Case Study // Blossom Wax Welcome to the visual journey of BlossomWax, where the essence of beauty and self-care is encapsulated in every curve and hue of our brand identity. As the lead graphic designer behind this vibrant project, I'm thrilled to share the creative process that brought the BlossomWax vision to life In the realm of skin care and hair removal, where every touch and detail matters, our mission was to craft a logo that not only stands out in a saturated market but also resonates with the delicate nature of our services. The BlossomWax logo is a testament to the harmony between aesthetics and functionality, a visual symphony that speaks to the soul of our brand. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of design thinking, color psychology, and the strategic choices that culminate in the creation of a brand identity that is not just seen but felt. From the initial sketches to the final flourish, every element of the BlossomWax logo is imbued with intention, serving as a beacon of tranquility and beauty in the bustling landscape of daily life. Final Design Design Break Down
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Drawing Inspiration from Comic-Con San Diego 2023 Greetings from the veritable Valhalla of pop culture – Comic-Con San Diego 2023! More than a convention, this is a dimension where creativity takes on a colorful, spandex-clad life of its own. As a Creative Director who’s drawn inspiration from the glossy pages of comic books for over a decade, these annual gatherings feel like a pilgrimage. This year’s Comic-Con proved to be no different, offering a myriad of panels, workshops, and sessions that fueled my creative spark.
Beyond the insightful panels and intriguing discussions, Comic-Con is a veritable treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. It's in the bustling exhibit halls and the vibrant artist alleys that you encounter the heart of the Con - the hunt for those unique pieces of memorabilia, the limited editions, the hidden gems that make your fan heart flutter with a pronounced 'Excelsior!' This year, my treasure hunt led me to two incredible finds that felt like hitting the jackpot in the vibrant universe of comics. First on the list was Rob Liefeld's "Deadpool: Badder Blood". This action-packed adventure takes you on a rollercoaster ride with everyone's favorite wisecracking anti-hero. The artwork is as dynamic and edgy as Deadpool himself, showcasing Liefeld's iconic style that has left a profound mark on the comic book landscape. My second triumph was securing a copy of the emotionally charged "TMNT: The Last Ronin." This deeply resonant tale stands out in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saga, taking fans on a journey that's as gritty and intense as it is heartrending. It's a brilliant homage to the enduring legacy of the TMNT and a testament to the emotional depth that comics can achieve. Securing these gems amidst the whirlwind excitement of Comic-Con felt like a superhero feat in itself. In the buzzing milieu, each find is a victory, each unique piece a cherished memento of the shared passion for the remarkable world of comics. Now, you might wonder, “What’s the connection between Comic-Con and your life as a Creative Director?” The answer: everything! Here’s how:
To top off the day, my Spiderman 2099 t-shirt design was a real crowd-pleaser, earning nods of approval from fellow attendees. Comic-Con 2023 was a treasure trove of inspiration, a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, and a reminder of why I love my work. In a world of superheroes, isn’t nurturing creativity the greatest superpower? A Web of Marketing and Graphic Design Inspiration How often do you find a superhero movie that makes your jaw drop, not just for the action sequences, but for its graphic design? Not often, right? Well, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" has done just that, pushing the boundaries of animation and providing a plethora of graphic design inspiration. 1. Dare to be Different: The film flaunts a unique blend of 2D and 3D graphics, comic-like texture overlays, and unconventional color palettes. As graphic designers, we should take a leaf out of the Spider-Verse's book and dare to challenge the status quo. Being different in your designs can make you stand out in an ocean of sameness. 2. Embrace the Power of Color: Spider-Verse is a psychedelic explosion of color that creates mood, shows character personality, and guides the audience's attention. Color is a potent tool in graphic design that can evoke emotions and make a design memorable. 3. The Magic of Text: From the quirky comic-style onomatopoeic words to the poignant quotes, the film uses text creatively to enhance visual storytelling. Text isn’t just for conveying information; it can be a powerful design element when used inventively. 4. Consistency is Key: Despite its diverse array of visuals, Spider-Verse maintains a consistent design language. It's a lesson in maintaining brand consistency across different designs and mediums. 5. Take Risks and Experiment: Spider-Verse is a result of brave experimentation, which paid off tremendously. As graphic designers, we must not shy away from risks. Pushing the boundaries is often the way to create groundbreaking designs. Web-Slinging Through Marketing: Lessons from 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse In the depths of the bustling multiverse, one movie emerged, teaching us not just the beauty of being unique but also some valuable marketing lessons we never saw coming. Enter the vividly imaginative and universally celebrated "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Today, we're unmasking the hidden marketing gems this box-office sensation has to offer. 