Graphic Design Halifax

ADVERTISING HALIFAX

2010-04-04T17:51:00.004-04:00

Its April already, the garden is popping up earlier than ever, the grass is well on its way to getting green, the windows are open and the birds are a chirpin. Can't wait till summer!

Now well into spring, we're just finishing work for KWI Inc, Keevestic Inc, Amec, Black & McDonald , Nova Spinal Inc and Whiskers To Wags, to mention a few, and are now into a whole new slew of projects, every one of them an opportunity do to something new, and most importantly to learn something new.

One of our most recent and new clients is Nova Spinal Inc. for whom we're designing a set of five rack cards to promote and advertise their chiropractic business located in Bayers Lake Industrial Park, Halifax. With a new interior design, some new equipment and new promotional material, Nova Spinal Inc has been very busy! Before long we'll be issuing the final cards for print. Can't wait to see the outcome!

We've got lots of new applications coming in from freelancers hoping to join our team. keep them coming. They look great. I cant reply to them all as there are simply too many. If I haven't replied to your application, don't hesitate to try again another time. So much work looks great!

Well, that about wraps it up for this blog. What's new with you?

Thanks for tuning in!

ADVERTISING SERVICES WE PROVIDE

* Print Advertising - Advertisements in printed form such as magazines, newspapers and flyers.

* Point of Purchase Advertising - Materials such as large displays located in stores.

* Outdoor Ads - Materials found on buses, bus shelters, benches, billboards and other outdoor advertising.

* Internet Advertising - Advertisements found on websites such as banner ads.

* Email Marketing/Advertising - Ads that are circulated via email to promote or sell a product or service.

* Facebook Advertising - Ads, invitations and promotional materials found on Facebook profiles, groups and events.

PRINT ADVERTISING MATERIALS MAY INCLUDE:

* Promotional Mail Out Postcards

* Invitations to events

* Magazine ads

* Publication Advertisements

* Promotional Flyers

* Promotional Brochures

* Promotional Newsletters

* Newspaper Ads

* Posters

* Promotional Mail Out Campaigns

* Promotional Magazine Inserts

* Promotional Hang Tags

* Magazine ads and page layout

* Yellow Pages Ads

We'll make YOU look good on paper.

ADVERTISING HALIFAX

2010-03-20T13:43:00.005-04:00

Saturday March 20th. Is this a glorious day? The sun is shining, the deck furniture is out, the yard is raked and the window is open for the first time since the fall. The breeze is blowing in the window behind me, the sun is on my legs as I type on my computer. I can hear the kids playing in the yard to my left, I can hear my neighbor to the right yelling out the door for their youngest 'Emma' to come home, the birds are chirping. I have to ask myself, what am I doing inside blogging and promoting my business on a day like today?! If you're doing the same thing we really have to work together!

Whats new with you? I'll tell you what's new with us. Advertising. And lots of it!

ADVERTISING SERVICES WE PROVIDE

* Print Advertising - Advertisements in printed form such as magazines, newspapers and flyers.

* Point of Purchase Advertising - Materials such as large displays located in stores.

* Outdoor Ads - Materials found on buses, bus shelters, benches, billboards and other outdoor advertising.

* Internet Advertising - Advertisements found on websites such as banner ads.

* Email Marketing/Advertising - Ads that are circulated via email to promote or sell a product or service.

* Facebook Advertising - Ads, invitations and promotional materials found on Facebook profiles, groups and events.

PRINT ADVERTISING MATERIALS MAY INCLUDE:

* Promotional Mail Out Postcards

* Invitations to events

* Magazine ads

* Publication Advertisements

* Promotional Flyers

* Promotional Brochures

* Promotional Newsletters

* Newspaper Ads

* Posters

* Promotional Mail Out Campaigns

* Promotional Magazine Inserts

* Promotional Hang Tags

* Magazine ads and page layout

* Yellow Pages Ads

We'll make YOU look good on paper.

Bye for now. I'm going outside to get myself and my furry friend Jake some fresh air and sunshine!

Advertising Halifax

2010-03-01T16:19:00.006-05:00

Its March 1st already, and the first day of spring in March 20, 2010, so spring is fast approaching. Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that I was blogging about the approaching new year.

We're now months into the new year, just past finishing some work for Kamelion and New Leaf Canada Immigration Solutions and Scotia Surgical Inc, to mention a few, and are now into a whole new slew of projects, every one of them an opportunity do to something new, and most importantly to learn something new.

