Brand Impact 2:35 PM

I came across an interesting article (apologies for the off-color nature conclusion) the other day that outlined all of the brands the writer came in contact throughout the day. I figured I would give it a shot myself.

Here's mine:

As you can see, this is only the first half-hour of my day. However, out of the 18 different brands I came in contact with in that half-hour, every one of them are either my preferred brands or long-term purchases in my household that I will most likely return to come replacement time.

Who's timeline is your business listed on? Are you a standard? That's what proper branding does. Proper branding creates desired, repeatable, consistent experiences for your target market. 

So, maybe instead, I should ask, Are you merely a company? or are you a brand?

Let's sit down over your preferred coffee shop and find out which is the case.

Working Holiday 8:44 PM

In true Raechel form, my wife has managed to convince me that an impromptu trip, conceived and planned in less than 24 hours, to the city where we fell in love is a realistic trip.

So, the bags are 'packed' and I am prepping the laptop with all necessary files and programs for the 8-hour drive to Kankakee, IL, a small town 30 miles south of the Windy City. My parents have been gracious enough to watch Oliver during our visit (although, gracious probably isn't the best description...giddy and wiggling their toes at the chance to squeeze their grandson is probably more appropriate.), which will give us a chance to not only spend some quality time with a certain brood that is near and dear to our hearts, but also spend some time in the city itself.

So, this week will be a working holiday. I'm actually really looking forward to a change of scenery to get the creative juices squeezed again. There's just something so productive about working from a coffee shop. It must be the constant white noise and movement of people around me. I find myself inspired more in places like that.

There's really nothing like Chicago. While I do love Franklin and, Lord-willing, hope to grow old in this wonderful town, there's just something about the hustle and bustle of Chicago. There's so much beauty within the city that is taken for granted (I think it's a combination of the Northerner tendency to keep to oneself and the fact that the wind is just s'darn cold you can't think of anything or anyone but yourself!).

Things I love about the city:

• The anonymity of being one of thousands walking the street on a cold night.

• The radiating warmth on your head and face as you walk under the entrance to the hotels

• The ironic close proximity of the gothic-styled Wrigley Building and the Gehry-designed band shell in Grant Park

• The prayer garden in next to the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan ave. (This is the place Raechel agreed to marry a dorky, smitten 19-year-old.)

• Lake Shore Drive in the summer (This can only be truly enjoyed in either a convertible or through the sunroof of your beautiful black VW Jetta)

• Jia's - This little corner japanese restaurant was our oasis in the city. They had the most amazing fried rice I have ever had. Oh, how grown up we felt when we waltzed in for lunch in between shopping and riding bikes by the lake! Jia's is gone now, only to remain in our minds as one of our favorite places in the city.

There's plenty more...I could go on about the typical sights, but these are the ones I hold dear to my heart. 

Raechel and I dreamt of living in a flat on Delaware Place. I occasionally regret not doing it, at least for a year. We'll walk past and think about it again this week, I'm sure. But God is good and directs our paths. 

I plan to give updates during this week. Stay tuned for photos, video, tweets, and more!

Attention Shoppers! 11:36 PM

I've always been drawn to the retail world in one form or another. If it's not working in the mall, which I have done my fair share of, it's designing for other retail businesses...Quick pause to list all my jobs involving retail:

1. Finish Line
2. Rogers & Hollands
3. Lowes
4. Designed clothing line to sell at music events

5. Short stint at Pottery Barn (probably the worst job I have ever had. Ask me about it if you want to know more...)
6. Banana Republic
7. Designed entry door catalog for Lowe's
8. Designed various ads and collateral for national tire manufacturer
9. Created initial website design for Prophetik Clothing, featured in retail stores all over the world
10. Designed another clothing line that never took off

...which brings us to today. UD+M has opened a small online store where I will be showcasing various designs for clothing, prints, and maybe more. Right now, the products really lean more towards the graphic design geeks and typophiles. But, keep your eyes open! There may be something in there soon that tickles your fancy!

Wordless Wednesday 1:01 PM

UD+Ms 2009 Top 10 Must-Haves 9:07 AM

This post could alternatively be titled, 'Some things I love and some things I really wish I had', but I thought the former had a better ring to it.

