Brand Navigation

Brand Update for Opportunity Knocks

2011-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Challenge:
Opportunity Knocks is a non-profit, entrepreneurially business assistance organization whose mission is "Building Thriving Businesses and Individuals". Their services include peer-to-peer learning in either a Board of Advisors setting or in a seminar format.

Challenge:
With a name change from “OK” to “Opportunity Knocks”, Brand Navigation was commissioned to provide and update of their logo.

Solution:
The stylized compass design and contemporary typography reflects a position of expert advise and counsel.

An Understated & Elegant Brand

2011-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I believe a brand just needs to be understated and elegant. Vie a la Table, meaning "Life at the Table" is a brand for my oldest son–an emerging and very talented chef.

New Brand Identity for Linfield College

2010-08-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Linfield College is just launching the new brand identity we created for them. Just received this photograph from the client of the banners going up around campus. My plan is to provide a full case study in the coming weeks. The project included everything from positioning, tagline development, complete collateral system, advertising, website design and signage. Great project with a wonderful team of people and college.

Pitch Africa Brand Identity Design

2010-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

We are honored to have designed the brand identity and graphics for PITCH:AFRICA. PITCH:AFRICA is an innovative system for community-based rainwater harvesting, designed to help more than one billion people globally without access to clean water. It will harness Africa's passion and enthusiasm for soccer to provide clean water, as well as address a wide-range of community needs including education, access to health care, food cultivation and economic development to create sustainable, thriving communities. Check out the links below to learn more. Charlize Theron shares on the second web address.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9NnEG_8VHo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_5xWhpksGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2seVwgUb70s
http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/pitch/Pitch_Slideshow-H.264_640x480.mov

National Geographic Water Exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography

2010-03-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Water: Our Thirsty World is a new exhibit showing at the Annenberg Space for Photography through June 13 in Los Angeles. The exhibit coincides with National Geographic’s April edition which looks at our precious resource of water from environmental, social, political and cultural perspectives.

We had the privilege of creating the brand identity and marketing materials for the show. These banners are just one of the pieces we developed for the campaign which also includes print advertising, collateral and POP. If you are in the LA area, I highly recommend you take the opportunity to visit the exhibit.

Hayden Giving Fund Brand Revitalization.

2010-02-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

Formerly known as Hayden Giving Fund, this new name and logo symbolizes the mission of the non-profit to assist families in achieving their dream of home ownership. The name First Story suggests the many wonderful stories that take place in the journey to achieving one’s first home. The logo, a dandelion, expresses the wonder of this dream come true. Thank you Hayden Giving Fund for entrusting us to revitalize your brand.

Design that Matters

2010-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is a poster design we created for a conference on justice and relief for the World’s most vulnerable which is currently under development by Ken Wytsma and Matt Smith from Antioch Church in Bend, Oregon. I really appreciate their vision and encouragement to use design to help further a cause to help individuals who need it the most around the world. And on a personal level, this is one of the most satisfying aspects of design—when you can create something both beautiful and meaningful. I also love it when their is no need to provide a rationale or explanation. This visual says it all.

Branding Product for Kids

2010-01-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed designing brands for kids. This is a proposed design solution for a company that produced functional and fun products for kids. I love it when you can create a face within the letterforms of a logotype. I believe this one was quite successful, and the “g” which makes up the nose is rather amusing to me.

SPORT Exhibit at The Annenberg Space for Photography

2009-12-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am honored to have designed the brand identity and marketing campaign for the latest exhibit titled “SPORT”, showing at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles, California. The exhibit showcases the work of Walter Iooss and Neil Leifer, two of the world’s pre-eminent sport photographers. The exhibit features over 80 photographic prints, including the iconic images of Muhammad Ali’s victory over Sonny Liston. I highly recommended, must see exhibit if you find yourself in the LA area.

New Brand Identity for BendBroadband

2009-10-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Brandnav recently launched a new brand identity and advertising campaign for BendBroadband, the leading provider of internet, cable and telephone services in Central Oregon. The strategy emphasized not only the fact of being locally owned and operated, but as providing the best service, best products and a better overall experience within a commodity and price driven category. Thus, the new logo and tagline, “We’re the local dog. We better be good.”

