A recent survey (The Financial Times, Sept 18, 2009) shows that low carbon products and services are now generating more revenue than the global aerospace and defense sectors. “Climate sector” industries include renewable energy, nuclear energy, energy management, waste and water companies. The global revenue for these industries was $534 billion in 2008, a 75% increase. It seems that, despite the global recession, green is growing.
A new twitter is born. It’s not really a new and improved version. Nor is it the next best thing. It’s pretty much the same thing but different. It was created for those who like to delve more deeply into their thoughts. Those who find twitter to be too restrictive. On woofer, you’re required to have a minimum of 1,400 characters in your post. (Twitter limits you to a very brief 140.)
Being that we are currently doing some logo and branding for a client in the wine industry, I thought that exploring the world of color might be a fun topic. We have just about finished up our black and white logos for the client and it is almost time to show them some color options. However, the color options are a little tricky since it seems like most companies in the industry use the same old color palate. I know that when people think of wine they think of red, white and blush (pink) but the question is are these are only options and how do I get away from them?
At a panel discussion for enterprising women that I attended last week, I heard a particular sentiment that resonated with me. The point that was being addressed was that changes in the economy, in technology and in the way we work have contributed to a paradigm shift — it’s no longer enough to simply “think outside the box,” because the “box” is no longer there.
Over the past two years Pizza Hut has begun a massive brand-repositioning to modernize. With the tough economic times and people eating out less they have introduced, “The Hut” which aims to introduce fresher and more abundant toppings. It’s an effort to get back those consumers who have opted to eat in for healthier options. This new image, the red pizza boxes and their new menu items like multigrain pizza are part of Pizza Hut’s effort to reconnect with consumers.
I just came across an article on LogoDesignLove.com’s website and wanted to share it with our blog readers. Our summer intern, Alex, who’s worked only on class projects so far, had the opportunity to contribute some ideas for a pro bono project we’re working on. As this is one of her first “real-life” projects, we thought this list was a great quick tip reference for her when working on concepts. It includes some great design essentials that all of us should be reminded of when thinking about logos.
Just read an interesting article in Advertising Age that had my attention. Thought I’d share it and see what you all think.
Today I read about “The $50 Logo Experiment” on 160over90’s blog.
As a designer I have always wondered about those online design companies that offered custom logo services with unlimited revisions in a matter of days. They are my “competition” according to some, but I don’t think I should worry anymore after reading “The 50 Dollar Logo Experiment.” The post was not only amusing (Sorry to those who felt it was cruel!) but it is a perfect example of why you should stay far away from companies like that. That is unless a smiling cheese is what represents your company!
No, I’m not talking about the swine flu. I’m talking about marketing messages and how you can get them to go viral. Viral marketing has become a hip, low-cost way to reach a lot of people quickly. While its not easy to do, following a few rules can help, according to Dan and Chip Heath, in the May issue of Fast Company.
According to the April 20th issue of Advertising Age, sustainable product sales have risen even amidst the economic downturn. “Green Marketing”, it says “is turning out to be surprisingly recession-proof.” Consumers are still buying sustainable goods despite their higher cost and the increase in usage and competition is driving the cost of green goods down. The result? Organic food is up 5% over last year. Natural-food store sales are up 10%. Water filtration systems are up 22%. Introduction of new green products is on the rise.
I think that in all the years that we have had a president, we have never had one quite like Barack Obama when it comes to his ability to realize how important branding is to represent who we are and what we stand for. Everyone who followed his campaign will never forget his logo or slogan “Change We Can Believe In.” Whether or not you were/are an Obama fan, his slogan was something people will never forget. He never backed down from it. He believed in what he was representing and that authenticity is what made him a strong competitor. It made him stand out from the pack and ultimately, I think, what gave him that edge.
Twitter seems to be everywhere these days. At times, it’s a veritable bird frenzy. So we’ve been thinking about how, and if, it might be used to support a company’s branding.
