it from this kid who came up with a kick-ass strategy that satisfied a simple, practical problem with the most elegant and simple solution in the world. What might have been otherwise obvious to most hockey players, this kid contemplated how design played a role in his situation, then used that very principle to defeat a simple problem by the same means. (more…)

This Design Council article may be based on facts from the UK, but business is business is business no matter what your geographic location may be. Cold, hard facts are delivered via case studies in this article. Pretty hard to argue: DESIGN YOUR WAY OUT OF DOWNTURN

The latest book by Guy Kawasaki: Reality Check

I just finished up the latest book by Guy Kawasaki, Reality Check. It was absolutely amazing which is to be expected from a person like Guy.

What I loved most about the book is its format. It’s one of those reads that allows for a busy schedule. Each chapter is to the point and devoid of bull shiitake, as he would say.

The book is a collection of Guy’s articles from over the years organized by topic. Together they are presented as what I would consider a must-have for any person in business. Not just business owners or entrepreneurs, but anyone operating and working in the corporate world. (more…)

Fish no longer, they are now Sea Kittens!

What a sad day it is when an organization attempts to further guilt the public with a horrible “rebrand” of fish. Yes, Fish. Like the little things in our seas, oceans and lakes. Rebrand them. Fish have a brand?

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When speaking about branding, everyone immediately floats to the identity of company. The brand identity is the most visible part of a brand and its branding campaign. A brand has a multitude of touch points that all work in tandem to create a total sum emotion; aka, your brand. There are touch points that are obvious and ones not so obvious. Despite being under the radar, these back of the mind touch points are still extremely vital in continuing to keep a brand in tact and on the path of growth. (more…)

Great packaging seen at B&N. Love the subtle flourishes and limited color palette.

Karns is a Harrisburg area food store that has been known for its selection of choice cut meats for decades. Everyone knows Karns for its meat selection. Their brand is solid. Their brand communication, especially identity falls incredibly short. Frankly, it’s garbage.

Karns logo with so many negative elements it's sad.

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In one phrase, most agencies don’t even understand what branding is, truly. The term “branding” has become so generic that most immediately think it is the design of a logo. As if a logo redesign is going single-handedly increase revenue and solve every problem in a company.

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Unless you have lived in a cave, the term “green” has entered your life in some way. From building to products and even into lifestyle, the term green is on the tips of the tongues of the masses. Both consumer and commercial arenas are buzzing about green living so much so that “green” has gone from an attention getting term, to just another ineffective marketing tactic.

Green thoughts are creating green static.

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Extending your brand’s product or service line seems like a no brainer. More products/services means more income, right? Wrong.

Extending a brand without a strategy can create complete confusion.

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