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January 30 2012
COLOURlovers Interview & Giveaway with Jessica Sprague on The Art of Poster Design
Poster design is a really fun, inexpensive and unique way to explore your creative side. From the 1,000's of fonts, variety of poster sizes, and layouts, sometimes, it's difficult to know where to start!
Once you master your design techniques visit Next Day Flyers for fast poster printing at great prices.
Today we are interviewing Jessica Sprague, design guru and owner of JessicaSprague.com. In February, Jessica is heading off a four week Poster Design course. She is also giving away not one, but TWO seats to this really awesome class! I couldn't be more excited about the class after taking Jessica's Subway Art class. I'm a busy mom, so I don't have a whole lot of time to join in a live class, which is why I love Jessica's classes- they are self-paced and available forever!
Follow Jessica: Twitter & Facebook
Can you tell us about yourself, how long have you been designing? Teaching? Do you have a job outside of JS.com?
In my former life I was a web & user interface designer for a software company, so I've been designing in some form or another for about 14 years. I started teaching digital scrapbooking, Photoshop, and graphic design in 2007 when I opened JessicaSprague.com. Since then it is my full-time job, and I love it!
What three (or less) singular colors do you most identify with, why?
My favorite color is green - I love it in almost all of its shades from lime to olive. It's the color of growth and regeneration, of calm energy, of prosperity, learning, balance, and harmony.
If you had to describe yourself [currently] as a five color palette, what colors would they be? Could you provide me with HEX codes so I can create a JS palette for you? :)
I feel like I am a blue, two greens, and a red, coupled with a dark grey. Hex: aed835, d9ea65, 81c9c0, a90c19, a90c19
The greens I've already described. The blue is an ocean representing responsibility, stability, trustworthiness. The red represents fire and emotion, and the dark grey brings some gravity, but also represents the dark that balances the lighter, fresher colors.
If you could be a shape, what shape would you be? (i.e. a polygon = triangle, hexagon etc...)
I would be a 5-pointed star. :)
How do you approach incorporating color combinations in poster design? Where do you start on this process?
As with any design process, I always start with a theme or a concept. What is it that we're saying? What emotion do we want to evoke in the reader or viewer of this piece? Having a solid design concept, I move in to blocking shapes and choosing colors - usually designed to play on the overall theme.
Source: Jessica Bills
Personally I'm a font junkie, I'm sure you have a large collection of fonts yourself, how do you organize your collection?
I love fonts. LOVE. I collect them, drool over them, dream about them, find excuses to buy new ones. I have a lot of fonts - probably 1700 - and I use a program called Font Expert to organize my fonts. I need to get even better at organizing, when there's time! But right now I have them divided into categories. My categories include: 3d, Block, Calligraphic, Circus, Condensed, Cute, Decorative, Destroyed, Dingbats, Display, Distressed, Gothic, Handwritten, Modern, Monospaced, Ornaments, Outline, Quirky, Retro, Sans Serif, Script, Serif, Skinny, Stencil, Symbol, Typewriter, Wide, Worn.
How do you approach using fonts in poster design?
The typeface choices make a critical part of the design process - this typically comes as the style and theme of the poster is being fleshed out. I think the typography - especially in a poster where the message tends to be very brief and very LOUD, is especially important, and one of the hallmarks of a really good design vs. a less-effective one. Fonts say things in addition to the actual words they spell - they have personality and that personality needs to be respected and taken advantage of in a design.
Heavily using fonts seems quite trendy, where do you recommend a base knowledge or quick reference about font types and usage?
Mixing fonts is an art and a skill that takes time to develop - I recommend beginning to steep yourself in really good typography, such as the samples over at veer.com as a really good resource for getting a feel for the subtleties.
Source: Jessica Sprague The Art of Poster Design
How do you feel about using patterns in poster design? Something busy, but in the background? Or something simple like a chevron- those seem to be rather popular right now. What are some basic rules you follow when incorporating patterns into poster design?
I think patterns are great in limited ways in a poster - most posters rely on a one-or-two color press that doesn't allow for much multi-color pattern; but this is changing as the price for laser printing in large-scale formats continues to come down.
How would you describe your style when creating posters? Do you like to use big fonts? Do you tend to use the same fonts over and over?
The style of a poster is always dictated by the message and the style called for - but in general I like big bold fonts, large graphics, brushwork, and great details.
Source: Janet Carr, a student from Jessica Sprague's Subway Art class.
What do you think are the most common mistakes people make when designing a poster?
I think the most common mistake is that people are afraid to really fill the space in a poster - I see things centered with plenty of whitespace around the text, no color (even black on white can be a color if used well!), and just general blandness. A poster's purpose is to deliver a message in 10 seconds or less - boldness is the name of the game.
Where are you most likely to find inspiration when you're stuck in the mud?
I have Pinterest. I also have a few books, including The New Masters of Poster Design, which is excellent eye candy for all styles of posters.
How long is the filming process for the poster class from start to finish, including editing?
There will be about 12 hours of finished video for this class, which takes about three weeks to record and edit.
Since I've taken several of your classes, I know throughout the videos you give direction for both Photoshop and Elements users, do you prefer one program over the other?
Great question! In my own work I use Photoshop CS5, but I prefer teaching Photoshop Elements, because I love and adore the Project Bin! LOL.
Source: Sunday Grennan of itsmesunday.
The Giveaway: Two Lucky COLOURlovers Will Win!
As mentioned above, Jessica has generously offered two seats in the class, a value of $63.99 per class! The giveaway starts today, January 30th, 2012 and ends next Monday, February 6th, 2012.
To Enter:
Leave a comment telling us what your favorite font is and what theme you would use the font for when creating a poster or project.
The Art of Poster Design starts February 13th and ends March 11th. Jessica Sprague will be leading the class with step-by-step video instruction. This is considered an intermediate class. You can sign-up or get more detailed information here.
I've recently created a digital crafting group on COLOURlovers, feel free to join, and share your works of art, palettes, patterns, and chat with people who have the same interests!