One of our most recent and new clients is Nova Spinal Inc. for whom we're designing a set of five rack cards to promote and advertise their chiropractic business located in Bayers Lake Industrial Park, Halifax. With a new interior design, some new equipment and new promotional material, Nova Spinal Inc has been very busy! Before long we'll be issuing the mock ups and well on our way to completion.

As well, we're starting up a Corporate Identity Package for Keevestic Inc, of Halifax. Keevestic Inc. provides practical and measurable solutions to help keep our clients businesses efficient, competitive, safe and sustainable. We're just getting started on their Logo design and looking forward to some awesome and creative results!

Every year we like to take on a Pro-Bono project. We feel that its important to give back, and to offer our services to help a good cause. This year we've been editing the existing print collateral materials for their Purple Day fundraising gala as well as designing a new poster and ticket for the event. We wish them all the success they deserve in their endeavors. We'll be blogging all about that project next, as well as posting it to the website.

Tuesday we begin another Corporate Identity package for a new client and are very much looking forward to getting started on this project as well.

And last, but not least, we're looking forward to getting back to work with Whiskers To Wags next week. We'll be continuing to design tartan vectors for their cat and dog accessories, as well as starting in on some other new (as of yet undisclosed!) designs. We're very much looking forward to getting back to work with Whiskers To Wags and Adelle Morar.

Well, that about wraps it up for this blog. What's new with you?

Thanks for tuning in!

GRAPHIC DESIGN HALIFAX

2010-02-24T18:55:00.002-05:00

SEEKING JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITH AWESOME DESIGN SKILLS
We're seeking a JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER (freelancer) to join our team to help out during busy periods. At present, it's not a permanent position but we're hoping it will become one.

In particular right now, we're looking for someone who is OUTSTANDING at Logo design.
If you feel this is your strength, we'd love to see some of your work.

Requirements:

- licensed design software - preferably Adobe CS3 (but not mandatory)
- ability to work on your own, from your home
- available to attend meetings to discuss projects from time to time(vehicle not required - will work it out)
- ability to give and receive constructive criticism
- expect pay for each individual project completed initially after the client has paid
- ability to provide and have an understanding of vector graphics
- good editing skills would be an asset
- very organized and able to pay close attention to detail and instruction (this is a MUST)
- and of course, a deep love of design!

Please forward your resume, portfolio, web address or CV by email in a multi-page document where necessary. (Sorry, but a multitude of individual documents won't be reviewed)

Thanks in advance for your interest! And best of luck in a successful design career.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Cheers,

Karen

Whiskers To Wags, Quality Crafted Dog and Cat Accessories

2010-02-05T17:16:00.022-05:00

Corporate identity can sound so, well, corporate, institutional almost. But, the fact is that it's not. It's actually very organic, individual and personal. Every business that has any aspirations of being successful in this era has to consider corporate identity and branding to one degree or another. And lets face it, no one goes into business without aspirations of being successful.

If you're a new and developing business, there's no time like now to start the early stages of your corporate identity or visual identity. We all have priority lists, this is not something to place low on your priority list, we all have budgets that we have to work within, this is not something to place low on your budget. Your visual identity begins in the early stages of your development, whether you're a small, medium or large company. You could be a mid to large size company or corporation that has experienced some success without a corporate identity. Develop your visual identity and see what happens.

It all begins with a logo, a business card, letterhead, signage, and perhaps a poster or brochure. These are the very typical beginnings of the building of a brand, a corporate identity, or, visual identity. You have to start at the beginning, and this is the beginning.

Your visual identity describes your business and the visual image you want to project to the world. This image is wrapped up into one icon/graphic/logo/design that can function well in different contexts and is referred to as your Logo. But, your Logo is only one piece of your visual identity. Your Logo defines who you are, what you do, and how you want to represent yoruself in an instant. It's about 'making your mark' and setting yourself apart from the rest in an intensely competitive era.

A well designed Logo builds loyalty, and establishes the first crucial impression of your business or organization. It says everything about you in a split second. Through emotional response, it makes an immediate connection to your target audience. Through perception, it defines the expected and desired experience.

Your Logo is the building block of your corporate identity, or, brand. Your brand not just your Logo, rather, its a culmination of the sum of the things that you are. It is your Logo, your corporate colors, your place of business, address, office space, employees, values, marketing pieces, associations and much more. A strong brand is integral to your marketing potential and develops over time. It establishes credibility and instant recognition, it connects you with your prospective clients and it creates a sustained relationship with your existing clients. Your brand is what people envision when they think of your business. Your Logo is how people envision your business when they see your Logo.

On our website, you'll find some samples of Logos we've designed. Some of these Logos are a piece of a Corporate Identity Package. You can see the Corporate Identity Package, and how all pieces work together, in our clients list.

