Identity Kitchen » inspiration

Impressive!

Ellen — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:35:28 +0000

We recently learned that some Identity Kitchen work will be published in Impressive: Printmaking, Letterpress and Graphic Design, Edited by R. Klanten and H. Hellige, and published by Gestalten Books. You can read more about, or order Impressive here. We’re looking forward to receiving our copy, and getting a little inspired!

Birthday Brand Inspiration

Ellen — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:43:30 +0000

I have frequented Anthropologie since they launched one of their flagship stores next to a design shop where I worked in SoHo, NYC in 1995. Their combination of boutique-like fashion and ephemeral inspired stationary, as well as one-of-a-kind antiques really spoke to me. I have remained loyal to their brand ever since.

A few years ago, they decided to thank their loyal customers and send special discounts every year for customer’s birthdays. This year the below card came and really blew my branded mind away. The seemingly hand-stippled card includes a candle necklace as well as a 15% discount, to be used in my birthday month.

I’ve had many clients compare their brands to Anthropologie. Boutique, high end, with that element of extraordinary. I challenge you to make your loyal customers feel special…maybe cherished. Set up a calendar and offer a free sitting and 8×10 for each child’s birthday, maybe send a tiny box of confetti as the invitation? Be memorable, be inventive, and remember to honor your loyal customers, they understand your brand and want to give you their repeat business.

We’d love to hear your ideas on making your customers feel the love, and getting them to return again and again.

This made me smile a vermillion smile

Ellen — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:32:25 +0000

Just back from Sydney, and I’m thinking 5 days is not enough time to spend after traveling all the way around the world. So, looks like I will have to go back. Gorgeous city. Wonderful people. I had the pleasure to taking long walks, going to flea markets, and art exhibits for inspiration. More about all of that later.

Today, I logged into thesaurus.com, where my wordsmith lacking brain spends quite a bit of time, and saw a list that I would like to make into a poster. Or at least tape on my monitor. Each word sent my mind down a colorful path, and really made me smile. I hope it sends you on a colorful day.

The Business of Branding

Ellen — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:16:44 +0000

I am honored to be contributing to the Pictage Blog. I’m a huge fan of Pictage both as a company filled with amazing hardworking people and a leader in the photography community. I’ll be doing a post about twice a month called “The Business of Branding”. This week’s post is “Dare to be Different” it really can be the best marketing decision you can make. Feel free to leave a comment about unique ways you are daring to be different with your studio or business. We can all use a little inspiration.

Meet Mandee…

Ellen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:14:36 +0000

…and prepare to be inspired. Mandee joined Identity Kitchen last April and brought with her the spark of creativity we needed. Her enthusiasm and vision, and general awesomeness are key to our creative process. She will be writing some inspiration posts. Here’s the first, proving that designers have been green for a very long time.

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Make art, not waste.

As a graphic designer I surround myself with art whether it be design, photography or paintings – I need color, type and inspiration around me constantly.

I find pieces of abandoned furniture all the time and take them home with me – then I recreate them into art. I use everything from book pages, newspaper, paint, lacquer or whatever I can get my hands on. There are no rules…I make it up as I go.

So instead of going to a landfill, the furniture becomes a living, breathing piece of art. It’s important for me to channel my creativity in new ways and this is a different and very tactile approach.

I call this series the Taschen trio. I used the pages of a Taschen book to create these pieces.

The chairs were found near the corner of Franklin Ave. and Wilcox St.
The table was found near Las Palmas Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd.

Thanks to whoever for throwing them out.

Kickin' it with the B-School

Ellen — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:23:08 +0000

Justine and I were lucky enough to be included with Tim Holmes of Reddoor Creative, on the B-School’s latest video titled Branding 101. We talk about some of the challenges of branding for photographers and what to expect from your designer, while I wave my hands around like a crazy Italian. Check Becker’s plug here. It was super fun!

What Resonates?

Ellen — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:15:29 +0000

The thing about building your brand or your identity is developing something that resonates with you both as a business, and in a creative business–as an artist. Then, of course, we need to be a bit more strategic about its implementation. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut, we identify with art and design on a subliminal level which should never be ignored.

I often ask clients to send me visuals that speak to them. I’ve received photographs of interiors, paintings, photographs, furniture, even shoes. These are so telling, even more than the words I ask to describe their work and/or business.

ARTIST SERIES – CARA OBER from drury bynum on Vimeo.

I saw this video by the artist Cara Ober and her work was something I felt as if I identified with. Then I saw this painting on her home page and it completely made me smile. It actually made me laugh out loud at myself. Think I may give myself a break from all this strategy and planning and go with my gut a little more this week.

What resonates with you?