So, taking the lead from my wife's post, 'Favorite Things of 2008', I have created my own list. The following are things that I love, YOU can't live without, or WE should both make part of our lives in 2009.

Feel free to respond with a list of your own! I always love hearing what has improved your lives so much that you don't know how you survived without them.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here it is:

#1: TOMS

If you're a frequenter of either mine or Raechel's blog, you know how we feel about this great charity. Since receiving a pair of these traditional Argentine shoes, I can't think of a day that has gone by that I haven't worn them. They are comfortable, easy-to-use, fashionable and, on top of it all, for every pair that is purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a child living in third-world poverty. Get a pair for yourself, your significant other, or your toddler (The Tiny Toms are by far the best. Oliver gets compliments everywhere we go...and he couldn't care less.).

#2: Spurgeon's Morning+Evening

Raechel and I received this book as a gift from our friend and pastor, Dr. George Grant. It is a book of twice-daily readings based on passages of Scripture. Spurgeon's foundational expression of our complete failings without Grace and his encouraging perspective on Christ's love for us and our response to that love is a refreshing beginning and end to every day. You need this book.

#3: Bento

This organization application has completely changed my work day. Bento is essentially a steroid-pumped, facelifted Microsoft Excel (which, by the way, in natural Mac form, integrates Excel perfectly).

This 'spreadsheet' application is 100% customizable in an incredibly easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing interface. In addition, it syncs seamlessly with iCal, Apple Mail, Address Book, your iPhone, and MobileMe (excuse the Applespeak, all you unfortunate PC users. You're stuck with Excel :-) ). I have completely based my job tracking and project management on Bento. I've even created personal workout plans (Don't ask how those have panned out for me...no fault of Bento!)

Bento has just unveiled version 2, which includes templates for a Wine Tasting Log, Teacher gradebooks, home inventory, vehicle maintenance, event planning, and more. See it in action by going here, and clicking on the 'see it in action' button below the feature image.

#4: Parish Presbyterian Podcast

I can't tell you enough how thrilled we are to attend the church that we do. Parish Presbyterian is a plant church here in Franklin. I can confidently say that we have never been a part of a church community as wonderful and loving as Parish. The congregation's focus to 'go deep' has been a challenge to us spiritually, emotionally, and to our own principles and routines. God has placed us in a wonderful church.

Lucky for you, sunday sermons are posted in podcast form! Get them here or subscribe to them through iTunes by searching for 'Parish Presbyterian'.

#5: Dwell Magazine

You may have read of my love for post-war/mid-century modern residential architecture (if not, click here). I was able to swing a free year's subscription to Dwell through some never-to-be-used frequent flyer miles and have been thrilled with the 2 issues I've received so far. I highly recommend everyone buy at least one issue of Dwell this year, even if you aren't a fan of modern architecture. The feature articles give great explanations of the warmth (what????), purpose (huh?!?!), and environmental benefits of modern architecture.  

#6: Yard Dog

As a fan of reds over whites, and a lover of wine label design, Yard Dog 2006 has risen to my top 2 reds. Appropriately named, Yard dog is a bit of a mutt. It's an ecclectic blend of 3 different grapes, which creates an easy, layered blend of tastes. On top of it all, you can't beat the label design! Great with pizza and red meats. Not to mention, at $8.99 a bottle, it's a great host/hostess gift. 

#7: MacBook Pro
Here's one for the wish list. Apple just unveiled the latest generation of their top-selling notebook (mac or PC), the MacBook Pro. I can't even begin to list the features the MBP is toting. Everything from 8-hour battery life, to 8GB of RAM, HD monitor, aluminum casing...I'm listing, aren't I? Go see for yourself...

Anyway, surely my iMac G5 is beginning to recognize it's days are numbered. Not only is it incredible immobile (That's not to say that I HAVEN'T crammed it and it's peripherals into a carry-on and carted it through an airport for a working vacation in Michigan...unscathed!), I am amazed to say that the 80GB harddrive I once though was unfillable is full. 

Here's wishful thinking to upgrading to a MBP this year (15" or 17" still undetermined. Beggers can't be choosers!)