January 17 2012
Colorful 2012 Non-Profit Calendar Awareness :: COLOURlovers Member Interview, Showcase & Giveaway
We bring you a great interview with Jason Allen, of Haft2.com, an intriguing firm firm that focuses on, yeah, you guessed it, color! The focal point today is to showcase their 2012 Haft2COLOUR Calendar Project, and absolutely amazing piece of quality!
It's not too late for 2012 calendar printing projects, visit Next Day Flyers for good prices and fast turnaround.
I was highly impressed with the presentation of the calendar. It was delivered in a nice silver tin with a branded paper wrap and a wonderful opening letter about the project and the Haft2 mission - I felt like I had just received a very nice gift!
Haft2 is giving away three calendars to some lucky winners on a fun challenge (see bottom of post). I would like to add that I just so happened to come across this project originally from the comments on our previous post about 2012 Calendar Print Trends. I just had to know more about it, see the real deal and get to know what Haft2 and Jason were all about. I'm sure glad I did.
Jason manages the COLOURlovers Haft2 account and he had posted their calendar in the comments. I simply couldn't pass it up, so let's get started!
Jason, tell us a bit about Haft2...
Haft2 is a branding and communications firm that specializes in colour strategy as it relates to branding. Our clients come from a variety of categories, with a focus on non-profit organizations.
Our President and Chief Colour Officer is Paul Haft. I've been with the company now for almost five years, and as Director of Brand Colour Intelligence, I oversee our own brand. We have an in-house design studio and are also fortunate to have a network of talented professionals in design, writing, digital, research etc., from whom to draw when needed.
Let's hear about this calendar project and how Haft2 puts up such a big effort to help bring awareness to these not-for-profit organizations...
We appreciate our clients and friends, and throughout the calendar year, send out a number of promotions to them, to celebrate special days and holidays. We customize each printed promotion with the recipient's name and send out anywhere between 80 and 300 pieces, depending on our client list, on the time of year, and on the promotion itself.
We've wanted to produce a colour calendar for years, and I'm so happy to say that this year, we were able to make it happen. We're always looking for ways to raise our non-profit clients' awareness and increase their fundraising.
We decided this year to create our first colour calendar, and make it a new kind of fundraising movement to highlight initiatives from across our past and present client base. We have given the program a name and a word mark which you'll see on the calendar itself. We have called it The Haft2COLOUR Calendar Project.
Each of the initiatives that you see highlighted in the calendar received a donation from us at the beginning of this year.
For the talent, we approached the designers in our studio and network, whom we are so happy to know, and feel privileged to work with. Each designer was asked to do either one or two (and sometimes three) months of the calendar. We only gave them a colour, and then assigned a month (or colours / months) to them, and asked them to come back with their own interpretation of that colour and time of year, however they saw it, through graphics and illustration. Everyone really came through, and did so entirely on a volunteer basis. We love the designs separately, but simply adore them collectively.
We printed an additional number of calendars which we've been selling at $30 CAD, (with shipping and handling extra), and all proceeds are divided among and given directly to the 11 initiatives highlighted in the calendar.
We look forward to continuing The Haft2COLOUR Calendar Project on a yearly basis. We're always looking to work with talented designers and writers, and would be open to speaking with anyone who'd like to volunteer their talent to be part of the 2013 project.
I'd like to add that on the back of each calendar is a portion dedicated to letting the artist explain their design direction as well as an area highlighting the artist, where to find them and their accomplishments, in so many words.
Of course, there is also the information about each non-profit. This year, that list included: UNICEF, Walk of Hope (ovarian cancer), Canadian Breast Cancer Association, iNavigait, CAMH Foundation, Herbie Fund, Plan Because I am a Girl, EHM (Evangel Hall Mission), CIFAR and December 2012 is a Select your own way of giving offering ways to do your own good deed.
I know that Jason (aka Haft2) spends a lot of time on COLOURlovers, so I asked him how they might use COLOURlovers and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they actually place a palette on their site.
On our own corporate site, haft2.com, we have what we call a "trend palette", at the far left of our homepage. I update the code every week to pick up our latest COLOURlovers palette. Clicking on the palette takes you to that page on COLOURlovers - Jason
I was even further intrigued at how their portfolio displays, check it out (it's contains many more palettes on the site):
Calendar Giveaway & Contest Details
The contest: Haft2 would love to know what color you visualize the months of the year in. All you have to do:
- Submit at least one color and assign it to at least one month of the year.
- Describe why you visualize this color for this month.
If you need putting a color badge in the comments, see: How to share a creation.
Contest runs until Tuesday, this Friday, January 20th, 2012 (11:00 pm PST). Judging will be done by Haft2 and myself. Winners will be posted in the comments and contacted via Love Notes to claim your Calendar prize.
I have really enjoyed getting to know Jason and learning more about Haft2.
Calendars are $30 CAD (plus shipping and handling) and can be ordered by emailing us at hello@haft2.com.
Connect with Haft2: Facebook | Twitter
Also an awesome blog, HAFT2KNOW is the official colour, brand and trend blog of Haft2. There is an English and French version of the blog. Good to know!
December 09 2011
Scholarship & Book Winners: Four Days of Color with Leatrice Eiseman
We have come to the nail biting finale of the Full Color Training Scholarship Contest where two winners will get to spend four days saturated in color with Leatrice Eiseman (colorexpert.com) in Burbank, California. COLOURlovers were asked to submit a palette they connected to their life, how color impacts their life as well as how they would like to use color more, to impact the lives of others.
We asked each finalist what they would expect to bring back from the class to apply to both their life personally and if applicable, professionally. Lastly, if they had any questions for Leatrice Eiseman. I have included these responses below. So without further adieu, because I know many of you stayed up waiting to hear...
First Place - Full Scholarship: Linda Holt
Occupation: Designer / Photographer
What she does: Owner of New Light Redesign (newlightredesign.com).
