Giving a logo meaning...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:50:52 -0600

Recently, I completed a branding and logo project for a new business called The Coyote Group. After briefly meeting the company’s president, Mark Wiley, and learning that he helps large businesses save on their communication services, I pondered why the company’s name was called The Coyote Group. I literally laughed out loud when Mark told me that it was simply because of his last name’s tie to the cartoon character Wile E Coyote. He explained that when he started his business, he explored many different name options and he discovered that most “generic” names were already taken or just too boring. As someone with a good sense of humor, he decided to go with The Coyote Group.

While I enjoyed learning the truth behind his company name, I also felt challenged to give his brand a more meaningful and thoughtful message, so I set out to do some research. In my search for different cultural interpretations of coyotes, I discovered that many Native Americans believed that the coyote had the power to transform itself. There were also many beliefs that sighting a coyote indicated a shift in the natural balance of things, which would lead you in a new direction. This information made perfect sense for the branding message of The Coyote Group, since the company helps other companies change their communication services to be more affordable and efficient. I created a tagline and descriptor - “transforming your business communications”. Not only did this describe what The Coyote Group does, but it also gave meaning and purpose to the name, exactly what I had set out to do!

Now that I had accomplished my first goal, I could set out to design a logo to compliment the messaging of the brand. I wanted the logo to communicate a certain level of intrigue and mystery (think transformer!) and I also did not want to use a stereotypical image of a coyote. I found myself constantly drawn to the eyes of coyotes in photographs that I was using for inspiration. And so this is the logo that I developed:

It accomplished everything that I had set out to achieve, and luckily for me, the client agreed! So while he and I (and now you!) know the real truth behind The Coyote Group’s name, you can see that giving a logo meaning should be an important part to building a unique brand.

To see some of my other design work, click here!

My Ideal Design Client

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:20:29 -0600

Yesterday I met with a wonderful business coach, Jean Morehouse, for a VIP day. Throughout our session, there were many revelations and realizations for my business, all of which are currently plastered all over my office on giant sticky notes! The one that stuck out most to me today as I sit and look at them is the one titled “Ideal Design Client” so I thought I’d share with you some of the characteristics of my ideal design client. Perhaps you or someone you know falls into this category and I can help you grow your business with my creative approach and fresh perspective!

My Ideal Design Client is:
• a small to medium size business who doesn’t currently have a logo/brand or one they are happy with OR your business has a logo and you don’t know what to do with it

• entrepreneurs who are passionate about their business (because let’s face it, if you’re not passionate about what you do, how can I be?)

• ready to invite an outside perspective in to help grow their business (a lot of business owners are scared to bring in someone new, but a fresh set of eyes never hurts!)

• non-creative or creative types (creativity comes naturally for me, but I understand that that is not the case for everyone)

• someone who values great design, but may also be on a tight budget (I’m not going to lie - my design services are not free, but I consider myself to be a great value and I can work with nearly any budget)

• located anywhere as long as you have access to the internet and email (and know how to use it!) My newest clients are in Ohio and Nebraska, so don’t worry if we aren’t exactly neighbors!

If you think that you could be my next ideal design client, please contact me today! You can email me or call me (660-358-4783), and we can discuss the possibility of working together to grow your business!

You can also review my design portfolio here!

Senior Picture Time!

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:44:31 -0500

It's senior picture time again, and I couldn't be more excited! You see, it's no secret that high school seniors are my favorite portrait subject. Sure, I enjoy taking photos of families and weddings, but there's something so special about capturing the innocence of a teenager on the brink of adulthood, when life still revolves around football games, homework and trying so desperately to grow up as fast as possible. It's purely magical to be given the opportunity to capture this fleeting moment!

Well, that's enough about the why I love taking senior pictures. How about I discuss why you will love your senior pictures by FOTOGRFX? First of all, our pictures are unique. Ok, so you've probably heard that a million times from "other photographers." But how unique and personal are pictures done in a studio with the same phony backdrops and cheesy poses used year after year after year? (Seriously, my best friend is one of 4 siblings and they each have the same exact pose with the same backdrop, and their pictures were taken over the course of 10 years!) I do not have a studio for that very reason. I shoot photos "on-location", in old alleys, on football fields, near water, in fields of flowers - anywhere BUT a studio.

If you haven't heard about my All-Inclusive pricing, you've probably paid WAY too much for photography. Let me explain. I do not charge sitting fees, and I do not make money by selling over-priced prints like "other photographers". I charge a flat price with no hidden fees or gotchas of any kind. That price includes time dedicated solely to you, online proof review, retouched/artworked photos and a RIGHTS-FREE CD with all of the images from the session for you to have. For example, an All-Inclusive Senior Session is only $150, includes up to 3 hours of photographing with unlimited outfit changes and props, in any number of locations, up to 10 retouched/artworked photos and the rights-free CD. You will not find better quality for the price!

Speaking of quality, our portfolio of work speaks for itself. You will see beautiful photographs, each with their own story. What you will not see is airbrushed, fake-looking retouching, or overused, amateur
photoshop tricks.

Surely by now you are convinced that FOTOGRFX is the way to go, but just in case you have any questions, feel free to visit our Class of 2012 page that includes more info and frequently asked questions. Or email tosha@GRFXcreative.com to book your session today, and if you mention this blogpost and book your session before October 31st, you'll receive 100 free wallets and a custom-designed 11x14 collage print (a $40 value!) absolutely FREE!

Trust us, your senior year will fly by, but your senior pictures will last a lifetime!