Metaphors are representations. They represent an idea but are not the idea itself.
We use visual metaphors in design to create a familiar experience for people by focusing on ideas and objects they understand. The metaphor associates two objects that appear unrelated at first but unconsciously, the mind makes the association almost immediately. So people stop [...]

From swish to smile.
The swish inspired by the Nike “swoosh” has been a visual element used in logos for about 20 years now, and it seems it has finally seen its day. Make way for the rise of the “happy and friendly” smile!

And then a frown can turn it upside down.
What happens when we turn [...]

Four seconds!
That’s the amount of time you have to engage a prospects attention as they walk by your booth.
How do you achieve this? Show-stopping graphics are a great place to start.
Here are 10 Successful Strategies for Seizing Visual Impact.
1  A picture is worth a thousand words
Use photographic images. Images that evoke emotion engage people. Read [...]

As a follow-up to our BP logo post last month, Greenpeace has chosen the new BP logo from more than 25,000 votes online. Read their post here.
And the winner is….

Are you using easily identifiable visual communications that connect uniquely and quickly back to your company? Are you paying attention to the way your visual brand is used across mediums? Do your website, Twitter account and Facebook profile use the same overall visual features so viewers know it is your company they are experiencing?
How can [...]

Color attracts attention.
There is no doubt about it, the eye always looks at the most vibrant element in the space. A good logo not only needs to be simple… it also needs the effective use of color. This doesn’t mean you need a large variation of color. It just means the color needs to be [...]

Prudential’s “Logo Evolution” of The Rock® is a perfect example of the simplifying of a logo. What began as a detailed illustration in 1870 has now evolved to its most simplistic form, displaying more of a symbolic visual icon. As mentioned in the last post, simplicity is one of the keys to a great logo. [...]

The Worldwide Logo Design Annual (WOLDA) showcases the 2009 edition which includes 192 logo winners selected from nearly 2000 entries. See a few I have chosen to display below. You can see all the selections here.

These are all really great logos. Why?
Here is a quick litmus test for a good logo.
Is it simple?
Will it [...]

How do we strive to ensure the success of a design project?

We want our clients to focus in on what they want and how they want it. What do clients want?
Design Briefs can hold the answer.

They set up clear business objectives.
They help define expected outcomes of the intended project.

The designers role?
The Design Brief is [...]

From “British Petroleum” to “Beyond Petroleum”, BP spent hundreds of millions of dollars in 2000 promoting their new brand and tagline. The question now is, are they 100 percent committed to their brand?

Greenpeace UK is holding a BP rebranding contest. They speak for many who watch as BP hides behind their “nice green logo”.  Enter [...]