From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

Northbound Knitting Branding

I've been banging away at a ton of branding design for the last year working with clients as varied as a wine consultants, skin spas, a children's boutique and everything in between. I've been quite remiss in sharing some of this work with you and thought it was high time I at least began to catch you up on that front.

When I was approached by Lisa Mutch of Northbound Knitting to design a new logo and collateral to better reflect her brand, I was excited as soon as I took a look at her shop. It's gorgeous, and so are her products. Northbound Knitting has a modern, clean aesthetic; is really well put together, and has grown into quite a success. In fact when Lisa launches her new dyed yarn batches from her studio in Barre, Ontario, Canada, they often sell out in a matter of hours if they last that long. Due to this fact, many of her customers pre-order her hand dyed yarns. Her yarns are stunning and have deep color quality to them, thanks to the color-fast acid dyes she uses. Lisa also has a booming business in great part to her knitting patterns, many featuring simple geometric lines.

We took inspiration from all of that, as well as her market and where she envisions her business going as it continues to grow.

I created two initial design concepts.  The initial design Lisa chose to move forward with, was a play on her business initials- NBK, an abbreviated version of her business name which is how Lisa and a majority of her clients refer to her business.

This is how it began.

The simple, clean, straight forward lines of this logo really appeal to me.

There were only minor revisions needed for us to get to the final logo, which is one of my favorites that I've designed so far.

 

 Here's the final branding board for NBK.

It was a pleasure to work with Lisa who was an excellent communicator about her business, her needs, and her desires, right from the get go.

Lisa began incorporating her new logo and collateral into her Northbound Knitting marketing right away, from a new shop header to new business cards and hang tags for her products, as well as social media pages. 

When I get a response like this from a client, I know I've done something right.

"I'm so excited!! Your work is amazing, I can't wait to slap this logo all over!! I will also be having it tattooed on my forearm, hahaha!"

I don't think Lisa's gotten the tattoo yet, but you get the picture.

What have you been working on lately?

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

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

 

Logo Design and Business Branding

 

I've had my own 3D business (that is - off the Internet) helping other small businesses grow for 19 years. Whether it's Public Relations, Marketing or Advertising, I do it. That includes graphic design like logos, business cards, marketing collateral, etc.

 

Since it's something I already do, I've been working to incorporate more of it in my etsy shop Bates Mercantile Co.  It's always rewarding working with small businesses to help them establish a professional presence and brand to set them up for growth and success. Adding my graphic design work to Bates Mercantile Co., has allowed me to reach people across the world. Like knowing my illustration prints are in homes and offices worldwide, knowing I'm helping to brand businesses in every corner of the globe is something that really makes me happy.

 

Here's some of what I've been working on lately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....and my very latest design.....

Are you a small business owner? Do you know small business owners? If you are or if you do, and are in need of help branding a business you can get in touch with me via Bates Mercantile Co. or email.  Whether it's a premade logo or custom logo design, business card design, marketing collateral like post cards, or even etsy shop headers or facebook timelines, I'd love to work with you.

Currently, on my plate I am working with a wonderful photographer from Long Island, Steph Massey. We are updating her logo. If you're in that area, her family portrait and pet portrait work is fantastic.  Also customizing a premade logo design for a lovely French woman now living in the UK, and just shipped a customized logo to Australia. See what I mean about all corners of the globe?

What are you working on today?

Hey, how was your weekend? Ours was great. We did get a campfire in on Friday night with some of the neighborhoodlums.  It was a gorgeous night. Saturday we enjoyed a high school graduation party for our dear friends Ralph and Cathryn's youngest. We also watched the Bruins beat Chicago. Hell to the yeah. Yesterday I made rhubarb bread and rhubarb jelly for my Dad and spent some time with him and my Mom for Father's Day. All in all, a pretty full weekend.

The sun is out and shining today and I plan on heading out later this afternoon to do some work in the garden, if I get the work on my desk done. So, I must be on my way.

Ciao for now,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Desk Of

 

Pamela J. Bates

 

Here I sit at my desk. I know, who'd a thunk it? Me? At my desk? Craziness I say. Just craziness.

 

Needless to say, it's pretty much where I spend most of my time....on the other end of that computer screen you're looking at, designing and typing away like a mad woman. OK, happy woman. Not mad. When I'm designing and busy, I am happy.

 

Here's new stuff hot off the press.

 

I think I've told you that I design logos and business branding. If I haven't, I did now. If I have, pardon mois for repeating myself.

 

That includes premade logos that are available in the Bates Mercantile Co. shop.  Obviously, the name is changed to protect the innocent........I mean, the name is changed to the correct business name of the buyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've created a few custom logos recently as well, including this one for Shamsi Acupunture in San Francisco. If you're in that area, Shamsi Pourfatemi Creps, M.S., L.Ac.​​ cares for the whole person, body and soul, and incorporates acupunture, electro acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, and cupping. Besides, she was lovely to work with on her branding project.

 

 

 

This is one I created years ago, but it's still a favorite.  I'm using for my custom design listing on etsy.

 

Simple and sweet. 

 

 

 

I also added a new photograph listing today. One of my many beautiful sunsets here at Sunset Meadows.  It has geometric embellishments and I'm ready to print a large print for myself. Is that ok to say?

 

 

 

It's a beautiful day here today. I need to make a point of getting away from this desk for a few minutes to take it all in.

 

How about you? What's happening in your corner of the world? 

 

Make it a good one. 

 

Ciao for now,