The Core Elements of a successful non-profit organization 3:39 PM

Yes, another posting hiatus. But, there's good reason! UD+M has been hard at work developing a new branch of the company called STREETLIGHT. 

After an influx of pro bono requests from non-profits, it became clear that there was a need for affordable design services for an industry that has long relied on low-quality donated services or even doing the design themselves. Ultimately, what we've ended up with is a long list of worthy causes that, from a marketing perspective, look awful.

So, STREETLIGHT was born.

STREETLIGHT strives to offer affordable, high-quality branding materials to non-profit organizations through a couple different options depending on the budget of the organization. It's all spelled out on the site, so there's no need to go into too much depth on those.

The main reason UD+M decided to pursue this industry is because the world that these organizations impact is our world as well. And there's potential to aid in this impact through quality branding materials.

You may be wondering why the emphasis on quality branding for a non-profit organization. Does it really make that big of a difference? In my opinion, a wholehearted yes. 

I think that there are 3 main facets that determine the success of a non-profit organization, all of which are directly tied to its branding:

Accessibility 

Your goal must appear reachable. In order to get people passionate about a cause, they have to feel as though their contribution (whether that be service-oriented or financial) can make an impact.

Parallel Connectivity

There has to be a common ground between those serving and those in need. For (hypothetical) example, the cost of 1 latte a week is the same as the mosquito netting that will save a family from the threat of malaria. The value has now been put into terms that every iPhone-toting college kid in the US. Which adds to the overall potential impact as well. Presenting this way may initiate a stronger large-donor base as well.

Organizations like Mocha Club and OneDaysWages have become very successful using parallel connectivity.

Strong Visual Message

Like it or not, my generation (25-35) and the one following us (19-24) make a lot of assumptions based on the overall look of a product or service. This goes for causes, too. Look at Blood:Water Mission, charitywater, and TOMS. Incredible design aesthetic and incredibly successful in penetrating the markets mentioned above. They're taken seriously because they look serious. 

Even in a struggling economy Target and Apple continue to advertise. There's no compromise when it comes to quality either. It should be the same for non-profit organizations.

You need to figure out what is your 'thing'. What's your voice? What sets you apart from all the other causes? Why should people give to you? Ultimately, it's not about you competing with other causes, but you're passionate about something in particular and want to make an impact.

Breaking the silence 11:11 AM

Another lapse in posts have taken over the UD+M blog. But, at least there's something to show for it. 

Laziness is not the cause, but busyness. UD+M has been hard at work with new projects and new clients, and a little work for ourselves as well.

First off, our recent work for ReadyHang.com has garnered an incredible amount of attention in the design world. After launching the new site, ReadyHang was featured on numerous online design galleries including (but not limited to!) thebestdesigns.com, cssdrive.com, cssbuilt.com, and designfridge.co.uk from across the pond. We've even been approached about including the design in an upcoming book on quality web design! It's been a bit of a mindblower, but it is definitely exciting to see our work recognized by the masses.

If you haven't had a chance to see the site yet, check it out, as well as UD+M's other work with ReadyHang on our site.

Which segue-ways me nicely into my next bit of news. After our recent redesign, we also picked up a few mentions on some of the sites listed above. Yes, the site was just redesigned this past spring, but it was clear that UD+M needed something more streamlined and interesting. This one should stay around for a while.

UD+M has also been working hard to develop two additional brands: 

UBERCLOTHING.com–A premium online shopping experience that offers the best online collection of clothing selected from the highest quality fashion designers. For more information, visit uberclothing.com.

SOAPBOX–A branding studio offering a voice to non-profit organizations and ministries through affordable and quality branding materials. (Site currently in development)

Both are currently in the development phase with hopes of beginning beta testing on uberclothing.com this fall, and launching SOAPBOX within the next few weeks.

UD+M is incredibly excited about the potential of both of these new brands and the continued growth of UD+M. If you are looking for branding + marketing solutions for your business, visit the site or send us an e-mail at hello@uberdm.com.

Amazing Demo Reel 12:31 PM

Check out this incredible demo reel from Polish animator, Robert Kaniszewski. Animation is such a separate realm in design. You're dealing with 3 dimensions in a 2-dimensional medium. wow.

I'll stick to websites and identity work, thanks.

