Today the 2014 Logo Trends Report was released by Bill Gardner, creator of LogoLounge.com. The report was delivered live at the HOW Conference in Boston. Each year Mr. Gardner prepares and delivers this report to eagerly awaiting designers across the world. In the report, Mr. Gardner identified 15 stylistic trends in contemporary logo design that have stood out above all others over this last year. He selected 4 logos to demonstrate each trend. Velocity Design was honored to have one if it's logos chosen to represent one of the trend categories in the presentation.

We were thrilled to see our work recognized alongside other such fantastic, trend setting designs. Here is the logo that was chosen:

Go here to view the entire report and to see how our logo was used in context:

http://www.logolounge.com/article.asp?aid=lkSf#.U3Pr5q1dU8E

Roquemore Re-Brand

The Velocity team has recently completed a branding and identity development overhaul for Roquemore - a skip tracing and remarketing firm out of Dallas, Texas.

Roquemore came to Velocity wanting to completely change their image and update all of their messaging to reflect their unique market positioning. They came with some preliminary brand messaging completed and were looking for help to continue the development process.

Velocity conferenced with the decision makers and gathered information about the company's differentiating services, history, proprietary processes and systems. With information in hand, Velocity's content strategists and creative director worked together with the client to create a unique brand promise and a hierarchy of key messaging statements that would be the basis of the new brand.

Once the content was finalized, the identity development process began. The project was made particularly interesting with the 45 day turn around that was required. The logo was created, stationery and website soon followed. Each member of the content writing and design team worked overtime to create meaningful and accurate content and to design an engaging, fresh and appropriate set of collateral and marketing materials that would give the new brand a face that would speak volumes.

The following items were developed: logo, office stationery, custom/unique business cards, website, 2 trifold brochures, a presentation folder, 6 sales slicks and trade show graphics.

Upon completion of the design process, Velocity was able to help facilitate the print production of most of the materials that had been designed.

Throughout the entire process, the Velocity account manager kept in constant, regular contact with the client - ensuring that every need was met, deadlines were hit and that the entire process was comfortable and rewarding for the client.

Check out the completed website at: www.roquemore.com

Sustainability Has A New Face

Unisource Global Solutions (UGS) is a company that specializes in sustainable packaging solutions for  some of the biggest retailers in the world. Their current client list includes Dell and Vizio. UGS provides complete packaging solutions to a international client base.

The Velocity team has been able to work with UGS for the past year and a half on various projects. Most recently, we completed and launched an entirely redesigned website that uniquely highlights the distinct market position held by UGS.

The completion of this website has been quite the journey for us and our client. We were able to take part in the rediscovery of their core brand message at its most basic level. We worked with our client to create a detailed site map, explore function concepts and then work thru an extensive series of designs and then the final web development and testing that would bring together all of the intellectual ideas that are incorporated into the UGS brand.

As this project began, the goal was to create a site that was incredibly unique in its message and function. We want users to learn about the passion and expertise that drives UGS thru the experience offered on their site. As we pursued this path, it was determined that we needed to scale back the user experience in favor of a slightly more traditional experience. We felt that through the use of graphics alone, we could portray the very unique culture prevalent at UGS and help users to understand what the company is all about.

Throughout the process, we were able to provide UGS with content writers, photographers and other assets that helped to create the final product.

Here's the URL - take a look and let us know what you think!

www.unisourceglobalsolutions.com

Here's what 2 of the final pages looks like:

Who ever said that branding has to be boring!

We recently created an email campaign for ourselves that gave us some good laughs in the office! 

One of our biggest strength at Velocity is our ability to take a company's product or service and to "tell a visual story" that clearly communicates the unique characteristics of the given product or service with imagery. However, we are presented with an interesting challenge as we try to create a bold, impactful image that tells our own story. 

Our goal in creating this email is to convey the idea that at Velocity, we view ourselves as image doctors. We want the recipients to download a brand assessment tool that would help them determine if they have an identity crisis of their own. We strongly feel that many businesses unknowingly have an identity crisis of sorts; they say they are one thing, but look (and sometimes act) like something completely different. We solve visual identity problems! Our design team has a very wide variety of skills and experience that allow us to create, or retool your identity to communicate your unique competitive advantage clearly and effectively. The net result of a more cohesive identity is a customer base that will better understand who you are and what you do best, which will drive them to return to you consistently and repeatedly.

