Event Branding

Earlier this year, I had the good fortune to be asked to design a logo for a science conference event at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.  The project requirements were to incorporate an image representing the molecular structure of borate glass and design a logo that could easily be used for future events by changing the figure.  Here is the finished design. It was used on the event website and marketing materials, including bags and notebooks.

Communication – at the roots of what we THINK we know

A person involuntarily raises their eyebrows slightly and their pupils dilate 0.5 of a millimeter when they see us.  We don’t know why, but we LIKE them. Communication matters.

An advertisement presents iconographic branding and we embrace the feeling of an idea, and want the product.  Those purchases fuel our global economy.  Communication matters.

An animal trustingly attempts to present its personal vocabulary of scent to us in a friendly act of, ‘I really like you, please like me, too?’   Instead, we bathe in scented soap, put on our anti-perspirant, wear our laundry detergent-perfumed clothes, and are sadly repulsed.  Communication matters.

A squid flashes mesmerizing vivid colors of rapid visual essays, then mysteriously flies away into the dark oceanic depths amidst a burst of ink before we even have a chance to think.  Communication matters.

We look into the eyes of a spider or insect, and we don’t see ourselves.  Our actions then reflect this lack of connection.  Communication matters.

Beyond physical details of communication, we all have more in common that we think.  In fact, we have everything in common.  The wish to survive, have resources to flourish, be part of communities, and take care of our young.

Across all boundaries and languages, one part of communication is perhaps much easier and simpler than we think.  The most effective universal language is spoken beyond words, images and ideas.  It is spoken with our hearts.

© Michèle Carbery, 2011

P.S. Since childhood in England, I have very much wanted to see the communication of fireflies in their natural environment.  If you have advice on the best places to do so, I would love to hear from you.

Evolving Branding

Today, I started integrating the new branding into my communications tools.  Here’s how the updated website is looking so far.  When working with branding, sometimes clients desire to launch a new brand all in one go and this can be very exciting for both  their employees and customers.  At other times, it is helpful to make staged changes in order to maintain some continuity and recognition through the process until the final objective is achieved.  For my personal branding, I’m choosing a staged approach.

http://www.michelecarbery.com

4 Ways to Increase Design ‘Shelf Life’

A lot of the design work being produced at this time is intended to evolve at a fast and responsive pace, but for projects such as branding, the ability to endure and sail steadily through the ever-changing sea of design trends can be very valuable.

As visual media becomes increasingly rich, I find it enjoyable to maintain balance by also looking at and creating designs that are uncluttered, clean and peaceful.  In doing so, I’ve noticed aspects that seem to be key to the long ‘shelf life’ of a design.

An example is this brochure.  I illustrated and designed it years ago.  It has floated through time and trends as they have come and gone.  I look at projects like these and the work of other designers to learn about what helps to create an enduring, but not boring, designed communication.

Here are 4 functions I’ve noticed that appear to be achieved by designs that endure:

1/  Balanced sensory input, and visual breathing space.
2/  The use of thought-provoking images and words.
3/  Creating visual and written satisfaction, instead of excitement.
4/  A sense of floating alongside or through trends, rather than being encompassed by them.

Do you notice other aspects that help a design to endure in positive ways?

© Michele Carbery, 2011

Joyful Logo Design

After the 4th of July fireworks, I felt it time to launch a new personal brand.  I had fun working on this!

During a transatlantic career as a graphic designer, my personal brand has evolved several times over the years.  This time, with all the challenges currently present in the world’s communities, I wanted to create an especially light and cheery image that I hope people will enjoy.

The new logo is based upon my initials, presented in the context of a graphic icon that can be interpreted as a smiling face.  I have maintained the same typographic treatment as my previous logo for the purpose of some visual continuity.

While communicating a concise snapshot of what I do in my professional work, my intention is for the logo to bring a positive feeling to anyone who is regarding my business card or professional documents.

A smile is a wonderful gift we can give to others and ourselves in every moment.  Enjoy :)

“Prestigious” Logo Design

Successful branding for a small businesses can lead to big business.  And, ‘success’ is not just about the visual appearance of a brand, but how a client feels about the end product.

This week, I completed a new logo design and stationery package for a local roofing company.  It’s very satisfying to help small businesses present a professional identity.  A well designed logo and presentation can make all the difference to success.

Once the concept was established, this logo progressed through several iterations.  Initially, the crown I had designed was ingeniously formed of rooflines.  After ‘trying on’ several different crowns, what was more important to the client was a feeling of personal affinity with the icon.  This sense of affinity is important, because individuals and organizations need to experience inner alignment and feel confident when they present their organization’s identity.

Logo Designs by Michele Carbery

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