Location: Massachusetts, USA
"My intention should I win would be to apply my new color knowledge in my business. I have been doing interior color consulting for the past year but I want to take it to the next level. Like I mentioned in my application, I feel like the more I learn about color the more I realize there is to learn. Since my eye was trained for so many years as a photographer to see color as "light", the switch over to seeing color as pigment has been profound for me. I never knew until I bought Leatrice's books that color affects our moods. I guess I knew it intuitively but I am just fascinated by the whole psychology of color. Please please please pick me...I REALLY want to come. I promise I will work hard and be a good student!"
Linda's Questions for Leatrice:
1. Has Leatrice had a life long love of color and what was her path to becoming the "guru" she is today?
2. What inspires her when it comes to choosing color pallets?
3. What is the process for Pantone in choosing the much anticipated "color of the year"?
Linda has had this class on her calendar every year for at least the past two years. It is a lifetime dream for her to attend. Congratulations Linda!
First place will receive a fully paid scholarship for tuition to the Color + Design Training Program, plus a copy of the book, PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color, by Leatrice (co-authored with Keith Recker).
Second Place - Half Scholarship: ModernMuse (aka Michelle Stroescu)
Occupation: Artist & Color Theory Professor
What she does: Painting (ModernMuse.net) & Teaching Color Theory (College Professor)
Location: Texas, USA
"I would expect to bring back to my class the huge amount of in depth color information ...trend application, social impact of color and why colors trend when they do ( curious, I am curious to hear Ms. Eisemane speak to this , since I am always trying to speak to my class about the importance of being aware of what is happening all around them .
I would love to be able to promote my winning this course for helping gain more credibility for our design dept. at school. And to help me to advertise my ColorMuse paint workshops here in Dallas."
Michelle's Questions for Leatrice:
1. How does Pantone take into account the current social/ political environment when deciding on future color palettes or do they at all ?
2. Are there really and truly color meanings related to a persons personality and characteristics?
3. Of all the Pantone color of the year selected by Pantone , which color / year had the most impact on businesses and sales?
Michelle teaches Color Theory for the Fashion Design and Marketing Students at El Centro Community College in downtown Dallas, Texas. She shares a strong passion for color and bringing that knowledge to those she teaches and through her art. Congratulations Michelle!
Second place will receive a half-paid scholarship for tuition to the Color + Design Training Program, plus a copy of the book, PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color, by Leatrice (co-authored with Keith Recker).
Five runner-ups won a copy of PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color
Originally, I had made a list of finalists and a list of book selections. After having such a grueling time narrowing the finalists, some of you were in the running to win, but there were only two spots so the best I can do is give you an awesome book! I also did mix in with those only applying for a book as they lived too far away to attend the class. Believe me, you all deserve this opportunity and hope that you one day get to attend one of these classes.
In no particular order, book winners are:
- 1. haft2 The color authority for branding (haft2know.com)
- 2. Solosprings - in transition
- 3. lopezdegull - Image Consultant (lopezdegull.com)
- 4. greypupil - Artist (adriannemartin.com)
- 5. macole - Graphic Designer (marigolddesign.com)
I would like to end by saying that this was honestly one of the hardest decisions I have had to make here at COLOURlovers. Many of the submissions were more than submissions to a contest and some almost brought tears to my eyes. I wish I could give the first place prize to many of you as you are all very well deserving. Very late last night I was reading and re-reading over the initial submissions and then the finalist emails and waiting for a few stragglers to get their finalist responses in (hence the delay to give fair chance). As well as waiting to confirm if people would in fact be able to fund their travel along with 1/2 the scholarship cost if they were chosen for 2nd place.
I was extremely impressed at how dedicated some of you were to wanting this opportunity. Realizing in this economy how tight money can be. Some of the responses included having to sell their car and borrow money for traveling (from Brazil) where another, with a very supportive husband who knew how important this opportunity was, said they would make the cost of even 2nd prize work some how, some way. Others were planning on begging their workplace to help. This is how important color is to these people. This is how passionate these COLOURlovers are about color.
Leatrice does this class twice per year. Cross your fingers we can do another contest in the near future. Each contestant will be notified via Love Notes (internal COLOURlovers email).
Congratulations again to everyone!
November 22 2011
A Colorful & Tactile Magazine Cover for a True Hands-on Experience
Can you remember a time when people used to write letters—by hand! Or, read books made of paper, glue and ink? As our increasingly digital world seems to be moving farther and farther away from traditional print media, companies like Paperlux step in to remind us that nothing can replace the touch, smell, weight, and color of a real hold-it-in-your-hands magazine.
Today's article is presented by the leading magazine and glossy booklet printing company, Next Day Flyers. Check them out for fast turnarounds and amazing prices.
When the graphic design magazine Novum commissioned Paperlux to come up with an innovative magazine cover, the creative juices kicked into overdrive and the result is truly something spectacular to see and feel.
Paperlux, a design studio based in Hamburg, Germany, was seeking a way to focus on the palpable nature of paper. The result was a very tactile approach as a way to draw people to a colorful product sporting a geometric design that makes you ache to just reach out and feel it for yourself.
Geodesic sphere at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World (left - source)
The design was fashioned after what is called a geodesic dome (source). Although the magazine represents a much flatter version of the dome, it still has the texture and look of the real thing.
The magazine’s unique and colorful design incorporates 140 die cuts that permit the user to bend it in any direction.
Richard Buckminster (source | source)
The designers were inspired by Richard Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller—a colorful character who loved a challenge and pushed the limits on every project he undertook.
The 15,000 covers that were produced had to be meticulously die-cut, a process which was supervised by the designers themselves to ensure accuracy.
Dubbing it their “passion project,” Paperlux took the extra cost upon themselves because they really felt like they could make a strong point. They wanted to remind people why the digital world can never totally replace real world print media. Print media has substance; it not only can be seen in all its colorful glory, but it can be felt with your hands and internalized in a more personal manner.
Print media still has its place in the publishing industry, because it does something that digital media fails to do—it has the potential to engage all five senses at the same time, thereby leaving a lasting impression. So, next time you are looking for a way to market yourself or your business, don’t underestimate the power of print media.
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November 17 2011
Four Days of Color with Leatrice Eiseman ~ Win a Full Color Training Scholarship + More!
Understanding color can be a daunting task with many dead ends. Have you ever taken a color theory class only to be left feeling like it didn’t teach you anything to do with applying color in the real world?
