Understanding the Difference Between Identity Design and Branding

Branding or brand identity - what's the different

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 […]

The balance between beauty and SEO for creative agency websites

SEO for creative agencies and ad agencies

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 […]

What’s the Secret to Studio/Agency Success?

Secret to ad agency and creative studio growth

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

Iterative innovation is Apple's 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?

Creative agency niche strategies

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!

Stop Spilling The Cheerios - why focusing in your pitch and offering is important for creative agencies.

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

Branding archetypes - 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

Branding archetypes - 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 […]

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