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Latest Blog Posts
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10/06/2011 by MickeyM619
Poor Comic Sans . . .
The typeface, Comic Sans, has been taking a beating for years now. I, like a lot of designers out there, have an opinion about the Comic Sans font, and it seems the overwhelming majority of those opinions are negative. How has a single font become the focus of so much hate? And what, exactly, is behind it all? Comic Sans was created by Vincent Connare in 1994 for Microsoft. It was originally designed to be used with Microsoft Bob, but it was completed too late to be included in the program. Connare purports that he never intended the font to be released for general use, and only designed it to be used in comic-book-style speech bubbles within MS Bob. The font ended up being included in Microsoft 3D Movie Maker, which used it in its pop-up windows and help sections. Later it was included with Windows 95 Plus Pack and then became a standard font for the OEM version of Windows 95. Comic Sans has been used on a number of well-known products. Beanie Babies have used the font on their tags since the late 1990's. The 2004 Canada Day 25-cent collector coin also used the font. (As a Canadian, I speak for the country when I say, "We're sorry!") The Sims video game uses it as well. One of the main reasons Comic Sans became the target of such hatred was its widespread usage, particularly when dealing with serious or formal subjects. While Comic Sans was perfectly adequate in designs for children or designs related to comic books or cartoons, it had no place in business or professional work usage. It’s also ill-suited in content body text – it’s best used as a headline/heading font or short quote (such as in a comic book). But nevertheless, Comic Sans has cropped up all over the place. The "Ban Comic Sans" movement started in 1999. It was reportedly started by Dave and Holly Crumbs, graphic designers from Indianapolis, after an employer insisted they use Comic Sans in a children’s museum exhibit. While the group is a bit tongue-in-cheek, they do point out one of the biggest problems in amateur graphic design: disregard for appropriate typography choices. As a professional typographer and a teacher of Typography, I consider the impact of a font and typography choices have on the overall tone of a project. An amateur will often just pick a font they like, disregarding the font’s impact on the final design. It is said that bad typography is created by the same people that will cut their own hair . . . just because they can.
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09/01/2011 by MickeyM619
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BrainChild Branding's New QR Code
A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to its fast readability and comparatively large storage capacity. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. If you want to find our page on the unusual uses of a QR Code in today's advertising world, use your QR Code reader to scan the QR Code to the left.
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06/20/2011 by MickeyM619
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Customizing Your YouTube Channel
As part of our branding efforts, BrainChild Branding recently customized the YouTube Channel for Winchester Wine and Spirits of Winchester, MA. YouTube is the second most popular search engine after Google so it makes sense to have a YouTube presence. Since all BrainChild Branding's websites are optimized to be found in Google, the obvious next step is to optimize your YouTube channel. All BCB websites are custom designed, so it just makes sense to custom design our clients' YouTube channels. In the case of Winchester Wine and Spirits, they hold a tasting each Friday night. As you can see from their videos, hundreds of people flock there to taste the newest wines, the finest microbrews, and the latest spirits. Now, through YouTube, they are able to share that experience with others!
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BCB BrainChildren > BCB Design Crew
Abbie Randall
Senior Art Director
Abbie is the real deal. Our secret weapon. A fountain of youth. The Queen of Continuity. 100 miles an hour - full on.
Abbie on technology: "It's an amazing time to be a creative . . . one minute you're fully versed in certain programs; the next, it's back to the drawing board to learn the latest nuance. I love learning and teaching, so for me, it's a perfect time to be a creative."
Intelligence, patience and creativity are barely sufficient descriptors of this BrainChild. Abbie is a pro at helping organizations integrate their brand identity into everyday advertising and promotion. She blends the latest technology with the tried and true practices of another era. You can find her style in programming or in a sketchbook . . . she's just as comfortable with either.
Our clients love her "bend over backwards" style and desire to offer up the design solution to any challenge.
Having worked on such prominent brands as BMW North America, Porsche, and Michelin, to name a few; and in a variety of capacities: PR, advertising, graphic design, web design and art direction, Abbie delivers creative insight that seems to nail it every time.
BCB recruited Abbie Randall for her design prowess, business acumen, and relentless work ethic.
You can reach Abbie at Abbie@BrainChildBranding.com.
Eileen Pryel
Senior Copywriter
To write for BCB, you have to be versatile . . . open-minded . . . just plain smart. One minute our writers are producing a TV spot; the next, a marketing plan.
Eileen's experience is what turns BrainChild Branding on. She's got more than a couple of Addys (the world's largest Advertising Competition) under her Gucci belt.
Just when you think you're asking her to write about a rare industry, her response is: "Yeah, I researched that three years ago because I hate not knowing about that."
Go ahead . . . try to throw her a project she can't handle. Hey, good luck with that.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen@BrainChildBranding.com.
Ralph Budd
Videographer
Ralph Budd
has produced thousands of commercials, hundreds of television shows,
and more than his fair share of award-winning projects during his thirty
year career (awards are graciously accepted, but Budd feels the best
awards are the rewards bestowed by a happy client).
Budd's work has
primarily been with small boutique production houses and as a freelance
shooter/editor. This has given him hands-on experience in all phases of
production . . . writing, shooting and editing. That allows him to
deliver high production value in a cost-conscious manner. Beyond
traditional live-action production techniques, he has worked with cell
animation, claymation, and digital motion graphics. Whether working as
a documentarian, or shooting from a script, he is familiar with a
variety of forms (thirty second commercials to half hour shows). Budd's
background is perfectly matched for the unique demands and challenges
of producing video for the internet.
BCB recruited him for his ability to create out-of-the-box solutions and his beautiful creative.
You can reach Ralph at Ralph@BrainchildBranding.com.
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