I would love to get some comments from both sides of the field here.

I have been a designer for a fair amount of time and in all my years I have had almost no hassle free experiences submitting files and dealing with signwriters. Is it a South African problem (3rd world problem) where signwriters choose to use software like CorelDRAW due to it being less costly? I am specifically talking about smaller signwriting companies, the mom-&-pop type.

Is it possible that CorelDRAW is the only software that works with their vinyl cutting machines and printers (surely not)?

Why the issue with CorelDRAW?
When I started out I used CorelDRAW. In my opinion limited if you want to get serious about design. I use the Adobe Suite and it is generally considered the industry standard. I create press compliant PDF’s using said software and I understand how to create files that are vinyl cutter (and for that matter screen print) ready. And if you don’t know, see this excellent video on how to get your files ready for a vinyl cutter using Illustrator > Video Preparing Vector Art for a Vinyl Cutter. The problem comes in with file compatibility, which CorelDRAW has almost none of. The most irksome part of this process is that CorelDRAW can export PDF’s and open some PDF’s, but then others will fail to open (you will get a corrupted file message).

Why they want to open your file in an editing environment like CorelDRAW instead of printing it from PDF when you painstakingly set it up for them to size, ready to print, cut… whatever… I don’t know, I am missing a beat in their working process.

It is also often the case, it seems, that most small signwriting companies don’t have a DTP specialist or graphic designer on staff. Cant justify having a semi-professional / professional on the payroll? Surely the hours lost and botched jobs will offset the cost… and if you keep your bases covered (in other aspects of your business*) you will probably end up gaining a bucket load of new clients.

*Bases covered? The amount of times I had to follow-up emails with calls and having to resend files due to the email getting lost in the ether (or the black-hole known as Outlook – another assumption on my part) makes me wonder about this. 

Rant justified? … or is it just a personal experience?

Anyone want to take me up on this and give me a hassle free professional service? My doors are wide open.

The Fundamental Elements of Design in 3 minutes. Succinct.

Samuel Sampi Kamffer AKA one2love. I am a graphic designer (pixel pusher, doodler, picture technologist)… mostly. I create both personal and commercial work that includes art, photography, illustration and design. The best ideas are the uncomplicated ones – simply put… make it look good and make it work.

I live in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, I love it here. When I am not doodling, I also spend a fair amount of time with my family, on my trusty boogie (read bodyboard), surf board, fishing and cycling.

I am in the process of doing a client illustration that will be used on some of their marketing material including their vehicle signage. This got me thinking about a vehicle wrap I was commissioned to do a bunch of years back and how successful that “campaign”  has been to this day (I see that car around all time, you cant’ miss it). If done properly, vehicle signage is a remarkably effective marketing tool.

Coincidently I was recently forwarded some info concerning vehicle signage.

The Power of Portable Propaganda via SitePoint > Excerpt:

How often have you driven alongside a car or truck bearing company signage? Just about every day, right? Well, there’s a reason for it: brand signage is a great mobile advertisement. Never contemplated putting a decal on your car before? I recommend you reconsider. How often have you looked up a web address spotted on a car in front of you at the traffic lights, or recalled a company because you’ve seen their vehicles on the road? I have plenty of times.

But first, consider the image your car sends out. If you own an old clapper of a car, or a very sporty, new luxury car, think about your market. A bomb on the road may send the message that your services are cheap and nasty, or that you’re unsuccessful at what you do; similarly, if you drive a very fancy car, you may be construed as being too expensive or over the top.

If, however, your vehicle is somewhere in between, you may have just the right mobile billboard for your business.

So what should you put on your car? Well, I’ve seen plenty of examples featuring just the URL, but these don’t relay what the business does, unless your web address lists your main service. I’ve also seen a lot of vehicles with a business name only, so I’ve had no idea of what they do or how to contact them.

Here’s the minimum you should have: your business name, logo, product or service, and website address. Remember, though, that most drivers don’t want to read a novel on the back of your car — so keep it succinct.

Read the full article here

My personal logo is still making the rounds. This time it is featured on design inspiration web thedesigninspiration.com

What is thedesigninspiration site? In their own words:

The Design Inspiration is created by a group of designers who are seeking various design inspiration every day.

To make every designer’s life easier, we decided to feature the best logos, illustrations, websites, photos and patterns from the most talented designers around the world. And we would like to make sure you are getting the fresh and top quality design inspiration daily.

If you are looking for inspiration this is a must visit.

Its been a couple of days since I had a look at my web traffic stats. I had a look this eve and noticed a significant bump over this last week. The source; the one2love logo made it onto Logo Faves.

Logo Faves, a logo design inspiration site. A collection of best designed logos around the web is showcased in Logo Faves. we don’t want to be like other Logo repositories,our idea is to bring you the best of best logos.

Our working methodology is open to all, ie., we filter through lots of the designer portfolios over everyday and catalog the greatest logos out there. We pride ourselves on having a huge selection of inspiring logos – perfect for getting the spark of creativity going on and on.

Thanks guys (girls?)!
Have a look here

I also noticed a danish blogger did a small write up on the logo.
HERE (Typografik)

Renowned designer Jacob Cass over at JUSTCREATIVE DESIGN posted an article in the same vein as my previous rant.

Here is an excerpt… now head over there and read it:

“Where’s the magic button?!” read the subject line of the latest thread in the character animation forum. Within was the rantings of another poor soul who had believed the lie. He had purchased the right tool, now why couldn’t he do the work he’d seen others do?

Justcreativedesign.com

French design blog Graphucinno put the one2love logo on their “best logo of 2008″ list. Thanks guys / girls.

Direct translation from french (using Google Translate):

The 10 best logo

In the view of many designers, the logo design is the most complicated exercise and most périeux that is a visual communication. Getting the message to mark a company, a concept, an image that can be displayed in both 16px X 16px on screen, printed in a hat, or black and white poster is often an achievement. The real logo are beautiful works that I respect enormously and I will never tire of admiring. Let today on the logo that marked the year 2008.

Graphuccino Best logos of 2008

Samuel Sampi Kamffer AKA one2love. I am a graphic designer (pixel pusher, doodler, picture technologist)… mostly. I create both personal and commercial work that includes art, photography, illustration and design. The best ideas are the uncomplicated ones – simply put… make it look good and make it work.

I live in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, I love it here. I also spend a fair amount of time on my trusty boogie (read bodyboard) or Stick (read surf board).