Maybe you have an awesome natural instinct for putting together cohesive palettes or colorizing fabulous patterns perfectly, but why are you so good at it? Validating the why, where and when of color will change your entire outlook on color and what it can do to your personal or professional life.
Color opportunities exist in many industries. Companies need color design expertise to guide them through the many choices they have to make as a successful business. Choices they must make involving color range from advertising, product design, branding and many more. You need credible, verifiable information to back up your decisions as a consultant or designer and you need more than a simple love for color to get you there.
Pictured: Leatrice Eiseman
This is where we introduce “the international color guru”, Leatrice Eiseman - colorexpert.com. Among many hats, Leatrice is the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, has authored eight books to date and will be heading off 2012 with a Color + Design Training Program in Burbank, California.
Pictured: class setting with Leatrice Eiseman instructing
The training program is an intense four-day program for very motivated individuals who wish to enhance their color skillset for application in the real world. Only 20 participants are accepted to the course which allows for a higher quality of learning. The class covers topics like: Developing your color expertise, The psychology of color, Color facts vs. fiction, The how-toʼs of color forecasting, Future color trends... and much more.
PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color | MORE ALIVE WITH COLOR
Leatrice’s latest book on color, which is a part of the giveaway, is titled, PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color, co-authored with Keith Recker.
Enter the Contest... Share Your Story & Win!
Leatrice is giving away one full scholarship, one partial scholarship and some books (mentioned above).
1st Place: Full scholarship valued at $1775 + Book + 2x Blog Features
2nd Place: Partial Scholarship valued at $887.50 + Book + 2x Blog Features
5 Runner-ups: Book
In addition to prizes from Leatrice, first and second place winners will share a feature blog post interview on COLOURlovers.com about themselves personally and professionally, expanding on their story submitted. Furthermore, we would like to do a post-interview after the class in January 2012 (posted in February).
Contest will run through Saturday, November 25th, 2011 at 8pm PST. The COLOURlovers Team will be the judging panel and choose winners from those that put out their best effort.
Here’s how you earn it:
In the comments - post one of your palettes that identifies with you and your story on how color impacts your life as well as how you would like to use color more, to impact the lives of others. Your story can be anywhere between 50-300 words max (click here for a visual of what 300 words looks like).
In the case that you may not be able to travel/attend the class, you may still win one of the books! If you can, please mention that you are only applying for a book. We would love to hear your story!
This class is January 26th-29th, 2012 in Burbank, California. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered by Leatrice. Although an excellent group rate at the hotel is available and the hotel has full kitchens.
November 15 2011
DNA11 + COLOURlovers Palette Contest: Announcing Winners!
The DNA11 Palette Contest has come to a close with a staggering 6,000 plus entries of which one (1) winner and four (4) runner-ups are now announced! The mix of science and art proved to be quite intriguing. So without further delay, the winner is...
Under my Skin by BerryColor
BerryColor won a palette-customized, 24 x 36” DNA Portrait. Additionally, this beautiful palette will be added to the DNA11 collection for future use in their line of personalized DNA Art.
Runner-ups:
Runner-ups will receive a $250 DNA 11 Gift Certificate and their palette will also be added to the DNA11 color collection.
Runner-ups in order top - bottom: Tranquility by ChairmanCao, Dog DNA by Miaka, Peace in the Blood by OrigamiMei, moon trip by sirda
For the finalists who did not win, congratulations on making it to the final round of 10. Great work!
- When I glow up... by jazminredux
- ROCKIN TOWERS by rubyvillasenor
- Peace in the Blood by OrigamiMei
- big city lights by earlgrey
- DNA by Any Palacios
For the rest who entered palettes, you will be enjoying $100 gift card from DNA11. Thanks for playing!
October 20 2011
DNA11 + COLOURlovers Palette Contest: Color Your DNA
Time for a palette contest with a mix of science and art! COLOURlovers has paired up with DNA 11 (dna11.com) to bring you a creative, unique way to further personalize your DNA artwork.
DNA 11 is the original creator of DNA Art Portraits, Fingerprint Portraits, and Kiss Portraits -- the World’s most personalized art on canvas.
Who knew that you could do such beautiful things with your DNA?!
Turn your palette into beautiful personalized art!
The contest will be open and accept entries for the first phase from Thursday, October 20th through Thursday, October 27th, 2011.
Enter the Contest | View the Entries
Color and submit as many DNA Portrait Templates you would like. Only one (1) of your entries will be eligible for prizes.
Prizes!
The top ten (10) most LOVED entries will go on to further voting through DNA 11. One winner and four runners up will come of the final round of voting.
If one of your entries wins, our friends at DNA 11 will send you your very own, palette-customized, 24 x 36” DNA Portrait and add your winning palette to their line of color options for personalized DNA art.
If you are one of the four runners up, you will receive a $250 DNA 11 Gift Certificate and your palette will also be added to the DNA 11 color collection.
DNA 11 will also publish a blog post with links to the top five COLOURlovers DNA artwork winning creations (winners and runners up).
The Rules Summarized:
- Each entry must be 2-5 colors
- Top 10 entries with the most LOVES (as voted by the COLOURlovers community) will become finalists. 1 winner and 4 runners up will be voted from this 10 through DNA 11.
- Unlimited entries, but only 1 of your entries may be eligible for prizes.
- First prize: 24x36 DNA Portrait (value $500) plus the winner's palette becomes a permanent part of the DNA 11 collection.
- Secondary prizes: four runners up receive $250 DNA 11 gift certs. Plus their palettes become a permanent part of the DNA 11 collection.
- Participation prize: everyone gets a $100 DNA 11 gift certificate.
Just for entering, you will receive $100 gift certificate to use at DNA 11. In addition, you may use a 20% off discount at DNA 11 through November 17th, 2011 whether submitting an entry or not (code and gift certificate are not combinable). 20% OFF Code: Color20
You must be a member of COLOURlovers.com to enter the contest. Sign-up for FREE.
