UD+M earns LogoPond Honors 3:12 PM

The work of UBER DESIGN+MARKETING has been showcased on logo design site, logopond.com.

The logo, a concept for Austin, TX southern-eclectic restaurant, Beau's Hideaway, is currently being featured on the main page of LogoPond's website and has been added to the All-Time Top Designs under the October 2008 archive.

UBER DESIGN+MARKETING prides itself in individual solutions for individual clients. Each company has it's own vision and direction and it is our goal to meet those needs. If you are thinking about rebranding your current business, or need a first look for your new venture, e-mail us today at ryan@uberclothing.com.

For more work from UD+M, visit uberclothing.com

designing for the boring 9:45 AM

I've always been amazed at the design and packaging of indifferent items. How does one toilet paper company set themselves from the next? I mean, when it comes down to it, it does the same thing.

As is the case with bottled water. Each and every one of those bottles serves exact same purpose: To quench my thirst. So, how do companies push consumers to establish brand loyalty? Generally, they appeal to one following: perceived social status, perceived economic value, quality, or user experience.

In the case of Evian, they've gone the route of social status. Their goal is to give their consumers the feeling of the elite, raising the bar on the water they drink. For years Evian has pressed home that somehow their water is better than the next! Amazing, to say the least.

In an effort to raise their glass to the next level, Evian has partnered with select couture fashion designers to design limited edition holiday bottles. French designers Christian Lacriox and Jean-Paul Gaultier have each conceptualized their own signature bottles for the past 3 years. James Carswell, VP of Evian N.A.'s marketing department says,

"Evian has always been favored by the trendsetting crowd, those that appreciate the finest things in life," said Caswell. "We are now excited to provide our loyal drinkers with not only the most premium water on the planet, but also to allow them the experience of a high-fashion designer without the high-fashion cost."

I'll never forget traveling through a small neighboring town near my childhood home and seeing the natural spring fountain near the side of the road. The concrete stand was stained reddish-brown from the years of mineral-tainted water cascading down the sides. Yet, people flocked from quite a distance to fill their gallon jugs with this sweet nectar. 'It's just so crisp and fresh!', they would say.  My dad would smile, knowing that our home was pumping the same crisp refreshment from our well, through our pipes, and out our faucets. I always thought it strange that they never seemed to take note of the iron-red discoloration of the fountain or question the purity of the spring.

Perception is our own reality.

But, whether you scoff at the high-priced beverage or believe it's better than the rest, you'll both agree that these are some pretty nice looking bottles.

Who's Shoes? TOMS 9:19 AM

I may be a little late on the pitch on this one, but I got to try on a new pair of shoes last night at, of all places, Whole Foods Market.

So, what do these shoes have to do with Whole Foods? Well, TOMS are the driving force behind Blake Mycoskie's dream of covering the feet of poverty-stricken children all over the world. For every shoe purchased, a child in need will also receive their own pair of TOMS.

Since it's inception in May 2006, TOMS has given over 60,000 shoes to children throughout South America and Africa. 

The design of the shoe is rather simple. Based on a traditional Argentine shoe, TOMS consist of a single-pice sole, and a piece of fabric wrapped and sewn over the top of the foot. I found them incredibly comfortable and novel. Easy on, easy off....much like a certain other shoe alternative, but way more fashionable!

They come in a wide range of colors and patterns for both men and women. But, the coolest ones are the TINY TOMS!!! So adorable! To think that while my beautiful, blonde son plays in the lush grass of Franklin, Tennessee, a little boy is kicking a soccer ball in the dirt and gravel of South America, it's the least I can do to cover his bare feet.

I haven't purchased any yet, but plan to get a pair very soon. I encourage you to visit their website, www.tomsshoes.com, enjoy the coolness of their design, and impact the feet of children all over the world.

Joys of Fatherhood 2:40 PM

One of the great benefits a father reaps is that he gets to relive his own childhood through his children, especially sons.

Oliver just celebrated his 2nd birthday last week. There was a party with cake and food and everything that goes along with a party....including presents. 

I had my eye on a certain something at the toy store leading up to the celebration. So when a friend inquired as to what they should get for him, I took the opportunity to put in his order. Maybe a little selfish on my part, I suppose. But surely he appreciates good design just as much as his dad, right?

So, Oliver received two new Automoblox from our dear friends. And though I said it may have been a little selfish on my part, he and his new cars have been nearly inseparable ever since. I can't really blame him!

These cool little cars are made of almost all wood, minus the wheels and windshields. And besides the wonderful paradox between modern and vintage the wood offers, they just feel so good in your hand.

These little cars are great tactile toys. The car can be completely disassembled, all the way down to the rubber tire circling the wheels. The assemblages for each care are exactly the same, so they can be interchanged and customized to create your own ultimate speed machine or futuristic, dual-cab pickup truck.

There's currently 16 different cars in the product line and it appears that they will continue to update each year, each car with it's own registerable VIN number.

I've found myself a bit protective of these little works of art. We've already established strict guidelines regarding chewing, throwing, stepping on, repeated assemble/diasassmble, etc. But, I have full intention of adding to the collection...purely for my son's sake, of course.

Proof that much can be said without saying much at all.