My Business Card is Nearsighted

Recently Kim mentioned to me a new technology creeping its way into the business card market. Known as NFC or Near-Field Communication, this new technology allows you to program a certain amount of digital information onto a tiny microchip embedded within your business card. When someone touches the smart card to their smartphone (sorry, no i phones), it is told what to do. This usually means pulling information from the web, such as contact info, video, or even downloading an app. Card owners can re-write the info over and over.  Even if you have given the card away you still have access to re-write the data.

This all sounds pretty amazing. But is it really necessary to "bump" my phone into your business card to get your information? And at what cost? MOO.com currently has the market cornered on the business card aspect of this hot new trend, and their product will not available to the masses until 2013.

But what you may not know is that people have been creating their own NFC cards without the help of MOO since the technology has arisen. Tagstand is an online vendor that provides NFC tags and applications. For only a $1.00 you can purchase your own sticker the diameter of a quarter and as thin as a sheet of paper. Now you don't have to be held back by the pre-fab dimensions and design limitations of MOO.

This new NFC technology seems like it has endless applications and possibilities. It may be the next hottest thing since the QR code. But right now users seem to be happy to ride this one out. Could this just be another "myspace"?

In It to Win It!

Hooray! We were just awarded three American Graphic Design Awards from Graphic Design USA magazine.

For almost 50 years, GD:USA  has sponsored national design competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. The American Graphic Design Awards is their largest competition open to advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporations, institutions, publishers and more. It honors outstanding work across all kinds of media: print and collateral, advertising and sales promotion, corporate identity and logos, internet and interactive design, motion graphics and more. With over 8,000 entries, only a selective 15% are recognized with an award—boy are we honored (and super excited, we might add!)

Our winning work included:

1. Kalico Design Earth Day Spring Promotion
(Category: Self Promotion)

2. Equinox Dance Company 10-Year Anniversary Performance Campaign
(Category: Public Service & Pro Bono)

3. A Tasty Nosh Website Design
(Category: Internet Design)

WooHoo! We're very excited and honored to be awarded, yet were even more excited to have such wonderful clients as well as such creative and fulfilling projects to work on!

2012 Logo Trends

Every year LogoLounge, an online logo database of almost 175,000 logos, releases an annual Trends report. And, you guessed it, the 2012 Logo Trends report is now out! As a designer, I love reading about the noted trends and seeing the examples. But, I think this information can be very interesting to everyone, including business owners who may want to stay on top of some of the latest design trends. Plus, it's fun when you start to recognize these trends being used in logos and design that you come across.

While it's always fun and educational to view the Logo Trends Report, please keep in mind that these are not the end-all, be-all for logos. Just because it's considered a trend, doesn't necessarily make it a good logo for your company.  Good logo design doesn't follow a trend simply to follow the trend. Good logo design is a mark that truly represents your business visually, that can work well on multiple platforms, both in color and black and white, and that can transcend trends (afterall, your logo needs to last a long time…you don't want it to look outdated just a few years down the road).

OK, with that disclaimer being stated, please check out the full report of LogoLounge's 2012 Logo Trends here.

My favorites are Icon Clusters and Anaglyphs (though some of these may not translate easily to one color and/or black and white). Which are your favorites?

ICON CLUSTERS:

 

ANAGLYPHS:

Solving the Mystery of Who Won It…

This past weekend was award season! Yes, we got to watch Hollywood's elite at The Oscars (complete with J-Lo's possible "costume malfunction" and Angelina Jolie's leg). But, more importantly, in my hometown, we celebrated our local ADDY Awards, the American Advertising Federation's awards competition celebrating the best in advertising and design. As president of my local organization, the AAFGF, I couldn't have been happier with the success of our local awards gala, and was thrilled to celebrate the creative and talented advertising community in our region!

This year's ADDY theme was Clue, with an old Hollywood Glam feel to it (yes, I even tried to dress the part, white gloves and all!). The decor and location was amazing, as were the many professional and student entries on display. Despite being extremely nervous (as in practically shaking, people!) about having to start the night off with a welcome speech as well as give an award presentation, the overall night was extremely fun and exciting.

And, best yet, Kalico Design walked away with a Silver ADDY award for our cover designs for Find It Frederick Magazine! We love working with Find It and are thrilled with the accolade! 

