Blog

Topic: Design

Jun01

“Call Me Maybe”: A Case Study in Captivating the Young Audience
by Casey Baksa in Advertising, Design, Interactive Services, Public Relations, Video, 0 comments

Hey.

I just met you. And this is crazy.

But here’s what I wonder: is “Call Me Maybe” a wonderful example of what really captivates a young audience?

It very well may…be. If you haven’t noticed, the song’s been somewhat successful.

Before you tell me to saddle up with Carly Rae and ride off a cliff, hear me out. Here are five cues you can take from the vibrant young Canuck’s ascent up the charts when contemplating your next campaign.

1. Simple works.

Let’s clear this up – “Call Me Maybe” is a brilliantly written pop song. It is not, however, a case study in poetic discourse.... read on
Mar30

SXSW 2012 Recap
by Brooke Packard in Design, Miscellaneous, 1 comment

SXSW was, as always, a great trip full of inspiration, aha moments and useful tips. Whether it be from a speaker in a panel, a website I checked out b/c of a free button or just the general overall creativity that buzzes around Austin, this year’s conference was energizing.

The best panel I saw was “Style Tiles.” Samantha Warren, a designer based out of San Francisco, came up with her own process that is a cross between mood boards and a design comp. This was a total aha moment for me as I’d tip toed around doing this before, but never quite pushed it to where she does. Instead of pulling... read on
Mar22

SXSW 2012: Interactive Insights
by Jon Immel in Business, Design, Interactive Services, Technology, 0 comments

SXSW 2012 is over and it was another great trip for the TrendyMinds team. We learned quite a bit at various panels and also ate some great food and attended some fun parties. Below are some of the panel highlights from the trip.

Designing from the Gut: Dangerous or Differentiator

This panel really intrigued me as it’s an internal battle I often have. Is it better to design based off lots of research or analytics, or what your gut tells you is right? The panel not only had some agency veterans but also had employees from Facebook and Twitter. The variety in speakers provided many unique... read on
Mar06

We’re Not In Indy Anymore
by Tommy Hudock in Advertising, Design, Interactive Services, Social Media, Technology, Video, 1 comment

We all have seen the Wizard of Oz, (at least once). This famous Technicolor feature film stars Judy Garland who plays Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who’s been dropped into a mystery land of munchkins, lions, tigers and oh my, witches! Although, Dorothy does not have a roster of great clients to support, she does look to many along her yellow brick road for ideas, support and suggestions on whom, and what can get her (and her little dog too!) back home to Kansas to be reunited with her family.

Just like Dorothy, TrendyMinds is always looking for the best cast of characters, resources and... read on
Oct05

It’s not where you take things from. It’s where you take them to.
by Brandon Ehrlich in Design, 0 comments

Inspiration. It can be your best friend. Or your worst enemy.

After a few weeks in the TrendyMinds office, I’ve come to discover that inspiration is more than just a theory. It’s literally oozing out of the dry wall here on Mass Ave.

Whether you’re a designer, a writer or a web developer, you have to find a source. Which got me thinking – where do I find inspiration? And how do I channel it to be the most productive?

For some designers, it’s easy to go off of a keen eye or a sense of knowing “what looks good.” That’s instinct. And often what sets apart the great from the good.... read on
Sep26

The Importance of Taste
by Brooke Packard in Business, Design, 4 comments

We’ve all been there.

You need to save a few bucks so you turn to the big box grocery store with their fluorescent lighting and closeout prices. You know they may not have exactly what you need, but hey – how bad could it be?

When you arrive, your worst fears are realized. The place is full of rude people; ridiculously long lines and they don’t even have the unsalted butter you need to make cookies that evening. (Really, who doesn’t carry unsalted butter?!) It is at this point you decide – I’m never coming here again.

This same theory can be applied when it comes to printers. Sure,... read on
Aug12

Going International? Austin Powers Is Not Your Guide.
by Maggie Hames in Advertising, Business, Design, Interactive Services, Public Relations, 0 comments
Over the course of 2011, TrendyMinds has been fortunate enough to work with several clients on an international level. Whether they’re new to the market or old-timers on the scene, international audiences require a different approach and a decent amount of research.

To avoid a cross-cultural blunder and embarrassment for both agency and client, be sure to cover all the bases. Just because characters in the movie Austin Powers use the term “randy” on a regular basis, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in the UK.

Here are some things to consider when launching an international campaign:
1. ... read on
Jul18

It’s About Time - Why Your Website Should Be In HTML5
by TrendyMinds Staff in Design, Interactive Services, Technology, 4 comments

An old sweatshirt, your comfy t-shirt, a favorite pillow, your 1999 Apple iBook?

We can all be guilty of finding comfort in a familiar belonging, holding on to relics that are irreplaceable. Fortunately, we can be afforded these comforts in most all facets except for one – technology.

It’s hard to forget the Best Buy Super Bowl Commercial that boasts ever-evolving cell phone service. It seems every advertisement encourages us to upgrade. Although it is frustrating (and uneconomical) to keep-up, there is one advancement we at TrendyMinds believe it’s time you get on board with: HTML5.
... read on