How to create a brand

A brand is an image signifying you or your organization to those that are not you or your organization.

There are a few things to creating a brand, none are difficult but they do take a certain amount of organization, energy and consistency.

1) You need a logo or a typographic logo. Text or an image can be used for a logo.

2) Consider colors and how they impact your image. There is some theory behind this. Blues often are representative of stability, reds/yellows stimulate your senses. Be intentional. There is also color theory in general. Be aware that there are some color combinations that are much more overwhelming than others. There are also color combinations that carry regional weight, around here--green and gold for the Packers; if you have a women's center you may not want to pick those colors.

3) Allow room for a tagline or descriptive slogan below your logo. This should not be the same font, or at the very least a different weight than your logo text. At the same time, there should be no more than two fonts in your logo, unless there is a strategic reason, you do not want "font competition".

4) Find someone to help with the professional details. Kerning/leading, other spacing in general, registration marks, an all the other artistic considerations.

5) There are places and times for artistic versions of a logo but the most valuable resource for a brand is the simple straightforward version with and without the tag line. 3D, or with shadows or other artistic elements is great for promotional material and collateral but not for the foundation pieces.

6) When you have a successful brand there should be concrete guidelines on how to use it. The clearer the better. Start with: rules for on light backgrounds (white), rules for on dark backgrounds, rules for web, rules for letterhead, rules for electronic communication.

7) When you are getting sick of seeing your logo it is probably starting to work. Changing a logo from an established business, unless there is a overhaul of epic proportions, should be subtle, leaving the key identifiers somehow in place. Look at long lasting brands and how their logos have evolved.

8) Use it on everything you develop and use it consistently within your rules. Add new rules as you see fit.

9) Consistently showing taglines and slogans is also a part of your strategy. Same ideas should be enforced with consistency, use of fonts, etc.

10) Consideration of how you use "visual language". This includes use of icons, treatments to images and all related items. Pay attention to this and do this consistently. As an example, a black line or a fade to white on header images might be an example, if you do this then on all images at the top of a page you might do the same thing.

11) How you present your copy is also a part of this strategy. If you notice the first pages of chapters in most books, they have a brand strategy applied to them. It addresses how to begin the communication. A capital bold letter, an italicized group of words, a different font and darker heading--all of those are good examples of approaching copy.

12) Neatness counts. No matter how small of an organization you are, you can look professional and successful if you only concentrate on neatness. Alignment, consistent use of size and font, choosing a clean typeface or a classic typeface, attention to scale (not distorting images) will be enough to get you started.

13) Simplify and aim for dynamic. When in doubt, simplify again. Don't overdo it, everything in a brand package should be straight forward. Dynamic is not necessarily complicated.

I Love London

This strange place most like Portland and SanFrancisco meet in a Dr. Who episode. It is spectacular. Old, new, worn and beautiful like old jeans and formal wear at the same time.

Here are a bunch of my pictures:

How to be organized.

Being organized isn't a gift as much as it is the ability to recognize and create systems. If you are able take note of your habits and design systems around them you can be organized, too. It is sort of like "everything has a place and everything in its place" but more like Simon says. I was not always organized, it developed out of necessity in college. After I got the hang of it I realized it is mostly about self-discipline and creativity.

Here are the ideas behind how I stay organized:

- Start fresh. If you want to organize one area in your home or office, unless it is just tidying up, start by removing everything from the area and starting fresh. Normally it doesn't work well to try to create order out of chaos by trying to impose order onto it--it is much more efficient to clear the space and begin anew. This also includes actually cleaning the space as well.

- Keep it visible. Clear bins, baskets, containers, etc., are the best options--it you can see what's in them you will probably use what's in them.

- Label. Unless you use something every day or it is obvious, such as a calendar, then you should take the time to label things. General to specific is a good guideline. For files: one large file for credit card statements and then if you'd like, inside that file have separate files for each company. For semi-translucent bins for holiday decor just need a holiday name on them unless you have a lot of stuff form some reason, first eliminate then label with the holiday and what it is, like lights.

- Throw it away if it is broken or almost dead (markers). Give it away if it is the wrong color or the wrong size.

