Is branding for an electrician folly? Jan 25, 09, 2:15 p.m.

Ok I've got the commission to re-do a local electrician's website, which is great but his corporate image is pretty bad and he has no content (usual story!)

The content is in hand (we're helping write stuff and photographer has been commissioned) but I've suggested that we do some corporate id work too.

Problem is another designer is handling the print work and he doesn't agree that branding needs to be done and has began to produce a promotional mailer and a few other bits for our mutual client.

So my problem?

I need to convince the client that the branding needs to be done AND override the opinion of another designer (who is seiner in years to me...)

The question is, am I correct in even suggesting a rebrand of this:

(Thrown together by the printer / customer digs how the bright colours make it stand out in a pile of business cards)

To this...

(An attempt to bring a classic element to this 4 generation family run business)

Am I even on the right track I wonder? Any feedback appreciated.

Do your worst!

Logo flame, I mean crit May 19, 10, 3:37 a.m.

Ok, we've finally decided on a new name for our graphic/web design studio. The old one has served us well for several years but it's time for a change that better reflects our ambition and abilities.
So we're going to be called 'Shape' and here are the logos we've shortlisted:

Woo! We're changing our name! Dec 20, 08, 10:26 a.m.

My boss has finally agreed to change our company name from Internet Essentials to Universal Mode (or umode for short.)

The only thing is he's uncertain about the new name. Umode.

He's worried it needs to contain something about what we do (marketing & web design)

Im under the impression that it don't matter but I guess the worry is our clients wont get it.

Here's the proposed business card design too

What do you think?

Should we develop this logo? Sep 29, 08, 8:50 a.m.

We're a small web design outfit trying to get bigger and better contracts yadda, yadda...

Anyway this was our old logo:

And we recently moved to the one our site at the moment, this one:

But my friend at the desk opposite came up with this one:

So the question is should we scrap our current logo and develop the crown logo further?

We're not sure if it's too clever for it's own good for the type of clients we generally have?

Any thoughts?

What's in a name? Mar 6, 08, 1:40 a.m.

I work at a small web design outfit (3 of us). We're called Internet Essentials.

What do you think?
Is it inspiring enough for a creative company?
Will we only attract the lower end of the market?
Does it even matter?

Personally I worry it doesn't match the trend of design company names. And people will think we turn out table based, comic-sans ridden, Dreamweaver soup. Or worse... sell broadband!

Gonna speak to my boss soon... any pearls of wisdom?

Boss give you time to train? Jan 19, 11, 12:30 a.m.

Is it normal to learn new skills in work time or are you guys expected to do this at night and weekends?
We do a bit of learning on the job, when we need to know something, but we're expected to teach ourselves new software and techniques in our own time. Does that come with the territory?

Graphic design films Mar 13, 10, 6:58 a.m.

Helvetica was amazing. Are there any others out there? I need to bulk up my LoveFilm list.

Good type/Bad Type? Oct 16, 08, 1:14 a.m.

I spent 2 hours yesterday trying to come up with an exciting way to present the type for our featured project on our updated folio.

I'm really not a typographer but I do try! After many variations I settled on Arial Black at 72point

(I've also included the featured project we've replaced for context below it.)

So The question is does it suck? And why?
Is it too big? Is Arial Black suck a bad choice (when there is no budget for purchasing fresh type)

Any tips?

The complete page is at <a href="http://www.internetessentials.co.uk">www.internetessentials.co.uk</a>

Dock a macbook pro? Oct 2, 08, 5:59 a.m.

My boss is about to buy a MacBook Pro and we're wondering if there's a way he can turn it on and have it running without opening the lid?

This is assuming we've got an external monitor/keyboard/mouse plugged in!

Site design on the right track? Nov 5, 08, 4:15 a.m.

I've been trying hard of late to tech myself good use considered typography and grids.

Got this design on the go for a new client:

http://internetessentials.co.uk/…

What do you think? It's not HTMLified yet but you get the idea...