September 29 2011
Breast Cancer Awareness: Using the Color of Cause to Make a Profit
Millions of pink Breast Cancer products get ready to take October by storm. The colors of awareness are popping up everywhere by any number of businesses large and small…
“Buy this pink product and all proceeds will be donated to breast cancer.”
photos by me | The Human Bean donates all proceeds to the local hospitals on a certain day in October.
This might be one of the most successful marketing ploys of the twentieth-century. Why? Because people don’t mind contributing when they feel like they are getting something out of showing their support.
Take a look at the average consumer, who generally does not have or want to spend the extra cash to simply donate. Now they can donate and get something in return. Wouldn’t you much rather spend $8.00 on a pink water bottle than donate $8.00 directly to a charity? I am going to buy a water bottle anyway.
Embrace Activism Products specifically designed around Breast Cancer
The sheer number of charities asking for donations can be daunting. How do you pick one if you don’t necessarily have a sentimental reason to go with one or the other?
Being an average person and general consumer of every day products, I have no personal reasons to choose to financially support a cause. So unless someone asks me to donate I most likely wouldn’t think to donate if it wasn’t right in my face when I go to the store. But, since I’m there, I might as well buy the loaf of bread with the pink ribbon graphic promising to donate for me. I feel good about supporting a cause and I get my loaf of bread, everyone wins.
Simple Methods, Big Impact
A couple basic cause-based advertising models…
Spare Change: Asking customers if they would like to round up their purchases to donate the extra change to a certain cause or charity. Normally something at a grocery store, but you could use this on a smaller scale in almost any type of situation.
Color it Pink or add a Pink Ribbon: This is the biggest marketing scheme we see on a daily basis. Companies small and large use this method to generate awareness for their brand, products and the cause (of course). Pair up with a foundation or simply donate to local programs (organized charities, hospitals, groups) to draw in community members.
Small & Large Scale Business for Charity:
With October just a hop over the fence, there is ample opportunity to get in on it some way or another! From using the color pink and boobies in unexpected product design or creatively funny ads, it's a great way to step out of your regular routine and make a splash at it!
Products & Proceeds
Jordan "Think Pink" | Nike "Think Pink"
Pink tortillas, El Rey tortilla factory (2009)
Putting on events or being involved in events can get your brand out there in any number of ways...
Ladies Golf Breast Cancer Day at Jamberoo Golf Club.
2011 Camaro SS Pink Breast Cancer NASCAR Pace Car
Penny Lancaster Pink Ribbon Walk 2011
Etsy...
I'm actually surprised at how little Etsy crafters have made for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I'm even more surprised that more than half the crafters displaying content for sale, are not even trying to pull off donating proceeds or a percentage to some foundation or another...which would probably help their purchases. Maybe we'll see more pop up as we get in to October more.
- Bag by Pampered Knitting | keychain by BeachBMXDesigns
- cake pops by DaintyButton | bag & tote by Bagsmadetoorder
With October being the official month for Breast Cancer Awareness, there are plenty of opportunities to run a caused based promotion with your small business be that an Etsy shop or physical business.
What's the coolest breast cancer product or ad you've seen?
September 23 2011
First Impressions Matter: From Visite Biletes & Trade Cards To The Modern-Day Business Card
The business card: Your most powerful self-marketing tool. From basic black and white to lavish die-cut, colorful pieces of art, they all do just about the same thing—they introduce and retain your personal or business brand. In some countries they are traded with no formality while in others they are exchanged with great ritual, you probably have at least two or three in your wallet right now, they are EVERYWHERE! Probably the single most used marketing tool in the world today, the business card has been utilized for centuries as a means of introducing oneself. So, how did this simple rectangular piece of paper come to infiltrate the business culture of today? (source)
This post made possible by Next Day Flyers, the online poster printing company offering fast turnaround times and amazing prices.
1883 Die-Cut Card (source) | (left) Die-Cut Today (source)
Viste Bilete aka "Calling Cards"
Although the debate continues about whether or not the cards originated in 15th century China, it is certain that visite biletes, or visiting cards, were used in 17th Century Europe by the aristocracy as a means of announcing the arrival of a distinguished guest. The original visite biletes, printed using copper plate engravings, were about the size of a playing card, and were decorated with the name of the bearer and an engraved coats of arms or other ornamentation. Printed in a stately black and white, color could only be added by hand. The ladies seemed to prefer the rich hues of red, pink, and blue to add sophistication to their cards.
1860 | Calling Card | 5 x 9 cm | Lithographed design and name (source).
- Top Left to Right (source):
- 1870-80's | Advertising Trade Card in Calling Card Format
- 1850-60's | Early Friendship Calling Card
- 1860-70's | Albumen Photographic Calling Card
- 1870-80's | Humorous Victorian Calling Card - "May I.C.U. Home?"
Etiquette
By the 18th and 19th centuries, a strict etiquette had been developed and was rigorously followed by members of polite society or risk of social disgrace would ensue. The servant of the household would answer the door and hold out a silver tray in his left hand. The card would be placed on the tray and then taken to the lady of the house to accept or reject. Certain folds were observed, “If the upper right hand corner of the card was folded it indicated that the card's owner had presented the card in person. A card folded in the middle indicated the call was meant for several or all the members of the family” (source). Certain abbreviations were used to explain the visit, such as “p.c.” for condolence call or “p.f” for a congratulatory visit. (source)
Trade Cards: Miniature Works of Art
In 17th century London, the trade card, a cousin of the visiting card, found its beginning. Akin to business cards of today, trade cards were used as advertisements for businesses and sometimes included maps and directions. When printing by the use of chromolithographs became more popular in the 1830s, trade cards could be printed in color and were often miniature works of art.
The lithography process required printing from stone slabs. A different stone was used for each color, so the more colors used, the more expensive the trade card. As the process was developed, as many as 15 stones could be used to create a single card!
Die-Cut Trade Cards
These became popular in the late 1890s. To emphasize packaging on trade cards, brands such as Heinz or Arm & Hammer would make whole cards that were die-cut to resemble the package of a product. The use of color, expression, and shape distinguished these cards above all others. It was believed that “giving away high-quality pictures would stimulate customers’ recognition of their name and brand” (source).
