Pre-2006 (left), 2006-2013 (center), 2013 (right)

The biggest brand in logo news is Doritos. That’s right, a crunchy snack that has been with us since 1964 is getting a new do straight from Hornall Anderson. The new design is a great change. It is sharper, cleaner and far more impactful. According to the many of hours of research studying graphic trends across sports, gaming, music and more, this was not a hasty decision. In the article Doritoes Goes Global here is what Doritoes Brand Manager Taylor Jenkins had to say about it:

“We are thrilled with the new disign as it is our first step towards embracing a unified global positioning  for Doritoes.”

I wonder what other logos around the globe are in the midst of a brand transition.

Right here at home in Chicago our very own Cubs are considering an updated or entirely revamped brand for 2014 to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Wrigley Field. How would the hardcore fans feel about a change to the logos, uniforms and all around Cubby brand? We feel that this hits a little to close to home and will have to be discussed at length in a later article. Continuing with controversy I must bring your attention to some not so new news that certainly stopped me in my online tracks. Hop around the globe with me.

Later last year in Australia big name brands found themselves, to coin a phrase, logoless. Plain packaging cigarettes has happened as companies can no longer display logos and in some cases must contain photos displaying the negative effects smoking has on the body (teeth, skin, etc.). What fascinates me is not the surrounding litigious action or response from the public but the sheer fact that everyone knows beyond the shadow of a doubt, consumers and controlling interests alike, the lack of a logo means less sales.

Bottom line, the eye is attracted to shiny things, colors and shapes that pop and pristine packaging. Logos influence profit. Whether your product is a delicious snack, a timeless game or an alternative of choice your logo ties your brand together.

Will yours be creative?

Social signals are informative numbers centering around a social media platform, e.g. followers on Twitter, subscribers to a blog, likes on Facebook, etc.

Despite earlier thought (years and years ago in a galaxy far away) that social signals had little to do with returns, the contrary has become evident. According to a late 2012 article from the Daily SEO Blog among the highest influential social signals is Facebook shares. While it is great to have a high number of likes for you company Facebook page it is even more important that people are share your content regularly. The more the merrier.

That said, recently I truly took a “more the merrier,” mentality with social media. In the past week I created an account with Tumblr, The New Myspace and Pinterest. Why? I figure an abundance of opportunities for connection equals increased readers for my personal blog and all my associated projects. Tumblr is great in that it provides a great click to connect icon for all my social media including (hold your breath) the following:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Vimeo
• YouTube
• Flickr
• Pinterest
• Myspace
• Soundcloud
• Foursquare
• Google+
• Linkedin

Considering all of this web content containing my name, I’m still not the highest ranking Nicholas in the Google world. However, with any search one must take into account the three golden words, relevance, prominence and distance. I’d explain these words at length but it is best delivered from Google Product Manager Jeremy Sussman. Watch it here.

Much to my surprise while reading around the web for SEO news I failed to find much on what I consider to be a great social signal, the check-in. Originated by Foursquare, the check-in has spread though various social media platforms and is an excellent way to effortlessly advertise but does it influence SEO? Going back to our three golden rules it’s logical to assume that check-ins could have a high impact on prominence; it’s what I call local popularity. Your company and will find that once your relevance is established and your company set in stone (literally), relevance and distance will be two factors that will not change significantly (unless of course you’re re-branding). Yet, you can influence prominence!

And if it’s re-branding your after, don’t bounce from this page and “check-in” later for more SEO signals.

Just a little over a year ago Google released Panda, a new algorithm with the purpose of weeding out the good from the ugly. After many updates throughout the year, the artificial intelligence became more effective for allowing quality pages to achieve higher rankings while keeping low quality pages off the list. One of the most affective updates throughout the year included the roll out of Penguin which fights against what I call the dark arts of SEO such as keyword stuffing, cloaking, duplicate content and of course the horcrux (well, that last one is a Harry Potter reference). Now time to visit the brighter tactics you can employ for better SERPs.

Thankfully, Google results have started to focus on the value of the content. I mean really, what good is a pretty page if you lack originality? Increase the value of your page how? Make your content original, the more original the better. Keep your content relevant. No linking to pages that have nothing to do with the subject at hand. Other valuable factors include the speed of your page and how responsive the page interacts with mobile surfers. Gotta keep moving if you’re going to get to the end of the rainbow.

A relatively new tactic is that of authorship markup. Simply, this is where your face will appear beside the description of your page in the rankings. People tend to embrace the human face online and are more apt to click on the smile of a lady or gent rather than a lonely description.

I’m afraid social signals is too broad a topic to cram into one shiny article. So, let’s save that until next time. However, stay current by reading some SEO blogs I found helpful:

SEO Tips for 2013

SEO in 2013: 7 Surprisingly Simple Factors That Will Take the Lead

Some final words of wisdom come to us directly from Michael Wyszomierski of Google’s search quality team. Check out the quick video here to make sure you’re not hurting the quality of your page through webspam content violations.

