Special Modern Blog

Anyone can get a QR Code

KK — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:50:37 +0000

But will people really scan it?

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.

Hey- We Love Doing All Kinds of Design….

KK — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:57:55 +0000

gogentlybaby.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.

Vintage Looking Seamless Patterns

KK — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:03:40 +0000

Wallpaper patterns can be a busy distraction or a mood enhancer. I think this pattern does both, but I am pulled in by it. Free for the taking. 740 x 740

Amsterdam Modern Gets a Makeover

KK — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:05:33 +0000

This furniture company is moving up hence the new look and new site. They are now listed on 1stdibs, the premier on-line global luxury marketplace. 1stdibs presents a beautifully curated selection of items from the most prestigious International Dealers of 20th Century Design and Fine Antiques.

It’s Called Forced Continuity

Special Modern Design — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:54:56 +0000

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?

Can a Logo Have a Photograph?

Special Modern Design — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:49:41 +0000

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.

Easy Web Hosting to set up WordPress Blog for Designers

Special Modern Design — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:21:36 +0000

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.

Telling a Story in a Logo

Special Modern Design — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:06:35 +0000

Look 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

Point C and Vision LA on KPCC

Special Modern Design — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000

KPCC public radio did a segment on our client, David Grannis, lead consultant for Vision LA and owner of Point C. He speaks about the future of transportation in Los Angeles and what it will look like in years to come.

Here is a Hint About Making Lists for Your Blog

Special Modern Design — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:10:22 +0000

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.