A+ logo design

Many times a client will want us to cram a bunch of stuff into a logo. If too much is going on in a logo, it hurts legibility and confuses the message. This new logo for the National Park Foundation, designer unknown, manages to incorporate a mountain peak, a trail or river within a ranger's hat in an elegant and clever manner. The word "Foundation" is set in bold, probably so people don't confuse it with the National Park Service. The NPS administer the nation's parks while the NPF is the charitable partner of the NPS.

Designer Computer Files

A friend sent us an email asking:

A designer has done graphic design work for XXX the past couple of years. XXX has now decided to do all the work in house and is no longer requiring their services. Now XXX wants me to contact them and ask them for the ads in a version so that we can ask our internal communications person to make changes. Is that right? Are they obligated to give it to us?

I'm glad they asked. It give us an opportunity to talk about this issue.

Files always belong to the designer. The above situation is similar to dining at a restaurant for a while, then deciding to cook the meals at home and asking the chef for thier recipes. The computer files contain "trade secrets;" special techniques the designer uses to execute the design. When you hire a designer you are paying for the right to use their design in what ever manner you agree to. It's the same in photography and illustration. You may own a print of a photograph but the photographer continues to own the rights to the photo. You can't take the photo and reproduce it in a book or an ad, unless you have the photographer's permission.

At the beginning of a project you can request the files be turned over to you. You will get charged accordingly and it must be written up as such in your contract.

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New Tremé Neighborhood Guide

Want to know where to eat, get your car fixed, get your hair & nails done, buy groceries, and more in the Tremé? The newest Stay Local!: A Project of The Urban Conservancy Neighborhood guide features Tremé. All this plus points of interest. Click here to download a PDF of the guide.

Just in time for the Satchmo Fest

The latest StayLocal! neighborhood guide to shopping, dining, services and culture is all about the French Quarter and the French Market. Visit the StayLocal! web site to download a PDF of the guide (link) as well as guides for other New Orleans neighborhoods.

Hot off the press!

The new StayLocal! neighborhood guide to shopping, dining, services and culture is here! The "Creole Faubourgs" covers St. Claude, Faubourg Marigny, St. Roch and Bywater. Visit the StayLocal! web site (link) to download a PDF of the guide as well as guides for other neighborhoods.

FYI we are currently working on guides for two more neighborhoods. Look for them before the end of the year.

AIGA New Orleans Student Portfolio Review

Gaby and Christy were reviewers for the AIGA New Orleans Student Portfolio Review earlier this month. We met with students from design programs throughout the state in 15 minutes “interviews.” We reviewed their portfolios, critiqued their work and answered questions. We enjoyed seeing what the newest generation of designers has in store and sharing words of wisdom and encouragement.