Keep up the good work with SEO and this fun, festive holiday will sure bring you some lucky returns.

Just like a big hug Andiamo Creative will help you open your arms wide across variant roads to exposure. We will meet and decide what marketing plan provides the right results for your needs. Together we will discover the best media sources for you, the drive behind your deadlines, where you are with press and how much you have done with social media. Bottom line, our marketing plan for you will prove perfect.

We have another hearty hand in logo development. Our endeavors are across the map. SSI is an IT development and services company just outside of Chicago. Another logo project, Lingraph, specializes in printing, packaging and promotional products. What can be more romantic than a dance? Check out client Studio One Dance Theatre. Have a problem with your love life or something even more pertinent. One client, Voxometer for whom we designed a logo is a universal suggestion box that addresses your problems for you through the appropriate channels. Regardless of your taste we will make your logo luscious, nectarous or sugar coated candy for the eyes to see.

Let us not forget about the websites that require attention. Many of the companies referenced either here or in our first half sought us for not only copywriting, illustrations and print design but also for help with a website. Some of the sweetest include The Ambler, Total Event Resources and Zophora. No matter the company, we will make yours a site to remember.

Put a little creative love into your website with us at Andiamo Creative otherwise it could end up being half-hearted.

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Go to Half Hearted Websites (First Half).

If you have had a new web page under construction for sometime now it’s time to wrap it all up with a nice red bow. Finalized sites leave you free to focus on the product, the profit or the sheer art of what you are offering the world. Speaking of, let’s look at what Andiamo Creative has to offer.

Our company has shown our versatility not only in the services we provide but in the companies we’ve have helped since our inception. The work we do ranges from A to W, meaning advertising to websites and many letters in between. We have your covered for copywriting, illustrations, logos and print designs. Check out our sweet advertisements for Bethel New Life, Bacon’s Media Source, New Blood Fight Gear and P.O.P Design. And we still have plenty of love to go around.

In addition to one of the above mentioned, we have provided copywriting for companies including a fixture company, an interior design firm and a collective for business intelligence. Andiamo Creative’s illustrations have been featured on the cover of Fraternal Advantage magazine, in the Popcorn Program and on display in various venues. Presently, you can see work from owner Rochelle Weiner in a fantastic local restaurant, Pizza Rustica. Still more goodies to go around.

We could share our print designs to no end but it’s so much work our hearts may burst! A visit to our work is just a click away and you will be able to view inspirational samples of what we have put on paper for others and what we can and will do for you.

From our hearts to your page, we’ll make it creative in a lovely way.

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Go to Half Hearted Websites (Second Half).

Looking back that far through our blog brought about my discovering the next step towards having success in both personal and professional capacities.

10. Have a Timeline

Pairing with daily and weekly time management, the timeline will be your tool for setting both short and long-term goals. Seeing the dots of tasks in linear progression allows for clearer perception and easier prioritization. Now, that website launch party three months away is recognized as a simple needed button of progress if you intend to receive that graphic design award by winter 2013.

11. Accept Mistakes

Not everything is going to come out as planned. Consider your timeline marking three months away as the projected time for your website launch party. Months of outsourced web work go by and near the last minute your local web designer informs you, “Sorry dude, something weird happened with the code or something and it’s gonna be another month.” Yes, you have to renegotiate your timeline but you accept the mistake, fire the other guy and stumble upon Andiamo Creative and boom! Your website looks great for the new launch date!

12. Reward Yourself

Note the timeline and how well you managed the bobbles along the way and remember all the good things you have done to improve your days (not to mention improve your website). Although success itself is reward enough, you should still occasionally treat yourself with a prize. Andiamo Creative just gave you the news that your website was ready to go public. You say “wow, awesome news. I think I’ll take those new business cards and printed stationary you offer so I’ll have them for the party.” You rest easy that night knowing that everything is in place for your launch party, two nights away.

A good way to close a day.

Review the twelve creative points to better your business and simply live better; look for more news on websites, logos, print design and more in future creative articles

Read the other posts in this series:

• Creative Resolutions I
• Creative Resolutions II
• Creative Resolutions III
• Creative Resolutions IV

Who doesn’t like music? Specifically, who doesn’t like The Rolling Stones (well, maybe some hardcore Beatles fans)? Honoring the band after 50 years of entertainment landed as a logo project, The Fifty New Logos Project. The original design for the band’s logo was created in 1970 for the album Sticky Fingers by one John Pasche. The fifty submissions project is completely non-profit and comes as a collective gift from people all over the world who appreciate the power and size of Mick Jagger’s mouth. Truly, I doubt a more perfect reflection of the band’s presence and message could be designed by even the most prominent creators. Nonetheless, what an awesome way to commemorate the lasting power of a logo by redesigning it in so many ways.