So, as we brainstorm on how we can portray this idea in a single image, all kinds of hilarious situations present themselves in our somewhat disturbed, overly creative minds! Our artists went to work creating several images that definitely have a bit of a shock factor involved. Again, the idea was that we want to show a set of individuals who are very competent in their chosen field, but are portraying a grossly different image, contrary to what they would normally want others to think about them. We ended up settling in on the above image that depicted a beautiful model wearing some obvious accessories that dont belong, a seasoned, successful business man who figured it was no big deal to wear basketball shorts and gym shoes with his suit and top hat, and finally a rough and tough Mexican wrestler who seemed to think that a pink tutu would not hurt his image any.

Our team is having a blast with this campaign and we are receiving some great feedback and responses! Feel free to let us know if you feel we are successful in conveying our message in this email graphic.

National First Response Branding

The Velocity Design team recently completed a complete branding project for National First Response. The new company was launched in June of 2012 as an emergency response - disaster relief company which specialized in "Restoring Property. Restoring Lives."

The project began in January of 2012 with the research phase of the identity development portion. A logo and related identity graphics were decided upon early on. Each element of the identity was crafted to uniquely speak to the precise competitive advantage held by NFR. Having a very bold, compelling presence was important, as well as an immediate association with disaster relief. A full line of sales and collateral materials in print and on the web were developed to prepare for the launch. Here are some of the items that were designed and produced:

• Website
• Stationery
• Graphics standards manual
• Custom business cards
• Custom marketing folder
• Sales Brochure
• Individual sales flyer
• Door hangers
• A complete line of vehicle graphics
• Yard signs
• Note pads / pens
• Completion certificates
• Complete uniform system (for managers, technicians)
• Conference room redesign
• Signage
• Tradeshow graphics

Our client development team is still in regular contact with the owners of NFR and proactively work them, as a consultant, to continue helping them develop their new brand. Here is what NFR has to say about Velocity:

"The Velocity Design team worked with us to create a compelling logo and identity that clearly articulated the core message of our restoration company - which is "Restoring Property, Restoring Lives TM". Velocity took the time to understand our market, do research and craft a brand that has not only exceeded our expectations, but has brought tremendous value to our operation. Upon launching our new brand, we saw a consistent 15% increase in profits over 6 months. We attribute much of our continued growth to the work that Velocity does for us. They are an invaluable resource and provide us with business marketing tools we need to succeed - from customized sales materials to vehicle graphics to website and interface design. Velocity has the resources and creativity to ensure that we remain highly relevant and competitive in a demanding industry."
- Kevin Cavanaugh, National First Response

See the National First Resonse website

The Velocity team has recently wrapped up 2 additional identity projects. During the discovery phase of each of these projects, the Velocity client developer and creative director met with the client to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the existing businesses. Clients were asked to complete questionnaires and surveys that allowed the Velocity team to truly understand the unique brand position of each company that they were developing logos for. In addition to the client interviews, the Velocity designers conducted internal research, examining the positioning of the client compared to their competition and other comparable companies. It was the goal of the design team to craft identities that were market appropriate, fit the needs of the clients and gave visual emphasis to the unique brand promise of each company.

Accelerating Brand Identities . . . Velocity Style!

The Velocity team has been busy this last week finishing up several identity packages for various clients. One of them was Scottsdale Livestock, a local supplier of feed and tack products. The company has 3 locations and was recently purchased by a group of investors with a great deal of experience in the livestock industry. These new owners were interested in taking the already successful chain of stores and expanding the current offering of products, services and expertise to a larger market.

With the change in management came a significant shift in the ideology, goals and focus of the business. Velocity was brought in to evaluate the brand, help identify the key changes in the company's architecture and develop a new identity that would successfully articulate the new brand promise.

Here is a sampling of the initial concepts provided to Scottsdale Livestock:

As Velocity worked through the revision process, a final direction was chosen and edits were made in consultation with the client. Here is the final logo:

And here is the end result of the collateral package development with Scottsdale Livestock:

Velocity will be continuing to work with the company to develop marketing and advertising products, a website and environmental graphics.

"Fun in the Sun" Gets a Facelift

The Golfland family of water parks has been a long-time, valued client of Velocity Design. Several years ago, Velocity was given the opportunity to rebrand Golfland Sunsplash, along with 2 other Golfland owned parks. At that time, Velocity redesigned all of the parks' identities as well as their signage and marketing materials.

You can guess why a water park like Sunsplash is the "place to be" in the Valley of the Sun, where summer temperatures hover between 105 and 117! With increasing popularity came the need for expansion and added attractions, which required a new park map. Golfland Sunsplash turned again to Velocity to get the job done. Velocity artists were able to take the old map, which had been cut and pasted many times over, and redraw it entirely to add several new slides and attractions. With new, vibrant colors, and accurate features, the newly expanded map has been updated to reflect the current look and layout of this well-known park.

One-of-a-kind Art!