1883 | Die-Cut Chromolithographed Folding Card | The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. (source)
1870-1900 | Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (New York) | Chromolithographed Trade Cards.
“Before and After” Trade Cards
This marketing scheme was built off of the idea that using this product would improve one’s life. Trade Cards conveyed this message by using colorful illustrations that demonstrated quite literally the before and after effects of using the product. Just read the short “Arm & Hammer” trade card poem to see how you might fatten yourself up!
Before | Folding Card 1800's
After | Folding Card 1800's source
Often, trade cards would use folding, movable parts, require the user to turn the card over or upside-down, or had to be held up to a light to reveal the message. The attention to detail and use of eye-catching colors was paramount in the creation of these cards.
Merging the Ideas
At some point in history, a combination of the Industrial Revolution, rise of the middle class, and decline in social formality gave birth to a class of European and American entrepreneurs with the express need to exchange information. They merged the idea of the visiting and trade cards to create the first version of today’s commonplace business card. These cards were plain and printed on heavy paper, and disdained by the members of the upper class. (source)
1960's | Business Card for Ole Surfboards (source)
1970's | Kowloon Restaurant, Madeline Wong (source)
1980's | Business Card for Last Place on Earth (source)
Business cards had a much easier start in the United States, where their use became widespread in the 1890s. By the early 20th century, business cards in the U.S. were at their current level of usage. You might be surprised at the business etiquette required even today, making me think that our aristocratic ancestors may not have been as self-important as we might think.
1990's | Business Card (source)
Modern-Day Etiquette
While in the United States the exchange is fairly relaxed, many Asian nations follow elaborate rituals for both the presenter and the receiver of the card. In some international places it is considered extremely rude to present a business card with your left hand, or to put a card away immediately after receiving it. Those who travel abroad would do well to have a two-sided card with the information printed in the language of the nation in question on one side, and should also take care not to write notes on the card. Cards should also be protected in a case of some sort, and presented in pristine condition.
(source)Modern-day business cards run the gamut with the availability of advanced printing techniques, extravagant design options, a rainbow of color schemes, fancy imprinting and embossing to add texture, foiling, and die-cutting options that come together to create a card that is uniquely you.
(source)
Even after four centuries of wide-spread use, one thing remains certain—this small, paper marketing tool is still making a big impact on the way we connect with others.
header credit: Victorian Calling Cards | Late 1800's (source)
September 22 2011
Drive-By Advertising: Then and Now
Designed to catch your attention while leaving a lasting impression, billboards have an interesting place in history. From humorous to thought-provoking, they decorate our roadsides, draw-attention to our buildings, and often stick with us long after we leave them behind. So, where did these over-sized advertising tools find their start?
(source - This is the only image available for this billboard)
Drive-by advertising has been around since the circus came to New York in 1835. Early billboards were basically large posters attached to the sides of buildings. In 1889 the world’s first 24 panel billboard was erected, paving the way for what was to come.
McDONALDS Original painted billboard
Hand-painted billboards were created in large studios. The image was projected onto panels, outlined, and then painted on using large brushes and oil paints. After it was installed the artists would touch-up the paint where the panels came together.
A prime example of the hand-painted billboards, this billboard (above) was erected in Salt Lake City, UT, in 1908.
(source)
In 1911, one of the first lighted billboards is recorded as having been erected in Los Angeles, CA. They were soon popping up everywhere as a great way to advertise 24-hours a day.
(source + many more great images of this type of billboard)
These 1947 billboards are notable for their construction which was originally all-wood (left), and then lauded for its 100% all-steel construction (right).
Billboards of Today
Billboards were transformed by digital technology, which replaced hand-painted boards with computer-painted wonders. This had made possible a diverse selection of advertising formats.
Today you can still find hand-painted billboards in Los Angeles, California’s “Sunset Strip.”
Chick-fil-A is known for its use of three-dimensional billboards featuring black and white cows protesting the eating of beef. Surprisingly lacking in color, these billboards are eye-catching in their simplicity, while their use of humor makes them memorable.
Digital billboards are versatile in that they can have changing images, display running text, or be used by more than one company for advertising.
Inflatable billboard placed in the median of busy traffic.
Inflatable / floatable beach advertising
Inflatable, bubbly-fun shaped billboard
Inflatable billboards are colorful, eye-catching, shapely and easy to set up for temporary events (many more entertaining inflatable billboards at image source).
(source)
The first scented billboard was erected by the Bloom Grocery Store chain in June 2010. Set to emit a burst of black pepper and charcoal twice a day during rush hour, this billboard has brought outside advertising to a whole new dimension.
(source)
Coca-Cola and the World Wildlife Fun worked together to create, quite literally, the “greenest” billboard in history. Located in the Philippines, this billboard is covered in Fukien tea plants, which were planted in old Coke bottles to allow sideways growth. Each plant absorbs up to 13 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
Helping us find a place to eat, sleep, get fuel, or be entertained, Billboards are everywhere! For small businesses, these large, colorful, eye-catching wonders are sometimes the cheapest way to advertise a business, not to mention their ability to reach far more people than almost any other advertising medium. One thing is certain, billboards make our commuting lives a little more colorful and a little easier as they entertain, distract and direct us on the road.
September 09 2011
Reaching More Lovers of Color: Color Stream iPhone App Acquired
We've known developer/designer Sahil Lavingia for a while now and have continued to be impressed with the apps and services he puts out. One app in particular we've had our eye on is his color app Color Stream, an iPhone app that helps create & save color palettes... Something near and dear to our hearts.
So when the opportunity came along to acquire the app and provide continued color inspiration to the tens of thousands of Color Stream users, we jumped at the chance. And one of the reasons we made our iPhone app free is so all Color Stream users could switch over to our ColorSchemer app without having to re-buy anything. They'll be joining the nearly 100,000 users of the ColorSchemer app and can continue to get the updates for our top color app at no extra cost.
If you're a Color Stream user, now's a great time to join the family and get the free ColorSchemer app to continue to receive updates with the latest and greatest features and integration with the COLOURlovers community.