- Put like and related items together. Put what you use most in the front or on top. Related items don't necessarily have to make sense to anyone one but you. I keep a spray bottle in my paint supplies because I use it when I paint.

- Create processes that work in your life. If you have a problem with mail building up start a system around it. It could look like putting a :file later" basket, a "add to the calendar" basket, a shredder and a recycle container near where you open mail. Then there are no excuses. Do things that make sense to how you work and live. If you work in a green house your daily needs will be different than those working at a computer all day. If you like something but it adds clutter, unless it has sentimental or motivating factors, do yourself a favor and clear it away. Clutter is the enemy of organization. It creates confusion and makes it hard to focus.

- Define your style. Define your color palette. It sounds funny but it is helpful. Maybe you really appreciate Victorian clothing, that doesn't mean you will wear a gown to work. Therefore, there is really no need to purchase or keep a Victorian ball gown.

- Define your space constraints. Give yourself a space limit and stick to it. This is especially helpful for books, decorations and clothing.

- Be a clutter Nazi. If you spot a problem area (shoes at the door, magazine subscriptions, collections) picture what you would like to see happening there. Most of the time daily issues like these just require a little creativity. With things like shoes, often it is the lack of storage creating the issue so put a bin or rack near the area. With items like magazines, it often comes down to the desire to maintain some piece of information in it--just tear that page out and toss the rest. Which leads me to my next point.

- Identify what is really going on with a constant source of clutter. Do you collect something that no one else see the value in? Do you hang onto everything that came from someone else? Beginning to understanding that appreciating something does not need to include owning it can free you up--people invest a lot of time maintaining collections, finding pieces and spending money on pieces; having a handful of really nice things that can be displayed is wonderful and shows your interest and pride much better than having hundreds of items you can't take care of. Likewise, items from relatives or friends are not those people, it those items do not reflect your taste move them into a better home--ask relatives if they'd like them first but otherwise, take a picture and sell it or give it away.

- Recognize what's a memory and what's scrapbook worthy. If something is worth keeping is should be worth taking care of. Come up with a system to set important scrapbook worthy things aside. A nice ornate box or a separated file folder would work well. Pictures that are blurry are of no use to anyone, toss them unless they are 100 years old and the only picture of Great Great Grandpa Earl there is no point in keeping a blurry soccer picture from 1980 when your niece played 18 games that year. A ticket stub from your first concert, however, may be something you want to keep ... then keep it and take care of it, make some notes, and file it for a time when you can put that scrapbook together.

- If you haven't used it ... consider what year you bought it in. I've heard some say if you haven't used it in a year you should toss it, whatever it is. Mostly this is an okay guideline but I find it a little too vague. For salad dressing--definitely! For dress shoes--maybe not. Here are a couple of things to consider: Are you keeping it just because it's nice? Then get rid of it. Are you keeping it because you want to fit into it again? Then look at the style--is it outdated or was it trendy 5 years ago? Then get rid of it. Do you like this better than the nicer version you have of the same thing? Then get rid of the nicer one. Do you keep it because you don't feel like going through it? Ask someone you trust for help and just get it done. Are you afraid you will not have enough if you get rid of things? God has a way of providing when there is room in our hearts and lives for Him to do so. Are you afraid you may need that piece of information? Scan it or take a picture and get rid of it.

- Practice makes perfect. This is more about self-discipline than anything else. Make up your mind that once you have put an area of your world in order, it will stay in order. If you fail to do so a few times in a row, no worries, just take a Saturday and re-institute the plan. If you fail for weeks in a row, your system is not working. Try something else.

How to make good lists.

There is an art to making good lists. In general, I have not encountered many who really utilize them well. Either people write too specifically or too generally, or they will put everything that comes to mind on the list. Another way to make a list ineffective is to keep it too long. Here are my keys to making a good list:

- Actually make it a list. Don't write all over a paper in different directions, don't have multiple sticky notes going in all directions, don't have a pile of scraps of paper all together.

- Be specific but not wordy. Describe the idea or item fully, often one word is good but if it isn't a helpful reminder, what good is it?