1. Embrace the Power of Uniqueness: Just as the film showcased a medley of distinctive Spider-heroes, your brand should highlight its unique qualities. Amidst a multitude of competitors, what makes your brand stand out like Spider-Ham in a group of Peter Parkers? Define it, flaunt it, and own it! 2. Storytelling is Key: 'Spider-Verse' left us all mesmerized with its powerful storytelling. Likewise, compelling narratives can significantly boost your marketing efforts. Engage audiences with stories about your brand, your journey, and your victories. 3. Cater to a Diverse Audience: Just as the Spider-Verse is home to a diverse ensemble of characters, your marketing should aim to reach a broad spectrum of audiences. Appreciate the diversity in your audience and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly. 4. Bold Visuals Captivate: 'Spider-Verse' is widely praised for its innovative and vibrant visual style. In your marketing efforts, make sure to incorporate eye-catching visuals. A well-placed infographic or an engaging video could be your ticket to capturing audience attention. 5. Stay Agile and Adapt: In the Spider-Verse, our heroes continually adapt to new challenges. Similarly, marketers need to be flexible and ready to adapt to market changes, customer behaviors, and industry innovations. In conclusion, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' is not just an epic superhero tale but also a treasure trove of marketing wisdom waiting to be unlocked. So, as we swing forward, let's take these lessons to heart and bring our own marketing universes to life, one web at a time. Completely generated in Photoshop without reference photography. Welcome to the new era of digital design, where technology meets creativity in a vibrant clash of innovation and color. Just when you thought Adobe Photoshop had pulled a Superman, leaping tall buildings in a single bound, they've gone and done a Tony Stark, inventing a whole new suit of armor for the design world to gawk at. Ladies and gentlemen, put your capes on for the Adobe Photoshop Beta with AI!
Dubbed by some as the "Infinity Gauntlet" of design tools, this powerful new iteration of Photoshop is about to change the game completely. As if stepping into a world straight from the pages of Marvel comics, we're looking at a program that is no longer merely reactive but predictive, intuitive, and - dare we say - almost sentient! Through the magic of AI, the new Adobe Photoshop Beta not only accelerates your design process but also opens up an entirely new universe of creative possibilities. Imagine a tool that can anticipate your needs, streamline workflows, and dramatically reduce the time spent on mundane tasks. Imagine having a superpower of unlimited design capability right at your fingertips. This incredible breakthrough means that we can now let our creativity soar without constraints, just like our favorite superheroes. Whether you're sketching the next iconic logo, adding the final touches to an intricate illustration, or putting together a stunning visual for a client's marketing campaign, the Adobe Photoshop Beta with AI is your sidekick, ready to leap into action and save the day. So, dust off those capes and prepare to embrace the future of digital design. The new Adobe Photoshop Beta with AI is here, offering a marvel of features that will supercharge your design process. Stand back, fellow design heroes, it's time to unleash your creative powers and take the design world by storm! Top 5 reasons to try the Adobe Photoshop Beta with AI:
#AdobePhotoshop #AIBeta #DesignHeroesUnite #HarnessingThePowerOfAI #PhotoshopSuperpowers Well, let's zoom in on this question faster than the Millenium Falcon in hyperdrive. Mike's career journey is more diverse and action-packed than a Marvel comic strip. He's been a peacekeeper in the U.S. Marine Corps (think Captain America, but with less spandex), a mentor at Platt College (the Yoda of design, if you will), and a Creative Art Director at Reliance Worldwide Corporation (a role where he wielded creativity like Thor wields his hammer). Currently, as the Creative Director at Enlyte and the genius behind AstroBrand Media, Mike is pulling off a Nick Fury-meets-Tony Stark fusion. He's gathered an extraordinary league of marketers and designers, and together they are making their mark across a range of industries, from retail to solar. But what about his powers, you ask? Mike is a wizard in design, his command of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator would make Doctor Strange envious. But his true 'Infinity Stone'? His mastery in video and animation production that would have Peter Parker racing to catch up. Mike draws his design inspiration from the same source as a Jedi draws power - from everything around him. But two elements stand out – comic books and Star Wars. He harnesses the visual drama of comic books, combining it with the narrative depth of Star Wars, to create designs that are as visually striking as they are engaging. His work doesn't just tell a story, it immerses you in an experience - a journey into a galaxy where creativity and strategy intertwine like the strands of the Force. His leadership? Imagine Captain America's inspiring presence combined with Obi-Wan Kenobi's sage-like wisdom. Mike guides his creative Avengers, tackling deadlines and design challenges with the tenacity of a Mandalorian bounty hunter. But don't just take my word for it. Mike's LinkedIn is a veritable Hall of Justice of glowing recommendations. From Marine comrades to design disciples, all laud his professional prowess, creative genius, and Jedi-like leadership. His work ethic? Solid as Vibranium. His leadership? Comparable to the greatest of the Jedi Order.
