infographics are my favorite

interesting information + great graphics = infographics


i didn't even know there was a specific name for these, nor a group of people that are lucky enough to create them for a living. i have a nerdy love of information and interesting facts, so to add beautiful design into the mix makes infographics a borderline obsession for me. 


infographics may not directly relate to branding per se, but the concept is utilized by commercial companies, non profits, and government agencies alike to make complex (and perhaps boring) data more palpable and digestible. this in turn, can have an enormous effect on branding because information that would otherwise go unnoticed and unread is recognized by consumers. this is particularly compelling and significant when infographics support a cause, such as relaying messages to the public about the poor nutrition quality of an average school cafeteria lunch, or about how little it takes for community health workers to save lives in third world countries. plus, people like me would probably even hang a few infographics on a wall as artwork.


GOOD is a 'media platform website' that has all around awesome news articles, great writers, and best of all, stellar (and frequent!) infographics. find them archived here; below are some of my favorites.


has anyone ever made their own infographic? i've been brainstorming my ideas but haven't settled on one yet.

infographics c/o good.is

starbucks

i have to admit, i can't get enough of starbucks.


the coffee & espresso aren't bad, the new cake pops are delicious (the pink one is the best), and their cafes are well-designed and cozy. i also like the fact that they avoid commercial and advertising venues for their marketing and branding, yet are still the most successful coffee shop chain in the usa. instead of obnoxious ads and other inyourface marketing tactics, starbucks used social media venues to communicate their rebrand and overnight, their stores were stocked with their limited time only coffee, snazzy new mugs, and new cups emblazoned with the new siren logo.


when starbucks redesigned their brand, i was elated. i love simplicity, and this new logo is pared down. if you look at the progression of logos, this trend is apparent. the logo has become almost what i would call elegant.


this logo also gives starbucks some leg room. without the word "coffee," the logo suddenly becomes international. starbucks has been opening stores worldwide already-i was able to order a vanilla bean frappuccino in buenos aires, argentina- and this logo will only drive starbucks more into the international market. 


there have also been rumors (starbucks' ceo howard schultz vaguely references it in the clip below) that the company is expanding beyond coffee and tea. i've heard whispers that they may even begin serving alcohol! i haven't decided quite how i feel about this, but if anyone can market it successfully, it is undoubtably starbucks. 


i certainly wouldn't mind cozying up in one of those  cushiony chairs with a glass of pinot noir.

photos & video clip courtesy of starbucks

thedieline.com

one of my favorite resources for design and branding ideas is thedieline.com, a packaging design site.


i kid you not when i say i have been lost in this site for hours. not only do they showcase well-known agency work (dupuis, product ventures, sterling brands) but also student work. packaging is such a crucial part of a company's brand and it's fascinating to see how brands have changed (or not changed) over the course of time. often times, packaging design defines a brand. what would tiffany's be without the turquoise box?


the site also features packaging designs from around the world; discovering how cultural differences manifest themselves in something as simple as packaging design is really fascinating. 


if you're pursuing a career in packaging design, the site also has an abundance of resources, such as job advice from professionals, industry news, and even job listings.


for those of you that are wondering, 'what is a dieline, and what does it have to do with packaging?' here is your answer (courtesy of wikipedia):


A dieline is used in graphic design as a placeholder for assisting in the proper layout of a document that will be diecut as part of the finishing process. It is usually placed into the graphic's computer file as a separate layer for sizing and orientation purposes. A dieline is usually not printed on the final piece but is used to determine correct layout.

photo courtesy of thedieline.com