- Write in one color. If you use color, use it for a purpose--for instance, all work items are blue all holiday items are red, etc.  If you write all items in one color it helps keep things neat, neatness is a very useful tool in staying organized. Staying organized will help make your lists more helpful.

- Use bullet points. Then if something needs explanation you can easily skim the list to see the next items.

- Keep it accessible.

-  Don't keep old lists. Re-write lists. If you like seeing items crossed out then keep the list in a scrapbook but if you want it to be a tool in your life, then take old lists and start new ones, continually recycling into a new one will help you prioritize as well. The items that aren't important enough to stay on the list don't need to be done. Use your time for something more important.

- Jotted notes should get transferred onto a master list. I often need to remember something I have to buy or something about an up-coming event, so I write it on a sticky note and put in my planner. That item needs to go onto the list, if it stays on the other note only, then I have to look in two places not one. Having the self discipline to do this will save time in the long run. It is also good to jot down reminders, but it is equally as good to transfer them onto your master list and throw out the note with one item on it.

- Come up with a key or keep the list sorted. I've done it both ways. I find the key easier. Basically, all this is doing is categorizing and prioritizing the items on the list. I often star items to do that day, I will put a capital "E" by items that require an email or message of some sort. I will circle anything I need to get at the store, and so on. Or, you can put headings on your list and write the appropriate item under the heading. As long as there is a system to it that you can keep up with it will work out fine.

- Find something you like to write on. Special notebook, large sticky notes, magnetic pad that hangs on the fridge, or something snazzy like a vintage accounting notebook ... whatever it is, if you like it, you will keep up with it.

- Find something you like to write with. Same as above.

- Some things don't belong on a list. A list is for immediate issues in life--groceries, the items you have "to do", the items you need to remember to cover with another person, memory joggers, calendar-related items, planning for trips, etc. The items on the list should be specific, measurable (a definite result) or achievable, they should be short range and they should be able to fit into clear categories (groceries, to do, contacts to write, etc.)  There is a little gray area of overlap but, in general, helpful lists are not for long-range goals, a place to keep quotations you like, reminders of ideas you like, even doodles. It is good to record those things too but not on the list you refer to to get stuff done. Those more general, overarching concepts can't be "measured" in a few days time so you will never be able to move them off your list or cross them out.

How to get stuff done.

One of the comments people around me seem to make is "you just seem to know how to do whatever you put your mind to."

I tend to get stuff done. I always have. And I've always known how ... I learned early due to the size of my extended family and helping Mom project the needs of groups of 40 or more people. After that, I had a large group of friends that needed to be taken care of; there were many groups I helped get t-shirts for, there were the events I helped plan, the groups I lead, and then the music festival I ended up working for. I could go on and on. I just seem to always be around "events".

Here is how I get stuff done:
- Identify the trigger thought. If you think "someone should ________" or "I wish __________" or "I want to ________", stop in your tracks.

- Identify the end goal and picture it. If you want to build a water well in Africa (see prior posts) that is what you need to picture.

- Identify the large sections of this goal and talk it through with a trusted friend who won't dismiss it or say it can't happen and start making notes--stay organized about it and be realistic about costs.

- Put an order to those sections. Start from the pictured end result (water well) and work backwards. For example: to get the water well we need to raise $5000, we want to raise it by baking cookies, we want to package the cookies and sell them, we will need to contact a lot of people to do that, and we will need to purchase ingredients for all of this. After the thoughts are all on paper, the order becomes obvious.

- Find a clearing house. Ask someone you trust how realistic your idea is. Ask if it is a good idea. Ask lots of questions.

- Be realistic and sleep on it. Rarely is it necessary to pounce on something. Take a few days to let any inspired idea sit and sit with it. Be realistic about time, toll on your talents, time frame and costs. If you are not sure about these things, guesstimate and then double it. Seriously. Double what you think--better safe than sorry.

- Suck it up. If it is a good idea, it isn't really about you. If you are afraid or self-conscious talk yourself off the ledge. You probably won't make a fool of yourself and if you do, at least you tried.

