February 25th, 2010
I recently had the privilege of working with Lakeshore Lutheran Schools (LLS) of Manitowoc, WI. LLS is an association of 17 schools along Lake Michigan’s western shore. It’s conservative in nature, but has a wonderfully progressive vision for promoting Lutheran education to families of the surrounding community.
Kevin Buch is admissions director for the association and working with him was great. He has an intuitive understanding of the organization he represents, both its strengths and its challenges. I was most impressed with his forward-thinking — definitely a positive trait for anyone involved with schools!
Kevin expressed the association’s ideas for an inviting and uncomplicated logo. We also decided it should convey unity, togetherness and strength, all of which the association appreciates through its faith in Christ.
I think we’ve done just that. And here it is, the new Lakeshore Lutheran School logo!
Posted in branding, design-identity, marketing, non-profit, religious | No Comments »
February 24th, 2010
I often stress the importance of typography but next to this poster, I’m as effective as a nagging noodge. This poster absolutely says it all. Isn’t it great?
If you know who to credit for this cool design, please do share. In the meantime, you can buy it at The Birds and the Beasts, a fun online store for cards, prints and other paper stuff.
Posted in typography | No Comments »
January 27th, 2010
I first got to know Michelle Eggert, CMP, several years ago when we worked together for a Church & Change Conference. Michelle was directing it, as she’s done for each of this organization’s conferences, and I designed its promotional collateral. We’ve been doing conferences together since.
Working with Michelle is always fun—you never know where she’s at when talking with her on the phone. As director of global accounts for ConferenceDirect, Michelle jet-sets all across the country, completing site inspections at hotels and negotiating contracts with the most favorable terms for her clients. This woman is a knows how to execute excellent contracts and events.
Michelle was looking for a promotional postcard to mail to potential clients. The card incorporates the ConferenceDirect logo and colors, and allows Michelle and her colleagues to personalize it with their own business cards.
Posted in branding, conference promotions, design-print, marketing | No Comments »
January 26th, 2010
A few days ago I completely dismantled my computer keyboard. It had been getting a bit sticky and rather than running out and buying a new one, I figured I’d give cleaning a shot. Yes, it was a bit tedious (and grosse!) but I got it apart, wiped it out carefully and put it back together—all without mishap.
Amazing what a little cleaning does!
My annual business plan is kind of the same. Each January, I dismantle my business, check it out carefully, and then put it back together. I examine my previous year and set goals for the new year.
Reflection on 2009 shows the year was as hard on the graphic design industry as it was on any other. Designers found themselves doing more for less, and needing skills in an ever-growing spectrum of technology. Yet, 2009 was also good for designers. Tough economic times demand tough marketing, and we all know that requires good design!
So, I’ve got my business plan set for the new year. I’ve listed my goals. I’ve made plans to accomplish them. Most importantly, I’ve determined how to best serve you, my customer, and how together we can make your business look its best in 2010.
Posted in marketing, photography | No Comments »
December 13th, 2009
Like any other industry, progress is a must for insurance mutuals. Therefore, as of Jan. 1, Ixonia Mutual Insurance Co. and Watertown Mutual Insurance Co. will merge to become one.
Both companies are strong, long-standing and trusted organizations in this rural area of southern Wisconsin. They’ve served policyholders in 16 counties for 135 years or more. As they join together, they’ve begun the intriguing venture of branding their new company, Forward Mutual Insurance Co.
I’m thrilled to be part of the process.
According to Howard Wiedenhoeft, Forward Mutual’s president and CEO, farm and home owners are the “bread and butter” of the original companies. Forward Mutual seeks to retain these traditional policyholders, yet reach out to a new generation as well. With this in mind, they formulated an initial logo concept and asked me to provide further refinements.
Together, we’ve taken a great step in branding this exciting, new company as they, to quote Howard, ”move forward succesfully into the future.”
Posted in agriculture, branding, design-identity, insurance, marketing | No Comments »
