Understanding the Difference Between Identity Design and Branding
When we talk about building a brand—be it a restaurant, professional service, or any type of company—, it’s crucial to distinguish between identity design and “branding.” More and more I see social media influencers or pundits establishing that there is a difference, then marching on to exacerbate misconceptions. While the two are interconnected, they operate […]
There’s a Difference Between a Creative Brief and a Brand Strategy, and You Should Know It
Maybe overly affected by influencers on social. I mean, who isn’t at this point. After all, they’re job is to attempt to influence. For me, there are a number of cringey posts out there that I come across often enough to warrant this article. One such cringe post is the proclamation of having created a […]
The balance between beauty and SEO for creative agency websites
Agency websites – and studios, firms, collectives, et al for that matter – usually are exemplary of beautiful design in practice. Layout, motion and animation, and gorgeous photography dance with creative use of typography, all on a site that pulls you into to view more and more. Suffice to say, agency websites are absolutely top […]
Sealing Success: The Vital Role of Contracts in Graphic Design and Agency Processes
When I first started my former agency, I was adverse to contracts. I thought they symbolized distrust and a poor way to start a relationship. I was 100% wrong in that thinking. Since then, I’m constantly reminded of how important contracts are for ESTABLISHING TRUST right out of the gate. Contracts play a crucial role […]
What’s the Secret to Studio/Agency Success?
Creative agency and studio owners seem to always be looking for the path to success. Whether success is measured in revenue, profitability, scale, or a combination of all three, the secrets to realizing success actually aren’t found in a newfangled idea, software, or expert opinion. They have been, and remain, the four P’s: People, Processes, […]
The Brilliance of Apple’s Innovation Strategy
A lot of tech-heads love to poke at Apple as not being innovative. They point to the technology as having already existed long before Apple’s repackaging of it, claiming that it’s essentially a dumbed down version of better options. And there is merit to the argument. Apple certainly didn’t invite the laptop computer, nor did […]
How strict should you be with your niche?
There are tons of articles and arguments for finding a niche and sticking to it. A lot of them take a purist and idealist approach to the strategy which is always easy when producing content. However, it leaves a lot of creative leaders wondering, “So do I turn away paying business because it doesn’t fit […]
Stop spilling your Cheerios all over the floor!
Yeah, I know, the headline is an interesting one. How did that come to be? I was on the phone consulting with a friend of mine who’s leading a tech startup. It’s pre-funding so very agile and chaotic as they try to zero in on the offering. As with most enterprises, the sky seems to […]
The Innocent
From the forthcoming book, Mass Behaving: Unlocking the Secrets of Shifting Behaviors with Archetypes. Learn more here. Finding paradise and/or a sense of fulfillment can also come from within oneself. Accepting who you are and becoming not only comfortable, but happy about it is an amazing feeling. Brand’s who align with this ideal find a pathway provided […]
The Creator
From the forthcoming book, Mass Behaving: Unlocking the Secrets of Shifting Behaviors with Archetypes. Learn more here. The third archetype within the quadrant of stability and control is The Creator. Everyone loves to think their brand is a creator brand. It only makes sense since most companies actually create things. However, Creator brands aren’t automatically the archetypal […]