We've recently completed the beginning stages of identity for Whiskers To Wags, a company based out of Halifax that produces quality crafted dog and cat accessories. A very exciting project, and a lovely group of people. Adele Morar, Whiskers To Wags owner, is awesome to work with, spectacular at what she does, has a very keen eye, and a (smart) desire to get things right the first time. In fact, this weekend they have a trade show at the World Trade And Convention Center, Halifax.

Whiskers To Wag produces accessories for cats and dogs. Their line includes leashes and collars that any pet owner would LOVE to have! Their specialty? Tartan designs. So, whether you want a leash with sailboats, polka dots, and many other designs, this is what they do. We can't wait to place our order for Jake, the 'office dog'. Can't decide between the Cape Breton Tartan or the Nova Scotia Tartan, but have narrowed it down to one of the two.

Whiskers To Wags initial project included the design of a Logo, business card, tags for the products, labels for the products, a 'Pull Up Banner' for trade shows ( or any type of collapsable exhibition ) and of course, a store front, and tartan designs, for the collars and leashes.

We wish them continued success and good fortune. Thanks for the business Adele! Soon, we'll be back at it designing and producing another series of Tartan collars and leashes. I'm looking forward to it.

Stay tuned! For more information or to place an order with Whiskers To Wags please contact Adele Morar at 902-401-0632. Visit their website at www.whiskerstowags.com, its in the early stages, but there for orders now.

EVENT DESIGN IN HALIFAX

2010-01-21T18:51:00.003-05:00

EVENT DESIGN

THIS IS ONE OCCASION YOU DON'T WANT AN UNEVENTFUL EVENING.

The success of an event depends on its marketing and promotion. Whether its a dance, a fundraiser, a work Christmas Gala, an art show, or a mailout campaign you cannot succeed without promoting it. Your print material not only provides information and details, it defines the style of your entire event and sets the stage for a great success.

You can use printed material without social media to successfully promote an event, but you cannot use social media without the the professionally designed materials and expect a successful event. (In the case of social media, the materials wouldn't be printed, they would instead be uploaded to the internet.) Social media, in conjunction with your printed visual media is the way to go. For example, creating a facebook page and uploading your promotional poster is fast becoming a popular source for promotion. Of course not everyone uses the internet for social networking so printed material is integral, and allows you to reach the masses. Creating a facebook page without visual promotional material is a waste of time. No one will pay attention to your page without the visuals. Have you ever seen an event posted on Facebook that has the little baby blue head in the placeholder for visuals? Then you know what I mean.

We've had the honor and privledge of managing the entire scope of artwork for several large scale events in Halifax over the last few years. Several of our larger scale event productions include materials designed for events held by The Cobequid Community Health Centre, in Sackville, Nova Scotia, namely The Annual Appeal and The Annual Valentine Gala. A wonderful group of people to work with. As well we've provided all graphics for The Forever Yours Bridal Show held at The Casino Halifax, put on by Weddings Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada Weddings, and the trade show materials for Xtremetech, an Edmonton based company promoting new technology.

We're currently in the process of managing production and design of an exciting advertising campaign for Lotus Jewellry for their Kameleon Design jewelry in upcoming trade shows CTGA Gift Show Toronto, Mode Accessories Show in Toronto and the Alberta Gift Show. A lovely group of people to work with, and their unique jewelry designs are fantastic. As well, we're in the process of designing the Corporate Identity development and trade show preparation for an upcoming retailer.

Work samples coming soon.

Event Materials and Collaterol:

Event logos

Promotional Posters

Signage

Event Itineraries

Promotional Mail Out Postcards

Tickets

Invitations

Magazine Ads

Flyers

Newspaper Ads

Letterhead

Newsletters

Envelopes and Return Evvelopes

Donation Cards

Magazine or Guide Inserts

Hang Tags

Magazine page layout and advertising

Banners

LOGO DESIGN, BRANDING AND VISUAL IDENTITY HALIFAX

2010-01-15T07:33:00.008-05:00

IT'S A BRAND NEW YEAR

It's amazing how widespread branding has become. Who knew that one day we'd even be branding people? In this fast paced, and highly competitive environment we live in, branding is essential.

This year I'd like to place more focus on Logo design. As I've been designing Logos over the last few years its become one of my favorite materials to design. What I love the most about it is the process, the development. It's like a butterfly that emerges from a cocoon. You know its coming, but its always a beautiful surprise when it does.

Many designers set out to create anywhere from one to three initial concepts to supply to the client in hopes that they love it and it will be the Logo. I think its virtually impossible to do this. Logo design is a process, and without the process you may end up with an attractive Logo, but not a meaningful, and most importantly, conceptual Logo.