Congratulations to all of the Frederick-area ADDY winners. We sure are lucky to be in business in an area so rich with creative talent, and so blessed with such supportive colleagues!

(Event photos to come soon!)

Kalico Design Featured on Want2Dish.com

Yay! We were recently featured on want2dish.com, a "hyper-local online news magazine that serves up comprehensive and trusted local coverage of community-specific information and happenings." I'm thrilled to be featured in want2dish's Business: Best Practices section. The article discusses how I got into the business, what we do, and what sets us apart—check out the full story here. (And, again, my dog Kai makes it into the main photo…he's so photogenic!)

Kudos & Snapshots

We are thrilled to have been awarded two American Graphic Design Awards from GDUSA. The American Graphic Design Awards is a national competition open to everyone in the graphic arts community – graphic design firms, advertising agencies, in-house corporate and institutional designers, publishers and other media.  It honors outstanding new work of all kinds including print, packaging, point-of-purchase, internet, interactive and motion graphics.

Kalico's winning work includes business card designs for A Tasty Nosh, a start-up boxed lunch delivery and catering service in Frederick, MD. Additionally, our own self-promotional design for the 2010 Kalico Holiday cards were awarded as well. It is always an honor to have our work recognized!

Plus, check out some of the newest photos of Kalico work samples and headshots! A huge thank you goes out to my ol' college friend, Aaron Haslinger of Aaron Haslinger Photography, for taking some great shots!

Madame President

I think I've mentioned a few times in previous posts about my active involvement in our local American Advertising Federation chapter, AAF-Greater Frederick. Last year I served as the vice president, and this year I am happy to announce that I will be serving as board president! I am thrilled to be a part of this organization, and have a wonderful group of volunteer directors who will be helping me out!

So what exactly is the AAF-GF? Glad you asked:
The AAF – Greater Frederick is the regional professional organization for individuals who work in advertising, marketing and related fields within central and Western Maryland. Established in 1989, AAF – Greater Frederick is one of 210 local chapters of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the national organization that acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.” The AAF is divided into 15 districts and our local club is part of District 2, which includes New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

The AAF promotes and protects the ethics and principles of good advertising, advocating the rights of advertisers as well as educating policymakers, the news media and the general public on the value of advertising and its importance to our economy.

At the local level, we offer a variety of programs, including meetings featuring industry-related speakers, professional development workshops, educational seminars, scholarships, public service initiatives, social events and award competitions recognizing excellence in advertising.

If you are in the advertising, marketing, graphic design, web design, or other creative industries in the western Maryland region, please be sure to check out the AAF-GF and join us at one of our upcoming events this Fall!

Meet the Kalico Team

So, you probably already know me (either in person or via the interwebs). I'm Kim, you know, the owner of Kalico Design and writer for this blog. If you want some more info on me, check out my "official" bio on the website.

But, you probably don't know the entire Kalico team quite yet…

Get to Know Jennifer Tyler…graphic designer, paper collector, cat owner extraordinaire! Jen is Kalico Design's very first full-time employee! We are truly excited to have her join the team.
You may remember Jen from last summer when she helped out here as my first intern. Here's a little more info about her:

Jennifer Tyler is  a graduate from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown WV, with a BFA concentrating in graphic design. Upon graduating she moved back to her native state of Oklahoma to be nearer to her family. However, Jen soon realized that Oklahoma no longer offered what it once did and begged her old boss Kim to offer a job. She quickly returned to West Virgina and is now happily working at Kalico as a full time designer. Jennifer is an active member of the design community and is excited about becoming involved in the local AAF, and AIGA chapter events. She enjoys long rides on the river with picnics free of mosquitoes, as well as baking, illustration and paper collecting (we're designers, we like paper).

Before moving to West Virginia, Jennifer was utilizing a culinary arts degree working as a full time baker in her Native state, Oklahoma. She loves being active in the design community, and served as the president of Shepherd University's student chapter of AIGA. Last year Jen helped to organize the first annual AIGA student exhibition displaying a variety of student design work, including her own work which was rewarded with a viewers choice award! Check out some of Jennifer's student work at her website, jentylerdesign.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------
I bet you didn't know that there are two additional members of the Kalico team, each playing an important role in the day-to-day activities. Meet our part-timers:

Kai, the Dog: Bill-Collector, Sleeper, Greeter, Foot Warmer.
Kai is a blue-brindle pit bull who graces the floors of the Kalico office. In his free time (aka, when not sleeping during work hours), Kai enjoys long walks in the park, chasing rabbit friends and deer buddies, and singing (howling) along to various tunes. He loves greeting clients with a friendly smile and an occasional lick.