Simplicity in Branding

2009-08-03T08:38:00.001-07:00

“A well designed logo, in the end, is a reflection of the business it symbolizes. It connotes a thoughtful and purposeful enterprise, and mirrors the quality of its products and services.” — Paul Rand

Following is a proposed logo design for the Wheelchair Foundation we designed. I am a firm believer in the simpler the better.

Working with Storyline Studio

2009-07-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

It has been long overdue since I posted anything. I have been working on several large projects and I am unable to share due to my commitment to confidentiality until they are launched publicly.

One area of personal satisfaction that I have been experiencing for several years now and especially lately is working with a very talented group of friends from Storyline Studio—owned and led by Bill Smith with the help of Tim Holloran. Often I feel branding is very creative, strategic, challenging, and reqarding. Then I see what these guys do I am overwhelmed at their talent and ability to solve problems and create incredible design experiences. Bill Smith has been a close friend of mine for many years and I believe he is one of the most talented and intelligent designers I have ever met. His company conceives and designs incredible museum exhibits and have provided me the opportunity to work with them on several projects designing the graphics along with several branding programs. I am very grateful and excited about the current projects I working on with them.

I am attaching two images—one which shows a project we helped in designing the graphics and the other a picture of the three of us. Bill Smith in the middle, Tim Holloran on the left, and me on the right. Behind us is Seattle where Storyline Studio is located.

Thank you Storyline Studio! It is an honor to work with you!

Sunpower Brandmark Design

2009-05-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is a proposed brandmark design for Sunpower, one of the World’s leaders in solar energy solutions located in San José, California. This brand concept was based on “the goodness of the sun”. The idea is that the sun is a source of life, growth and warmth. The organic circles represent the earth, sky, and sun and is executed in an abstract, approachable style to convey more of the sun’s benefits to us rather than appearing only as technology corporation.

B is for Brand

2009-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have always felt a bee provides wonderful elements for graphic symbology—geometry, stripes, strong contrasting colors of black and yellow, etc. I designed this bee while just playing around a bit. One day I will use it for something.

Brand Navigation New Brandmark

2009-05-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

As the story goes, the shoe cobbler rarely takes the time to create a pair of shoes that fit just right for himself. Well, at last I have taken the time to create a brandmark which reflects what I believe is a combination of sophistication, elegance, and timelessness. Also, as with the name change from Federal Express to FedEx, so many of our clients have begun to refer to us as Brandnav—and while our legal name will remain Brand Navigation, LLC, it makes sense that we shorten our communicative name to Brandnav. We will begin implementing the new brand in the weeks ahead.

Leila’s Urban Farmhouse

2009-05-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

I must admit that both my job and hobby is branding and design. My wife, who understands this passion and drive in me, entertains me from time to time by allowing me to design her dinner invitations. Everything is about branding to me and she embodies the urban farmhouse concept—down home and up town at the same time.

Brand Symbol of Humanity

2009-03-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

Here is more on the Annenberg Space for Photography. This last week the primary identification signage went up for this logo we designed. The symbol, referred to as the IRIS, represents the photographer’s view of the world and human condition. The Photography Space, located in Century City, Los Angeles, will showcase photography from renowned photograhers exhibiting both traditional and digital photography. I always find it exciting when two-dimensional graphic design is translated to three-dimensional and am please with the result in this instance. I highly recommend a visit to the Space when the lens cap comes off March 27, 2009.

Branding & Banner Design for the Annenberg Space for Photography

2009-03-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

These are banners we designed for the opening of the inaugural for the Annenberg Space for Photography. It was rather exciting to see rows of these banners hanging all along the Avenue of the Stars and Santa Monica Blvd., in Los Angeles. I am truly honored to work on such an inspiring project!

Brand Goes Top Chef

2009-02-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

This was quite a highlight for me last night. While I was was watching my favorite show Top Chef with my wife and daughter, one of the competing chefs picked up and commented on this package while shopping at Whole Foods in preparation of their meal for one of the final episodes in season 5. I designed this package about 4 years ago and completely forgot about it. Getting a design on Top Chef is much more exciting than getting into design publications!