One of my professional New Years Resolutions is to continue to learn more about Logo development and theory, to delve more deeply into Logo design, branding, corporate identity and visual identity. If you know of any current reads I shouldn't miss, please be sure to send me a comment.

LOGO, BRANDING AND VISUAL IDENTITY

What exactly is it?

Your visual identity describes your business and the visual image you want to project to the world. This image is wrapped up into one icon/graphic/logo/design that can function well in different contexts. It defines who you are and what you do in an instant. It's about 'making your mark' and setting yourself apart from the rest in an intensely competitive era.

A well designed Logo builds loyalty, and establishes the first crucial impression of your business or organization. It says everything about you in a split second. Through emotional response, it makes an immediate connection to your target audience. Through perception, it defines the expected and desired experience.

Your Logo is the building block of your brand. Your brand not just your Logo, rather, its a culmination of the sum of the things that you are. It is your Logo, your corporate colors, your place of business, address, office space, your look, your feel, employees, values, marketing pieces, associations and much more. A strong brand is integral to your marketing potential and develops over time. It establishes credibility, it connects you with your prospective clients and it creates a sustained relationship with your existing clients. Your brand is what people envision when they think of your business.

Again, who knew that one day we'd even be branding people? What will we be branding next?

Karen Gaudet

Thank you for keeping us busy! We sincerely appreciate your business.

2009-11-27T13:48:00.011-05:00

Well, as another year draws to a close, we're counting blessings. Who knew that when we posted a simple ad a few years back offering freelance graphic design services, that today we'd be still doing it!

This has been a busy year, full of ups and downs, learning curves and lots of new clients.

We thought we'd be going into December expecting a quiet month, but quite the contrary, much to our pleasure.

We're currently working on a series of eight vector graphics and a Corporate Identity package for Furry Friends, a Corporate Identity Package for Scotia Surgery Ltd, a surgical hospital in Dartmouth, a Logo for Higgs House Productions, an executive production company Halifax, and are close to closing on a bookcover for a local author.

As well, we're managing production and design of an exciting advertising campaign for Lotus Jewellry for their Kameleon Design jewelry in upcoming trade shows CTGA Gift Show Toronto, Mode Accessories Show in Toronto and the Alberta Gift Show. A lovely group of people to work with, and their unique jewelry designs are fantastic. You have to see them!

All very exciting and new, never a dull moment, and always an opportunity to learn something new.

We wouldn't have it any other way!

KGGD Team.

WEBSITE DESIGN

2009-11-02T10:27:00.004-05:00

You told us what you wanted, and we listened.

Consequently, we're currently very excited to be in the process of some major website upgrades and adding more of the materials we've designed. There will be a few glitches for a while as we get reorganized so please stay tuned.

One of the changes is that we're adding more work. We've been told that you want to see what we've done, and we're going to show you! Just go to the Portfolio link and select from the list to view work text free. We work hard to update and add work as quickly as possible.

Your feedback is always welcome.

Cheers,

KGGD Design Team

NEW GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS

2009-09-20T11:03:00.003-04:00

We've been busy! We're currently in the process of designing a CD Cover for musician Fleur Mainville of New Glasgow, a Corporate Identity Package for Seaside Santa of Halifax (including a Logo, Business Card and Letterhead), a Logo for two Municipal owned companies called INNU Municipal GP Inc, and Rockcliffe Construction Inc, a Logo and Business Card for VanHattem Homes in Berwick, and a Visual Identity Package (including Logo, Business Card and Letterhead) for Northern Lights of Wellington, NS.

As well, we're designing some new business cards for Healthy By Nature and Rosson, Johnson

& Gordon.

If you're looking for a price quote, just drop us a line, or give us a call.

Church Logo Design - New Work

2009-09-09T17:51:00.016-04:00

We decided to start posting our most recent work here on our blog to make it easier for prospective clients to see what we've been up to recently, even if we haven't had the time to update the applicable website pages.

Most recent work:

Client: Today's Family Church, Halifax NS

Mandate: Design a one color Logo, full color Letterhead and full color Business Card that depict the Baptist church and its congregations' values.

A non-traditional, non-conformist, 'come as you are' group, TFC prides themselves on casual services and a wealth of diversity. Their mission: to worship God, to encourage faith, to build community and to demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They were looking for a simple graphic, that was central to Christ and/or the cross. Something they could use on posters, banners, website, signage and t-shirts.

It was a community project and alot of fun, with a lovely and very diverse group of people. I initially met with four of the congregation to discuss their values and what they had in mind and then set to work creating the first concepts. (Below)

It started with an attempt to move away from the somewhat typical symbols of church, and to incorporate more subtle symbols.

