Your brand is the umbrella to everything you do as a company. It not only guides your decisions and actions internally but guides your external image, distinguishes you from your competitors, and lastly helps your customers know what you do. But what happens when your company grows, your product extends well beyond your original offering […]
Continue ReadingRed Bull is Killin’ It
May 17, 2012
As someone who holds a deep passion for the branding and marketing industry, I tend to informally monitor a brand’s progression over time. Just like most people in the business, I’m a bit of an industry critic – some brands I naturally root for and some I root against. Today, however, I want to talk […]
Continue ReadingSmellvertising
April 24, 2012
Have you ever walked into a store and been overwhelmed by a particular perfume (think Abercrombie & Fitch)? If so, then you’ve experienced scent advertising first-hand. Yes, scent advertising. And this can include everything from perfume samples in magazines to freshly baked cookies in a grocery store. Traditionally, brands tend to capture audiences through sight […]
Continue ReadingThe Flip-Flop Games of 2020
February 21, 2012
On September 13, 2012, the International Olympic Committee will decide which city gets to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games. Although it is over half a year away, many of the bidding cities are already campaigning for a bid. Last week, Madrid revealed its logo for the 2020 Games, but the outcome wasn’t exactly gold-medal […]
Continue ReadingPros and Cons of User-Generated Content
February 06, 2012
As the role of user-created content becomes more and more relevant, it is important for companies to consider whether to follow the trend of putting their brand into the hands of users or to keep the reigns tight on their marketing strategy. So, what are the pros and cons of letting your customers speak for you?
Continue ReadingThe new Carolina Panthers: A good look?
February 01, 2012
The Carolina Panthers subtly introduced a new evolution of their logo this week, and I must say as a diehard Panthers fan (and a seasoned graphic designer), a part of me cringed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to a change and the new identity isn’t necessarily worse off. But it’s the opportunities that […]
Continue ReadingWalmart Creates Own Version of Reality TV Show
January 24, 2012
Recently, Walmart has announced its own version of a reality TV show called “Get on the Shelf.” This new program is run by @Walmartlabs’ social media and ecommerce division. So exactly how does the “Get on the Shelf” program work? Walmart has welcomed all companies to submit a submission video online about why their product […]
Continue ReadingIconic Brand Files for Bankruptcy
January 19, 2012
As many of you may have heard, Hostess, the maker of Twinkies, Ho Hos, Wonderbread, and many other food products we all know and love, has filed for bankruptcy. Hostess, who also filed for bankruptcy in 2009, has been fighting $860 million in debt. But do not run out to your local grocery store and […]
Continue ReadingBranding Politics
January 13, 2012
How are branding and politics related? Does a political candidate as an individual constitute a brand? Should maintaining a candidate’s brand be at the forefront of campaign strategy? There are mixed reviews from experts in the industry, but in today’s political climate it’s impossible to ignore the importance of a candidate’s logo, slogan and brand […]
Continue ReadingGoogle This and Google That
January 10, 2012
There are certain brands that fascinate me and I can never learn enough about them. Google is one of those brands. I recently finished Douglas Edwards’ book “I’m Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59” and I can’t stop talking about it. Just ask my coworkers – it’s been Google does this and […]
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