Great What?

So I refilled the printer at work and was unwrapping the package it came in. Something about the package didn't seem right. It was Hammermill's Great White. The sharks didn't look right. They didn't look like Great White Shark(s) to me (it's actually one shark, that was duplicated, but hey, they're a paper company, right?).

See, I've been drawing sharks since I was a kid, so there are a few things I noticed about the anatomy of a shark, particularly the great white shark.

So the picture didn't sit well with me and so I start studying it a little more and determine that it's not a Great White Shark but a Bull Shark.

Tomato, Tomahhto you say? Well, think about that the next time you take a bite out of a Habanero chili instead of a Pablano. If course, you will be too busy drinking water or shoving ice in your mouth to say much, just make the hit stop, Mommy!

This is like making an Apple Pie with McIntosh apples, close but no cigar. It's going to taste totally different. Totally.

So why do I care? Well, first, I caught it, do there's that. Secondly, it's not correct. Like a misspelled word in a letter to a College Admissions Board, it's going to count against you.

Thirdly, who can't do the requisite research on something that is going to be printed millions of times so that they don't look like idiots when someone DOES notice?

Any shark will do. Just slap one up there. Hell, put a frog, what does it matter to me? It's just sloppy design.

Cool Business Cards

I got a call from an old friend (and client) about doing a refresh on his business cards. My friend is the kind of client that Designers love; open-minded about ideas, creativity and can see the big picture when it comes to laying out money to attain those goals.

So when I created his business cards back in 2006, they were stretching the boundaries as far as using newer materials and techniques.

What we created were cards that make an impact, are memorable and durable. They are durable physically but in another way as well. The cards have a perceived value to them, so they are much more likely to be kept and not thrown away. And isn't that the point of having a business card?

The cards are made if 3mil plastic, transparent but with a three color design on them (red, black and white inks). Brian swears by these, he says that his cards always make a positive impression and his contacts usually make a comment about them.

We are just now beginning the process if refreshing this with a newer design but boy did the old design make a great impact.

Here is what they look like up close:

Pins for "Read. Think. Act."

I got these today in the mail. The vendor turned them around in less than two weeks. They turned out well and there is a stamped "Made in the USA" on the back, which is a consideration for me when buying stuff like this.

I am surprised in the quality of the pins, they aren't die-struck, the graphic was laid in and then some sort of polymer or resin covers it. Very nice printing, very crisp. Nice contrast and decent turnaround for a product of this type.

Ask Catherine Read for one if you see her, I bet she will have a few on her at all times.

Bumper Stickers and Lapel Stickers

I ordered these about a week ago and they arrived only 6 days later. Great service from my vendor!

Catherine is going to love these!