New Business Cards 8:37 AM

Does your business wear a bow tie? Branding to remember 4:32 PM

I had a conversation with a friend the other night. We were trying to figure out which salesman had helped him at the wine store. You see, it was Raechel's birthday. We had an amazing evening of tasting wines, cheeses, desserts, and most importantly, great conversation (This is a whole different post, but I've found that most of the indulgences of life are not about the indulgences at all, but about the people with whom you enjoy them and the conversation that it instigates.). Clearly I have digressed, except I haven't really gotten on the topic yet at all...

..as I was saying, my friend and I were trying to place a name with a face of the great salesman who recommended the wine (another rabbit trail, but I just have to sing the praises of our wine store of choice. Amazing service, they remember your name and what you like/dislike. For those in the Franklin area, go here.) for the evening. Each of us attempted to describe him. Was he the young guy? With the short hair and beard? No, he was older. Always wears the t-shirt. Says 'delicious' alot. He's super friendly and knew what he was talking about.

Finally, we were able to figure out who he was talking about. But more importantly, it made me realize that these descriptions we were using we essentially brandings: The quickly-described, prominent features of a person that stuck with us. 

It's the same with your business. Which store was it? The one with the green door. They were incredible in helping me find exactly what I needed. Or I just love the music they play in that shop. It makes me want to go in all the time! Maybe its I can't bring myself to go in to that place. They do great work, but I just feel so uncomfortable.

What's your business brand? What are people saying about you in quick descriptions? Often times, its something other than your service that will stick in someone's mind. But they'll remember you. Make sure that you follow up that brand with quality service.

Walk the minimalist line 10:49 AM

This past week has proven to be quite diverse in the types of project I've been working on and their overall look. After analyzing my initial concepts, I began to notice a definitive line between the work being minimalist in nature, and being underdesigned. 

As I've eluded to many times over, I am more drawn to simplistic, clean minimalism than I am the art-heavy layouts and packaging. Not to say that I don't appreciate intricate, beautifully illustrated wine labels or the occasional rockstar-inspired t-shirt or album packaging. I just find much more beauty is the direct, thought-out transfer of information. I would choose sans-serif over serif, left-aligned over centered, etc, etc.

It's all-too-easy for a simplistic look to come across underdesigned and poorly thought through. I first became aware of this my senior year of college. The exhibition was entitled 'green', playing off of the diversity of the color, the conveyance of growth and freshness it represents. I was gearing up for my senior art show and presented my self-promo mailer invitation to my professor. I can't find the initial concept, but it looked pretty much like this:

In essence, she told me that this was underdesigned. I tried to explain that I was going for simple...clean; that I wanted there to be a crispness to the exhibition. I was not an artist, I was a designer. I work in clean edges and precise shapes.

She didn't give me any great direction, but she said that this was not 'simple and crisp' in a planned way. This simply looked tacky.

So, back to the drawing board I went and finally came up with something much better.

And, like I said before, not until very recently was I able to pinpoint what that threshold is. From my research, the difference between underdesigning and minimalism is based on 1 general principle and 3 specific aspects of the design (Type, Color, Secondary Intrigue).

First, the design (label, website, packaging, poster, card, anything) cannot rely on any one of the 3 aspects alone. If that occurs, you end up with a stale design. In my promo card above, my desire for simplicity completely disregarded all use of interesting typestyling or texture. Green is a great color, but without aid, it's only a color. Had it been paired with a more stylized typeface to act as a focal point, or if the type was bled off the edge, the card now has interest where it was otherwise words on paper. Although still not enough, even something as simple as this would be a step up.

Second, there needs to be some amount of intrigue that isn't the focal point of the design. This adds texture to the design. It doesn't necessarily have to be a pattern on the whole piece. In fact, generally it isn't. It can be an area of secondary information about the product, or the date time and location of the event. This chocolate bar packaging is a great example of that. They've used each of the 3 aspects together to create a simple label. The variation in type size and style (along with color!) is a bit of secondary intrigue. Without that, all you have is a logo on a brown wrapper.

Lastly, here's a case study of 2 different honey jars. Both of these are attempting the simple look, but only one uses all 3 of the design aspects from above. The jar on the right uses color (black) to create stark contrast against the golden honey. However, a lack of interest with any other design element causes this one to fall short. Other options would have been a small raised bee in the glass near the bottom of the jar. Or even a die cut label instead of just the circle.

