Collaborating on the WordCamp Milwaukee 2012 website

I recently joined a networking group for web developers who build custom WordPress websites and volunteered to help design the website and brand for this years WordCamp Milwaukee. Although there are several WordCamps across the country this is the first time one has been held in Milwaukee. The idea is to spotlight local talent and talk about everything WordPress.


WordCamp Milwaukee was a two day event in early June. Thanks to several volunteers the event was an incredible success. I was excited to contribute by developing the look and feel for the site while working with a couple of serious PHP gurus on the backend of the site. It was a very successful collaboration.

Updating custom WordPress project...

Over the last decade or so sustainability has become extremely fascinating to me. Working with Barb Basaj at SunSpec Energy Solutions, a home performance consultant and solar site assessor, was extremely rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with a small business offering several valuable services that help our environment and create energy independence.

After some careful consideration I've decided it's time to bring my own brand into line and update it with some minor changes. The first change is to align my business name with my URL CarlDesigns.com. The goal is to highlight the individual service my clients experience working with an independent designer vs a large firm. Instead of using my full name I've switched to my first name only because the I'm on a first name basis with all of my clients.

There are a couple other reasons for making this change... first, it shortens up the name making it easier to remember and second it retains my first name which allows me to do business without having to use a "doing business as" (DBA) designation.

I've started to experiment with my logo. Primarily to remove one of the graphic representations of the letter "C" while retaining aspects of its present appearance.

Second round of logo refresh

Recent custom WordPress website

Voice Over Nation is a training program for aspiring voice over artists. Not only do they show you the ropes they get you started with a promo disc. The owners are two fun guys with years of experience in the industry and love what they do.

The logo inside the brand

There are far too many people and professionals in the industry that still haven't made the distinction between a logo and the brand. The overall brand strategy encompasses not only the logo but every element such as marketing, advertising, public relations, employee training, etc... Without a well developed brand strategy all of these pieces are floating separating occasionally bumping into one another. 

A well thought out brand strategy is what connects them and imbeds the DNA of a brand throughout every aspect of an organization. A strong brand is similar to a set of Russian dolls—each one stands securely on its own yet has the same characteristics as the others and fit perfectly one inside another. A logo is only one doll inspired by the core purpose of the organization which is magnified from layer to layer.