Even A 3 Year Old Knows Branding

As a designer, I do my best to make sure that the solutions I develop for my clients are appropriate and meaningful to their target audience in order to help them sell their wares or services. For the most part, I believe that it's not evil, however when even a 3 year old makes judgements based on brands, I think it's time to re-think all this advertising we're doing. Is it really such a good idea to push so much crap, most of it what people don't need and won't help them feel better in the long run.

And now their little kids apparently are already judging who they'd play with and how they feel about themselves based on branding. This is unacceptable. We as designers need to spend more time using our skills for good and helping others. Maybe it's time for less is more and the smaller the logo, the better.

I'm sure corporate America will never go for this, they are in it for the money and recognition after all. But maybe if enough folks start one by one designing better solutions without branding the hell of it, maybe it will catch on and we can have kids that can just enjoy being kids and not worry that they won't have any friends because they don't have the "right" toys.

Pepsi Should Make Throwback Formula "the Pepsi"

I apparently haven't been keeping up with the Pepsi throwbacks. I found a new version (from the 80s(?) at my local supermarket. And of course, I had to buy 'em!

I still prefer the first throwback design. It's clean simple, nostalgic, and just plain cool. Pepsi needs to ditch the current formula, go back to the throwback formula as the regular "Pepsi".

Cheezy Trek T-Shirt Offer

The people at Cheez-It crack me up. They have a nice Trek related t-shirt reward on their recent packaging. It's a pretty cool lookin' shirt:

This is the part that cracks me up:

Now, I know that the new Star Trek has a broader appeal; however, I'm fairly confident that most "regular" folks won't be wearing this t-shirt to any social or sporting occasion...

New Nap for That T's!

Yes, I've been working hard on a few new Nap for That t-shirt designs: check 'em out (or even better, buy one) at my Zazzle store. Free shipping for a limited to anywhere on Earth via code: JUNESHIPFREE. Enjoy!

New T's on Zazzle: There's a Nap for That

I just created a new line of shirts for everyone who loves naps! "Whatever tires you, there's a nap for that." Enjoy! http://tinyurl.com/qm7kjz

New Zazzle Ts: Designer Math

New t-shirt design available from my Zazzle shop!

If you thought Algebra was hard, then you're probably a designer. We might have a job that's more fun, but our math isn't much easier, just different. Available in Men's and Women's sizes on my Zazzle shop.

T-shirt reads:
Can you place the Illy file into ID and try to either print it from
there or make a PDF and print the PDF?

Can you walk and chew gum at the same time?

Perhaps if you feed it cookies it will be all better? Or better yet,
feed you cookies and come back to it?

Did you export the AI file to make the PSD or JPG? What happens if
you just open the AI file in PSD?

Did you try doing a Save As, deleting the custom fills and seeing if
it will print?

Maybe you could photocopy it instead? :P

Stimulate the Economy!

Well, my personal economy....shameless self promo: I just added 2 new shirts to my Zazzle store that poke fun at the economic situation. Stimulate the economy in style with these t-shirts! Both designs are available in men's and women's styles. If you like what ya see, you can buy 'em here.

Ponoko: Make Your Own Products!

As a creative, I make prints of my 2-d illustrations and have my designs printed, which is great. Ponoko takes it to the next level and allows you to turn your creativity loose on making real objects! Whether it's a one-off prototype or special gift, this is just really cool! I don't know what I'm going to make...yet... ;)

Not-As-Upscale

From my friends over at HOW comes this NY Times (free registration required) article talking about upscale brands feeling the pinch of the financial "crisis". And they seem to be utilizing some low-end tactics to keep the customers coming: coupons and steep discounts. Is this a new trend until the financial storm blows over? For designers: how have your clients been reacting? 

My feelings are mixed on this one. Yes, I understand there's a lot of bad financial crap going on right now and we've all had to tighten our belts a bit. However, if you are an upscale brand and you are trying to convince people to pay more for your widget does it really behoove you to hook customers on discounts? 

I think that in the long term, upscale brands who switch gears and try to compete on price will end up hurting themselves and the perceived value of their brand. Sure, you will pick up new customers and keep current ones in the short term. But once those discounts disappear when the economy picks up again, people will feel like they've being ripped off. ("If x brand could take 50% then, why are they charging 100% more now?")  And those "cherry pickers" who come running to the sales most likely will run the other way when the prices start going up again. So the brand has not only lost current customers, they've lost "new" customers too. 

However, I do understand the need to actually stay in business. And my mother always taught me buy stuff on sale. So I really can't complain about saving some money. And maybe the folks getting these good deals will realize how great the products are and want to pay more for them when the prices do go up because of their superior quality. 

So what do you think? I'd love to hear your comments!

Suggestive Selling Gone Awry

So I was browsing Amazon the other day, looking at Weed Whackers (or edgers). And I'm sure you are familiar with Amazon's "People Who Bought This Item Also Bought" feature.

Well, I gotta admit, I never thought of buying an edger and TP in the same purchase. Is it to wipe the edger when you're done? Or maybe we're all better off not knowing…