Friday, September 25, 2009

Fresh Brandmark



Client: GEObispo
Industry: Mapping, Cartography
Specialty: Providing Geographic Information System (GIS) services to people who care about the outdoors. Our mission is to create visually appealing, information-rich maps.
Target Market: SLO County Land Conservancies, specialty outdoor events and non profits.
General Use: Maps, communication material, and website.

Notes: The discovery process generated three concepts. We chose the first, with slight modifications to the topo image taken from the Morro Bay SP trail system mapped by GEObispo.
It was important to have a bold logo that read well in black and white as well as color. GEObispo wanted to align themselves with clients who care about the outdoors. The colors reflect sustainable green practices in the marketing material align GEObispo with like minded businesses.

Friday, September 18, 2009

California Coastal Cleanup Day



Saturday September 19th is California Coastal Cleanup Day. Go to your favorite beach and help with the effort. It's a great way to take ownership, and feel good about doing something positive for your community.
I will be performing community service highway cleanup in the morning with the Tall Bike Posse. Our group participates in the Cal Trans Adopt-a-Highway program on a volunteer basis, and not because I'm trying to work off a ticket!

Read about it at the Tall Bike Posse site.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Creating an image for Kitch...

Kitch comes in many forms and is something dear to my heart. Why? Because I see myself as the living version of that word!
I took on a recent project because I wanted to be a part of the family heritage in some small way. the Rinconada General Store is east of our little town of Santa Margarita and sets in a valley that is truly beautiful in an understated discovery kind of way.
First thing (ok, second thing if you count signing the contract as first) on my list is the discovery process. I researched the location, talked to the client, and responded with something unique to them.
I recently finished this brand illustration that will be used on everything from paper bags, trucker caps and signage to snow globes and camper coffee mugs.

Site photos of the local landmarks like Ronconada mountain. Locals say you can see George Washington's profile, can you?


The heritage of a store owned by the same family for fifty years. Grampa built the Western theme Genal Store and painted it with an effective roadside attraction eye catching barn red with white trim.


Use the visual cues from local surroundings. I love this typeface - it's called Helldorado!

The beauty of a thumbnail sketch is you can leave out unimportant things.

Add a little phrase that grandma used to say and you've got a complete package with a tagline the family will love and is truly unique to the area.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I have a soft spot for Old Guys



Legendary Skater Jim Muir was injured during a surf session recently. If you don't know your skate history, he was an original Dogtown boy and brother Mike Muir was a band member of Suicidal Tendencies. A fundraiser was held and the website is up. Check it out.

BTW
This poster is so punk retro and check out the names on the guest artist auction! Is it just me getting all excited? Sorry, I can't help myself; they were my formative years.