Logo Inspiration

In school, I did alot of graphic design.  This is good, because even though I don’t consider myself a designer by trade, I do a heck of alot of graphic design for my job.

For example, tomorrow I’ll be designing a logo (and yes I’m already thinking about it.)  Not unlike the old days, I’ve found myself turning to the internet for inspiration.  The resources available to designers are so extensive it’s incredible.

Some of my favorites for logo design are:

Lo8os

LogoMoose

LogoGala

Logospire

and last but not least, Logosauce

What are yours?  Not just for logos, but for design in general?  I know most good design ideas seemingly come out of nowhere, but I also think they can only come after you’ve exhausted the obvious, and that looking at other people’s ah-ha moments can inspire you to have your own.

Inside The Actors Studio Questionaire

These ten (10) questions originally came from a French series, “Bouillon de Culture” hosted by Bernard Pivot. They’re better known as the questions that James Lipton asks every guest at the end of “Inside the Actor’s Studio.”

1. What is your favorite word?
For it’s sound, either concierge, or lithe.  For it’s meaning, optimism.

2. What is your least favorite word?
Ointment.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Enthusiasm.  When someone is genuinely excited about doing something, that enthusiasm is contagious and it’s amazing to see in any context.

4. What turns you off?
Complainers.

5. What is your favorite curse word?
I don’t think I have one that I use particularly often – however, when i’m genuinely frustrated the Australian in me really comes out and I’ll say “Bloody Hell!”

6. What sound or noise do you love?
There’s a part in Mrs. Doubtfire where Mrs. Doubtfire (Daniel) orders french food for the family because her own meal was a disaster.  When she’s dishing out one of the sauces using a spoon, it makes this cool sound. Hard to describe.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?
The door buzzer at Melinda’s apartment.  I race in as quickly as possible just to make it stop.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
High School English Teacher.  Those were some of the most influential people in my life.

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Surgeon.  Don’t have the stomach for it, and I don’t think I could handle the responsibility.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Dog heaven exists too.  Next door over and you can visit any time you’d like.

The Other Side

I read this really interesting article tonight from AdAge.com in which the writer asks the question of new grads, which side of marketing do you want to be on? Agency or Client?

You can read the article here, but the part I want to talk about is the two lists at the end where the writer describes what he believes to be the main characteristics of the two sides:

Agency Side:

• Multi-faceted clients and assignments — work on many brands, with many personalities.
• Structure, but not too much.
• Where casual dress began.
• Fast-pace. Deadline-driven.
• It’s all about the people.
• Often more unique décor.
• Service culture — it’s all about the clients.
• Right Lobe — rush of excitement from big ideas energize the hallways.

Client Side:

• Work on one brand.
• More disciplined corporate environment.
• Pace is slow compared to most agencies.
• Power — as the client, you call the shots,
• Often a more formal dress code.
• Left Lobe — working among peers who are as good with math as they are with ideas.
• Compensation — it’s usually better on this side.

As a recent grad working on the client-side, I can appreciate the truth in that list.  And I know people who I graduated with working on the agency side, and I can see the differences in our day-to-day; however, I think a more relevant question isn’t where do you think you’ll “fit in” but rather, where can you learn the most, and what’s more important to you.  Although the perks of an agency setting are attractive (except casual dress – what can I say, I look good in business attire) ultimately, I think skills are transferable between the two sides, and people (especially recent grads) shouldn’t pigeon-hole themselves into thinking they belong on one side or another.  Although I’m very comfortable in the client / corporate setting, I could also see myself working in an agency too.

Advertising & Marketing really boil down one thing: creative problem solving.  Whether you’re doing it as part of an agency for a client, or for your own brand, you need to understand (or at least appreciate) the value in both sides.