#8: Project Management Application

What? Why do I need this? I just blabbed on and on about how great Bento is. Ah, but is it ME that needs a PM application? or is it YOU?

UD+M is in the process of building a little brainstorm that will automate the need for project management for creatives and event planners. AHH! I've said too much...Keep your eyes open for updates!

#9: Valley of Vision

Another well-read book in the Myers home is a compilation of Puritan prayers called Valley of Vision. William Turner writes of this book,

"The soul learns to pray by praying; for prayer is communion with a transcendent and immanent God who on the ground of his nature and attributes calls forth all the powers of the redeemed soul in acts of total adoration and dedication." (Preface)

The Puritans recognized that prayer and doctrine are not to be separated. In their prayers they kept the two together. In fact it was their doctrinal understanding, which indeed produced such deep, and lasting prayers. Theology instilled a thorough passion for prayer. Likewise it is prayer, which sinks us deeper into the mysteries of God's self-disclosure of himself. It is prayer, which furthers our theology."

It is to this end which we, as Christians must strive. We must search out our Triune God in prayer and devotion as we seek him in his word and through our prayers.

Through quite a blustery and overwhelming 2008 (Read our story from the beginning here), this book has been a life raft during times of not knowing what to pray. Buy this book.

#10: Branding Consultation by UD+M

Yes, a shameless plug for me. What did you expect? 

The truth is, UD+M is creating something normally reserved for the million-dollar budgets and bringing it down to a reachable shelf for small businesses. 

Design studios give you form. Marketing firms give you function. UD+M merges the two into Effective Design (at a cost around 40% less than the others!).

Take some time to see what we do and what we've done. Then, tell us what you want for your business over a cup of coffee. 

Fresh Friday 9:16 AM

Well, I think it's a no-brainer as to what I've been working on. The new look for UD+M was unveiled earlier this week. I'm thrilled with the way it has turned out. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, go here.

My inspiration for this site was the Swiss style (also know at the International Style) developed by Josef Müeller Brockmann (Read about him here. See some of his work here). Contrary to many of the modern movements that followed the Swiss style, Brockmann created absolutes in graphic design with the use of the grid system, divine proportion, type standards, and negative space. Following these absolutes creates an incredibly contrasting, clean, orderly reader experience. Information is clearly expressed, thus understood.

As a designer, my inspiration pulls me is a hundred different directions for the same project. I concepted and revised my layout over and over as new ideas began to form and technologies allowed for new features. But ultimately, I had to step back and ask myself, 1) What am I trying to convey?, and 2) How can I best achieve that?Ultimately, the answer to #1 is to showcase my work to potential clients. The answer to #2, then, is showcase my work to potential clients. By following the International Style, I was able to minimize technological noise (bells, whistles, mouseovers, exit points) and allow my work to do what it is supposed to do (hopefully!).

Wordless Wednesday 11:23 AM

(ok, so Raechel said that if you write in parentheses, it doesn't count. So, in addition to the images here on this 'Wordless Wednesday', I just launched the new version of my website. After many concepts, revisions, and code, here's a shameless plug for my new site launch at UD+M.)

Fresh Work Friday - The EP 9:32 AM

Yes, I know it's Saturday morning, but I was up and working on a project when it switched from Friday to Saturday, so I think it's still acceptable to post another "Fresh Work Friday". Not to mention, it's my blog and I can do whatever I want!

Just wanted to share a quick job I did for my wife's blog, now creatively titled, Finding My Feet. She was really wanting a custom design, so I obliged. The only truly custom stuff is the header work. The rest is pretty standard. I'm planning to add some widget images in there later on.

Getting good feedback from both Mac and PC users, so I think we are in the clear programming-wise. 

Please feel free to read her stuff. She's poured her heart out about our past year and she's a fabulous writer.

Fresh Friday 9:42 AM

In order to make it easier to post more frequently, I have decided to implement a couple standard postings throughout the week. Stealing the idea directly from my wife, who stole it from someone else (and so on and so on, until we reach the originator...Thank you, random person, wherever you are), Fridays will now be Fresh Fridays. This will allow me to keep the blog up and lively and showcase a piece of my recent work. 

Secondly, in the spirit of design speaking for itself, Wordless Wednesdays will be just that. Showcases of design so good, nothing else needs to be said (oh, to be in that number!)