The circle was used to symbolize 'life' and 'people', the 'line' symbolizing a wave, or the ocean that surrounds us in Halifax, the Atlantic, and Canada, basically representing the 'larger community'. The bird is a seagull, with symbolisms that reflect the Atlantic as well. It was not necessarily recognizable as a gull, more so just as a bird. The gull has many symbolisms. To some it is a symbol of the soul, a passage way between the physical world and the spiritual world, in flight it represents freedom, in the non judgemental sense. Gulls in particular are known to represent the ocean, the Atlantic, Maritimes, Nova Scotia, but also represent the earth, the air and the water, as they are at home with each. TFC was most interested in the use of the circle, the cross and a script typeface. Out of the rough concepts above, the fourth choice was chosen by TFC for further development and set to work creating the second concepts. (Below)

Further development of the graphic using the circle and wave quickly manifested itself into a semi-circle, representing the rising sun. What better way to symbolize 'today'. The question was whether to use the word Today's, TFC, or a T as the main character of the sunrise and as well what script typeface would gain the most attention. The last option was chosen for further development and we set to work on the final concept. (Below)

The successful Logo is obvious. During the final stage of the process script typefaces were explored as a means of expressing TFC, but we could see that the cross and the letters were fighting for attention. We had previously explored just using the t to represent Today's and the cross, this was now re-explored. It was crisp and clean, it worked, the final Logo had emerged.

All were very pleased with the outcome. We can't wait to start to see some of the materials. T-shirts are already in the works.

SEEKING JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITH AWESOME DESIGN SKILLS

2009-09-07T14:55:00.004-04:00

We're seeking a JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER (freelancer) to join our team to help out during busy periods. At present, it's not a permanent position but we're hoping it will become one.

Requirements:

- licensed design software - preferably Adobe CS3 (but not mandatory)

- ability to work on your own, from your home

- available to attend meetings to discuss projects (vehicle not required - will work it out)

- ability to give and receive constructive criticism

- expect pay for each individual project completed initially

- ability to provide and have an understanding of vector graphics

- good editing skills would be an asset

- very organized and able to pay close attention to detail and instruction (this is a MUST)

- and of course, a deep love of design!

Please forward your resume, portfolio, web address or CV by email in a multi-page document where necessary. (Sorry, but a multitude of individual documents won't be reviewed)

Thanks in advance for your interest! And best of luck in a successful design career.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Design Newsletter

2009-08-01T09:01:00.004-04:00

Today we're celebrating the release of our first newsletter. We've decided that each month we'll focus on a particular client and project. The newsletter will discuss the details of the design project, the issues that had to be dealt with, and the outcome.

We'd love to hear your feedback.

Newsletter No 1

Mandate: Brochure Design For Basin View Chiropractic

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Basin View Chiropractic was interested in having a marketing piece designed to promote awareness of their practice. They wanted it

to appear similar to their website and contain images of the chiropractic doctor working with patients. They were able to supply their

own photos, and had already prepared the layout of the content ahead of time. They were a great company to work with, a lovely

group of people and we very much enjoyed the experience.

They had considered designing their own brochure because, let's face it, anyone can copy and paste. We're glad they didn't. Design

work that is done by non-designers is completely obvious and could be detrimental to the credibility of your business.

There were several issues to be solved as a part of the design process for the brochure. First, we wanted to create a brochure that

stood out, that was attractive and appealing to the eye. The colors of the website were very nice. They were calm and earthy and a

fine choice for a website, but wouldn't attract attention to a brochure, especially if it was on a rack with other brochures. The client

agreed - we had to consider alternative colors.

The next hurdle was the imagery. The photos supplied by the office were of good quality and did a great job of showing the doctor at

work and how comforting and painless chiropractic therapy can be. However, rather than show people in the process of getting chiropractic services, we felt it would be more effective to show people the 'benefits' of using the chiropractic services, to let people know that having chiropractic services was going to lead to better health. The client agreed that we should use imagery that was joyful, happy, and created a sense of comfort. In order to achieve this effect we also felt that the imagery should contain colors that were bright, warm and depicted a sense of well being. We recommended imagery that we felt was applicable for this application, and the client chose what they felt most represented them and the image that they wanted to project.

Then we were well under way. The brochure was text heavy, so we went to work eliminating text where possible, to reveal content that told the viewer about the practice, the services they provided and the people who are employed there. We made the editing recommendations, and the client was totally in control of what stayed and what was eliminated.