The jar on the left creates secondary intrigue in a couple different ways: jar shape, and using the texture of the honeycomb in the jar. This allows the label to be a little more understated. However, the small logo and even distance between the type is laid out with purpose.

Graphic Designers are snobs 1:49 PM

(click to view full size)

Ragamuffin 2:52 PM

I'm not sure you all are aware of this, but I'm pretty sure I married the most talented woman in the world.

I met her in 2nd grade. Since that time, I've watched her perform in school productions, dive headfirst after a volleyball, design incredible interior spaces, graduate with honors as probably the best in her department, organize a wonderful home, reupholster furniture, write beautifully, become a birth doula, assist 2 births in one day (!!!), crochet scarves and hats, braid a rag rug, and if that's not enough, she's teaching 'The Art of Homemaking' next year at a local high school.

But wait, there's more! She decided to open an etsy shop to feature her newest accomplishment, sewing. Raechel's new store, Ragamuffin, showcases her skill through (for now) the Original Ragamuffin skirt. I must say, it's adorable. Go check it out...

Like I said in so many words, I am a very lucky guy and so proud of my multi-talented wife. Way to go, Babe.

Great TV spot for Benadryl produced by JWT London, Rattling Stick’s Steve Cope and Cut + Run’s Tim Hardy.

Click here to view video.

To we, or not to we 8:46 AM

The song and dance of marketing a design studio is a mysterious one. The online web presence built to impress, the business cards, the tweeting...it all exists to gain new business.

I get a lot of questions, especially from my personal friends, about one in particular word I use quite a bit in my marketing: 'We'. We created this, or that...or...we're not this, we are that.

You see, for those that know me have seen my office (a mighty fine office I might add), there's only one desk. In fact, I rarely work from my desk. I love to sit at the kitchen table and have incredible productive days watching my son play in the sandbox outside.

So, who is this 'we'? Am I being deceitful in my marketing? Am I putting on heirs to trick my client?

Let me give you some background information first. I started UD+M in response to the level of service and quality I observed while working here. Their clients received the most amazing service and attention to detail. For the hourly rate they were paying (and could afford, I might add), they should have! My goal was to bring this format and quality down to a reachable shelf for the small businesses  without the million-dollar budgets.

It's obvious that GS&Fs quality of service was attainable with a staff of 70: designers, account executives, art directors, copywriters, etc. So, how in the world do I expect to take this model and make it affordable??? Ah, that's where the 'we' comes in...Collaboration.

I know where my strengths lie. They're in creative conceptualization and design. They are NOT in programming. They are NOT in photography. With that understanding, I've surrounded myself with a network of incredibly talented folks in their own areas of expertise, allowing me to offer many different services under UD+M . We work as a team, because I know I can't do it alone. WE truly do create branding solutions. WE make them pretty. WE make them work. 

The benefit of this collaborative format is that it keeps me from having to pay employees for work they aren't doing, or renting office space, or paying health insurance, which would essentially all be transferred to my clients in the form of higher rates. To break it down for you, remember that ad agency I talked about earlier? My rates work out to about 35%-40% less. Granted, you're not working with a staff of 70. You're only working with the staff that you need.

WE would love to hear about your business, whether it's just you working out of your garage or working with a staff of 70. We are more than a design studio. And you are more than a business. You are an experience that you offer your customers. Send us (me) an e-mail and tell us more about you and your branding needs. Don't know what branding is? We'll be glad to explain.

(Design industry-speak below. Enter at your own creative risk)

I had been back and forth on even creating UD+M in the first place. The other option was to begin branding Ryan Myers as a designer. I'd heard recommendations both ways. Ultimately I came to this conclusion, the one that nearly every choice in design and marketing comes down to: Know your target market.

UD+M desires to work with small to medium businesses to establish branding and collateral marketing. While I know that I am fully capable of creating amazing branding solutions, my potential clients need the peace of mind to trust in me. 

If I had a narrower style or a specific niche market, then marketing Ryan Myers may have been the better option. But, I'm no Eric Natzke. It's clear why he's marketing himself. He creates a very specific thing.

The second reason I went with UD+M was because of my vision for the future. Freelancers tend to flounder, taking work as it comes, without any real consistency or growth. My desire is to build UD+M to a point where I may be forced to bring someone on full-time. So it is beneficial to begin to create UD+Ms brand awareness now.

