By Stephanie French
February 22nd, 2010
I receive a lot of direct mail. And, it takes a lot to get my attention when it comes to direct mail. So, I will hold on to and remember anything that sparks my interest. Just recently, I received a great dimensional mailer from 3dpapergraphics.com that I want to share.
Now, I wouldn’t recommend mailing it in an a window envelope the way I received it but, I was tickled when I opened the piece and out “popped” three more pieces. I admit, I was startled at first but then I realized how fun, creative and attention grabbing this direct mailer is. It’s definitely a great idea to keep something like this in mind if you’re struggling with the same lackluster mailers.
Have you received any creative or fun direct mailers lately?
By Adam Garcia
February 17th, 2010
In design there is always a risk in deciding what imagery to use in your advertising. I stumbled upon this flickr page that poses the question, “what if we went in another direction?” The site showcases a wide range of “re-worked” movie posters from the past.
Coming from an art background, it was like a breath of fresh air to see a more risky approach that still holds true to the content but that is presented in a new and fresh way. I feel that B2B advertising can gain from this theory as well. Instead of always sticking to what others do, why not push the envelope and do what no one else is doing? Get that creative edge and really stand out.
What do you think? Is breaking apart from the pack too risky? What other examples really stand out to you?
By Kristina Toft
February 5th, 2010
As a graphic designer, so many times I am asked, “What does a graphic designer actually do?” Well, in the made-for-television version, we hang around a funky office with a laptop in one hand and a ping pong paddle in the other. But in reality, our jobs are a lot more serious than that. Yes, we do have fun, but the fun is in having the opportunity to be creative and the bonus is getting paid for it. Despite the picture painted on television, we don’t sit around and play all day.
A graphic designer’s work is a part of your daily life—from the Web sites you visit to the magazines you read, to the cereal box you take out of your pantry in the morning. Our job is to communicate ideas visually to promote products or services when words alone don’t tell the whole story. And, it’s not as easy as just jumping on a computer and pushing the mouse around all day. We have an extensive process—we research, brainstorm ideas, sketch out initial thoughts, and follow design theories—all while working closely as a team with copywriters, marketing professionals and fellow designers to produce and deliver effective materials for clients. Our computers are merely tools that aid the process.
What are your thoughts on the perception of graphic design among the general public?
By Mike Bjella
January 26th, 2010
Another season of Project Runway has started. And, as always, the designers are rushing to get ground-breaking designs done under near-impossible deadlines. The show reminds me of somewhere—oh yes, work.
I only mention the show because it got me to think about Pantone’s seasonal color picks for 2010. They just announced what’s “in” for spring. Check out the fashion color report here to see what is currently “in” (And, check out my previous blog post see what was “in” for fall). Designers in all fields, including b2b marketing, can benefit from knowing what colors are in. Good news for Canyon, turquoise is at the top of the list.
My favorite quote from the report is “practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers.” But, Heidi Klum said it best on Project Runway, “Colors, one day you’re in and the next you’re out.” You are so correct Heidi.
Will you be incorporating some of these new colors into your spring design work?
By Renata Miles
December 28th, 2009
Russia has at last unveiled the logo for the 2014 Winter Olympics to be held in Sochi. After the storm of controversy over the 2012 London Olympic logo, which has been called “hideous,” “childish” and “ugly,” it’s nice to see a much cleaner and up-to-date logo.
The Sochi 2014 brand was developed by brand consultancy Interbrand and an “Expert Brand Council” established by the Sochi 2014 organizing committee. Their strategy was simple—to develop an emblem that would drive fans to Sochi’s website and online platforms. They accomplished this by developing the first Olympic logo to feature a web address (I think it’s a pretty neat idea!).
Now, let’s look at the design. The lowercase lettering seems plain, but once examined closer you realize that the word Sochi is mirrored by the numbers 2014, drawn to reflect each other. This is meant to reflect the meeting of Sochi’s point between the sea and the mountains. The Olympic rings sit in their original colors beside the web address. Personally, I feel that the logo comes across a little ”flat” but it’s a much bigger improvement from previous Olympic logos.
What do you think about the Sochi 2014 Olympic logo? Is it better or worse than the London one?
