Lightning Tree Creative Media

Project: Grace Grace 1 for FireCreek Music

2010-02-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

Challenge: FireCreek Music's musical artist JoAnn McFatter's new album, Grace Grace 1, is a live album full of spiritual and ethereal sounds. How should the album packaging match this?

Solution: By manipulating several colors to flow with layered imagery, original hand-drawn vector images and dynamic typography, LTCM achieved the look requested by FireCreek Music. The packaging is completely recycleable and biodegradable, something that was important to the client. In addition to creating the artwork for the outside packaging, LTCM also incorporated the same look to the CD itself, and a 6 panel double sided insert that included lyrics and "thank you's."

What Makes a Good Logo Great?

2010-02-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

What makes a good logo great? A good logo is instantly recognizable, simple in form, easy to remember, built for longevity, and able to fit different mediums of branding material.

Simple

Chase logo design by Chermayeff & Geismar

In order for a good logo design to take shape, we must take our concepts down to their simplest form. Simplicity is key and allows a logo to be easily recognized. Without simplicity, a logo cannot follow it’s other principles of memorability and versatility.

Memorable

Nike’s curves and simplicity make it one of the most memorable logos of all time.

To build a lasting impression, a logo must be memorable. How else will your client’s customers remember them? Complexity of design serves as a negative in a logo design, your logo will have only a few seconds to be absorbed by the average person. keep it simple.

Timeless

The Coca Cola logo has not changed since it’s debut in 1885

Timeless refers to no particular point in time. Focus on building a strong concept for your logo and keep away from trends. As trends fade away, so will the logo. A timeless logo allows your client to enjoy it’s longevity, allowing your design to stay on board for the long-term.

When designing a logo, remember to:
- Build a strong concept
- Stay away from trends
- Design for the long-term

Versatile

Electrica Bahia logo design by Oficina de Diseno y Marketing

Logos are marks and symbols that represent a business. As companies market themselves through various forms and mediums, they apply their logo to business cards, advertisements, folders and many more. When designing a logo, it is important to consider logo size equally on a business card as on a billboard.

Can a logo be applied to various forms of size and color? Think about:
- Printing in small and large sizes
- Can the concept be understood in 1 color
- Cost of printing multiple colors

Design and present your logo concepts in only black and white, as colors can obscure your clients judgment and take away from the concept. Consider printing the logo in a 1 inch square. Is it visible? Thin lines are likely to fade or disappear when printing in small sizes, think about this when drawing your initial sketches.

Relevant

The Audi logo is appropriate for the company’s image.

Does your logo fit the purpose and identity of the company? A logo must portray the company it represents through the use of shape and form. A good rule to follow (not always though) is, smooth lines for a youthful company and straight lines for a structured company.

What’s your opinion on good logo design?

Twitter and Facebook Your Way to Better Business

2010-02-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

What does “word of mouth” have to do with Social Media Marketing? Actually, it has everything to do with Social Media Marketing. Just consider the results of JupiterResearch. Online social network users were three times more likely to trust their peers’ opinions over advertising when making purchase decisions. ("Social Networking Sites: Defining Advertising Opportunities in a Competitive Landscape,” JupiterResearch, March 2007).

LTCM does that too! Contact us today to discuss how your business can benefit from Social Media Marketing, not only on Facebook, but Twitter, mySpace, blogs, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, etc.

The Importance of Branding

2010-02-18T10:15:00.001-08:00

The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers."

Therefore it makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem.

The objectives that a good brand will achieve include:
Delivers the message clearly
Confirms your credibility
Connects your target prospects emotionally
Motivates the buyer

A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day. It's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It's a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without.