What Inspires You Wednesday: K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid

In between the projects currently on my board, I've been stealing some moments for myself to consider, research and work on re-branding for Bates Mercantile Co.  It's part of our mission for the year. You see, when I began this little etsy shop a little over three years ago, it was really to fill my need for another creative outlet, where I could simply create for creating's sake.  Apparently the universe had other plans and in the past year, I started introducing my design services, something I've been doing with my offline business for nearly 20 years. Lo and behold, it's been receive very well and I've been working with people all over the world. Offering my design services has taken Bates Mercantile Co. in another direction and to another level.  As I opened my shop in a fairly spur-of-the-moment, unplanned, not-much-forward-thinking, shoot-from-the-hip manner, I've run into challenges with my own branding. Isn't it funny how at times, we're the last ones to benefit from our own expertise, talents and skills? But that is indeed the case.

This is what my logo currently looks like. It is simple. It is clean. It does an ok job of speaking to my market, but I don't think it truly reflects my sense of design, what the business has become - a sort of modern mercantile for home and business if you will, or the skill-set I employ on behalf of my clients on a daily basis.

 

It could be so much more and do so much more to reflect who I am and increase my bottom line.  Yes, people, don't say I never told you that owning a business is not just about how happy you are doing something, it's about the bottom line. We all have bills to pay and things we want to do in life that make our souls sing.  Guess what? That's OK.  And having a health bottom line certainly helps with all of that.

So I've gone back to the drawing board so to speak. I'm considering what I want my entire brand to say, what I want it to reflect, how I want it to feel, where I want it to go, and the story I want it to tell to my ideal market.  I'm working with myself the way I work with my clients (see here and here)- answering questions to create a creative brief which include where I see this business now and the future, my design likes and dislikes, how to build on the foundation already laid in branding Bates Mercantile Co., how to create a logo design and brand that can continue to evolve.  I've done some good groundwork on my re-branding and new design, but I still have a ways to go until it is complete. This time, I want to do things right so that I can maximize the impact of the re-brand.

Looking at all that goes into branding a business, is what keeps leading me back to the simple principle of K.I.S.S.: keep it simple stupid.  As I said, I want to focus on building on what is already present, and make changes that make sense for where I want to go. I want to do it in a way that keeps the design and branding simple, clean and classic.  All of which will help me to create a brand that can truly evolve.

I've been reading up on design (does one ever truly stop learning or craving more information about what they love to do?) and have been finding quotes that really speak to me.  

"A designer knows when he has achieved perfection, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."  - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This is something that really resonates with me at this point in my life.  There is so much going on the world around us that it is often mind boggling. If I can be more judicious in my re-branding design, I think it will serve me well now and in the future. 

When I'm working with clients, I often try to steer them in one direction or another because I think it will serve them the best, but in the end, the final design direction is their decision. The final decision is left to me this time- which of course, can be liberating as well as a little intimidating. I've no reason not to create something I really love, which isn't more complicated than it needs to be, and sets me up for growth and success. 

"Our opportunity, as designers, is to learn how to handle the complexity, rather than shy away from it, and to realize that the big art of design is to make complicated things simple." -Tim Parsey

A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/antoine_de_saintexupery.html#OBj8SzCPckUAFmQA.99

A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/antoine_de_saintexupery.html#OBj8SzCPckUAFmQA.99

I've also been searching for and discovering design, in all genres (art, packagin, architecture, photography, etc), that really speaks to me.  Of course I've been pinning some and have created a 'clean design board' on pinterest to gather some of the things that are inspiring me on this re-branding project.  

 source: best made company

 

 source: alte sage

 source: MARCH

 source: Pietro Russo

All of these things are helping me to find the direction and inspiration I need to create something that: #1. builds on the foundation already laid  #2.  I'm ultimately happy with/proud of  #. Can grow with Bates Mercantile Co. #4. speaks to the people who make up my dream market and helps move my business forward  

"The only important thing about design is how it relates to people." -Victor Papanek

What's inspiring you today?

Make it a great day. It's a great day to have. 

Ciao for now,

 

Let's Talk Packaging

It's In The Details

As a marketing professional, I fully understand the impact that the right packaging can have.  Whether you sell a product or a service (yes, even services can be 'packaged' to increase impact), the manner in which it is delivered can help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

It doesn't have to be fancy. It doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, it can be quite simple.

If you put the right components together, something can be quite memorable without a huge amount of work or expense, and can even be DIY- simple paper, made special with a stamp like the above from bobo chooses.

You might consider using labels instead of a stamp to add a personal touch to what you deliver to your customers (though this was featured on 100 layer cake as part of a wedding favors, I believe).

 

Bellybands are another way to customize your packaging. I use them when I package my stationery and they're something simple enough like the labels, that you can print and cut them yourself.  I love the simplicity and unexpected use by on baked goods {via the ginger scone diaries} making them an extra special treat.

I had prints to ship today.  There is LOVE flying out of the studio and now on its way to customers.  I use plain white card stock for extra support of my archival prints, a plastic sleeve to protect the print, good old paper clips to hold everything in place during shipping and a pop of color thanks to washi tape.

