For some strange reason people think that technology is limitless, all curing and all powerful.  The simple truth is that technology is only as good as the people using it and the goals that they intend to achieve. Computers have advanced tremendously since the days monochromatic monitors and floppy disk.  In the 1980's people only dreamed to do the things that most of us do frequently on our cell phones.  With all the goodness that technology brings, we must not allow ourselves to be fooled; no matter how intelligent machines get, they are still our tools.

I read  a lot of digital design magazine and the critical first step is still to pull out a pad of paper and doodle, sketch, write, and organize ideas.  A poorly organized project will only become more complicated and harder to manage when separated into 5 spread sheets, 6 word documents, a 30 layer Photoshop file, and 20 email. It is much better to take a hand full of drawings ( good or crudely scribbled) and using those as a road map to success. Email and the internet are both tools and not an  end-all-be-all solutions. Both have very real limitations.  While email is a great way to send a few files and a note, most email systems work poorly to actually manage communication in a natural manner. Similarly, the internet is a great way to do preliminary research, yet the actual reliability of much of the data out there at best can only be regarded as sketchy.  The true successes on the net are those that provide solidly crafted human content.  The most popular videos on Youtube are usually the work of the witty. The most followed blogs are typically insightful.  Simply being on the net just does not cut it, content is king.

So the next time you begin a new project, switch off your computer, turn on your coffee pot, sharpen your pencils, a lo-tech approach might save you a high-tech headache.

Logos are important, they are the visual representation of your company.  An effective logo should be easily recognizable at a glance. For some people graphic designers are like plumbers; they think the services cost too much for something that seems simple enough . The reality is that many that have tried to fix a major plumbing problem without professional assistance have often cost themselves far more than they saved. An improperly installed pipe can cost in expensive repairs, a bad logo will cost a company potential business.

I like Flash, I really do, but sometimes my old friend Flash is more problematic than useful. Flash is all of that fancy smanshy animation you typically see on websites.  Often those side bar game/ads are Flash, (you know the ones where you play putt-putt or hit the target).  It is great for animation, displaying videos, playing music, and building games, but sometimes it is a heavy handed solution like using a power drill as a three hole punch.

So you may be asking is Flash right for my project? The answer is IT DEPENDS.

We recently did a microsite for John Capek that needed just a little sizzle in the beginning to clench the audience and hold them for his message. Chances are if you need need to engage the viewer or want to create something interactive, Flash may be your best bet.  If you really only have some information that needs no introduction, you may just want to leave my dear friend Flash out of the mix. Flash also doesn't play well with many mobile devices.

//Click here to see the John Capek's microsite//

As the snow falls outside we are happy to be indoors warmed by the glow of our iMacs.  Just as the trucks plow through knee high snow, we likewise plow through all of the request that come our way.  Speaking of request, we were recently hired to create an eCard for Green Hill Music.  I'd pay a pretty penny to see a green hill right about now; all this snow is just too much!  Luckily,  you don't have to pay a thing to check out this eCard.

//Click here to view//

Hey fans, we've got a great new report out at www.brickhousedirect.com/freereport

 

10 Great Marketing Resolutions for the New Year!  Check it out!

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Never Far Away

 

It is a new year and time for a fresh start.  2008 was an "interesting" year and one we won't soon forget.  But now its time to wipe the slate clean.  Here are some ideas that may help you in growing your business in the year ahead.

1. Have Some Fun - in difficult times, there is tendency to be a glum Gus.  Do the opposite.  Have some fun.  A smile is a great way to get people feeling positive and buying more.  Inject fun into your brand, your communications and how you work with people.  Enthusiasm is the real key to success.

2. Social Media - there are a lot of exciting things happening on social media networks.  Best of all, its free to use.  If you haven't done so already, set up a Facebook account.  On Facebook, post to "what are you doing now" as well as "share a link" section.  This way you can share your email newsletters and website with your friends online and grow your network.  Its a great way to share your message at a very low cost.