Basin View Chiropractic was very pleased with our working relationship, were able to give and receive recommendations and feedback, and were very happy with the outcome of the brochure.

Why Hire A Graphic Designer When You Can Just Do It Yourself?

2009-07-27T07:49:00.011-04:00

Anybody can copy and paste, right? So why would you want to spend your hard earned dollars on a graphic designer when you can just use Word and other desktop publishing software and do your own?

1. SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES DON'T DO THEIR OWN GRAHIC DESIGN WORK, they just don't. Anyone that you deal with in business development will recommend that you have your materials professionally designed.

Behind every successful business, is a busy graphic designer.

2. Bad design. 'Home grown' design work is completely obvious and should be avoided at any cost.

3. Time. Keep your time freed up to run your business! Every business, no matter what size, has to do the day to day work that's required to survive and thrive. If you're doing the graphic design, then who is making the product? providing the service? If you're busy struggling to design a generic logo, then who is marketing your product/service? Who is responding to phone calls, emails, mail etc.

4. Creativity. Designers are trained in the field of visual communication. Your marketing materials may seem easy enough to design, but designers are trained to solve the complex problems that will arise from your individual needs.

5. Resources. Graphic designers have the resources to relevant imagery, photography, research, marketing and design techniques, that will suit your individual needs.

6. Expediency. The more you do something the better and faster you get at doing it. This is also the case with designers and concept building as well as with the technical applications that are required to provide your company with professional, successful, materials.

7. Software. Professional graphic designers have the licensed software required to provide your company with work that complies with copyright laws.

Graphic designers have the resources and 'know how' to provide printing service bureaus and other production professionals with the files that are required to ensure that the materials that represent you and your company/service/work are produced properly.

8. Originality. Your designer has the resources and techniques to provide you with work that is as original as possible. It would be next to impossible to always create work that has never been created before, but designers have the resources to see what's 'out there' and ensure that your work is as original as possible.

There are many ways to save money when starting up your business or running your business from day to day. Doing your own design work is not one of them.

The artwork that represents you, your company, your service, or your work, should be conceptual and professional.

Test

2009-07-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

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Graphic Design Services Offered

2009-07-17T14:48:00.005-04:00

Our graphic design services are available to other graphic design firms, freelance graphic designers, larger design firms and web designers. We don't just do one-offs!

We'll slightly reduce our fee in order to add in a finders fee, and still make our

price quote reasonable, if you're looking to subcontract.

If you find yourself too busy with web design projects, we can help you take care of some of the print materials that may go along with a job.

As well, we're interested in on-going jobs that entail a continual relationship with your company such as an in-house designer who doesn't work 'on site'. If you're looking for someone to work on your projects on an on-going monthly basis, we can work something out.

We're open and flexible.

Freelance Junior Graphic Designer Needed

2009-07-01T08:12:00.008-04:00

We're always keeping our eye open for a JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER (freelancer) to join our team, and for fluctuating design business.

Requirements:

- licensed design software- preferably Adobe CS3 (but not mandatory)

- ability to work on your own, from your home

- available to attend meetings to discuss projects

Please forward your resume, portfolio or CV by email in a multi-page document. (Sorry, but a multitude of individual documents won't be reviewed)

Thanks in advance for your interest! And best of luck in a successful design career. Only successful applicants are contacted for further information.

Blog Up And Running

2009-07-01T08:08:00.004-04:00

We are very pleased to announce that our blog is now up and running! It's nice that it coincides with Canada's birthday!
Looking forward to exploring the world of blogging and all that it has to offer (and I thought we'd have a days vacation!)
Happy Canada Day Canadians!

Going Live

2009-06-30T10:41:00.001-04:00

Testing 1 2 3

Okay, so I love history...

2009-06-11T00:52:00.007-04:00

Issues In Design History
October 23, 2004

Design history is all around us. We see it in our clothes, food, transportation, schools, work places, homes and more. The following are two examples of design history, items which were popluar items in the past, and continue to be in the present. The first design example, Levi's Jeans, is a pant design that has survived since its inception in 1873. The second example is the Volkswagen Beetle, which is an automobile design that originated in 1931, died out in 1975, and went on to be revived in 1994 with the unveiling of it's new adaptation, Concept 1. I chose these two designs as my topic of conversation, as I had personal history with and affection towards these items. I've been a Levi's wearer and maintained a sense of loyalty towards them through the years, especially the oldest and most faded ones. As well, my family owned a VW Beetle when I was about six years old. I can still recall the smell of the car, the feel of the hard, black leather interior, and remember sitting in the little storage space in the back, with my face pressed up against the window. Of course, at the age of six, I didn't mind that it wasn't a practical car for a family of six; I thought it was fun to sit in the back. As well, these two items are associated with an era that intrigues and interests me, the sixties.

