sweet talk

how to uncover the hidden gems in your business

I'm currently reading "rubies in the orchard" by Lynda Resnick, the marketing brains behind POM wonderful, FIJI water, teleflora, and the The Franklin Mint brands. wish I had the marketing budget that Lynda has, but with that aside the key points in the book are valuable for businesses of all sizes. 

I noticed that there is an "ask Lynda" page on her blog... oh how I would love to pick Lynda's brains!

japanese colored masking tape

LOVE this tape I found on better living through design.

design police

I really could have used these stickers in my previous career. now the only person I need to police is myself, which is actually harder than it sounds! you can download your stickers at design-police.org.

pantone inspired products

laura from the blog if it's hip it's here posted an amazing range of pantone inspired products, and a few that are going on my wish list (though I don't think they are all for sale), like the flight stool, russian nesting dolls and the fabulous pantone bag that comes in 12 tones.

 

muji jewelry box

I'm posting this because I like the design, and want one. interesting the name "MUJI" is derived from the japanese phrase "mujirushi ryohin," meaning "no brand goods." but isn't "MUJI" becoming a brand?

TYPO features the smiley collection :-)

I was contacted back on january 17, 2007 by fabiola reyes, the design books editor of monsa, a publisher in barcelona spain. she was working on a new book called TYPO, about current typography design in all fields like architecture, fashion, graphic design, furniture, sculpture, etc. she wanted to know if she could publish the smiley collection in the book... well here it is, the book arrived today and I couldn't be happier :-)  I am so excited to be featured with such an amazing group of very talented designers!! 

turn your handwriting into a computer font

in 7 steps (and $9 dollars) fontifier converts your handwriting to a computer font. I can't wait to try this.

happy birthday helvetica

the other night I rented the DVD movie Helvetica. yes, the typeface helvetica. it looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives.

personally I try to avoid using helvetica in my designs, but after watching this movie, it is now something I plan to be a little more open minded about. I was especially inspired by Danny van den Dungen's use of helvetica (photo below). 

Helvetica is currently screening at film festivals, museums, design conferences, and cinemas worldwide, and is now available on DVD. Get more info about the film...

 

how healthy is your brand?

find out how healthy your brand is by answering 8 questions in 8 minutes. I like this idea, I hope I also like the answer I receive about my brand.

Here's how it works:

8 questions, 8 minutes, and you can give your brand a quick diagnosis. It's all very simple: read the question and score yourself on a scale of 1- 5, with 5 being "I strongly agree" and 1 being "I strongly disagree." When you're done, add up your score and check the health of your brand. Don't linger too long on each question, remember you only have 8 minutes.