Oh, to letterpress 8:18 AM

There's something about a handmade gift, like the ones we made for our parents for Christmas when we were 4. I remember wrapping a big box for my dad to open on Christmas. It's contents...a drawing of our stereo. Merry Christmas, Dad.

In all seriousness though, the thought behind the handmade gifts make them so much more lovely. The toiling over what ribbon to use, or the perfection you desire but never quite achieve...It really is the thought that counts.

But, when it comes to letterpress (sweet letterpress!), the handmade and the precision come together in a marvelous symphony of ink and paper. 

I wish I had more opportunity to work in this medium. For those who aren't familiar, letterpress is the process of inking a raised surface and pressing it onto the paper, leaving the ink (and when desired, a depression in the paper) behind. Any kid who grew up in South Michigan has played with one of these at the Ford Museum.

Generally, this is done in small shops on small single presses lovingly monitored by blackened-handed pressman coordinating ink flow and press pressure. Oh, the novelty!

When one thinks of printing, it's usually a 2-dimensional process: Ink applied on flat paper. But, with letterpress, that depression of the paper adds another level of texture and dimension. The finished product is gorgeous.

One of my favorite press shops is Studio on Fire. I just came across them last week and don't know much about them, but their work speaks for itself:

So, if you're looking for a gift for me for my birthday or Christmas, which I now you all are, nothing says love like movable type.

Time Machine 5:00 PM

This blog originally started in June 2006 to document my training for a triathlon. I had taken the concept from someone else as a tool to keep me accountable and to just express whatever emotion or opinion I was feeling about triathlon and anything else.

None of these original posts are still up, but I came across a couple that were really interesting to read in hindsight. It's always neat to look back and see where we've come from and where we are now...

6/18/2006 - Life is a Circus

It's amazing to me every time I see a juggler. Their ability to keep track of more balls than they have hands is quite impressive. I think the coolest part is to watch their eyes. There are more things up in the air than one should be able to handle, but their eyes keep focus, keeping track of everything they have going. Just as one ball is sent back up into the air, another one is right there, falling in to his hand.

True, I am young, but old enough to have more balls in the air than hands to catch. I feel like I am one of those jugglers that is trying to keep track of the flaming bowling pin, the chainsaw, the apple, and the tennis ball. All of them equally important to the performance, but not all equally important in cutting off my hand.

The key that I am slowly trying to learn...Don't sweat the tennis ball....Keep your eye on the chainsaw...and make sure to take a bite of the apple as it passes through.

6/21/2006 - See the Light

You know the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel everyone always talks about? You know, when things are feeling rough and you feel like it can't get much worse, people always say, "Keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel." Soooo....what happens if there isn't one? I suppose you have to turn on your flashlight, throw it up ahead and make your own.

Things have felt pretty rough the past couple days, completely generated from an unfulfilling job. But today, I decided that it was up to me to buck up and start smiling.

The job is not gonna change, so "take a bite of the apple"...

------------------------------

Since then, the job did change. A few times, in fact. Now I have a job that I hope I never have to leave. 

And since then, it did get worse, and worse. But, the apple is still sweet most days. The apple is a blonde head that runs through my house and out the back door into the sand box. The apple is a beautiful woman that cooks wonderfully, loves me unconditionally and makes our house a home. The apple is a community of friends that carry me along and forgive me when I fail.

The Apple is a God that knew me and said, 'Mercy'. And I believe that he has more fruit in store down the road.

Dub FX 4:01 PM

I've tweeted this video a few times in the past, but I thought I'd bring it over here that way I have easy access to it all the time. I absolutely LOVE this video. The artist, Dub FX, records and loops different sounds and notes live on the spot to create a beautiful piece of art. This gets me geared up to create every time I watch it. It's a little long, but well worth your 9:03. It takes him a little while to get it rolling, but it turns in to something amazing.

My dad admitted to me the other day that he watched it at work:

'gotta confess....I thought it was pretty cool. Would like to have cranked it up a bit to take full advantage of my speakers/sub-woofer here at the office, but thought it would not be a good idea....people would think I have totally lost my mind!'

A pocket-sized experience 12:15 PM

I've heard it said that the master bedroom is always the last one to get a facelift. Ironic how the owner of the house is the last to reap the benefits of new sheets, new paint, and new furniture. Such is the life of a designer.