So, to answer your question: Why hire Mike Matamala? Because he's the creative, experienced Jedi Master your brand is looking for. He'll take your project to a galaxy far, far away and back again, delivering results that will leave you in awe. So, what are you waiting for? Give Mike a call, and like any good Marvel post-credits scene, prepare to be on the edge of your seat, excited for what he'll conjure up next!
At AstroBrand Media, we're not just about driving successful brand stories—we're about embracing the full spectrum of creativity. One of the unique ways we express our creative passion outside of the traditional realm of digital marketing is through designing pop culture-inspired t-shirts! When you visit our collection on Cotton Bureau (https://cottonbureau.com/search?query=astrobrand), you'll find a vibrant range of tees that embody our love for all things pop culture. From nods to iconic movies and TV shows to designs inspired by comic book lore, our t-shirts are a canvas where we let our imaginations run wild. Creating these t-shirts isn't just a fun side project for us—it's a testament to our versatile creativity and our commitment to celebrating pop culture. It allows us to step out of our usual work framework and explore different facets of design, all while having a blast! Each shirt is a conversation starter, a reflection of a fandom, or simply a cool design to rock on a casual day out. They encapsulate our fun-loving spirit and our appreciation for the diverse world of pop culture. Plus, they offer a way for fellow pop culture enthusiasts to wear their fandoms on their sleeves—literally! So, why t-shirts? Well, they're a universal medium. They're like walking billboards, allowing us to share our creative expressions with the world. And let's be honest—there's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing someone on the street wearing a design you've crafted! At AstroBrand Media, we believe that creativity should never be boxed in. Whether we're strategizing a digital marketing campaign, designing a brand's visual identity, or doodling a fun design for a t-shirt, we pour our passion into every project. We're all about pushing boundaries, exploring new avenues of creativity, and, most importantly, having fun while doing it! So, check out our collection and join us in this delightful intersection of design, marketing, and pop culture. Wear your passions, celebrate your fandoms, and keep the spirit of creativity alive with AstroBrand Media's pop culture t-shirts!
AstroBrand Media's journey into the world of pop culture-inspired t-shirt design isn't just about creating fun, wearable art—it's about sharing our love for these universes and their characters, and bringing fellow fans together. Each design is a nod to the stories that inspire us, the heroes that motivate us, and the causes that move us.