Guitar pedals and turntables? May 10, 08, 3:49 a.m.

You guys are a multitalented bunch, does anyone know if hooking up a guitar delay pedal with my decks will produce nice delays?

I tried it before with a cheap pedal and the quality was awful, but Im hoping that was the pedal.

I'm thinking of getting one of these babies http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/produc…

Let me know watchathink

Check my kerning please! Jun 30, 10, 3:56 a.m.

Right, I know this is suicide but I'd prefer to be humiliated on QBN than live in ignorance.
We're about to go to press with our business card designs, I've check the kerning as best I can but I'm shit at spotting subtle errors. Help is appreciated:

PS. No, the card isn't just in pink, there are 3 colour versions - swatches above.

Most grateful to you. Ta.

ahh! Im doing a photoshoot! Feb 19, 09, 12:28 a.m.

Ok guys, I've just promised a client that I'd be

'more than happy to come over, set up a few lights and re-shoot your product photography!'

Only thing is, I haven't touched a camera since college...

Any advice? I can borrow a digital SLR and tripod. Not sure about the best way to light and isolate the background.

The subject is furniture replacements for stuff that can be found here http://d445318.he94.hostingessen…

where to buy tracksuit? Jan 28, 09, 12:26 p.m.

I've going to a 80s roller disco next week and need to get myself a nice tracksuit.

Any ideas where?

I'm in the UK and yes, of course I've looked on ebay.

Which is best? Feb 2, 09, 8:57 a.m.

http://style-partitions.co.uk/ne…
or
http://style-partitions.co.uk/ne…

At the first design meeting Mar 3, 10, 1:32 a.m.

A question for you graphic designers, web designers, video guys etc.

What do you talk about when you sit down with your client for the first time and plan their project?

I'm not talking about the 'easy lays' where you're working with other creatives or clients with a vision. I mean the small businesses - HR consultants, electricians, local school, used car company, engineers etc.

I'm self taught, working in web design for about 5 years now and my meeting (usually) go something like this:

* Business background (theirs not mine!)
* Project objectives
* Copy and photography (who is supplying what. Potential up-sell here.)
* Project scope (budget already agreed is sometimes adjusted)
* Target audience (this always falls on it's arse. 99% say T/A is 'everyone' or 'general public'!
* Timescales
* Probably some other things I cant think of right now.

Mapping fabrics onto products? Feb 13, 09, 7:13 a.m.

OK - I've got lots of product photography like this:

I've been asked to texturize each product photo with the range of fabrics the manufacturer upholsters in.

I've been told that there is software in existence that can do this sort of thing.

Anyone have any good suggestions? (Vanishing point in Photoshop wont work, will it?)

Cheers y'all

Milton Glaser Dylan £195 Jul 1, 10, 11:52 p.m.

I've seen it framed and in a shop over the road with a frame and 'certificate of authenticity'.
It's a good poster.
Is it a good price?
Is it a good investment?

Pricing web work to print? Apr 1, 09, 5:22 a.m.

I've just had a customer on the phone who says he loves the design work I've done for his website homepage and can I send it to his printer to be used on his brochure?

I've told him it will cost him, but how much is a fair price?

It took me about 10 hours to get the design looking right but. Im not really an illustrator but I drew the radio and other design elements and re-touched the shape of the sofa. The only original stock graphic was the wallpaper pattern.

See it here http://ashmoors.co.uk/index.php

I've got to call him back today, any advice would be appreciated.

: or ; Feb 16, 09, 2:11 a.m.

Is it me or can nobody agree on whether a list should begin with : or ;

I keep getting copy for customers with lists like this:

'...several pairs of socks were missing at the crime scene including; six green ones, 2 blue ones and a lone grey.'

I always change it to:

'...several pairs of socks were missing at the crime scene including: six green ones, 2 blue ones and a lone grey.'

(More often and not they make me change it back!)

Is the ; version outmoded or are both right?