For UD+M, it was time. New site, New blog, check. check. New business cards. check...soon. I spent the end of last week playing with some designs for my little wallet-size 'sales executives'. I wanted something that conveyed my clean, 'info up-front' style in an interesting, beautiful way. 

So here's what I ended up with:

I haven't figured out which side is technically the front, which turns out to be a good thing. It provokes the reader to interact with the card, flipping it over, reading both sides. We're in the business of creating EXPERIENCES, folks!

There's a lot of great collections of great business card designs out there for inspiration. Came across one the other day that I really love. The yellow cards are all printed with the same information. But each sleeve has a different pattern of diecuts to display specific information for each employee. Genius!

Sunday Driver 10:16 PM

Following the trend of t.v. and movies, Mercedes is unveiling a remake. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL, first unveiled in 1954, is going under the knife for an updated version of the classic Benz. I'll take two, please.

Did I mention it has gullwing doors???

Breath of fresh air 10:27 PM

Ahhhhh.....Boy does that feel better!

Considering I haven't updated the layout since I started this blog, it was well overdue for a facelift.

As you can see, some things have changed a bit. No longer is the company called 'UBER DESIGN+MARKETING'. In January, the website went through a digital rebrand and with that came the name change. I found myself constantly struggling to give my business name over the phone. Instead of it being a simple 'Hi, this is Ryan Myers from...', it was more often, 'OOO-BERR! U-B as in boy, E, R.' You'd think that someone in branding would've thought of that earlier on!

Anyway, now it's UD+M. It's a branding and design studio. Everybody understands that. And if they don't, well, let me tell you a little about branding (get the hook?)

So, some obvious changes and some not so obvious. While my intentions were ambitious to post insightful, daily musings (that was for my wife. She HATES that word!) when I started this blog, I've noticed, as you may have, gaps in posts. It's not that I don't have anything going on. More, my expectations to write something mindblowingly groundbreaking hinders me from just saying what I want in more than 140 characters (I tweet like a bird on a sugar high). I'd like to use this blog more for quick updates of what's going on with UD+M, creative inspirations, and the occasional thought-out post. I think we all may benefit...if anyone's still reading...since I never post....a comment would be nice...hm.

Oh, and I might just start using labels, too! Mostly because they would look sweet in this layout.

Fluid Sculpture 8:49 PM

This is one of those things you come across and, at first, you're like, 'Oh, cool', expecting to quickly move on to the next bit of mindless internet minutae. But then 3:28 later, you find yourself at the end...posting it to your blog.

Fluid Sculpture from Charlie Bucket on Vimeo.

If there's something worth doing... 8:17 AM

'Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.' -Shaker design philosphy

Generally, things like this are reserved for Twitter. But, because it's more than 140 characters, I'm posting it here. I've read this quote in a few different locations. But I came across it this morning at Jeremy Mitchell's blog and it hit me square in the face today. 

There's two things that I love about this quote as it pertains to design. First, the obvious ones: The encouragement, even, the charge, to make the transfer of information (print, web, or otherwise) a beautiful experience. This may sound strange, but I need beautiful things around me. Not to be confused with expensive things, and not in a materialistic sort of way. Simply, in the way that the color of a wall will make or break a workspace. Or, in the way that a well-tailored shirt will cause me design a better website. Granted, this does force me to pay a little more at times for the quality aesthetic. But the ROI on that investment greatly exceeds the cost.

For some people, the need for aesthetic never crosses their mind. Sure, they can recognize when something looks pretty or ugly, but that's as deep as it goes. There's no appreciation or need for the beauty. It's not about the form. It's all about the function. Does this teapot boil water? Yep. Then I'll buy it. Then there's me: Does this teapot boil water? Yep. So does this other one. And it's got a gorgeous shape and comes in this amazing blue color. (Yes, this is my teapot.)

The second obvious one is what this quote tells us NOT to do: Waste our time. Generally, we're encouraged to be good stewards of our money. Be frugal. Don't buy in excess. Save, save, save. But, in this case, we're told to be stewards of our time and skills. If it's not going to be useful, don't waste your time. If you're going to have to deal with a difficult client, decline the project. 

The same can be said for our leisure time. If the time spent doing whatever it is we're doing, poking around the internet or watching t.v., is not going to be edifying, it's not worth your time. 