The Cat: Receptionist, Window Watcher, Paper Sorter.
The Cat (C for short) checks in at the Kalico office multiple times throughout the day. Her official role is to answer phones (Kalico Design, Meow can I help you?), but she is often a tad lazy and would rather leave the menial chores to the Humans. In her extensive spare time, she enjoys chatting at birds, chasing strings or paper balls, and exploring boxes. The Cat also "helps" out around the office with her uncanny ability to sit on (um, find) any paperwork you happen to be looking for.

Jen (and "the animals") will be helping me out and I can't be happier (or more relieved!). I've definitely been keeping busy these past few weeks, as is evident in my lack of blogging (sorry!). But, stay tuned for updates on some of our most recent work to come soon!

"Brand You Business"…Kalico Featured on InterviewHer.com!

We're thrilled to be featured on InterviewHer.com, a website dedicate to highlighting and supporting creative women business owners! Check out the full article here!

Here's some additional info about InterviewHer.com, straight from the horse's mouth:

InterviewHer.com Interviewher is not for your boyfriend or your husband, instead it’s a galaxy just for women. A galaxy where the Sun, Moon and Stars revolve around us, LADIES! Have fun learning about some fabulous artist studios, food adventures, breathtaking boutiques or even a great little hole in the wall that we’ve discovered and had to share.

We stumbled across InterviewHer.com just a few weeks ago and loved the playful and informational stories about women entrepreneurs, the variety of tips, the unique product picks, and more! Be sure to check out Kalico's article and let us know what you think. And while you're there, don't miss the other inspiring stories about women start-up business owners all over the country!

And the Award Goes to…

This past weekend was a big time for awards. Never mind the Oscars (although I was happy with Natalie Portman's Best Actress award!), but I'm talking about the ADDYs! The ADDYs is an annual awards competition honoring exemplary advertising and design work. This past Saturday, the AAF-GF (the local chapter of the national American Advertising Federation) celebrated local talent with their ADDY Awards Gala—"Through the Looking Glass". AND…yours truly was awarded with three silver ADDYs—YES!!

Winning awards for our work with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and Find It Frederick magazine, plus for our own self promotion was, well, awesome! (click on the links to view the work) But, what really struck me as special about the evening was the camaraderie and support among the companies in attendance. Sure, we all wanted to win awards, but we were still cheering, hootin' and hollerin', when our colleagues were awarded for their work as well. I was very appreciative of the mutual respect and feel honored to be part of an organization full of so many creative folks!

The AAF-GF member roster consists of many small businesses, including a lot of single business owners like myself. Rather than being tight-throat and competitive, most members of the organization lean on each other for support, guidance and collaborative efforts—it truly is an amazing network of people! So, while I definitely thank my clients for allowing me to work on such fantastic, award-winning projects, I also want to thank all the AAF-GF members who have played a part in helping me get Kalico Design to where it is today. So, THANKS!!

[PS-I would be remiss to forget one other thank you. Apparently I forgot to thank my husband who helped me assemble the Kalico holiday cards as well as encouraged me to enter the Find It Frederick magazine covers, two of my three ADDY award winners. So, Jimmy, THANK YOU, now the whole world knows (or at least the three people reading this blog)]

And to conclude, I leave you with my cheese ball photo, taken right after accepting my first award. I like to title this one "Ode to Dork-ness".

Not Too Shabby, If We Do Say So Ourselves...

Our quarterly newsletter design for the Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society (longest name EVER!) was recently granted a 1st Place Award of Excellence in recognition of the Most Impressive Printed Newsletter. Competing against Philoptochos associations across the nation, this is a great honor! What the heck is the Philoptochos Association, you ask? In short, it is the women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For a more detailed explanation please visit their website. Special thanks to Donna Moore, Marie Carras and Father Anastasios Kousoulas for their help on this project. 

Need help with your next printed or eNewsletters? Don't be shy, contact us today to schedule a meeting!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for…Interns?