The Color Stream app was a well-designed and built app that worked great for creating palettes from scratch, or from a photo... but the biggest thing it was missing was an awesome community of creative people to share those palettes with, and now that's changing! We're excited to extend our community to more and more creative people and we look forward to even more inspirations that this growing and diverse mix of new users will create.
Download ColorSchemer for iPhone Now.
Sahil will continue to work on his own creative projects and sadly won't be joining the CL team... He's just the kind of creative talent we look for.
Ever Wonder How a Palette Was Made?
On every palette page in the "About" section there is a little link to the tool used to create the palette, so if you were curious if a palette was made on our site or was beamed up from a mobile phone somewhere in the world... Now you know where to look.
To our Android & WinMo members... I'm sorry our happy announcement brings you more sadness that we don't yet have an app for you to love colors on the go. Fret not, we continue to work on this and will get you something... If you're a killer android dev or know one, you can help us speed up this process by sending us an email. :)
August 23 2011
ColorSchemer Touch: NOW FREE
A few months ago, we released ColorSchemer Touch, the official COLOURlovers iPhone app, on the Apple App Store. We spent a lot of time making it super-simple to create palettes, sync creations with your COLOURlovers account, and take the incredible COLOURlovers community with you wherever you go. And thousands of downloads later, we've been blown away by the positive response we've received from everyone who's used it so far.
But that's still not enough! We want everyone - even people that have never visited COLOURlovers before - to see how easy it is to share their colorful ideas and inspirations from a coffee shop, a car, or even a hiking trail in the middle of nature.
That's why starting today, the ColorSchemer iPhone app is now FREE in the App Store!
So what are you waiting for? Download it today to see why thousands of other COLOURlovers think it's the best way to browse, comment, Love, Fave and interact with the COLOURlovers community at home and on the go.
(And we haven't forgot about you Android users. We're talking with and looking for a great developer to port the app over. If you know somebody we should be talking to, let us know.)
Getting Started: Create a Palette in a Snap!
One of my favorite features is the PhotoSchemer tool within the ColorSchemer App. Take a picture (or use one from your image library) and start picking colors for a palette. Super fast!
This is addicting so watch out!!
You may have seen palettes with varied widths. Easy. Simply press between two colors and drag the widths RIGHT or LEFT.
I certainly find more time to spend on COLOURlovers and more uses (like making palettes from my every day life)... which feeds my creative need. Enjoy!
August 15 2011
Plywerk - Naturally Display Your Artwork
Introducing...PLYWERK, an eco-conscious photo mounting and art panel company based in Portland Oregon. They work with professional artists, photographers, interior designers, point and shoot photographers, parents, and everyone in between!
Art pieces are a made up of your print adhered to a Plywerk Panel to create a beautifully natural piece of wall art. Gorgeous bamboo or maple are offered for the wood options.
Plywerk Anatomy 101
Bamboo & Maple Plywerk Panels
COLOURlovers has recently become a Pro Partner of PLYWERK. Why is this super notable to mention? Because you're going to get the best, most amazing deals ever when you create an account (which is free). These deals are customized to COLOURlovers Members Only under the Prodeal membership (which is also free). Pretty sweet huh?
COLOURlovers Creations On Your Wall...
You can mount anything photography, graphic design pieces, etc. I'd personally like to see some fantastic patterns from the community mounted on these!
FIRST: Create A New Account on Plywerk.com
NEXT: Sign Up For A New Account.
Make sure you check the box under, "Prodeal Signup?" which will unlock the Pro Partners selectors where you'll be able to enter your COLOURlovers information.
Want to see COLOURlovers work on a Plywerk piece?
I'd love to see your COLOURlovers + Plywerk piece. Plywerk offers a layered PSD file for you to mask your creation. If you want to play around with it, the file link is located on the Prodeal page here (bottom - left).
Let's see what ya got!
August 11 2011
Poppin Color Contest + Giveaway: Desk Set Color Hunt
We know you love color so here's a way to bring that pop to work with some very colorful desk supplies. Why shouldn't your every day workspace be more fun?! Poppin gives you the chance to fix up your drab cubicle and turn it into a space that’s inspirational, more functional and much happier.
The Giveaway: An Entire Desk Top Set!
Poppin is giving away an entire Desk Top Set! You will have the option to mix it up or keep 'em all the same color if you wish.
Desk Top Set ($100+ Retail Value):
- In Boxes
- Desk Set (2 Pencil Cups and 2 Desk Trays)
- Tape Dispensers
- Stapler
- Staple Remover
- Scissors
- Rulers
- XXL Binder Clips
- Signature Pens
- Highlighters
- Calculator
- Small Soft Cover Notebook
- Medium Soft Cover Notebook
The Contest: Desk Set Color Hunt
Today through next Tuesday we're going to play a game and choose a random winner from the entries (in the comments). What you have to do:
- 1.) Go to Poppin.com (there's also a search by color page)
- 2.) Hunt for a 5-color palette entry. This means you must find FIVE (different) items you can combine in to a set.
- 3.) Create a color palette for those five items on COLOURlovers.com (Basic | COPASO | FROM A PHOTO).
- 4.) Post the images of the items and the palette in the comment section to this post.
You can be artsy fartsy with it if you like, but it's not necessary if you don't want to.
EXAMPLE:
NEED HELP? Send me a Love Note me (mollybermea) if you do not know how to insert an image or the palette badge.
Now here's to some fun poppin-ized desktops!
Poppin Colors:
You may use these colors as reference to create your palettes - just copy the HEX#.
Additionally, Poppin is giving you 15% OFF through Tuesday / Contest End, with code "COLOUR" at Poppin.com. Enjoy!
header credit:
HP is not involved with this giveaway contest
July 07 2011
The Pros and Cons of Following Color Clichés
We’ve all seen it. We go for a visit to the doctor and the walls are a lovely, quintessential pale mint green. We go to grab a burger and milkshake somewhere and the decor boasts the archetypal red, black, white, and chrome (I’m looking at you, Five Guys, Checkers, McDonald's, Steak ‘n Shake, and In-N-Out Burger!). We sit down with a banker, lawyer, or sales representative and are surrounded by dark wood and conventional creams.
