1 Sep, 2025
The Minefield of Refreshing a Legacy Brand
Cracker Barrel recently rolled out a new logo and visual brand identity, marking one of the biggest updates in its long history. The redesign is polished, modern, and clearly designed with today’s digital platforms in mind. It’s easier to read, fits neatly into social media feeds, and still nods to the original look with its familiar color palette and simplified typeface. The reaction, however, hasn’t […]
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1 Aug, 2025
Quality images create a quality image of your BRAND.
Blurry, fuzzy, badly cropped images might not seem like a big deal, but on social media, they can really hurt your brand. People scroll fast, and if your post looks fuzzy or low-quality, they’re likely to just keep going. First impressions matter, and a clear, sharp image goes a long way. If your logo looks stretched out, your photo is pixelated, or your graphic just […]
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14 Jul, 2025
Designing for Social Media: Think “Billboard”, not “Pamphlet”
When it comes to promoting your business on social media, your visuals need to do some serious heavy lifting. With users scrolling at lightning speed while only ever paying half-attention, a graphic has to grab that attention instantly. This means bold, eye-catching visuals should be your top priority. Keep your focus on strong colors, clean design, and high-quality images that reflect your brand’s personality. Think […]
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2 Jun, 2025
Brand Recognition: How Visual Memory Works
Ever wonder why you instantly recognize the Nike swoosh or the golden arches of McDonald’s? Even when you’re only seeing a small section of them? That’s the power of our visual memory—and it plays a huge role in branding. Your Brain Loves Patterns. Human brains are wired to spot and remember simple visual cues, and it’s something we do better than most everything else. The […]
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1 May, 2025
Designing for Different Generations
When it comes to branding, one size doesn’t always fit all. Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z each grew up with different trends, technologies, and values, and it shows in what visuals grab their attention. Understanding how each generation connects with design isn’t just smart; it’s crucial for standing out. Boomers tend to value clarity, tradition, and trustworthiness. They’re often drawn to clean fonts, […]
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1 Apr, 2025
What Makes Design “Modern”?
Design is an ever-evolving field, spanning graphic design, illustration, interior design, fashion, and more. But what exactly makes something “modern”? The term is often used as a catch-all descriptor, yet its meaning can be fluid and open to interpretation. Take “mid-century modern,” for example. This style, known for its clean lines and minimal ornamentation, emerged in the middle of the last century. It remains a […]
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2 Mar, 2025
The Value of Seasonal Marketing
Seasonal marketing is a powerful way to keep your brand fresh, relevant, and engaging throughout the year. By incorporating seasonal colors, themes, and messaging into your branding, you can create timely, eye-catching campaigns that resonate with your audience. A simple refresh with the season can make your brand feel more dynamic and in tune with your customers’ changing moods and needs. Beyond aesthetics, seasonal marketing […]
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3 Feb, 2025
Managing Creative Burnout
Creative burnout—we’ve all been there. You’re staring at a blank page, an empty canvas, or a blinking cursor, and the inspiration just doesn’t come. It’s frustrating, especially when creativity is such a big part of what you do. But burnout isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a sign that you need to hit pause and recalibrate. Let’s dive into how setting smaller goals, […]
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30 Jan, 2025
Knowing what to leave out
The primary purpose of graphic design is storytelling. In the case of corporate branding, particularly through a logo, that story centers on the identity and essence of a company. Crafting a visual brand identity is no simple task. One of the most significant challenges a designer faces is determining not just what to include, but also what to leave out. Striking this balance and finding […]
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1 Nov, 2024
Designing for Longevity
As a graphic designer, staying updated on current trends is essential. Knowing what’s popular helps inspire fresh designs, logos, and branding that resonate with today’s audience. You want your work to feel modern, and your clients’ brands to remain relevant. However, while trends can guide innovation, it’s important to ground your designs in timeless fundamentals. Building on classic design principles ensures that your work won’t […]
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