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VIEW: 5 Ways to Keep the Green in the Design

We are a proud member of the Designers Accord. The following guidelines were inspired by a recent Designers Accord gathering where maintaining sustainable design practices in an (ugh) ailing economy was the topic of discussion. For the record, Studio 22's stance is that these actions are "baked in" to our process.

1. Analyze what is in your control, such as paper selection, bindings, or packaging/containment method. Make choices as part of the design exploration process.

2. Make it as easy as possible to disassemble the piece (if bound or packaged) for recycling at the end of its life cycle.

3. Estimate quantities based on past usage of similar projects as closely as possible so that you don't over-produce. Even if you recycle your leftovers, it's still waste.

4. Cut back on unnecessary wordiness in your text to reduce page count - not only does this help save on production costs, it saves paper and reduces postage expenses.

5. Evaluate how your audience will use your communications piece. Do they want to read an 8-page product brochure, or would they rather have a line sheet with highlights? Making it convenient for the end user can result in reduced materials consumption.

VIEW: Who says packaging doesn't help sell products?
Even graphic designers themselves fall prey! I know it every time I'm drawn to purchasing something I most likely don't need. Take, for example, the following...

Orange seltzer is not an item I would normally buy on a grocery trip. But don't you know, this one, from Boylan Bottling Co. practically jumped off of the shelf at me. I'm a sucker for well-done retro-style anything, so in the cart it went. I thought, 'Even if I don't drink it, I would still like to stare at the package.' (The seltzer's actually quite tasty, living up to its great packaging and label, and their website kicks ass, too.)















Boylan's packaging (for all of their products) supports their brand story. Just by looking at their packaging, one can tell the company has a deep history and a sense of fun. Their designer distilled their story into a visual representation of their brand.

On the same trip, I also grabbed some Twist Sponge Cloths. Did I need them? Probably not, but their packaging and presentation was just so nice that I didn't want to leave without them. (Of course, I use them all the time now since I'm trying to break the paper towel addiction in my house.)




















A consumer knows when they look at Twist's line of products on the shelf that the brand is about making a mundane activity more enjoyable while also conserving resources.

So what's the point of this grocery shopping recap? The point is:
Thoughtful label/package design (and this includes hang-tags and boxes, too) promotes your already-great product.

Would I have tried the orange seltzer had it not been for the Boylan's package? No.

Would I have thought that Twist's European sponge cloth was the solution to my dirty kitchen counters? Nope.

When launching your brand, don't blow it by rushing through the planning and design process for your support materials. Hire a design firm that will take the time to understand your brand and it's story before crafting solutions.

DAILY PHOTO: On A New Trail
























A new little piece of singletrack we just rode... A little blurry, but an inspiring memory nonetheless!

Studio 22 Celebrates National Trails Day
In honor of National Trails Day, coming up on June 6th, we've launched a little promotion called "Get Out!" You may have received our gift encouraging you to get outside and enjoy yourselves.*

We hope you do (or did) "Get Out!" and have a story to share with us here. If you have a photo, just post the link with your story. Whether it's a weekend of camping or quick spin around some single track, we'd like to know how you celebrate National Trails Day.

Update: Even while at the beach, Eryn was able to "Get Out!" and hit the trail for some bike riding. She logged about 8 miles on a clunky single speed beach cruiser with her husband and mother-in-law before enjoying some rest on a beach chair. Photo courtesy: destateparks.com














*If you didn't receive a gift and feel left out, send us an email (info at studio20two dot com, subject line: Get Out!), and we'll see what we can do...

VIEW: Moosejaw Mountaineering on Cross-Channel Marketing
Yesterday, MultiChannel Merchant posted their interview with Moosejaw Mountaineering's creative director Gary Wohlfeill on their success with digital catalogs.

While they still produce a printed catalog, Moosejaw uses the digital version as a cost-effective way to get more potential customers to see their merchandise across channels. Moosejaw has also implemented a mobile version of their website and uses their texting list to further engage customers.

Moosejaw is on it!

VIEW: The Color of 2009
"Mimosa," a "warm, engaging yellow" is the Pantone Color Institute's choice for 2009's color of the year.












Image courtesy Pantone.com

Not only is the institute endorsing the color as a great choice for print as well as men's and women's apparel, but the color is also available from Pantone's line of eco-friendly interior paint.

"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, as quoted on Pantone's site.

OIWC's logo uses a very similar color for their sun icon - imagine! As their Graphics & Materials Manager (I'm also a member), I am currently updating the group's logo and identity package. Interesting to apply the color qualities above to the mission of the organization: "...equip, educate and support women in the outdoor industries to recognize their professional goals."

While we're not fans of using exact complements on the color wheel to create clients' color palettes, deep blue-green and rusty orange would look hot (excuse the pun) with "Mimosa." Stay tuned. Maybe we'll be able to work the color of the year into an upcoming piece.