Originally, both designs were a response to a practical need. Levi's jeans were initially the 'brain child' of a man called Jacob Davis. There are numerous recounts of Levi's beginnings. Mattox tells the story of Mr. Davis based on a press release by historian Lynn Downey. He tells us that Mr. Davis was a tailor and a customer of Levi Strauss. One of Mr Davis's customers kept ripping the pockets of the pants that he had made for him, so he (Mr. Davis) came up with the idea of putting rivets at the weak spots of the pants to strengthen them. This idea worked and these new pants were an instant hit with his customers, the labourers. This prompted Mr. Strauss, who had established his dry goods store (which included the sale of trousers) with a proposition for them to become business partners. Mr. Strauss accepted, a partnership resulted, and a patent was purchased. Mr. Strauss had come to San Francisco from Germany in 1853 to open a west coast branch of his brothers New York 'dried goods' business, as it was called at that time. May 20, 1873 was dubbed the official birthday of 'blue jeans (Mattox). According to Wagner, the original fabric of trousers for the gold miners of this era was heavy brown canvas until supplies ran out. When Strauss and Davis became partners in pants, the pants were made of dyed blue denim, with the ever-important rivets for strengthening. Their pant production began with 'wasit overalls', the old name for jeans (Wagner). On the other hand, the Volkswagen Beetle was designed in response to a request by the German government for a small, economical car. The car was small, and shaped like a lady-bug, with big, rounded fenders around the wheels. BBC tells the story, about the car, summoned by none other than the infamous Adolph Hitler. Hitler wanted a car that could be mass-produced, for as little money as possible. This vehicle was intended to enable people to be mobile, which would require a vehicle that was affordable and practical. As well, Hitler was interested in having transportation to his troops and to the public. He commissioned Ferdinand Porsche to design the economical, four-seater, family car. Not long after, a factory was built surrounding Wolfsburg castle, which was unfortunately devastated during World War II. After World War II, with the British in power, production was eventually again started up and by the end of 1945, Volkswagen was finally in full production (BBC). Hodges says it was Wolfsburg's good fortune to fall under British Military rule. It was likely that the Soviets, at that time, would merely have stripped watever remained of the plant, and there seemed to have been little of immediate value or interest to the American and the French. However, the British needed light transport for their occupation forces and it made sense to provide work for the local citizens (20). BBC affirms that the popularity of the Beetle grew and grew until 1974 when its last vehicle rolled off the production line. However, public demand got things rolling again and in 1994 the new 'Concept 1' was revealed. (BBC)

The periods connecting these designs from the past to the present are of great importance in understanding how they became so popular. In the fifties, during the Post War baby boom period, both of these items went through a transformation of sorts. They went from being practical necessities in an evolving community, to being objects of commodity fetishism, of mass consumption. They became items loved and bought by the masses. The social changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, the influx of people moving from the country to the city to be nearer the factories, consequent anxiety, onset of mass media availability, increase in technology and resulting power of advertising, were all factors that influenced the popularity and success of these items. In both cases a notion of rebellion was created by the mass media, a feeling a conception associated with the products, which was adapted by society. According to Mattox, rebelliousness was a cultural landmark of this era. During the fifties stars like James Dean, Marilyn Munroe, and Marlon Brando endorsed the jeans image (Mattox). Further, Iohmann explains that in the fifties denim became popular with young people, a symbol of teenage rebellion in television prograns and movies (James Dean in 1955 Rebel Without A Cause) and that some schools banned students from wearing denim (Iohmann). Levi's were to go on to become an icon of American culture. The makers of the Volkswagen Beetle, however, took marketing strategies into their own hands according to Pasi. In 1959, Volkswagen hired an advertising company to promote the sale of the Beetle. "It wasn't until VW's legendarily clever and unconventional advertising campaigns that the car really became synonymous with the vibrant, unrestrained generation that made it their hallmark."(Pasi) Further, BBC asserted that 'America's love of the Bug overtook that of the 'Fatherlands' after a hugely successful ironic campaign, which mocked the quirky car and that by the end of the decade there were over 500,000 Beetles on US roads." (BBC) As David Ogilvie explains, 'Bill Bernbach and his merry men positioned Volkswagen as a protest against the vulgarity of Detroit cars in those days, thereby making the Beetle a cult among those Americans who eschew conspicuous consumption" (Ogilvie) The advertisement depicted a tiny photograph of the Beetle surrounded by a lot of white space. the title of the ad was 'Think Small'. Hodges reaffirms 'no (vehicle) inspired such owner loyalty or enjoyed such wide cult status, often in the faces of suspicions that image might be taking over from the realities of specification and capability." (34) Hodges was further quoted as saying, "that clever marketing played its part, especially in publicity in the United States through the Sixties when VW became a major force in the world's largest single market." (34)