On to the third facet of this quote that I love so much...

The Shakers have been around for over 250 years. The fact that this quote reaches across 2 1/2 centuries and is still applicable reminds me that design and aesthetic is not a new concept. Generations of people have all appreciated beauty from it's simplest untouched form to the most ornate and elaborate designs.

We are driven by what we see. We've been created this way in God's image. All we have to do is look at the color palettes of every season to see that our Creator puts an emphasis on visual beauty.

If there is something worth doing, do it beautifully.

UD+M Miscellany 9:42 PM

Yesterday, I (and by 'I', I mean 'we'. More on that in a sec) had the opportunity to art direct a photo shoot for a client's website. After getting started with ReadyHang's new online presence, it became clear that we were going to need some quality, custom photography.

With a vision for what I wanted for the site and what I needed from a photographer, I set out to find the perfect fit. Cue, Kris D'Amico. 

Because this was a web-based project, it was crucial that these images translate great on-screen, first. I was incredibly impressed with Kris' understanding of on-screen photography and what that meant for lighting and color. 

Kris brought a level of fun and professionalism to the shoot that made the experience wonderful. He brought his own vision, but also took direction very well. If you are in need of a photographer for an upcoming shoot, I recommend Kris wholeheartedly.

You can see the homepage concept for ReadyHang's new site on our portfolio page.

Now, on to new UD+M news...Raechel and I have decided to take on an apprentice through the summer. Katie Markus, a student at O'More College of Design, will be working for UD+M through mid-August. Katie is a very talented designer with a passion for motocross, Fox Racing, and Betsey Johnson. She can also design a killer t-shirt... She's taken the lead on a current project for Parish Presbyterian's Bucer group, a high school age missions-centered group). Check out these initial concepts:

Katie also played a big part in the shoot yesterday. From cutting lemons to moving furniture to styling sets, Katie was in the mix and greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for more of Katie's showcased work.

UD+M just finished up a site for a friend and client, Solutions Consulting. They're an intriguing little company with an intriguing set of services to offer. Take a look at the newly launched site to find out what they're all about.

There's lots more on deck for UD+M, but that doesn't mean that we don't want to talk with you about your design and marketing needs. We're always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with new businesses. Check out the site, or send us an e-mail. And don't forget to hang out with us on twitter. You never know what useless info you may come across.

The long-lost blog post 8:59 AM

There seems to be a bit of a catch 22 when it comes to blogging. The whole point of business-based blogging is to grow your business, your industry, and your network. When it grows, you become busy. Which means less time for posting...hmmm.

So here I am, finally getting around to posting something new. As you may have guessed, things have been buzzing at UD+M. We've been pitching for new projects, building websites, updating our own website, and more.

Most of UD+Ms free time (not that there's much) has been spent on the development of our new online shopping experience, uberclothing.com . You can read more about it on the site. We're currently looking for our first 50 fashion designers to fill the store. 

    

There's lots more news to come and work to share. It's just not quite time. Be patient and we'll be sharing more soon.

Back to the Future of Design 10:42 AM

Once every year or so, retail corporations turn to their bag o' tricks and pull out the classic 'Limited Edition vintage/retro/throwback packaging'. The major sports leagues do it, too, and we get all excited to see the Yankees in baggy pants and knee-high socks.

The purpose is to offer the consumers a 'fresh' look without completely rebranding the product/team. We get a short peek at 'the way it was'...the way we remember it as kids. It's an appeal to our emotions. And the design world loves it because it reels in all the overdesigned, capitalist packaging/jerseys that have infested an otherwise clean, crisp, and beautiful world. (I think I manage to work this rant in on every post, don't I?)

Here's a look at a few throwbacks:

It makes sense to appeal to our past experiences; to draw us in by giving us the opportunity to somehow recreate a time gone by. But, what if they did the opposite? What if, instead of giving us something we've already seen, we got a sneak peek of something we're YET to see. A look into what is yet to come...

What's the future of these brands that we are so loyal to? What can we expect them to be decades down the road? Instead of throwbacks, I'd love to see a collection of future designs. I thought maybe a little something like these...

Yes, in the future, Pepsi WILL revert back to the previous version of their logo ;-)

I'd love to see your concepts for 'Throw-ahead' packaging and designs. Link in the comment field. If there's enough, I'll post them here with a link. Hope to see your ideas soon!