So, to kick things off on this Fresh Work Friday, I just completed a blog design for a brand new startup site, VinoCulture.com. VC is all things wine. The client requested a merging of, in pure wine terminology 'old world' and 'new world'.

(Click to see full layout)

I love it when clients give me free reign to really art direct the site. In this project, I art directed and designed the header bottle, glass illustrations, layout, and widget titles.

This was the initial concept that was presented. While the overall design took some detours to get to the final look, this is really my favorite. 

So, for all you wine lovers out there, check out the best designed wine blog on the web, vinoculture.com. It should be skinned and live in a few weeks.

UD+M specializes in creating custom solutions for individual problems. Let us take you out for a cup of coffee and some good conversation and tell us about your vision for your business. 

Ethnic Food Redesign 9:15 AM

The ethnic food market is generally not a great place to find good design. More often than not, the packaging uses unappetizing pictures of it's contents and looks like it's spent months on a boat making it's way to our store shelves.

Recently, ethnic spice company, SPICEnTICE underwent a great rebranding, headed up by UK agency, Honey. The new design implemented modern colors, a new package shape, and typestyling.

I think the smartest thing Honey did was take the focus off the actual contents of the package. This automatically create a cleaner, modern user experience but still allows the buyer to investigate further (the product is visible from the side) if they so choose.

I have to say, it was an exponential improvement.

The Creation of a Brand Experience 9:50 AM

Just outside the bustle and noise of Cool Springs in Franklin, TN stands a quiet hillside covered with the young grapes of Arrington Vineyards. They stand in the foreground of a beautiful hilltop lodge where music, laughter and conversation can be heard throughout the summer evenings.

My wife and I had the opportunity to visit the vineyard with some friends this past summer. We packed our picnic basket of green olives, hard meats, gourmet cheese, and bread and merged with the hundreds that visit on the warm Saturday nights.

I was amazed from the moment we entered through the gates by the attention to design throughout the grounds. The goal of every company, whether offering a product or service, is to create an experience for their customer. This experience should not only be enjoyable, but memorable, consistent, and something that will make them want to do it again. That is definitely the case for Arrington Vineyards.

Just off Highway 96 East in Franklin, TN, Arrington Vineyards was founded in 2005 by country artist Kix Brooks, Fred Mindermann and winemaker Kip Summers. The entry is flanked by two giant wine casks, brandished with the vineyard's mark. The logo is simple, a circle seal with the AV initals working together to create the styled design. The mark looks wonderful standing alone, but here it's paired with a cursive typestyled namesake of the vineyard, evoking the feeling of the rustic feel of hand-worked land. These barrels set the stage for all of the branding's textures and materials. Aged, stained wood and black iron grace nearly every wall and floor in some shape or form.

Arrington carries 12 different wines (two additional special edition bottles are also available) in each of the 4 general categories: Red, White, Rosé and Dessert. As a designer with a deep pining to design wine labels, I was surprised by the simplicity of the labels. Why so, I don't know. They give off the same hand-worked feel as the AV logo. The black type on white paper offers an informal description of each wine (which, as a side note, were all great! Especially the raspberry dessert wine.), probably a shout-out not only to the care and love it takes to develop a wine, but also to this Middle Tennessee Valley region as well. This land was worked long before the malls and residential developments were constructed.

Architecturally, the lodge is an amazing, earthy construction, using wood and stone to create a warm, woodsy interior (It also turns out the lodge was originally a home built on the estate before AV bought the land!). The wine tasting room is incredibly welcoming, as it should be. That's where you pick up a bottle or two to take home! In spite of the droves of wine/conversation lovers that flock to the Vineyard throughout the summer, the wide open space keeps it from feeling cramped. Not to mention the view from the hillside and mellow music offers a great distraction from any potential elbow bumping.

Photo by Ryan Myers, UD+M

In an industry steeped in tradition and 'old world' appeal, and a city growing exponentially, Arrington Vineyards has merged the two marvelously, creating a chic evening venue for a modern experience.

Photo by Erik Jacobson

Photo by Ryan Myers, UD+M

All photos from Arrington Vineyards website unless otherwise noted.