What do Google, Trader Joe’s, Zappos, and Facebook have in common?

I’m currently designing and developing a dental website, and recently discussed the project with a friend. She comments that she would never go to a dentist based on their website. She would research a dentist’s website, but would only go there based on a recommendation from someone else. So, how do you get those recommendations? Answer: Turn satisfied customers into brand advocates. Check out Fast Company’s article, “5 Ways to Foster Fanatical Brand Advocates”. There is nothing more powerful than a trusted recommendation from a brand advocate, and with social media the reach far exceeds advertising.

Oh, and what do Google, Trader Joe’s, and Facebook have in common? They all built their brands without advertising. Advocates used social media to recommend them to their friends.

Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to Eadweard J. Muybridge.

Today marks the 182nd anniversary of the birth of Eadweard J. Muybridge, the British photographer known for his pioneering work on animal locomotion. Google celebrates his birth with a doodle of his photos taken at the Palo Alto Stock Farm in Stanford, California. Titled “Sallie Gardner at a Gallop”, the series of photos shows that horses’ hooves do all leave the ground simultaneously. This series of photos stands as one of the earliest forms of videography. Isn’t it amazing that 134 years later it’s a Google Doodle!

The original:

 

The Google Doodle:

Do the work and become a pro.

Ira Glass speaks about the creative process. There’s no way around it, you gotta do the work! I hope you enjoy this…

The Love Competition

I came across this on my new, “favorite” blog, Serendipity Factory. It’s a short film documenting an experiment by the Stanford Center for Cognitive & Neurobiological Imaging. The experiment consisted of 5 minute MRIs of people’s brains while they focused on love—important loves of their lives; things that they love; and the general feeling of love. The participants ranged in age from 10 to 75 years old. It’s a very poignant capture of human emotion. Directed by Brent Hoff, the film is definitely worth watching. You won’t be disappointed. And, let me know…I’m curious if you guessed the winner?!?!?!

How creative can you get with a Facebook Timeline Cover?

I’m loving the new covers on Facebook’s timeline. It’s an opportunity to show off your creativity…scrapbooking your life’s story. Need inspiration? Check out these covers that “Hongkiat.com” put together. You’ll also find a measurement template to help you get it just right. Thanks, Hongkiat!

Facebook Timeline Cover: 40 (Really) Creative Examples

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-facebook-timeline-covers/

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya! Wishing all my Irish friends and family a Happy St. Patty’s Day…you can draw one on me ; )

Valentine’s Day

Kiss me once, kiss me twice, then kiss me once again…wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s time for some old-fashioned kind of cards.

Branding 101

The basic rules of identity development are be distinct, memorable, and have a strong creative concept to support the design. In today’s digital age, much is built into brandmarks—entertainment, variation and storytelling. I tend to lean towards the “KISS” (keep it simple) method. Sometimes the obvious design solution can be the most effective.

Take a look at Adam Ladd’s video, “Fresh Impressions on Brandmarks” with his 5-year-old daughter. I especially liked her comments on the Chili’s and McDonald’s logos…simple does work.

If you like this post, please like it below and share with your friends. And, as always, thanks for looking.

2012 Super Bowl Commercials

Here’s my take on the most memorable commercials:

Acura NSX—Seinfield vs. Leno was like a short story. What can I say…I’m a big fan of both Seinfeld and Leno. I liked the way Leno (aka Newman) thrawted Seinfeld efforts once again.

Chevy Silverado Apocolypse. Great set design. Kudos to the production team. I just wonder why Ford was mentioned.

Fiat Seduction. Mix beauty and a foreign language for instant appeal. I totally fell for it. Even liked the Abarth tattoo. Sex definitely still sells.

Honda—Ferris Bueller + Matthew Broderick. 25 years later, I still love the movie…and loved this commercial.

Chevy—Happy Grad. I could see this happening to me. It had me laughing out loud. And, what an accomplishment for 26 year old Zach Borst of New York who beat out other independent filmmakers for the Super Bowl Chevy spot.

So, there you have it…my top 5. Looks like the car spots really caught my eye. Which was your favorite?

If you like this post, share with your friends and comment below. And, as always, thanks for looking!

Recently developed logo for photographic concession products & services company.

MuseumPix is a photographic concession products and services company that offers an additional retail profit center for museums. They have provided services for blockbuster exhibitions such as Mummies, CSI, Planet Shark, Star Trek and other traveling exhibitions.

Check out logo comps and final that I recently produced for them. If you like it, please like it below…and share with your friends. And, as always…thanks for looking.