The Unsung Heroes 9:40 PM

Before pursuing my degree in graphic design, I had greatly considered the possibility of fashion design as my career of choice. Much of the credit for that needs to go to, my then girlfriend, Raechel. She's the one who helped 'guide' my fashion sense in the right direction until I gained a style of my own.

This affection for fashion greatly aided me as a designer and still is one of my biggest design inspirations. I fell in love with textures and patterns. Even still, great color combinations are enough to stop me in my tracks and initiate an extended oogling session.

Fashion is such a big part of our culture and daily life. We all stand in/in front of our closets every morning and decide what the best option is for the day. We go to the mall or boutique shoppes and see the new collections. We watch the red carpets and take note of 'who' is wearing 'what'. So, it comes as no surprise that so many fashion designers are household names. We know Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. Same goes for specific stores: J. Crew, Gap, A&F...We can recognize their work from across our overstock store of choice. They've each created their own specific cultures and styles that carry through seasons and collections.

So, why don't we have a collection or household-name graphic designers? It's not for lack of exposure. We see just as many logos in a day as we do Polo shirts. It's not for lack of brand recognition. Any 5-year-old could name the owner of the Swoosh (Just so you don't feel stupid, it's Nike). 

I think the lack of celebrity graphic designers is caused by 2 reasons: Lack of education and Lack of Value.

In an age of incredible technological advancement, it's too bad that there's not more emphasis on the design industry as a facet of the arts. I'm not talking about just graphic design, but industrial design as well. But, if I'm gonna complain about something, I should do something about it...

Here are 3 iconic designs, and more importantly, their designers, of the 20th century that every designer could tell you about that are not common knowledge, but should be:

Apple imac 

In 1998, Apple changed the face of personal computing. For the first time, an emphasis was not only placed of performance, but also outer design and efficiency. This product set the stage for Apple's domination in the industry and stemmed a slew of other products like the iPod and iPhone.

Cue influential designer #1: Jonathan Ive. Steve Jobs called on the british industrial designer to design the now famous, colorful, one-cord imac. Critics regard Ive's work as being among the best in industrial design, and his team's products have repeatedly won awards such as the Industrial Designers Society of America's Industrial Design Excellence Award.

Ive's innovations have not only changed the face of Apple and the computer industry, it's set the standard for design approach in nearly every facet of marketing to the modern consumer.

Nike Swoosh

This story may be a little more well known, but also one worth telling...

In 1971, Carolyn Davidson, a young graphic design student at Portland State University, was hired as a freelance designer to develop a logo for a small footwear company, Blue Ribbon Sports. Davidson concepted a few designs and presented to the BRS board. The chosen design was what we all now know as the Swoosh. Davidson presented an invoice to BRS for a total of $35 (yes, she charged at a rate of $2 per hour).

Today, any designer would be appalled by a single-digit hourly rate. In 1983, after Nike experienced incredible growth and became a household name, the value of that simple logo was exponentially more than its initial price tag. Bill Knight, CEO of Nike, understood that value. 12 years after the fact, he presented Carolyn Davidson with a diamond Swoosh ring and an envelope full of Nike stock.

Would Nike be what it is today without the swoosh? Honestly, I don't think so. A great mark paired with quality marketing is what sent Nike over the top. 

Could you get a Nike-caliber logo from a logo contest website? No. Why? Because you aren't valuing your logo. And, you're working with designers who also don't value your logo, or the time they put into it.

(Rabbit trail alert) See, here's the thing. Sites like 99designs.com and postings on craigslist for design contest are the industry equivalent to a puppy mill: The breeder cares nothing about your dog, just your money. If you want a quality dog, you go to a breeder who respects the pedigree and the breed. He cares less about your money and more about the quality of his finished product. Are you understanding the analogy???

Ok, back on track...

ABC logo

American Broadcasting Company's timeless logo was created by famed designer, Paul Rand. Among his many designs for many notables such as UPS, IBM, and White Westinghouse, Rand

was ABC's choice to redesign their identity. As described by logoorange.com:

[Rand] reduced the information to its simple essence while achieving a memorable and unique image. The continuing legacy of the Bauhaus and Herbert Bayer's universal alphabet informs this trademark, in which each letterform is reduced to its most elemental configuration.

Summed up, Rand focused on the recognizable and memorable.