I also attach a Bates Mercantile Co. notecard to the front, with a handwritten note of thanks inside.

To finish it all off, I draw flowers on the outside of the brown kraft rigid envelopes I use for shipping, just for one last personal touch.

I've received a good few notes back from customers saying they loved the packaging and that's exactly the response you should be looking for too.

I have ordered things from other etsy shop owners, and for the most part, there is usually something in the packaging that makes it stand out. The few times I've received something without, that has also made an impression on me, and I doubt it's the one shop owners are really wanting to put out to the world.

So, the next time you have to package something for a customer or even a gift, remember that sometimes it's the little touches that make all the difference.


Did you notice what was being shipped out today? It's all about LOVE. Valentine's Day must be in the air!

Do you ship items to customers and if you do, is your packaging making the impression you want? What things do you incorporate in your packaging to stand out?

As I said, even if you have a service, you can still 'package what you do for clients' in a way that adds extra value.  When I send branding designs to clients, I don't just send a file with the design. I send it as part of a branding board which can include colors, patterns, and fonts as well as how their logo incorporated into collateral samples like business cards.  This has made a huge difference for myself and my clients because it helps illustrate what I envision for their brand and how it will work for them.

If you're not packaging things in a way that makes it a little more special, how can you change that?

Want more inspiration? Follow my packaging board on pinterest, it runs the full gamut from easy and handmade, to professionally designed.  Tons to draw from as you consider your own packaging.

**If there are some images that aren't centered, I apologize. Funky stuff going on in blogger today. Sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air and go with it.

Lots of design work today. I may be juggling, but I'm still focused on simplicity and one task at a time. Hhhmmmm, where I'd hear that before?

Have a fantastic day!

Ciao for now,

 

Monday Monday: Words To The Wise

Start With A Bang

Here we are.

Another new week.

Another chance to get it right. Whatever 'right' means to you.

Here's a little inspiration to make this week exactly what you want.

archival wall print via bates mecantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

Whether things are going good, or you're in the midst of a struggle, I hope these words to the wise give inspire you to take what you've got and make it happen this week.

It's brisk this morning, but looks to be another gorgeous fall day.  The weekend was pretty laid back and we did get a foliage ride and walk in yesterday, which I'll be sharing with you this week.

Lots to fit in today, and the rest of the week. Design work and marketing.....should keep me busy. And you?

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Clean It Up

Clean Design

There is a lot of good design out there which makes it easy to be inspired by other artists.  

I'm especially inspired when artists can keep things clean, simple and minimal, yet still design something that carries weight, a clear message and has impact {in fact, most often more impact than it would otherwise}.

I'm absolutely blown away by the simple design of this logo and website, by a 20 something UK designer Colin Grist. 

via colin grist

Yes. 20 something.

Colin has a fantastic eye and looks like he's been perfecting his design skills for years. 



I think everything about Cornelia and Company's branding is just right.

 

via mstetson

The simplicity of the logo, the colors, the packaging. Their retail design is something special too.  OK, I admit, I love everything about Cornelia and Company. What's not to love about a 'daily picnic store', that has goods ready to create a well planned or impromptu picnic? Don't we all need more picnics in our lives? I can see a feature for Cornelia and Company in a future 'Let's Shop Here' post. If I could only hop a flight to Barcelona, and give it a personal review.................someday, perhaps.

 My latest logo designs, including the homestead handmade premade logo, fall into the clean category. Simple, straightforward, not so busy that it takes away from the design.

Here's a premade logo I've just designed. As it's pretty new, the exclusivity add on is still available on this one, which means it can be all yours and nobody else's. Making it one of a kind and unique to you and your business. Always what I would suggest to my customers.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

The business card design continues the clean direction of the homestead handmade logo.  

via Bates Mercantile Co.

Design of business cards is also available. 

Now, if I could only get my home and office to match this clean aesthetic......I think I'm about to undertake a major purging of 'stuff'. We all need to do that time to time.

What's inspiring you today?

Much to be done...........and she's off!

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds: Etsy

Falling for Fall

After that pretty little walk yesterday, I have fall on my mind. It's hard to avoid here, the trees are turning and leaves are falling. Like it or not, here in the northeast, we are well into the season of brisk nights, flame colored trees and yes, raking.

Time to embrace it and enjoy the season.

Today, via etsy and some favorite finds... a touch of fall......

 

sources:

hand printed wallpaper via Elizabeth k designs

wing photography via idni photography

rust footed bowl via LAccentNou

orange marbled vase via retro aesthetic

sources:

 

leaf necklace via fiza designs

peter pan collar via aynurdereli

chevron necklace via chiffon aerer

 crocheted bead necklace via suddenly you

The thing about fall is, your mind immediately sees reds and oranges, but there are plenty of other colors at this time of year.  For example? Well, here's my boomerang print and I can honestly say I saw all these colors on my walk yesterday.

 

via bates mercantile co.