EcoTimber Brand Revitalization

2009-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

We are honored to have worked with EcoTimber, a company devoted to forest protection and producers of high quality and beautiful flooring since 1992. The business challenge was to communicate a premium brand position on the web and elevate EcoTimber as the leading choice for sustainable flooring products.

Understanding that the primary target market were women concerned both with the environment but also desiring a beautiful and healthy, toxic-free home, our strategy was to create a brand experience that was clean and beautiful in appearance, along with communicating the benefits to the environment and to one’s home through simplicity and clarity.

The project included not only the website but also a redesign of their brandmark. We are truly proud to assist such a wonderful company.

Please check out their new site at www.ecotimber.com. Of special note, I love the way the animation of the plants grow on the home page. Just a little touch to bring the site alive.

Building Brand Awareness through Advertising

2008-12-28T17:40:00.001-08:00

I have always appreciated advertising copy-writers. When great copy and visuals work together I believe it communicates the brand more effectively and holistically.

I also must admit that one of my favorite TV shows back in the late 80’s through the early 90’s was called “thirtysomething”. The show was about the daily stresses and interactions that take place in an advertising agency. My favorite episode was the very last when Michael (the agency’s creative director), questions the value and purpose of advertising to society. Well, regardless of the value to humanity, I still think it is cool when well crafted words and creative visuals come together to tell a story, promote an event, or sell a product.

These following ads just so happen to have social value. We created them for a new photography museum located in Los Angeles opening this spring. The museum is called the Annenberg Space for Photography and is dedicated to exhibiting both traditional and digital photography with an emphasis on celebrating the human condition through the eye of the photographer.

Sometimes a Good Brand Takes Time

2008-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is a quick post but I finally have designed a brand identity for my wife. We have been married over 22 years and I must say that this has been the longest “discovery phase” I have ever taken to know enough of the client to design a brand that reflects the brand character well. My wife’s unique qualities include a combination of class, grace, approachability and fun. I have indeed been the primary beneficiary of living with such a wonderful woman for so many years. I knew the design was right when upon seeing it, she simply said, “I like it!”. She never holds back in telling me how she truly feels about design,... or anything. I love her tenacious and beautiful spirit. As George Clooney said, “You fascinate me!”

2008-11-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

This identity is for an investment company in West Africa. The concept is based on the Kente cloth patterns used throughout the culture. I love the way the rich, colorful pattern creates the “W” initial. The font used for the name is called “Today”. I love the clean contemporary feel of it. It brings both a current and credible contrast to the symbol. I believe using fonts that endure through time and kerned with extreme care is what truly makes or breaks a design. Poorly chosen and executed typography will both date and determine the level of perception of a logo. It is the classic and foundational element which provides an enduring life to a brand. A designer is wise to invest the time to study and master the use of typography. It will enable he or she to create brands that can live beyond the trends which so often clutter the marketplace and pop culture of design.

Of Globes and Spiders

2008-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. I have been very busy at work of which I am very thankful for during this time of economic challenge.

The first logo is an identity created for MissionKids, an initiative that helps parents teach their children about the vast social needs around the world. I love the energy in this identity. Especially the splat of the globe. It almost feels like it was flung against the wall and stuck. It reminds me of when my parents would cook pasta and throw the noodles against the refrigerator. If it stuck it meant it was done cooking.

The second, is a logo for PixelSilk, a new content management system that also incorporates search engine optimization. I think the spider’s legs are cool. They look like digital crawlers. Another option for the tagline I developed was “Bite Me”, but I decided “Feed Your SEO” was safer.

I Appreciate Clients With Passion

2008-08-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have truly enjoyed working with the founders of a new energy bar called Wild Red Energy. These two gentlemen, Scott Warner and Karl Aldinger have reminded me that it takes more than just a good idea to create a product with brand value—it also takes passion from those leading the charge. From the very beginning, I have appreciated how both Scott and Karl have challenged me to create a brand image that would position their new product as the energy bar for those individuals who wish to live life to the fullest—and that I would have fun in the creative process. Thank you Scott and Karl. I wish you success beyond your wildest dreams!

