Blog

Topic: Design

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 Roche 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
Jun24

Breakin’ the Rules
by Brooke Roche in Design 0 comments

A brochure is a tri-folded 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper.
Website logins are in the upper right hand corner.
Business cards are 3.5” x 2”.
A coffee mug is the perfect give-away.

Right? Wrong!

Once the “norm” has been planted in your head, it’s easy to forget that things can be done differently. And most importantly, doing things differently gets attention!

We use to think churches had to be used for worshiping. But more and more people are turning them into homes – beautiful homes that are featured on HGTV and in architecture magazines. Everywhere you look, ordinary things are being... read on
Jun15

Social Media Trends from 日本
by Rumi Sakuraeda in Design, Social Media, Technology 1 comment

I recently spent 12 days in my hometown – Osaka, Japan (unaffected by the earthquake and/or radiation). It’s always refreshing to go home and immerse myself in a completely different culture. But something stood out to me during this trip that I had never seen before – American technology was being used everywhere!

One of my favorite things to do in Japan (other than to eat and shop) is browse Japanese electronic stores. Japanese technology, especially cell phones, is usually ahead of the curve. In the past I came home spouting to my friends about how fascinated I was with the new... read on
Jun02

An Infographic About Infographics
by Seth Benson in Design 2 comments

It’s information overload out there. To Twitter trained users and iPhone addicts, a page of solid text seems daunting and unreadable. So how can you get your audience to actually pay attention to the information you’re trying to share?

Why draw it for them of course! Cue – the infographic.

Infographics are the epitome of the worn out phrase – a picture is worth a 1,000 words. But have you ever wondered where they got their start? Check out our infographic about infographics (below) for a detailed, and highly accurate, history.
Apr01

SXSW 2011 Wrap Up
by Jon Immel in Business, Design, Interactive Services, Technology 0 comments

It’s time for my third annual South by Southwest (SXSW) wrap-up post. A vacation immediately following SXSW delayed my post this year, but hopefully my conference wrap-up details will more than make up for it.

Breaking Taboos (#taboo$)

This conversation led by Mark Hemeon and Whitney Hess, focused on discussing important project aspects with clients, regardless of how sensitive the topics may be. Budgets, payments, client representation and other key issues were brought up during this panel.

Whenever the topic of budget comes up, a defensive position seems to quickly follow by both... read on