The correlation to rebelliousness was well established with both products in the fifties, which positioned them well for popularity and success with the youth counter-culture of the sixties. The sixties were a period of rebellion. There was a rise in the attendance of upper class youth attending university, popularity in speaking out and taking action, particularly against disturbances like the highly unpopular Vietnam War. These combined issues manifested with the youth in a physical and mental state of rebellion against parents, the government, war, social conformities and other issues. During the sixties Levi's were very popular as they had been previously established as the clothing of the cool and rebellious and had become the clothing of choice for university students of the anti-war, hippie generation, Iohmann asserts that in the sixties and seventies different styles of jeans were made, to match the 60's fashions including embroidered jeans, painted jeans, and psychadelic jeans. In many non-Western countries, jeans became a symbol of 'Western Decadence' and difficult to get. (Iohmann) The same went for the Beetle, it was to become an icon of the sixties generation. BBC's articles reiterates that 'the sixties were a decade of huge change: while man walked on the moon, the Beetle got square bumpers, vertical headlights, larger taillights and double-jointed axles and as free love and anti-capitalism spread, the Beetle became the must-have for hippies everywhere, despite its Nazi origins." (BBC)

Even the harsh realities surrounding the manufacture of the items didn't stop the masses from buying them. During the fifties and sixties while all of the peace and love was going on, the conditions that the factory workers had to endure while assembling the beloved Levi's jeans and Beetles was unfathomable. In the case of Levi's jeans, the 'sweat shops', as they came to be known, employed women and children who were overworked and underpaid. The Beetle factories were also involved in unethical, in-humane acts. Laver quotes:

"In the German case, the passage of time has nothing to quell on the demands for retribution. In June, Klaus Von Mrunchhausen, a lecturer at the University of Bremen, announced plans to sue VW AG, the world's fourth largest automaker, on behalf of thirty Hungarian-born Jews. His clients, all now residents of Isreal were teenage prisoners at Auschwitz and in 1944 and 1945 they were sent to work as slave labourers in the VW plants. At the time VW was a major supplier to the Nazi war machine, building everything from trucks to rockets."(37)

With the Post-War economic boom, and the tumultuous sixties in the past, the success of both products was to change. Mattox indicates that in the seventies and eighties the blue jeans black market and collecting markets emerged worldwide, especially in Japan. However, in the nineties, oversize jeans rose and fell (pardon the pun) leaving Levi's behind, as new industry leaders emerged. (Mattox) Meanwhile, BBC says of the Beetle:

"the VW after enjoying the popularity of the sixties tries to improve on its popularity unsuccessfully and its successive attempts were failures. In desperation, VW called upon Italian designer Giorgetto Giuglaro to help. His solution was the water-cooled, front engine hatchback named Golf."

In 1974 the Golf was realeased with instant success. The same year the last VW Beetle rolled off the Wolfsburg production line. In 1975 the Beetle was no longer in production in North America although it continued to be built in other countries. However, due to public demand, the Beetle was revived in 1994 in the new production called Concept 1.

The notion, feeling, conception created around the original Beetle carried forward to Concept 1, albeit to a lesser degree. BBC qoutes "1994 saw the unveiling of Volkswagen's Concept 1, a Golf-based show car, which reinvented the Beetle's classic curves for a new breed of customer. The new Beetle was front-engined, luxurious, comfortable and expensive." (BBC) It's interesting to note that in our consumer society we have reinvented the same car, only with opposite principles. Perhaps the principles that might interest the same people who were loyal to the Beetles in the sixties? I expect so.

Levi's like the Beetle, live on. They were popular items in the past and are stil in the present. Rothenberg eloquently sums up the connection fromt he past to the present for both Levi's and the Beetle when he says about the Beetle

"Mr. Patton's book, from Simon & Schuster, brings the story up to date, recounting the development and marketing of the new Beetle that's become a generation Y icon. "The two models" Mr. Patton writes, "provide an object lesson in the way images and ideas mutate through culture". "The old and new Beetles show 'how an impersonal universal design' becomes an object of such personal attachment". Indeed, for marketing people, "Bug" is a case study that can accompany "The Tipping Point" or "The Cluetrain Manifesto" for it helps explain how we as consumers, in our own minds and hands, turn the ephemera of mass production into the stuff of individual affection.(24)