The CEO of Auer Precision, a high end manufacturing company, came to Velocity Design looking for help creating a very unique, one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. The company is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and, as part of the celebration being held this month, the CEO wanted to present to the founder of the company an original piece of artwork that highlighted the founder's accomplishments over the last 4 decades.

The Velocity team was charged with creating the concept for the artwork and with the art production itself. Velocity suggested using Auer Precision's own resources and unique skills to create a 3-D frame and substrate for the painting and digital art. The craftsman at Auer went to work on the frame while Velocity began the art creation. It was decided that a portrait of the founder, John Auer, along with a collage of "old time"photos and logos would fit the bill. The finished piece was made entirely of stainless steel. Here is the end product:

The piece was a huge hit! The client was thrilled and the guys at Velocity got to do some painting, which is always a blast!

Christmas CD Cover

Who says you can’t judge a book by its cover?! …Beautiful, creative, eye-catching packaging sells product.

Vocalist, Cecily Jorgensen, wanted to give a meaningful gift to her family for Christmas, so she came to Velocity for the “gift wrap”.

Beginning with customer provided home photography, our designers went to work with a creative eye and finely honed photoshopping skills.

Velocity created the mood with a captivating pose, backed by photography to suggest music as well as seasonal content. Crisp, clean, white colors, accented with Christmas red compliment our stylish subject to make an enchanting winter scene. As a finishing touch, flourishing detail and a well-chosen font add the perfect trim to punctuate a cover design that is sure to attract.

Velocity Design Group can help you sell yourself, showcase your talent, or feature your product…we’ve got you “covered”!

A New Year!

It's been quite a while since we've posted regularly! For over 6 years now, the guys here at Velocity have been busy doing what they do best - accelerating images with direction! With projects ranging far and wide from corporate identity / brand management to high end product illustration, our team is focused and ready to take on new challenges. With the beginning of a new year, we are committed to getting more information on our projects out for all to see! We hope you enjoy what we have to offer this year!

Adventure Begins Here!

For Castlegolf, a leading builder of premium miniature golf courses, it's not just about building unique, one-of-a-kind, profit producing family fun centers - it's about taking people on an adventure!

With over 40 years in the industry, Castlegolf has an impressive portfolio of completed projects from around the world. However, the owners of the company recognized that they had an image problem. The current graphics and literature in use by Castlegolf did not convey to clients the company's core values and brand promise. The design team at Velocity was able to work with Castlegolf to develop an updated identity with a new tagline that accurately communicated the Castlegolf brand promise. That was just the beginning! The Velocity team also developed an innovative marketing folder and collateral system featuring new brand graphics that give a face to everything Castlegolf stands for. The new imagery capitalizes on the tagline, "Adventure begins here!" The new collateral combines fun, engaging illustrations with rich textures and colors that convey the sophistication and innovation that has made Castlegolf such a great success. Velocity also assisted the client in developing new content for all of their literature--content that is highly informative, but also matches the flavor and feel of the graphics!

With a new face and a refreshed message, Castlegolf is prepared to make a significant move forward in a marketplace where they already have prominence. Velocity is now beginning work on a new website for Castlegolf. Stay tuned for more info!

"Access Granted"

It looks like the gate to a magic kingdom! With the lure of intrigue, Iron Gallery's brochure has the effect of drawing one in. Designed to invite homeowners, builders and developers, the brochure showcases a variety of custom ironworks, including gates and entry doors, railings, lighting, furniture, hardware and architectural details. Entering Iron Gallery's showroom in Mesa, Arizona opens a world of fine quality hand forged iron products.

A skillfully designed brochure becomes an effective introduction. Graphic design by Velocity can be the "gateway" that brings prospective clients through to you.

Where Professionals Meet Success

This well designed piece brings to the professional community a vision of success. Velocity appropriately incorporated the look of stucco and flagstone in its presentation of the new office condominiums and retail shopping center by W Development. The pocketfolder, with brochure, features full-color as well as sepia-toned photographs. Artistic design, including some photography, is ghosted as a background to text providing pertinent information. Unique die-cutting and embossing gives a 3-D effect and adds interest to the presentation. An aerial map, as well as street and community planner maps, provide direction "any way you look at it". Visit Higley Village, in Gilbert Arizona--a professional environment that looks and feels like home.

"Monkey Business"

Joining with Anthem Worldwide to design eye-catching packaging for Safeway products, Velocity's artists lean to the fun and whimsical in this cartoon-type drawing that "speaks" to kids. Sure to grab the attention of your own "little monkeys", this one will set the kids to begging for Safeway Brand Fruity Nuggets--the fruit flavored snacks made for a kid's "taste".