The Power of a Brand

I came across this video, with a few degrees of separation, through the talented and exceptional Becky Slogeris, and I think it’s really fascinating and powerful. The effect recognizable imagery has on the decision making of these children is staggering, and adults are certainly not immune from these influences. As we get older we simply drown out the impulsive kid inside of us with logic; I don’t think one can ever silence that voice completely. This may account for the “gut” feeling that we often make our less logical decisions by.

This video, in many ways, shows why I am so attracted to branding: I think a good brand can often times touch an emotional part of a person that no other design can really reach. The versatility and diversity of delivery vehicles makes the message more impactful. A single publication or poster cannot have the same impact that a full suite of vehicles (printed materials, engineered products, video, etc.) can have, especially when all of the aforementioned vehicles are speaking with the same voice. People have authentic and dynamic relationships with brands. I want to create something that people can have a nourishing and valuable relationship with.

I also love kids, especially the way they communicate. They are pure and unadulterated by silly things like shame and self-esteem, or lack-there-of, and often times provide the simple insights that I want my work to communicate. Thesis beginnings? #cliffhanger

My Favorite Subway Let Me Down

I have a favorite Subway sandwich shop. Though I have eaten at franchises all over Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as up and down the east coast and a few select locations in the mid-west, none can compare to this one location in Charles Village near both of my current employers. I have eaten there on a regular basis since the beginning of 2009, so when I was asked by a school assignment to tell the story of a person I have regular interaction with, but know nothing about, the friendly sandwich-smiths at this Subway naturally came to mind. I came in for my usual five-dollar-footlong (BLT of course) and briefly explained my assignment to the nice gentleman behind the counter. As it was during the lunch rush, I also pre-wrote a little note explaining the project and asking if he/she would be willing to participate, providing all of my contact information. Although he gestured that he would be glad to help me out, I never heard from anyone at my favorite Subway, and was forced to move on to the next casual encounter on my list. The social aspect of Social Design often pushes the designer out of his or her comfort zone, quite intentionally, and it is hard not to take the would-be-collaborator with you sometimes.

I’d be lying if I said I won’t be a little embarrassed next time I visit my favorite Subway; and I don’t get shy very often.

UPDATE

As it turns out, my favorite Subway did not in fact let me down, they merely lost the piece of paper I gave them before they were able to even read it. I shall continue patronizing their franchise, and we have been brought closer through this whole ordeal.

Harry Caul, Jazz Performer Sketches

Some posters for my boy Harry Caul. These will help him further deceive his booty call.
This is one part of a pretty extensive branding system that is currently in progress, but I thought I would share these.

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Cycling Culture Branding: Logos

I have a very exciting new branding project on deck right now, and it has permitted me to pretend that all of my looking at pictures of bicycles online is research, and not merely pornography. To provide the best possible service to my client, I aim to become an expert on bicycle branding, and I am bringing you all along for the ride. Special thanks to Boutique Cycles for a nice starting point for this search. This is part one of a series on the branding of cycling, and I will be showcasing some logos:

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Thrift Store Sign Delivered!

I have some good news! I have finally delivered my large painted sign to the owners of the thrift store that suffered severe fire damage this past spring. They were very grateful to have the sign and are hoping to reopen their doors soon, though they’re not sure exactly when. Hopefully, they’ll get things up and running this fall.

Baltimore: what I think, what I know, what they say.

Baltimore: 10 things I think, 10 things I know, 10 things they say. from Andy Mangold on Vimeo.

For my Design Coalition course this semester, we will be doing 5 quick, one week turn around projects. The first prompt was 10 things I think about Baltimore, 10 things I know about Baltimore, and 10 things they say about Baltimore.

I didn’t really start to truly discover the city until I started riding my bike everywhere. I found myself more comfortable just going a direction without knowing where I was headed. So, I decided to try and show the world what it’s like to see Baltimore from the seat of a bike. This required me building a little helmet cam rig, and the results are a little shaky, but that is the nature of riding a bike in pot-hole USA. This was really my first time making a video from beginning to end as well, and while I am not thrilled with the finished product, I am glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

For the “10 things they say about Baltimore” portion of the prompt, I thought it would be best for me to integrate video footage from outside sources concerning Baltimore. It would be inaccurate for me to sit down and guess what the outside perceptions of Baltimore are, so I used a combination of clips from interviews, travel TV shows, and The Wire to paint a picture of Baltimore’s portrayal in the media.

Helmet Cam!

I made myself a helmet cam this morning (a simple 1/4inch bolt through my Craigslist motorcycle helmet) to record some things… more on that to come later! Process shots after the “jump.”

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Afflicted Little Men

Some teaser/progress work for a freelance project. I tend to draw a lot of afflicted little people.

Drunken Surveillance Master

Messing around with some themes and characters from my favorite films tonight. Hoping to start posting more sketches and in progress stuff on here.