OK, so maybe on this 95+ degree day you actually ARE screaming for ice cream. But for the past few weeks, I have been nonstop screaming (as in cheering WOOHOO!) for my first summer intern, Jennifer Tyler! An aspiring graphic designer from Shepherd University, Jen has been a tremendous help for me during my busiest time yet since the inception of Kalico!

Without further adieu...get to know the new face at Kalico Design:
Jennifer Tyler is a senior in the graphic design department at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown WV, with plans to graduate this December. Before moving to West Virginia, Jennifer was utilizing a culinary arts degree working as a full time baker in her Native state, Oklahoma. She loves being active in the design community, and currently serves as the president of Shepherd's newly-formed student chapter of AIGA. Last year Jen helped to organize the first annual AIGA student exhibition displaying a variety of student design work, including her own work which was rewarded with a viewers choice award! Check out some of Jennifer's student work at her website, jentylerdesign.com.

Jennifer will be helping me out over the summer months, and I can't be happier (or more relieved!). I've definitely been keeping busy these past few weeks, as is evident in my lack of blogging (sorry!). But, stay tuned for updates on some of our most recent work!

Creativity in Practice

I'm so excited to be quoted in "Creativity in Practice", an article in the May issue of How magazine. How is a national magazine dedicated to the creativity and business of graphic design, and it's a publication I've been reading since college — so for me, it's a great honor! The article discusses ways to apply the same creative thinking to your business as you do to your design work. Here's my full quote:

My wicked awesome quote:

My new and exciting way of business development for my one-man-band design studio is to be myself. I know, seems obvious and old-school, but I find a lot of other small design studios are trying to be something they are not. As a soloprenuer who works with small businesses and associations, I’ve found that embracing my small, yet creative business is far better than trying to make me seem larger and more corporate. I am able to get more personal with my clients because they deal directly with me as the creative guru and business owner; they feel more comfortable because they actually get to know me (and as a solo worker, “me” is pretty much the brand of my business); and they respect my advice because I can relate to their small business needs, fears and triumphs. It’s all about really understanding who your clients are. Instead of going to a potential business meeting in a stuffy suit, I usually show up in creative business casual (even jeans on occasion!). I’ve found that this what-you-see-is-what-you-get attitude puts clients more at ease and creates a trust-relationship much faster.

If I am able to do a one-to-one in-person meeting with a potential client, showing them my work, but also getting to really understand their business needs, I am usually able to land the job. I don’t treat clients as the next paycheck , but as a business relationship that will grow as time moves on. I’ll admit, I’m pretty new to this self-employed bit, but I am certainly content with both the caliber and amount of work I’ve been lucky to receive. In the two years I’ve been in business I haven’t sent one self-promo out! All jobs have been strictly on a word-of-mouth basis and its definitely working for me!

What do you think? Do you have any additional input or creative ways you run your business?

Award Winning Logos!

We are thrilled to announce that Kalico Design has recently been awarded for two of our logo designs-Luna Soma Jiva and Break Some Eggs!

ADDY Award
And the ADDY goes to...yep, you guessed it—Kalico! On Thursday, March 11 we attended the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation's ADDY awards at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. Amidst the variety of 80's inspired costumes (I attempted the Pat Benatar look!), local designers and advertisers were awarded for their creative work! We are happy that our logo design for Luna Soma Jiva, an organization that presents workshops and retreats to bring women together, was awarded with a Silver ADDY!

AGDA Awards
In addition, this morning we were also notified that both our Luna Soma Jiva and Break Some Eggs logos were awarded with American Graphic Design Awards! The AGDA awards are a national competition and judging is based on three criteria: concept (is it a good idea? was the work original?); execution (technical skills involved, presentation); and appropriateness (how effective is the work? does it communicate well).

We are excited to have our work presented by both prestigious design award competitions!

Client Spotlight: DFP Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Downtown Frederick Partnership recently launched their 20th Anniversary program, which will take place starting this holiday season through all of 2010. And Kalico went along for the ride, donating design services to create the 20th anniversary logo, as well as postcards and product posters.

Celebrate Downtown Frederick Partnership’s 20th Anniversary by purchasing unique, limited-edition merchandise from downtown shops — share the wonderful tastes and treats of Downtown Frederick with family and friends! Products will range from a limited-edition snow globe featuring Frederick's famous spires, to specialty hot chocolate, wines, beer, BBQ sauce and much much more! A portion of purchases will
benefit the Partnership as it continues to enhance, promote and preserve Downtown Frederick as a great place to live, work, shop and play.