From Spider-Man's web-slinging adventures to the iconic leadership of Captain America, from the resilience symbolized in our cancer-crushing designs to the mystique of the Mandalorian creed, and the heartfelt tribute to the legendary Stan Lee—every t-shirt tells a story. We believe in the power of pop culture, not just as entertainment, but as a medium for connection, conversation, and change. So, wear these designs with pride, spark a conversation, and join us in celebrating the vibrant world of pop culture. Because at AstroBrand Media, we're not just creating t-shirts, we're creating connections. Dive into our collection, wear your passions, and keep the spirit of creativity alive with AstroBrand Media's pop culture t-shirts! The Art of Brand Storytelling: How to Craft Compelling Narratives for Design and Marketing Success5/10/2023 Discover the power of brand storytelling for small to mid-sized businesses and learn how to craft captivating narratives for design and marketing success with the help of a creative agency. In today's competitive business landscape, small to mid-sized businesses face the challenge of standing out among a sea of competitors. One key differentiator that can make all the difference is the art of brand storytelling. Crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your target audience not only elevates your brand but also builds lasting connections. This blog will delve into the importance of brand storytelling and how partnering with a creative design and marketing firm can help you achieve success. Understanding the Power of Storytelling
Stories have always been a powerful tool for communication, and this holds true in the world of marketing and design. By tapping into the psychological impact of storytelling, you can create emotional connections with your audience, foster brand loyalty, and differentiate your business from competitors. Identifying and Developing Your Brand's Unique Story
Integrating Storytelling into Design Elements
Creating Engaging Marketing Campaigns with Brand Storytelling
Examples of Successful Brand Storytelling
Maintaining Consistency in Your Brand Narrative
Measuring the Impact of Brand Storytelling
To measure the impact of your brand storytelling efforts, track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement, brand loyalty, and conversion rates. Continuously refine your strategy based on these insights to maximize success. The art of brand storytelling plays a pivotal role in the success of small to mid-sized businesses, helping them stand out in a competitive market. By crafting compelling narratives and integrating them into design elements and marketing campaigns, you can forge deep connections with your target audience and drive long-term success. Partnering with a creative design and marketing firm can provide valuable expertise and guidance in honing your brand story, ensuring that your business captures the hearts and minds of your customers. Embrace the power of storytelling and watch your business thrive as you create a lasting and memorable brand identity.
A Stan Lee-Inspired Odyssey Through Pop and Nerd Culture Greetings, true believers! As we venture into 2023, the world of graphic design continues to evolve, drawing inspiration from pop culture, nerd culture, and the visionary mind of Stan Lee. In the words of the legendary comic book writer, "I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: Entertainment is one of the most important things in people's lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end." In this spirit, we're celebrating the top 10 graphic design trends dominating 2023, with a touch of Stan Lee's creative genius. These trends are set to inspire designers across the globe, and as with any true hero, they'll save the day by helping your designs stand out from the crowd. Excelsior! Bold Typography Large, eye-catching fonts
Stan Lee's Take: "With great power comes great responsibility." - Use bold typography wisely and make sure your message is clear and easy to understand. Vibrant Color Palettes Bright, attention-grabbing colors
"Colors are the smiles of nature." Embrace vibrant color palettes to breathe life into your designs. 3D Design Elements
Stan Lee's Take: "I'm just somebody who tries to write things that entertain people." - Use 3D design elements to captivate and entertain your audience. Retro-Futurism
"What's old is new again." Look to the past for design inspiration, but don't forget to add a modern touch. Organic Shapes and Abstract Patterns
Stan Lee's Take: "The only advice anybody can give is, if you wanna be a writer, keep writing. And read all you can, read everything." - When it comes to design, keep experimenting and drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources.
Stan Lee's Take: "I don't really see a need to retire as long as I am having fun." - Enjoy the process of creating hand-drawn illustrations and let your passion shine through.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
Stan Lee's Take: "I'm always looking for something new, something different." - Keep up with technological advancements and design trends to stay ahead of the curve. As we journey through these 10 game-changing graphic design trends of 2023, it's evident that inspiration can be found in an array of sources, from the colorful world of pop culture to the captivating realm of nerd culture, and even the enduring legacy of the iconic Stan Lee. By integrating these trends into your work and adding your unique creative touch, you can craft designs that genuinely captivate and connect with your audience.
