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Archive for May 2010
Peter Lindbergh’s macbook is a work of art – custom art, that is! Look at this engraving. Isn’t it gorgeous?
Engraving by Jona Cerwinske. Photos by Garance Doré (originally published here).
I’ve had this photo of a be-scarved llama on my inspiration board for a long time. I don’t even know where I found it. Maybe it was a Banana Republic ad? It doesn’t matter. Point is, I love it. And it makes me smile.
However, I am seriously considering committing a little llama infidelity. Introducing: potential new llama.
Con: no scarf. Pro: sweet face, pop-py colours and a letter. What’s not to love? The print is by Etsy artist Magen, and you can find it (for $5!) here.
Every once in a while I like to check out the French Paper sample room to what’s new. Today I was greeted by this particularly fierce kitty. I love that pop of green; so fresh! And the print made me laugh.
The print is by Etsy artist Magen, and you can find it (for just $10, I might add) here.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Rebecca at Puzzlewood for… gosh, more than 5 years now. First we worked together at Ballard Power Systems, and then when we both decided to head out on our own, she asked me to develop the visual identity for her communication consultancy, Puzzlewood Communication.
Intrigued by the name? So was I! Turns out that one of Rebecca’s favourite places in the world is the Forest of Dean. And within the Forest of Dean, you’ll find a place called Puzzlewood, which, according to Lonely Planet Britain, is “an extraordinary area with a maze of paths, eerie passageways through moss-covered rocks, hidden dead ends, weird rock formations, tangled vines and gorgeous untamed scenery. Since I’d never been there, the first I did before starting the design process was take a peek at this special place — thanks to the magic of the Interweb. Look! So pretty!
photo by Naomi Hobbs
Now, Rebecca believes that effective communication grows from the seeds of understanding who, what and why. Who are you talking to? Why are you talking to them? And what do you hope to achieve by doing so? So taking that seed idea… and thinking about the old oak stands of the company’s namesake, we developed a logo that brings it all to life:
That typeface is Gill Sans, by the way. Not just to reflect Puzzlewood’s location (the forest, not the company… and it’s in England) but also to reflect Rebecca’s own heritage (she’s British-born). Its geometricity (is that word?) gives us round shapes that are warm and welcoming (just like Rebecca). And all those straight lines reflect her “let’s cut to the chase” approach to telling it like it is. Never underestimate the power that your chosen typeface has to communicate something about the brand experience you’re trying to build!
Next we moved on to business cards, choosing to really play up that wonderful, fresh green in her colour palette:
Her letterhead is completely uncluttered so that the content can shine:
And her website projects that same open, friendly feeling:
Rebecca and I continue to work together — we both share a passion for helping organizations tell their stories effectively. We blog (along with Sarah of Light the Lamp) at See Hear Talk, and you can follow Rebecca on Twitter. too.
I’ve been working with Garnish for a while, now… the main Garnish guru is my sweet sister, Suzanne.
As Suzanne likes to say, all it takes is a little Garnish to turn every-day into extra-ordinary! Check out the shop for yourself. You’ll find plain white boxes, bamboo cutlery, pretty coloured twine… and everything in between. Suzanne also has a great blog where she shares tips and tricks and features ideas from her customers.
The whole philosophy of Garnish is simplicity mixed with modern elegance and a dash of fun. And so we designed a logo that reflects that:
Next we developed a flexible colour palette that feels elegant but also warm and welcoming, to reinforce the “personal touch” products that she sells.
And then we began developing her promotional materials. Here are her business cards:
And the promo cards she uses for general marketing:
And some similar ones, but used for marketing to brides, wedding planners and wedding venues:
Last year she supported a Covenant House fundraiser, and here’s the flyer we did for the event (doesn’t it make you want to do a home spa right now?):
Every order is packaged with a hand-written thank you note:
… and a handy wallet-sized calendar:
Thanks, Suzanne! It’s been a lot of fun being along for the ride as you develop your passion for adding a personal touch into a thriving online business.
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