Sunday, January 25, 2009
My Rebranding Experience
So, I decided to rebrand a small dessert catering company called Just Desserts. It is a fledgling company that is owned and operated by a woman I know from church. I actually saw one of her flyer/ brochures last semester and immediately knew I had to do some work on her graphics. She was sinking... and fast. I have been sketching for a minute, but have already hit a roadblock. Minor setback though. I'm sure its just a case of the its January , MLK day, Obama Inauguration Day, and my Bday so I am a party machine...no biggie. I am really excited about this project and cannot wait to see the end result. I have photos to come soon.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
GRANIN Logo

I found this logo via a google search. I really think it is edgy, no pun intended, and cool. Because of the fact that many logos are usually flat, the 3D approach and the gradient make this logo stand out even more. If I were to see this logo at laarge scale, I would think it would be mutated at a smaller size. However, the designer obviously took time to make sure this did not happen and did a great job of it.
GSU logo

I really like the Georgia State logo, not only because I go there, but because it represents the school well. It is well thought out and executed. The G not only makes me think of GSU, but also Georgia in general. The logo is unique and a little trendy and seems to me to have constant motion, qualities also indicative of the fast paced atmosphere of downtown Atlanta, where GSU is located.
SUBWAY Logo
USPS Logo
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Corporate brands: what are they? What of them? by John M.T. Balmer, Edmund R. Gray
European Journal of Marketing
This article examines the nature, importance, typology, and management of corporate brands. Argues that in making a distinction between corporate brands, corporate identities, and product brands, the underlying characteristics of corporate brands can be uncovered. A key thesis of the article is that a corporate brand is a valuable resource: one that provides an entity with a sustainable, competitive advantage if specific criteria are met. These criteria are defined in terms of an economic theory known as “the resource-based view of the firm”. An affirmation of this economic doctrine requires corporate brands to be rare, durable, inappropriable, imperfectly imitable, and imperfectly substitutable. Also contends that the traditional tripartite, branding typology be expanded to reflect the new modes in which corporate brands are being utilised. These new corporate branding categories are: familial, shared, surrogate, supra, multiplex, and federal. Finally, reasons that the management of a corporate brand requires the orchestration of six “identity types”. The critical identity type is the “covenanted identity” because it underpins the corporate brand. The covenanted identity comprises a set of expectations relating to an organisation's products/services and activities. Internally, it acts as a standard against which an employee/employer's actions can be evaluated. Argues that employees are crucial to the success, and maintenance, of corporate brands. Speculates that the current interest in corporate brands is redolent of a new dynamic in marketing. As such, corporate brands are symptomatic of the increased importance accorded to corporate-level concerns and concepts. This interest in corporate-level concerns should form the basis of a new branch of marketing: one that weft and weaves the concepts of corporate identity, image, reputation, communications along with corporate branding. The article concurs with Balmer and Greyser who argue that this area should be known as corporate-level-marketing.
This article examines the nature, importance, typology, and management of corporate brands. Argues that in making a distinction between corporate brands, corporate identities, and product brands, the underlying characteristics of corporate brands can be uncovered. A key thesis of the article is that a corporate brand is a valuable resource: one that provides an entity with a sustainable, competitive advantage if specific criteria are met. These criteria are defined in terms of an economic theory known as “the resource-based view of the firm”. An affirmation of this economic doctrine requires corporate brands to be rare, durable, inappropriable, imperfectly imitable, and imperfectly substitutable. Also contends that the traditional tripartite, branding typology be expanded to reflect the new modes in which corporate brands are being utilised. These new corporate branding categories are: familial, shared, surrogate, supra, multiplex, and federal. Finally, reasons that the management of a corporate brand requires the orchestration of six “identity types”. The critical identity type is the “covenanted identity” because it underpins the corporate brand. The covenanted identity comprises a set of expectations relating to an organisation's products/services and activities. Internally, it acts as a standard against which an employee/employer's actions can be evaluated. Argues that employees are crucial to the success, and maintenance, of corporate brands. Speculates that the current interest in corporate brands is redolent of a new dynamic in marketing. As such, corporate brands are symptomatic of the increased importance accorded to corporate-level concerns and concepts. This interest in corporate-level concerns should form the basis of a new branch of marketing: one that weft and weaves the concepts of corporate identity, image, reputation, communications along with corporate branding. The article concurs with Balmer and Greyser who argue that this area should be known as corporate-level-marketing.
Branding
It Just Keeps on Going and Going and …November 29th, 2008
Some companies know the importance of building a brand identity. Volvo is and will always be the “safe” car company. They own it. Energizer will own “long lasting” in the battery market forever because of their commitment to their brand identity.
The Energizer Bunny is a branding icon. But for the right reasons. He means that his battery is more powerful than your battery. At least that’s how consumers initially perceive it. What does Duracell mean to you? Do you have to think about it?
Most icons fail because they don’t really mean anything. There has to be a clear, easy message that differentiates you. Energizer is the king of perception when it comes to long lasting. But IS their battery the longest lasting? That’s a story for another day.
as found on http://www.brandidentityguru.com/wordpress/
It Just Keeps on Going and Going and …November 29th, 2008
Some companies know the importance of building a brand identity. Volvo is and will always be the “safe” car company. They own it. Energizer will own “long lasting” in the battery market forever because of their commitment to their brand identity.
The Energizer Bunny is a branding icon. But for the right reasons. He means that his battery is more powerful than your battery. At least that’s how consumers initially perceive it. What does Duracell mean to you? Do you have to think about it?
Most icons fail because they don’t really mean anything. There has to be a clear, easy message that differentiates you. Energizer is the king of perception when it comes to long lasting. But IS their battery the longest lasting? That’s a story for another day.
as found on http://www.brandidentityguru.com/wordpress/
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I think that this explanation of what graphic design is is very interesting and wanted to post it for those who do not understand exactly what it is.
The term graphic design can refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. Various methods are used to create and combine symbols, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. A graphic designer may use typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result. Graphic design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.
Common uses of graphic design include magazines, advertisements, product packaging and web design. For example, a product package might include a logo or other artwork, organized text and pure design elements such as shapes and color which unify the piece. Composition is one of the most important features of graphic design especially when using pre-existing materials or diverse elements.
Common uses of graphic design include magazines, advertisements, product packaging and web design. For example, a product package might include a logo or other artwork, organized text and pure design elements such as shapes and color which unify the piece. Composition is one of the most important features of graphic design especially when using pre-existing materials or diverse elements.
In my own words: Basically you can see graphic design all around you--anything you look at was probably designed by a graphic designer. GRD is a visual solution to a problem.

as found on http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/marketing/a/brandingks.htm
7 Logo Design Tips
Keep in mind that a powerful logo design:
7 Logo Design Tips
Keep in mind that a powerful logo design:
- has a strong, balanced image with no little extras that clutter its look;
- is distinctive and bold in design, making it easy to see at a glance;
- has graphic imagery that looks appropriate for your business;
- works well with your company name;
- is done in an easy to read font;
- communicates your business clearly; and
- looks good in black and white, as well as in color.
Example: Georgia State University Logo
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