In the immortal words of Stan Lee, "I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: Entertainment is one of the most important things in people's lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end." So, let's celebrate the power of design as a form of entertainment and expression, and continue to make a lasting impact in the ever-evolving world of graphic design. Excelsior! How to Make Your Brand Stand Out in a Digital World In today's digital age, having a logo that stands out is crucial for any business's branding efforts. As a creative director, I recommend keeping the logo design simple, adaptable, and scalable, with a strong color palette and typography. Consistency, uniqueness, and the ability to tell a brand's story are also important factors to consider. By focusing on these elements, businesses can create a logo that effectively represents their brand and helps them stand out in the crowded digital space. As a creative director, I have seen numerous businesses struggle to create logos that make a lasting impact in the digital age. In today's world, where businesses are vying for the attention of their target audience on various digital platforms, a logo that stands out and is easily recognizable is crucial. So, what makes a logo stand out in the digital age? Here are a few key factors:
In conclusion, a logo is a critical element of any brand's visual identity. A logo that stands out in the digital age is simple, flexible, consistent, scalable, unique, and tells a story. By considering these factors, businesses can create a logo that effectively represents their brand and helps them stand out in the crowded digital space. Recently we had an opportunity to design a cover for an annual report. In case you didn't know, annual reports gives a run down about the financial success (or failure) of an organization and other business information. Needless to say it's an important document. Using a new tagline, Ionis Pharmaceuticals wanted a new look for their 2020 report. We documented some of our design process. Design Basics | Layout thumbnail sketches Thumbnails The best ideas start with a sketch. Thumbnails are mini sketches that express initial layouts. It is a great way to get ideas on paper and see what composition & layouts look like before putting a lot of work into them. You can disregard ideas that do not work. This technique is great for prototyping. Some designers feel more comfortable using software like Adobe Fresco on the IPad but nothing beats the feel of ink on the texture of paper. Software | Adobe In-Design The King of Layout This is the shop standard for us. Adobe In-Design provides us with the ability to design and prototype quickly. It combines assets from Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator in a way that allows for ultimate creativity. Adobe In-Design gives you ultimate control of typography. We breakdown software into image manipulation, primarily done in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustration for vector artwork and In-Design combines everything in a delicious recipe. Assets | Gathering Resources Copy, Logos, Typography, Photography Where does it start, where do you start? The client should provide you assets and design specification details. The client should give you the text they want appeared on the cover, their logo and the size of the piece you are designing, in our instance it was letter size, 8.5" x 11". If they want specific photography the client will provide it as well. If they don't have a library, sourcing photography from an agency is extremely important. You need to have the rights to use the photo or illustration you want to use for the design. You can not pull images from Instagram or Google and use it. Resources we use are Shutterstock.com, Envato.com & GettyImages.com. These websites allow you to use the images with rights but there is a cost associated with it. You don't own the photos, it's almost renting them for a specific project. Fonts Like photos, you need to have the rights to use fonts/ typefaces. We use Adobe Fonts, it gives you unlimited use and it integrates into The Adobe Creative Suite extremely well. Another resource we like are Google Fonts. You can source fonts in other ways but you have to be cautious when there are free fonts. They seem really cool and great but they may not work and may be trojan horses for viruses. Now that you have all the moving pieces, it's time to design. Below is the design progress. DESIGN TIMERound 1 | Initial design comps using the same design elements with different photography. Design Round 1 This was our initial design concepts. Pioneering new markets makes you think of the future, the future of hope and care. The future of innovations and new medicines. The first design shows a patient with ALS, look up into the sky. The second photo shows a mother with her child. The third is a child exploring the unknown with wondrous curiosity. The feedback was they wanted to use more patients that use their medicines and more variations on design. Initially they wanted to keep the same design language they used in the prior year. Round 2 | Design variations, using different elements and layouts. Design Round 2 Based on the last feed back, we accessed their photo library and designed new concepts. The first design show movement adding a modern flow design element. Lighting up the photography, layout two breaks up the background with the foreground using the a strong branded color swatch. We use a modern background texture to encoke energy and the future. Concept three grounds us with a tender moment with a dad and his son playing in the waves. A pop of color is used to divide the family, separating them from the background and giving them more life. The final design is a family portrait with a hexagonal pattern showing technology connecting science and humanity. Round 3 | These were the final 2 versions. Design Round 3 We nailed it. With some of the adjustments to the typography and graphic elements. Below is their final choice. Final Cover The Final Design Recap | Planning
Key Takeaways Planning is key for any design process. Planning out your layouts, preparing your assets before you design will make the the process go more smoothly. Knowing where to source your design assets is extremely important. I have seen a designer go completely go through the design process, get the project approved but they didn't get the get the correct copyrights for the main photo they used resulting in delaying the process and requiring another approval cycle. There are definitely more steps involved in designing but this was a light overview of the process. Our team specializes in design, mixing typography and photography. If you need help sourcing assets or need help with a project, drop us a line and we can collaborate or work on a project together. |