You won't want to miss these great products from some of your favorite downtown shops! Download a calendar of products and participating shops here!

It IS easy being green!

Kalico Design is proud to have recently been awarded Green America's Business Seal of Approval! To become a member, we had to pass their approximately 3-month long screening process. The Screening Team investigates each company to determine: 1) its familiarity with and commitment to social and environmental responsibility, and 2) significant action in terms of this commitment. The Green Business Seal of approval designates

"businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their offices and factories."

Being eco-conscious is an ongoing journey Kalico explores on a daily basis. I am continually trying to discover new ways to run my business in a more environmentally-friendly way and I encourage my clients to do the same.

Kalico can help develop eco-conscious, cost-effective options for businesses at every stage of their greening process—whether it's by simply using recycled, FSC-certified papers with soy inks, or creating long-term, effective planning for your next printed marketing piece. The bottom line is this: we approach sustainable business practices as an on-going learning process. We try to better our eco-consciousness everyday and we invite you to join us in whatever ways you can.

Be on the lookout for our next eNewsletter, which will focus on easy steps so you, too, can "green" your marketing and design efforts! Find out why being green doesn’t necessarily mean spending green on your next marketing and graphic design project! Sign up today for our free newsletter.

Kalico News is in Smart Company!

I am happy to announce that the Kalico News blog is currently featured on Smart Company magazine's website. Check out some of the other business-oriented blogs here! You'll find a rich resource of tips and tricks including info on stress relief, web hosting, social media and more!

As I've mentioned before, if you reside or do business in the western Maryland region, be sure to check out Smart Company magazine. Here's a little more about the publication:

On the forefront, Smart Company Magazine is a business-to-business publication aimed at providing working professionals in Frederick and Washington counties with valuable insight into the regional business climate. Inside the cover, though, you’ll find it’s much more. With a clear and engaging perspective, Smart Company Magazine offers informative and entertaining editorial about the issues that matter most to the local business community.

And best of all, it's free to subscribe! For more information, please visit the Smart Company website. Also, be sure to look for Kalico's interview in the next issue!

Kalico Sponsors WHY Magazine (Work.Home.You)

Kalico Design is the sponsor of the May/June issue of WHY magazine, an ezine representing the growing number of work-at-homers in today's business world.

An eLuna Media publication, "WHY is dedicated to work-at-homers of all sorts, including entrepreneurs with start-up businesses, full-time and part-time telecommuters, those who bring work home from the office occasionally or every day, and everyone in between." Published on a bi-monthly basis, WHY offers tools and information on how to manage the stresses of trying to juggle work with personal and home demands.

As a home-based business, Kalico is very proud to sponsor such a unique, niche publication so rich with informative articles, tips and tools. Be sure to check out the most current issue of WHY Magzine!

Kalico Wins Awards

I just found out that Kalico has been awarded 4 American Graphic Design & Advertising awards! Selected winning pieces include the DanceFest logo, Neccessories logo, Joy of Herbs logo and the Frederick Symphony Orchestra season brochure! It is an honor to have these pieces recognized by AGDA. To view the award-wining work, please visit our website at kalicodesign.com!

About the Award:
Founded by David E. Carter, a noted authority on logo design and corporate identity,the American Graphic Design and Advertising awards is an annual design competition, with a corresponding book highlighting the competition winners. AGDA continues its illustrious twenty-four-year legacy as a mainstay for designers who want to keep current with contemporary American design and corporate identity. The size of the creative firm or client is inconsequential; promoting great design is the goal. The AGDA winners book will be published in Fall 2009.

Green Yet Logo Gets Recognition!

I was just notified that the Green Yet? logo has recently been selected to be published in the upcoming book, The Big Book of Green Design. The book will be 384 pages of design examples of earth-friendly designs. It will be printed on FSC certified paper, and broken into three sections, including: 1. Retail and B2B Products that portray a green image; 2. Companies that have 'gone green' and 3.Individual Green-ness (examples of graphic designers who have 'gone green').

The book will be produced by Crescent Hill Books, creators of books such as "The Big Book of Logos" series, the Creativity series and American Corporate Identity book series. No word on when the book will be available in stores, but I will be sure to keep you updated.