March 10, 2012
by KK
0 comments

Anyone can get a QR Code

But will people really scan it?man with cardboard sign with qr code on it--funny

and What is a QR Code?

GET ONE: Search Google for qr code generator and put in your email address, website, then it will generate in a size you pick. Put the code somewhere smartphone-friendly.

HOW TO USE IT: Stamp one on business cards or at the end of your email, link to a Facebook page, contact information or resume.

VIEW IT: To view the info on the code you need to have a smartphone or tablet equipped with a camera and a code-reading app. I use RedLaser for my iphone which scans barcodes too.

Are QR Codes Dead?;  Read about the dos and donts of using QR codes and their longevity in Forbes.

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February 23, 2012
by KK
0 comments

Hey- We Love Doing All Kinds of Design….

g icon, logo for kids clothing linegogentlybaby.com needed an icon to help brand their super cool, organic, stylish, earth friendly apparel for children and we just love creating marks. Below– we also designed the sailboat pattern used on these cute little tops.

sailboat pattern on dress

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October 6, 2011
by Special Modern Design
2 Comments

It’s Called Forced Continuity

500full

It’s a trick and a bad marketing strategy that puts a blotch on your brand. It goes like this: “There was a promotional offer, where you were able to purchase this title at no cost after enrolling into a free trial. Once the trial period is over, your membership would automatically continue unless discontinued. You are scheduled to be charged $14.95 each 19th of the month. I apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused.—- audible.com”

It’s an opt-out approach. Continuity (also known as recurring billing) is a payment model in which customers are billed once a month until they ask to cancel. Yes, I should have read the fine print, but who does? It’s tricky and I no longer trust the brand. Has this happened to you?

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September 27, 2011
by Special Modern Design
9 Comments

Can a Logo Have a Photograph?

Hf-big-logo

Logos are no longer just for print or worrying about how well the design will embroider. Today and in the future, most common interactions with a logo is on the web or device. This opens us up to design with more colors, photography, and even movement. Does a logo still have to work in black for a fax transmission? Why are designers still constrained by rules? Are there new standards or guidelines we should adhere to? Who says? Or should we just do what is appropriate for the client? Read this conversation about breaking logo rules on Logo of the Day.com that “awarded” this HypeFest logo and posted it as logo of the day.

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September 8, 2011
by Special Modern Design
10 Comments

Easy Web Hosting to set up WordPress Blog for Designers

I am in the process of developing a WordPress blog especially directed to help designers and design enthusiasts. I found a cheap web host which has a built-in plugin called Fantastico which allows you to easily install WordPress. Super easy and you don’t pay extra for that. I found this promo code for $9.94 off : cheap web hosting: BLOGHOST1212. But still get your domain name from godaddy.

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August 19, 2011
by Special Modern Design
8 Comments

Telling a Story in a Logo

Cake Monkey Bakery logoLook around and you will start to notice secret messages in logos.This is what makes a great logo stand out among the rest.

Finding what is at the heart of your brand’s message is key. Taking at least two elements, objects or symbols, and having them interact is how to tell a good brand story. It is that interchange that creates the whole statement. The fewer items, the better the logo (or mark). Here is an example of a logo I designed for Cake Monkey Bakery. If the logo were just a cake, there would be no storyline. It would be just a cake. Adding the monkey tail tells a story.

Please visit our soon to come sister project and leave your email address so we can contact you when we launch: LOGOS WITH SOUL

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June 8, 2011
by Special Modern Design
7 Comments

Here is a Hint About Making Lists for Your Blog

Odd-numbers
Besides having an attention grabbing, curioisity piqueing headline, you should also consider having some blog entries that include lists. You've seen them- 7 Best Marketing Tricks…. 14 Things You Didn't Know...   I learned a great tip from Trey Ryder. He says to always use a non-rounded number for your list entries so it doesn't look like you forced an extra list item to make it a rounded number. Odd is stronger than even numbers….and that's my tip for the day.

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