Who doesn’t like flying? American Airlines ways are changing and so is their logo. This is the first time in over 40 years the entire fleet of planes will receive an update. If you visit the link provided you will see the new, colorful tail featuring none other than the red, white and blue streamlining across beautiful skies. The new graphics keep to the aluminum scheme and takes into account the potential merger with US Airways. Look up! Is that a bird, a plane? No. It’s a new logo in flight.

Who doesn’t like sports of some sort? Here on the ground, changes are underway for the Miami Dolphins. Though it is official, no images have been released. Keep your eye on the net to find out what the future holds for this and other teams (try Sportslogos.net). Remember to keep up your game this year!

Who doesn’t like new logos? Reinvent, revisit, redesign and keep us in mind. We will do it all, creatively. Happy New Year from Andiamo Creative.

Andiamo Creative has many presents to unwrap. Your company can take advantage of all or one of our various services. “Sweetie, can I open this one?” Significant other replies, “Of course you can dear.” Wow, it’s a completely new logo design. “Here dear, open one from me.” A beautiful bow is pulled and another perfect present opened. “How did you know I needed a fresh, redesigned website?” Significant other replies, “Well dear, because the one you have looks so tired.” Do not stop here. Logo design and website recreation are only two of the gifts under the tree.

Our gifts range from the large aforementioned to the small shiny ones. “I’ll open this one next.” Paper is neatly removed from the box. “Oh, it’s a collection of postcards.” Contact us for postcard development today. “Now I want to open this nice one from your aunt.” Paper flies through the air. “Oh, it’s a correspondence package!” The gifts just keep coming.

Imagine each gift with a lovely design, denoted by a little label. “Oh look, this one’s for Jimmy.” We have brand new business cards for Jimmy, a new custom website for Jane and a campaign of e-newsletters for Johnny! “Where’s Jessica’s gift?” No one forgot the original illustrations Jessica asked for this year. It’s all here and more with the purchase of a branding package.

Regardless of the holidays at hand, it is a time for giving. Give something creative this year that keeps giving for years to come. Establish your company’s brand, update your logo or take advantage of our many print services. All of the creative services you need are right here all wrapped up in a nice, shiny bow.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Andiamo Creative.

After the first televised commercials marketing was ready to make new giant steps. Telemarketing systemization came to be in the 1940′s, E-commerce was invented during the 1970′s while database and relationship marketing emerged during the 1980′s, not to mention the always unwanted internet spam. Relationship marketing remains one of the more important as it encourages and promotes customer loyalty. You want your customers satisfied with the product and or service offered so that they will return for future purchases while encouraging their family, friends and co-workers to do the same. Right? Why would we at Andiamo want anything different?

We will deliver your company’s marketing needs, first and foremost your new or refreshed website. If your online presence has not been touched since the inception of guerrilla marketing of the 80′s you are probably due for a more creative touch. Just as the Dot-com bubble redefined the future of the market we want to help co-define your company’s fresh, polished presence across multiple mediums ranging from traditional to digital. Now, who has thoughts on viral marketing?

The late 1990′s brought about the defining moments for the meaning of viral. Anything can go viral, a blog, a youtube video, an email, an image, you name it. If it travels through mouths of millions or countless clicks across the various sharing platforms and social media then it has made an impact.  Yet, how does your company achieve such a gargantuatan goal. Look at all the volumes of marketing at your disposal and get your team working to see what works for you.

Regardless of your avenue for branding, logos, email campaigns, direct mail, print, magazine ads and the creative, Andiamo assists your company develop and improve an advertising presence for the future.

Marketing origins can be traced all the way back to the 1400′s with Gutenberg’s metal movable type which eventually led to the first mass-production of both brochures and flyers. These efforts still exist today. We have all encountered people on the streets of Chicago passing out free pamplets or flyers promoting new venues, causes or services. After the emergence of magazines in the 1730′s over a century passed before the first recorded advertisement landed on a magazine page. Shortly thereafter in 1864 marketing made the first massive unsolictied “spam,” with the telegraph. The tradition and evolved forms of every aforementioned options are available to you from Andiamo Creative as we have, can and will create all of your company’s need for print design including brochures, magazine ads and direct mail.

Now let us visit the evolution of trademarks, branding, and the first logos. Some of the earliest examples of trademarks date back to the Roman Empire. This was necessary for blacksmiths to distinguish their swords, armor, etc. from other blacksmiths. Markings or initials were sometimes used for such distinction. Trademarks, branding and logos are often used interchangeably. Yet, it was not until 1875 that Bass Brewery’s logo became the first image to be officially trademarked. Leaping from such great history right up to the present you find yourself on a creative resource page for your branding and logo needs.

Another type of marketing emerged in 1922, radio advertising followed by the creation of computers in the 1940′s. This advancement in technology coupled well with the first recorded television advertisement which happened in 1941.

Knowing such fun facts of history is just another way of keeping you entertained while reminding you that we offer you volumes of marketing needs that fit the robust challenges in today’s competitive market. Read on through part two to see how we continue to help you, creatively.

Continue to “Volumes of Marketing Part 2“.