Since I’ve been in the business of branding and logo design for many years, I’ve been asked by my clients to update a logo, redesign a website or polish a speaker one sheet. I respond first by saying we should re-evaluate their current brand message before proceeding with any graphical changes. Many times the direction of a small business will change and grow into new markets with new product lines, different services and clientele. My clients know their logo’s graphic image, typography, colors and tag line should always support their overall brand. So if the logo doesn’t change with the business it will look out of place. Sometimes all we…
Our team recently provided branding and publishing for speaker Brian Dennis. We guided Brian through the process of self-publishing his second book while at the same time created his brand, built his website and designed his marketing toolkit within a 4 month period. The expedited schedule was precipitated on an important upcoming speaking opportunity for Brian. My publishing team members edited his book, designed the book interior, finished the cover, converted it into an ebook and uploaded the files to Kindle, Barnes & Noble and Apple within 3 months. Meanwhile, other members of my team created his brand and marketing toolkit with a new…
In this second part of a two-part series, you will learn what items to consider before you register a trademark for your logo, brand name or business name, and why you might want to hire an attorney to help you. Before you apply for federal registration, be aware that not everything can be registered as a trademark. Here is the link to part one of this series. Some Things to Be Aware of Before Submitting Your Application to register a trademark The mark in your application must not be easily confused with another already registered mark on two different counts: 1) the marks…
A good logo should be distinctive, unique and memorable. It should capture the essence of a business or organization with appropriate imagery, colors and typography. A designer should NEVER try to mimic or copy another existing logo; it is a BAD idea and may lead to logo trademark infringement ! An organization’s logo is an essential part of their brand, and the trademark owner should—and will—go to great lengths to protect any infringement on their brand. On April 23, 2015 the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce sued the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce for trademark infringement on their logo. In the Denver Business…
We’ve created dynamic brands, eye-popping logos and attractive business cards for many clients. Here’s how we design effective business cards that become powerful sales tools. The secret is in crafting layouts that are full of power, punch and purpose . . . John Hall’s speaking platform is built on his 6-Step “Do What You Can” System. We designed his abstract logo with six 3D blocks. This image is the basis of his brand and book cover design. As a vital, motivational speaker it was important to show John’s engaging photo on the front of his card. To make him really…
Client Case Study: Brand and Website Design My creative team recently finished a large project for a hearing aid dispenser. We guided Byron Patton of Lifestyle Hearing Solutions through the steps of creating a brand and website along with a new logo and stationery package for his new company. The process was deliberate and creative and constructed in a way to leverage ideas and concepts to save Byron time and money. Here’s how we did it. First, our branding expert, Patrice Rhoades-Baum held an in-depth interview with Byron and other team members to discuss his target market, the value his company…
Our team just completed a branding and publishing project for John Hall. This included designing marketing materials, a corporate ID package, book design, CD packaging and website development. It was a massive undertaking, bringing together the skills and talents of 10 team members into a 5-month project. John came to us to help launch a new direction in his successful speaking business based on his new book, Do What You Can! John provides advice, motivation, insight, and a step-by-step system to help people not simply meet their goals (business, career, personal) but to achieve extraordinary results. John’s core message is: “Get…
My team just finished creating a website and book cover brand for our new client: author and speaker Bill Young. The portfolio samples and case study below show you how we created his new brand and worked together to keep the graphics consistent throughout his website, 2 book covers, CD label and stationery items. An accomplished business and community leader Bill Young has created and sold businesses, is spearheading efforts to raise millions of dollars to fund a healthcare start-up company, and has led teams of volunteers to raise millions for Denver-based charities. Given his expertise in raising funds for non-profit organizations and start-up…
In our marketplace today, we spend hours and hours on a computer surfing the internet. According to research, it is estimated that many of us are exposed to over 200 logo designs or branding marks per hour. Your logo will be used on your business cards, your website, outdoor designs, various spots on the Internet, and on promotional items like T-shirts, mugs, key chains, etc. At that rate, in order to be memorable to your prospects and clients, that logo had better pop out and stick in someone’s memory, wouldn’t you say? Sprinkled below are my tips for logo design and several…
Have you ever asked yourself why a competitor’s business gets more attention than yours? The answer just may have to do with the elements that go into how memorable the business is. And that has to do with branding. Specifically visual branding. Do you remember what I wrote last month about branding? Think of branding as predefining what a company is all about in the minds of its clients. Good branding differentiates your products and services in a positive way that really sticks in the minds of potential customers. Last month I explained how your logo is the first visual…