BTP (before the pool), fall used to be my favorite time of year. For good reason: it puts on quite a show.  

I love living where we have all four seasons. I really do. There is much to be said for getting outdoors and enjoying them.

Have you been able to get out and enjoy the season?

Ciao for now,

Best Foot Forward

Two Cents, Please

I've been working on updating some of my graphic design listings in my etsy shop.  Specifically my logo designs. I want to show them off in the best way possible, so I'm always trying new things in hopes of doing that.

This week, I've been placing my logo designs over some of my photos. I'm hoping to show visually just how the logos might look once they're being used for branding.

I'd love your feedback.

Shown before like this:

 

Now shown like this:

 

Shown before like this:

 

 

Now shown like this:

 

 

 

Shown before like this:

 

 

 

Now shown like this:

 

 

 

 

Shown before like this:

 

 

 

Now shown like this:

 

 

For now, I'm creating two listings- one with just the logo as the lead photo and the other with the logo over a photo as the lead picture.

 

I know you guys are a good sounding board, so what do you think? Does it help visually to see how the logos would work over a photo?

 

In other logo news, I've been adding some more premade logo designs to the shop including....

 

this:

 

 

this:

 

 

 

and this:

 

 

 

Of course, as always, custom logo designs are also available. They really are the best way to get a logo that speaks to your business and your market. However, the premade logos are a great budget-friendly option that have worked great for people and that I have fun designing.

 

Do you have a logo?

 

If you don't, I'd love to talk to you.

 

Do you have one, but it's not quite it? Shoot me a line (upper right sidebar email link). 

 

I work one on one and provide personalized service so you get a great logo that represents your business and helps you grow.

 

And in case you didn't know, I design other business collateral like business cards, postcards, brochures, and even design email campaigns.

 

Over and out. Hey, don't forget to give me your two cents.....or two bucks to account for inflation.

 

Glorious summer day here that is sure to end 'in the pool' with another beautiful sunset. Hope yours is as nice.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

Part of The Process

One of the things I am currently working on is a logo design for lovely woman, Markana Jordan, who is launching her own event planning and consulting business.  She has taste, she has style, peppered with a little sass and humor. Now the trick is pulling that all together in her logo.

I've presented Markana with her first initial designs, we've talked and gone over what she likes, what she doesn't like. This is an important step in the process. It is not often that designers, myself included, get things perfect on the first go. It's more of a dance bewteen designer and client, or even a blind date leads to a second date where we get to know each other a little better.

Here's some of the inspiration, starting with her signature. Our concern there, is that her name is unusual and must be legible because it will be the focus of her business branding.

Sources: Saloon logo by Oat Creative, linen napkins via Washington Post; all other images Bates Mercantile Co.

The first round of design included the bottom logo that made us of the M & J from Markana's first and last names.  We both like the initials but the rest is perhaps a bit too 'stiff' for Markana's personality.

So the process continues and the logo evolves, moving us toward the logo that will say everything she wants it to say about her and her business.

Have I told you lately that I love my job?

I also have to run off and ship prints to various places today. Knowing my artwork will hang in someone's space somewhere else in the world, also makes me happy.

What are you working on today? Is it making you happy?

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

Logo Design: Dalton Lane Portrait Co.

I've had the pleasure of working with some really wonderful people lately, a good majority of them young women business owners.  I just love that.

One of them in particular is Jessica of Dalton Lane Portrait Co.

You'd never guess it by looking at her work, but Jessica just picked up a camera three years ago! Say what?

Her husband was deployed in Iraq and she was home with their two little ones. When she got the news that her husband Jessi would be part of the biggest troop movement in history, from Iraq to Afghanastan, Jessica was watching the news every night trying to get a glimpse of him. She thought, if one picture could mean this much to me, a photograph must mean the same to others.

Jessica found me via our etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co., and I'm so glad she did. She'd already tried a multitude of logos, but was striking out. None were truly what she wanted them to say about her business or where she wanted her business to go. She wanted a mix of Classic Americana, with a hint of Irish in the form of a shamrock, since her studio loft/home is located on N. Irish Street.

It doesn't happen often, but she loved one of the first initial drafts I presented to her. She honestly couldn't believe it. Neither could her husband. Jessica told me she'd been through too many logos to even count and was just beside herself that I was able to design something that really spoke to her on the first go round. 

The only thing we really changed other minor tweaking, was the color. She'd been thinking about navy and red, but had just finished painting the studio organic gray and wanted it all to be cohesive.

This is where we ended up.

When I get messages like this from my clients - " I LOVE it. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it." - it sure does make my day.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my job and working with people like Jessica.

I am currently finalizing a logo for another young business owner in Indiana.  Lo and behold, it's another design that worked out on the first go round.  I'll be sharing that with you soon.

Beyond that, there is a mad gang of neighboorhoodlum marauders in the pool out back.  Neighbors Sandee and Gerry just jumped in with their grandchildren. Glad somebody is swimming around in this heat!

What's happening in your world?

Have a fantastic day.

Ciao for now,