Aiport Extreme Compatibility 8:30 AM

Last night I bought the previous model Airport Extreme (802.11g) off craigslist. I thought it would be a great way to create a small home office network using an external usb hard drive. Come to find out, it doesn't support usb external hard drives, only ethernet.

I found some usb-to-ethernet converters online, but I was wondering if someone could tell me if this will work or not. Anyone have any experiences with this or similar?

Thanks, all.

Ryan

Plug & Drive 4:09 PM

There's a few necessary evils in this world that seem to take a little piece of me every time I come across them...Taxes, insurance, and car repairs.

My dad and I have been talking a lot about our automobiles the last few months. Not by any desire of our own. It's not great dinner conversation. We've actually been forced to share our battle stories of the cost of new alternators, transmissions and batteries. It's always frustrated me that there is the maintenance aspect to a car that never really offers any improvement to your everyday usage. New brake pads don't look pretty. And a new alternator doesn't necessarily give me a noticeable improvement to driving performance. It's just upkeep..maintaining the existing level of function. Yuck.

I've actually been wondering why the automotive industry product model has gone virtually unchanged since it's inception. Sure now we have onboard computers, airbags, etc. But the basic functionality of the car's internal combustion motor hasn't changed a whole lot. And it's always frustrated me that it seems to be the only technology that hasn't advanced much. I'm sure there's an automotive CEO out there that can offer up a 'good' reason for that.

Then I got to thinking about other industry approaches to advancement. The electronics industry has done an incredible job of making their products more approachable and usable for the everyday man. Even going so far as to be able to make changes to a rather technical computer as easy as pulling out a drive or plug and replacing it with a different one.

I wished for the auto industry to think the same way...Create a 'plug & play' approach where the various workings of the car could be compartmentalized into separate pods that coule be replaced by any consumer who can unlatch it and go get another one at Wal-Mart. I've wished for the car to become more of a consumable good instead of a long-standing, depreciating 'investment' purchase.

It always seemed like there was a better option, but couldn't figure out how to break through the intricate interdependancy of the combustion engine. That's as far as I was able to go.

But, Nissan's gone a bit further. Welcome, Nissan Leaf, the zero-emissions, 100% electric car.

I was never able to figure out how to do it because my thought process was limited to the existing engine format. I had never thought of going to electric. Sure, it's not quite 'plug & play', but they've gotten to the next step of eliminating oil and transmission fluid. Which begins to compartmentalize a bit more.

Previous electric cars haven't had the staying power to fully integrate into our lifestyles. But it seems like Nissan is going about it the right way, building partnerships to ensure a good number of charging stations, ensuring longevity in the market, etc. And, cost of operation: $3 per 100 miles! Can't beat that. The money I would save per year in gas and repair would easily make up for a higher payment. They're saying they are shooting for the average family sedan pricepoint.

All that to say, I'm keeping my eye on this one. I'd love to see the face of the automotive industry change. We all know it can't continue to exist in it's current state...

Hiatus 11:18 AM

I figured since I hadn't posted anything in about 3 months, I'd go ahead and make a quick announcement.

Work has been great for UD+M in 2010, and honestly, I've just run out of time to update the blog regularly. I'm actually in the process of creating some solutions for this problem, but unfortunately, paying clients come first.

There's a lot of exciting things in the works:

There should be some updates to the UD+M portfolio soon. Keep your eyes open!

STREETLIGHT is officially launched. If you haven't seen our non-profit-focused brand yet, check it out.

UBERCLOTHING is STILL in the works. We've decided to slow down on that front to ensure that we develop a quality product. Testing the site with our collection of incredible designers should be happening very soon, and you'll probably be seeing a new homepage for the site in the near future.

UD+M has also launched Ginkgo, a consumer-focused branding studio. Offerings include brand consultation as well as design services for corporate identity, retail packaging, environmental design, collateral materials, point-of-purchase, and traditional advertising. Ginkgo's work has already been featured on TheDieLine.com.

So, until we meet again, I hope all is well.

Cheers,

Ryan

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.