09.12.2011 - Topic: Research
Being a create person comes with it’s challenges. I love the basic elements of design. With fall here, it’s a great time for inspiration. A lot of things happen in the fall. College and schools are back in session. NFL season has started (which I love). Most non-profit initiative have begun. So with all the new things that start in the fall, inspiration is all around you. Changes occurs unnoticed! For instance, the Georgia Bulldogs of the University of Georgia changed their team outfits. They are contemporary and very appealing to the eye. Compared to last years jerseys, its a keeper!
Have your design team, graphics department, art directors, etc. go out and have a day where you get out the office and get inspired!!! Inspirations keep the creative mind and your designs fresh. When I was in college, my mother said always invest in yourself. So that’s what I do!!! At least four times a month I buy books, take pics (with my Canon), sketch or even go out and by those REALLY EXPENSIVE design books at Barnes & Nobles. Even these minor montlyh investments, make such a difference in how I create and keep things fresh as well as inspire younger designers. Make the change to inspire and KEEP IT FRESH!!!
09.12.2011 - Topic: Design & Development
Whens the last time you asked yourself, “why did they use those colors?” Or “what concepts did they study to gain such a powerful layout?” As the creative director at Think Prowess, my goal is to learn the “why” behind design. Back in art theory class I learned to not to get caught up in the aesthetic of a thing, but the “why” of it. What is the “why” behind your work. Why do you do what you do in your designs? Is your work beauty driven or research driven. My challenge to all of our subscribers is to a take a week and ask yourself why that color, that concept or that layout.
09.12.2011 - Topic: Design
Being a graphic designer is one of the best things that happened toward me becoming a creative director. But to not expand my mind and become holistic in the field of design/development through research and interaction would make me unfit for future growth. Whatever your field, expanding your mind is a the GREATEST tool you have. From Lynda.com to AIGA, there are resources that can make you the best. Utilize the tools. Connect with fellow designers and developers. Go to conferences and seminars. If the sky is the limit, then start working on the ground. Stop selling your mind short and grow..
09.12.2011 - Topic: Brand Identity
Would you recognize a good name if you heard it. In the last blog post, I discussed with you that your job is to call people to attention, and keep their interest sparked. Your naming abilities, I’m suggesting, should be out this world. Many people have great brands and horrible names. Most people ask me two things first. (1) What’s your name. (2) What’s the name of your company (brand)? How you name something is important. Have you ever wondered why something didn’t work?
The name Chad Johnson is a really common name. You can go to almost any city and find a name. Ocho Cinco on the other hand is a uncommon name and for anybody who knows football knows this name belongs to the one and only NFL star Chad Johnson. Could it be that Chad wanted his personal brand to get him attention to draw more attention to him or the team he played on?
Ocho Cinco said, “It’s something I don’t think anyone has ever done before,” he told the team’s Web site. “Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I’m having fun.”
Wow, does your brand management do that. Whether he personally came up with it or if it was influenced it worked! What about your brand is working for you? The original name for Think Prowess was Prowess Design Firm. But people remembered my domain name thinkprowess.com more than the name of the company. Well thanks Ricky for helping me see the light two years ago. The name of our company changed and so did the revenue of our company.
Criteria For A Good Name
1. Distinctiveness
2. Brevity
3. Appropriateness
4. Pronunciation and Easy Spelling
5. Likability
6. Extendibility
7. Protectability
Being a create person comes with it’s challenges. I love the basic elements of design. With fall here, it’s a great time for inspiration. A lot of things happen in the fall. College and schools are back in session. NFL season has started (which I love). Most non-profit initiative have begun. So with all the new things that start in the fall, inspiration is all around you. Changes occurs unnoticed! For instance, the Georgia Bulldogs of the University of Georgia changed their team outfits. They are contemporary and very appealing to the eye. Compared to last years jerseys, its a keeper!