Inspiration from Florence, Italy

2008-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

My recent trip to Florence, Italy with my wife proved to be incredible. With an Italian family heritage I found it to be much more meaningful on a personal level than I anticipated. Without sounding cliche, I truly had the sense that I had connected with my roots. There were so many special experiences including the country side, the food, the wine, the architecture... I could go on and on. The two most special to me were the people and especially the art. I love the sense of style of the Florentines. Everyone, even the people living on the street wear designer glasses and shoes. Italians in general are known for their sense of design and style. The locals all know of and are very proud of their history. As Americans look to movie and sports celebrities as heroes, the people of Florence look to the masters of the Renaissance. I learned from my two new friends, Francessco and Christiano, that Michelangelo is truly seen as a great hero of Firenzé who not only contributed the greatest art of all history but also in saving the city using bed mattresses as barriers against cannon ball fire. The art of Michelangelo completely moved me. Never in my life have I experienced such beauty, greatness and passion in the creations of an artist. I truly believe he is the master of all ages never to be surpassed. He is the expression of a true Renaissance man mastering sculpture, painting and architecture.

The work following is just a small reflection of the impression the trip had on me. I designed this for my good friends Juri and Kinley Sbandati who hosted the trip. They both are truly wonderful people and I felt inspired to help them in their brand identity. The photography shown in the website pages are shots that I took on our trip. The experience in a sense returned me to my time as a young designer mentoring under a great designer and teacher, Michael Manwaring. Many considered him to be a modern day Renaissance designer. From him I learned beauty in design, attention to detail, passion for perfection, and personal integrity in conducting myself as a professional. The time in Italy reminded me why I love design so. Design is more than just to sell something, at times, it can simply be to express beauty, passion and the heart of an individual.

My trip to Italy has left a deep impression on me.

Branding a City. Sisters, Oregon.

2008-05-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

When I was approached to help with branding the city in which I live I was a bit hesitant. The challenge given to me was to create a brand that would provide a unifying theme to represent the City’s various interest groups, along with becoming the catalyst to market the city as a vacation destination.

I began by sending out an extensive brand questionnaire to 75 city residents from various backgrounds and interests. This enabled me to find a common theme that would represent the city’s brand essence. In reading through the questionnaires, I found that many moved to the area to pioneer a new and better way of life. From this came the verbal brand tag line, ‘Pioneering Spirit’. Because of the western architectural theme of the town, my visual solution for the brand was a literal branding iron symbol. The logo positions the ‘S’ for Sisters in the center of an ‘O’, representing Oregon. The assignment also included website design and a year long advertising campaign.

To my delight, the new brand has been well received throughout the community along with providing a clear and focused brand message in which to market this unique and special region within Central Oregon.

Branding for Non-Profits

2008-05-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have long felt that branding is especially relevant for non-profit organizations. In Jim Collins’ Good to Great he speaks of the importance of branding in the social sector. He believes an organizations’ key link is their brand reputation, in order that both current and potential supporters believe not only in their mission, but the capacity to deliver on that mission and brand promise.

I have recently been working on a branding project for World Relief. Their vision is to relieve human suffering, poverty and hunger worldwide in the name of Jesus Christ. This new brand, named The World Relief NEXT Project, was created to attract the emerging and ‘next’ generation of people to bring hope to those most vulnerable around the world. These exhibits show the brand look-and-feel in initial design development.

I believe branding and design has enormous power to enhance the thing it represents and lift an organization from appearing ordinary to something extraordinary. Branding especially matters for non-profit organizations, and I believe more than marketing, it is defining and declaring a movement with meaning.

John C. Maxwell Author Brand

2008-04-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

It has been ten years since I began working with Thomas Nelson Publishers on the John Maxwell brand. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership was one of my first book cover design assignments, and I could have never imagined that it would become one of the most significant brands that I would have the opportunity to be a part of. To date, John C. Maxwell’s books have sold over 30 million copies and he is considered the number one authority on leadership and teamwork. I am honored to have help shape the look of his brand and packaging over the years. I am also very grateful to Belinda Bass of Thomas Nelson for entrusting such and important author brand to me.