Like many designers, I’m currently working on an obligatory Facebook Timeline update for one of my clients. One of the elements of the new layout is a square box for a profile image in which most brands will place their logo. It doesn’t work very well for my client’s strongly horizontal identity. Of course the same issue is a problem on other social media platforms. Wherever you need an avatar, you’re stuck in a square. So the question I briefly considered is, should every logo be designed to fit in a square?
Published on 27.01.2012 by Daryl Woods CategorySocial Media
Not another social network! I still feel that way about Google+. We don’t need more of the same. Beyond its surging popularity, that’s one of the reasons Pinterest caught my attention. It’s different and yet familiar. Pinterest incorporates the visual impact of Facebook with the open sharing and relationship building of Twitter.
So, what is Pinterest? According to their website, “Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.” You can also upload your own content from your computer. There’s also a smartphone app.
Currently, Pinterest is still in its naive beginning stage. It isn’t intended for marketing or self promotion. A note on Pinterest etiquette states “Pinterest is designed to curate and share things you love. If there is a photo or project you’re proud of, pin away! However, try not to use Pinterest purely as a tool for self-promotion.” Still, brands are finding a way to integrate Pinterest. Read the Mashable article, Pinterest for Brands: 5 Hot Tips.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time on Pinterest recently, observing the way people use it and interact but also evaluating opportunities for personal and brand promotion that fits within Pinterest community culture. Here’s my introduction and usage guide.
Published on 16.03.2011 by Daryl Woods CategorySocial Media
This post is about integrating social media in your marketing. It won’t get there immediately so skip ahead a bit if you like.
Recent events in my life have forced me change the way I do things, if only temporarily. Imagine eating a meal in total darkness. That was the challenge at O.NOIR restaurant where I attended a fundraiser for the blind. After a few empty forkfuls, we all had to cheat and use our fingers to find the food. It was a humbling and provocative experience I won’t soon forget. A few weeks later, I hit the ground running, literally and wound up with my arm in a sling. But I had work to do! I compensated by putting my iPad box in my lap for mousing and using my left hand only on the keyboard. It was awkward, painful and slow but manageable. You do what you have to do.
There will be circumstances in your life that force you to change
This is Volkswagen’s Superbowl XLV ad entitled The Force. As I’m writing this, the video has been viewed almost 13 million times on YouTube. Crazy right! But what’s really crazy is that right now, the game is still a few hours away. That’s right! The commercial hasn’t even officially aired on television yet.
It’s a good commercial but not a great one in my opinion. And I’m partial to the brand. I’ve owned four VWs. So how has this video gone so wildly viral? Two reasons. One is because it includes a Star Wars reference. If you watch Big Bang Theory you probably know anything Star Wars has tremendous geek/nerd appeal. What group could be better for sharing your video on the internet. This cohort is likely the origin of the piece trending in social media. But this is where viral luck kicks in.
Published on 22.10.2010 by Daryl Woods CategorySocial Media
When it comes to Twitter, I certainly wasn’t an early adopter. Count me among the many who just didn’t get it. What, of any value could be communicated in 140 characters or less. Who cares what people are having for breakfast! Every mention of Twitter began to annoy me. I couldn’t wait for it to go away. But it didn’t.
I started seeing articles on business use of Twitter. At first I still thought it wasted too much time. When a respected colleague joined in, I decided to give it a chance.
Like many designers, I’m currently working on an obligatory Facebook Timeline update for one of my clients. One of the elements of the new layout is a square box for a profile image in which most brands will place their logo. It doesn’t work very well for my client’s strongly horizontal identity. Of course the same issue is a problem on other social media platforms. Wherever you need an avatar, you’re stuck in a square. So the question I briefly considered is, should every logo be designed to fit in a square?
