Under Construction!

Hello friends,
I "unplugged" last week and went to Florida with my family. On the unfortunate rainy days, I spent some time doing a little construction on my blog. (You may have noticed some blank posts...) Through the these continuous improvements, I'm hoping for a better stage to share thoughts and work with you!  Thanks for bearing with me as I work out the kinks :)

By the way, who's out there anyway?! Leave a comment about where you vacationed last.... Love to know who I'm reaching out to!

Siesta Key, Florida.  Pictured: Dad, Me, Ash (sister), Mom, Jeffery (brother), Jeanna (sister-in-law), Eric (brother). Missing (and we really missed him too!): Brad (hubby)

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Super Bowl Logos I - XLIV

Talk about a design evolution! Look at the colors... the fonts... the filters!! Oh my!
Here is the complete list of Super Bowl logos, from I through XLIV:

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Logo Designer 4 the New Spartan Logo; Are you?!

An outpouring of criticism and a PR war over the new MSU Spartan logo! Well, since I'm a Spartan fan, from East Lansing and a logo designer... I thought I should comment. My position may surprise you!

YES, tradition and community are vested in a logo.

OF COURSE, alumni and supporters take pride in the university ultimately represented by a logo.

But, (I say this even as logo designer) it's important that we not glorify a logo and lose sight of the bigger picture… Don’t worship false idols. While often synonymous with a brand, a logo is (with a bit of understatement) just that – a logo; a visual mark to promote recognition. And logos evolve – they must to stay relevant to their loyal supporters.

Even the best logos evolve. Take NIKE, one of the most recognizable icons worldwide who also happens to be partnering with MSU athletic director, Mark Hollis, on this project—what an honor!! It has changed multiple times since it was designed for $35 in 1971. (See other examples of some of the largest organizations brand evolutions here.)

The 2010 Spartan head, like the above Nike evolution, changed subtly to refresh the look while retaining the most significant features. (Note: We were privy to this sketch only because of a leak. If someone ever snuck a premature glimpse of one of my unfinished campaigns, I’d be bummed – it's a total spoiler when you don't have the whole thing.)

We fall in love with a logo because we love the brand. We love the brand because of the services or people behind them. Realize that it’s the community, it’s the school, it’s the program that we adore. 

Support the evolution of the brand! Support being a part of something worth rebranding!

So many things float along in a sea of undesigned abyss… Celebrate that our community cares enough to bleed green this deeply.

This redesign isn’t disloyal. It isn’t unfair.

It’s progress and you should be proud!  Be proud at a time when Michigan struggles with a losing economy that we have a program that warrants new life! (The Wolverines can't say that!)

It’s not changing because it doesn’t work; it’s evolving because it does.

Embrace what a redesign truly means. Progress. Profit. Potential!

Go GREEN!

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10-4 Over and Out: Cops drop communication codes

TEN-CODES are code words used to represent common phrases in voice communication, particularly by law enforcement and and in Citizens' Band (CB) radio transmissions. The codes were developed in the 1930s to quickly and efficiently communicate across airwaves. 

Despite the long-standing tradition of ten-codes, police forces are dropping them. Problems occurred when departments joined forces during emergencies like 9-11 and the use of the codes created more inefficiencies than not.  Federal groups are now required to use plain language instead. 

Have no fear. We've still got it! Signing off...
10-4 good buddy!
List of most common ten codes:



10-0  Use Caution 


10-1  Poor reception


10-2  Good reception 


10-3  Stop Transmitting 


10-4  Affirmative


10-5  Relay Message 


10-6  Busy with call 


10-7  Out of service


10-8  In service 


10-9  Repeat last message

For more, see news clip here.


Photo: 1977 Cobra 40 Channel CB Radio original advertisement.

PUNCH AND BEAUTY... What a great slogan for Ten4 DS!

"It has what it takes to improve communications by punching through loud and clear... And that's the beauty of it."

This vintage ad from the seventies is a perfect image for this post. You can purchase the vintage ad here.   

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