Details matter.

As a New Yorker for 24 years I haven't had a car. I want a car. I like to drive. If I can't have a teal Maserati, I think I want an AUDI AG.

A couple of years ago I was visiting my sister in Charleston, SC and I borrowed her car to go to the grocery store. I was excited as I usually have to carry all my groceries home in NYC. I opened the door and I saw the Audi logo at my feet! 😱 Logo Design, Brand identity

Who doesn’t love a sale?

Most companies or solopreneurs don’t need the big agencies with the big price tag to start building their brand. But they definitely will benefit from working with an expert in brand building.

Is the shape of the Eiffel Tower copyrighted?

I was wondering this as I was thinking about posting two great branding designs I found in Paris this month. It got me asking this question.

According to the tower’s official website, Eiffel Tower's shape and design were protected by copyright until 1993, 70 years after the death of its architect, Gustave Eiffel.

I was ready to buy Olympic merch!

When it comes to breakdancing merch for its Olympics debut in Paris the marketing folks at the IOC really missed the mark.

Before a recent trip to Paris my husband gave me a wishlist (all sports-related) of items to look out for while there.

I'm taking a trip down memory lane.

This is my first logo. I didn't design it. The now well-known toy designer and mural artist, Tristian Eaton did.

These were our early days in NYC.

After looking everywhere in Paris for cool Paris and Olympic designs I decided to take a stab at my own inspired by the one T-Shirt I saw that was on to something. Here is my own version. Says Paris and the Olympics without being too merch-like, which are the designs I always love when looking for souvenirs.

When I designed the logo for NYC Public School PSIS 187, I provided staff and support teams several files of the logo and the custom font. It’s a big school and various people of various degrees of design ability use the pieces. Over the years their visual communications have vastly improved and they are better at staying “on brand” by maintaining a certain level of consistency in the use of the brand.

Oceans apart, this street art in Paris resonates with me when thinking about the job search in NYC.

Application after application. Decades of experience and skills. Proven record of success with Photography, Design, Branding projects. Positive review after positive review of what it's like to work with me. All while raising and successfully advocating for 3 kids with 504s and IEPs in a complex NYC education system. Never pausing.

At 18 I wanted to go to photography school in Miami and my parents said no. They didn't think I was making good choices.

I had to figure out another door.

It's good to explore other possiblities. Over the next two weeks I'm pivoting back to my roots and my first love. No, not vodka nor potatoes ... although I love both.

Photography.

I've been holding a camera since the age of 6, running around with friends and my sisters with my Kodak 110 snapping away.

Teal Studio is a Creator Brand.

What does it mean to be a creator?

First we ask questions and look beneath the surface, gathering undercurrents of meaning and aspirations and analyze data. We see things in a different way, from different angles and approach challenges not just to point out the issues but to solves the problems.

How many of you have tried to lock down your kid’s devices only to find it doesn’t work or that the kids find a workaround in two hot seconds?

I had a friend tell me the other day that their husband, an international finance CEO, spent countless hours trying to lock down their kid’s phone from the type of content allowed to be seen, to the time limits on specific apps. He was in South Korean chatrooms and tech company forums. It was global search, a deep dive. It was that complicated.

Does the brand make you feel like they know your name?

The Everyman archetype brands are the approachable, familiar faces that resonate with a wide range of consumers. They are a brand that feels like someone you can trust and rely on. It isn’t about being flashy or trendy.

I asked my middle school daughter about her facial routine and the products she uses. She responded, “Just because I’m beautiful on the inside doesn’t mean I don’t want to be beautiful on the outside.” I’m pretty sure this is a response a Magician Brand Archetype for a beauty product brand would want to hear.

This brand personality isn't about smoke and mirrors; it's about harnessing creativity and innovation to create a brand experience that feels like magic for your customers.

Is your brand in a crowded market place? Do you want your brand to be the go-to authority?

Throughout history, from China to Africa, Europe, and Mesoamerica, sages were revered figures who were consulted for their knowledge and insights.

A study by Applied Developmental Psychology found humorous ads are 33% more likely to be remembered by viewers compared to non-humorous ads. Source: Cause and Effect of Funny Advertising in the Child Target Group by Meike Hammerstein, Kirsten D. Knopf

The Jester archetype isn't about being silly for the sake of silliness.

Is your brand stuck in a one-night stand mentality with customers? Do your marketing campaigns fall flat, failing to capture their hearts and minds (and wallets)?

Are your clients looking for an immersive and emotionally charged experience? No, you didn’t click on a dating app link. But yes, the Lover brands are seeking your attention

Feeling the pressure to differentiate your brand in today's competitive landscape?

The Caregiver archetype is a powerful brand personality, which caters to a deep human desire for exceptional service, personalized attention, and genuine care. You don’t have to be a luxury brand like The Four Seasons Hotels, Hermès, Apple or have a Michelin Guide's star to follow how these brands achieve excellence.

Is it liberating us by solving a problem? Does your Brand break the rules? 💣 💥

Have you considered if your brand publicly expresses its personality and core values for more than its clients?

I’m thinking internal corporate rebellion. 👔