- Work all over the canvas and tweak as you go. So, in art, when you are developing a piece you will have the most cohesive look by working on all sorts of areas and building up the whole image slowly. When you only work on one section and then out from there, often the piece does not have the same style throughout; sometimes it doesn't pull together. What I mean by work all over the canvas is that if you start small and run one piece of your idea all the way through the process, you will work kinks out of the process. You will find the flaws and be able to adjust to match the needs of the project and the limitations of those involved. Keep doing this until you feel confident in the process.

- Visualize or think about how it will work out, how people will feel, how they will respond, what you will say, how you will feel, etc. Run through each step in your mind and really think about the ins and outs. I've been at baby showers where I was asked to eat baby food out of diapers, I was uncomfortable, I did not want to do it; I don't want to put people through that kind of thing.

- Listen to feedback and for opportunities along the way. People come to you with good ideas, sometimes solicited but often not. With the well, my friend was approached about providing just dough and not baked cookies. It was a great idea.

- Hold on loosely. Do not invest your whole identity into an idea. The spirit of creativity can not work inside of concrete boundaries or a strangle hold. It is important to recognize ideas need to evolve, change direction or die.

- Include as many things in the process that make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

- Don't get lazy. It is really easy to lose interest or get tired near the end of a project. The hard truth is: finishing well is an art-form that few master. If you can muster the energy, put your mind to doing the end better than doing the beginning.

- Rest. Don't run at full speed, pace yourself, save your energy for when there is a real need to dig in and plow through. Plus, you are no good if you wear yourself ragged.

- Celebrate and be celebrated. After a good job pat yourself on the back and let others do it too. Learn to say "thank you" to compliments and truly receive them.

Creative

The creative process is a moving walkway, one where the destination is hazy and exciting--could be good or bad, but never-the-less, it is.

The problem: you've got to jump on. If you are pensive about it and try to figure it out from the outside, try to control the outcome or try to walk along side and avoid the work ... nothing happens.

Facts are facts, you need to walk right up to it and let the creative spirit take you where it will.

Blue Like Jazz art

 

Blue Like Jazz the Movie has these characters with charisma, both the quite type and the "hello I'm in the room" type. After seeing the screening I couldn't forget the last few lines ... which made me want to make some art. The phrase "I'm sorry" was important and then ... I realized that each character had something they were living out to some degree in a portion of the movie. 

I think we all do this, especially when battling out our demons. There are certain messages we have in our heads, certain desires that are drivers in our lives.  

It makes me want to evaluate what messages I'm begging people to answer to, what questions I'm asking of the world.

 

Thoughts on Blue Like Jazz--the Movie

Archetype? Jesus. Stereotype? Christian.


The last scene in the movie says it all. I won't spoil it for you. It is worth the watch.

From my perspective: Yes, more often than I care to admit I'm kind of angry about and embarrassed by the secular culture's perception of Christianity. Sometimes I'm angry about or embarrassed by individuals, or groups calling themselves Christians. Because of that, I admire the choices made by those who developed Blue Like Jazz the movie. It is thought provoking and rebellious, at the same time charming and funny. If some of the things in it make you a uncomfortable, I'm pretty sure you are not the intended audience. I could list the four or five groups this really is not suited for, like kids or Mennonites ..., but more realistically who it is for: everyone else. I like Marshall Allman's character, Don. He acts out on what I so often feel. Although I can't relate to some of his choices, I get it. (I don't want to but I do.)

I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I'm a Kickstarter backer. I was a little worried to endorse this movie. I rarely endorse anything; people just don't make good choices a lot of the time. Someone's judgement call on what is necessary, reflecting Christianity somehow, is kind of scary to me! Reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, that I respect Donald Miller's insights, and knowing he was involved in the movie development is what made the decision to back Blue Like Jazz easy for me.

I really like the outcome. I'm even more proud of the message (so much so that I'm hoping to create a series of artworks inspired by an idea presented in the movie).

I am anxious that Christians will not understand this movie or will call it names. I am anxious that we will remove the joy and honor out of it and what it could mean to popular culture. I guess drama sells tickets, so if that is the case, bring it on! But I would like to see the Church rally around this movie and open their doors wide to the windfall. I would like to see the Church, with no preconceived notions, receive people who have always wanted Jesus but who have not liked Christians. I guess that will be my prayer.