(right column: medical-logos.com & logodesignteam.com)
It seems that every industry has its color cliches, its norms. The question for up-and-coming businesses is whether to conform to these colorful essentials or break tradition and stand out from the crowd. Both options have their positives and negatives.
Branching Into a New Color Palette
There are certainly benefits to thinking outside the corporate color box. Not least of which would be that a new business would be easy to distinguish from others in its niche.
If every other beachside hotel in Florida makes use of pale sea-foam greens, muted oranges, and faded pinks, an upstart oceanfront bed and breakfast might do well to opt for fully saturated sunrise hues. And if every dentist office in the tri-state area chooses iconic mint green for its soothing effects, perhaps the new dentist in town could stake its claim through calming lavender tones. As we’ve established, most businesses fall neatly in either a red or blue pile. So, going for anything outside those two hues instantly lends itself to differentiation and notice.
Using Stereotypes to Your Advantage
Any small business owner will tell you that just getting their company doors open is a feat unto itself. And that doesn’t include branding, colors, or any of the things that us creatives consider fun. It’s just filing all the appropriate paperwork and jumping through the various hoops and red tape associated with opening a business. It makes sense then that so many businesses tend toward the colors already in use in their field. After all, those businesses have already gone through the branding gauntlet and come out successful on the other side.
Another aspect to the trend towards the familiar comes in catering to the needs of the consumer. If dark blue tends to be the color of financial institutions, customers come to expect it. When they enter a business exhibiting the colors common to a particular business, it reinforces for the customer that they’ve found exactly what they were looking for.
So, what do you think, lovers? Is it worth the risk to stand outside the substantial kingdoms of red and blue or is paying homage to the tried-and-true hues a better business decision? Are there any color cliches in the small business world that I didn’t talk about?
March 11 2011
Covering up with Color: iPad Smart Cover
The way that Apple has built it's product line off extreme minimalism both in color and design has always been intriguing to look back on. It becomes such a huge deal when they decide to add any sort of color to a particular product design. So this morning when I woke up and started slimming down my inbox, I couldn't help but click on the iPad 2 Release simply for the main showcase image...
Can you say, drooool? Don't get me wrong, I love minimal, clean, sleek white, black or even shades of grey, but when it comes to color choices the artistic side of me takes over. Then there's the dilemma of choosing which color I want. If I had an iPad, if I had an iPad 2 - I would probably have to get a the blue through pink and maybe throw in a tan for a more seriously business related occasion. Oh my, then there's that sexy red one off to the far right. Might have to get that one to take out on date night - Okay, I wouldn't seriously take my iPad out on date night!
I guess I should mention that the cover comes in two different materials - Polyurethane and Leather. The image (above) shows both. The ones on the left are Polyurethane and the ones on the right are Leather. Decisions! Decisions!
Adding color really makes an impact on people. It's that one tiny way you can scream, "I have personality!!!" or "I'm super serious." regardless of your taste, the iPad Smart Cover is also totally cool in the way it functions. It's like a caterpillar!
I'm not going to give you all the nitty gritty details of how cool the Smart Cover is because, well, I'm not trying to sell it to you, heck I don't even own the original iPad, I'm just ogling over the color selection and it's wiggly functionality. If you want full specs you know where to go, here's the Smart Cover product page.
What color would you suggest Apple add to the Smart Cover line?
I'm really curious. Please add your color in the comments, I'm dying to see what you come up with. I would pick a deep magenta hue...oh my, I'm sure eventually we'll be able to order these covers in whatever color or pattern we want, simply by shipping over the file. I can't wait for that day!
Polyurethane
Leather
This post was in NO WAY paid for by Apple. I simply woke up this morning and saw the release email of the iPad and started drooling over the colourful Smart Covers.
February 28 2011
Ditherm by Luboš Sekal - Office Interiors
Corporate Interiors. The name lends itself to a labyrinth of workstations, bland color palettes and an environment that you can’t wait to get out of as soon as the clock strikes that magical hour. You get to breathe fresh air and spend some of that hard earned cash on drinks with colleagues discussing how much you loathe working in that god-for-saken office. But, did you ever consider that it could possibly be the design of the office that you loathe more than your job?!
I myself being from a corporate interior design background am all too familiar with just how miserable some office interiors can be with their muddy color palettes of maroon, beige, “healthcare blue” and hunter green. Luckily for me, my job was to make it better.
That is one reason that I enjoyed corporate interiors- to see how people reacted in a space before renovation/relocation and after. It’s amazing to see how much color, spacial layout, graphics, way-finding and for god’s sake "views to the outdoors" can completely change people’s demeanor, work ethic and even attendance to work.
I recently had the pleasure of walking into the small, but dynamic corporate office of Ditherm- a refractory engineering firm located in Prague, Czech Republic. The space was designed by Czech architect Luboš Sekal (of A.A.L.S ateliér Architektonický) and makes use of color and graphic pattern in a unique and refreshing way. It didn’t blatantly say “corporate office” with the palette of tonal grays and a pop of orange. As opposed to the typical private office set up with a solitary colored accent wall, desk and two guest chairs- Sekal chose to create a painted graphic pattern accent wall and a posh "in office" meeting area equipped with designer furnishings and a unique light fixture. The painted wall graphic is featured on most accent walls throughout the space, but I also really enjoyed how the workstations and storage units became features in the back office area with their intersecting planes of color, and also the sliver of orange glass accent in the bathroom doors with the cute gender graphic.
did you ever consider that it could possibly be the design of the office that you loathe more than your job?!
It’s amazing to see how much color, spacial layout, graphics, way-finding and for god’s sake “views to the outdoors” can completely change people’s demeanor, work ethic and even attendance to work.
So my question is to you, politics aside, what do you think of your office's interior? Is it stimulating, exciting... a place you would be proud to show your family and friends? If you are currently renovating your home or work office, maybe you could propose/consider making use of a painted wall graphic and use one of your COLOURlovers palettes!
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