Blog

We’re hiring

Industrial Brand is looking for the next member of their communication design team. If you think that’s you, visit this job posting on GDC.net and convince us you’re the right choice.

Posted by Mark Busse

A Home Business is Still a Business

Our very own Matt SamyciaWood was featured in a recent issue of Business in Vancouver with his article A Home Business is Still a Business. Addressing some of the more common mistakes with branding a business, Matt shares insights into how those very same lessons can guide a home-based business to consistent messaging and success.

Posted by Mark Busse

Mac Burrard Station

The Olympic Games would not exist without sponsors, that’s a fact. They bring the millions, they make it happen. But since early January, Burrard Skytrain station has turned into a giant ad for McDonalds and I hate it. Really, it is everywhere: platforms, corridors, walls, floors… It is so tacky and I don’t like being brainwashed! I guess I could stop at Granville station for a change, but there it’s all about Coke…

Posted by Mathilde Salvert

Icograda’s Design Week Vancouver 2010

I believe there is always room for every person to grow, personally and professionally. But as an Art Director (and father of a two year old) my ‘spare’ time for a conference is very limited. I have been in this industry for 15 years and without sounding arrogant, I know a lot about this industry. If I am going to take five days to attend a conference it better be something significant that will make a positive difference for my career. I also want to see speakers who are funny, intelligent and poignant. I have no interest seeing presentations that are nothing more than monotone portfolio overviews with little or no relevance to the conference theme.

So, why should I get excited about Icograda’s Design Week Vancouver being hosted by GDC in April of this year? Continue reading "Icograda’s Design Week Vancouver 2010"

Posted by Matt SamyciaWood

Honouring Jim Rimmer

Jim Rimmer died last week and I really wasn’t sure I wanted to post anything online after writing a tribute post for my recently deceased friend Leo Obstbaum. Losing people takes the wind right out of your sails. Then I found the following letter which was part of the nomination a group of us submitted for the Order of British Columbia last year. Unfortunately Jim was not selected as a recipient.

Continue reading "Honouring Jim Rimmer"

Posted by Mark Busse

Likemind Vancouver: January 2010

Happy New Year! The first Likemind event of 2010 is scheduled for 8am, January 15th and will be hosted by W2 Community Arts at the W2 Culture + Media House at 112 West Hastings Street (the Perel building across the street from the fancy new Woodwards building).

Coffee and treats are being provided by Salt Spring Coffee this month, so come join a group of like-minded creative professionals and start your day with some good conversation and a cup of quality, fair trade and organically grown coffee.

Remember to confirm your RSVP on the Facebook group page, invite a friend, and bring your travel mug. See you there!

PS – Can some of you remember to bring a camera and take some updated shots we can share with the nearly 70 other Likemind groups around the world?

Posted by Mark Busse

Graphex 2010 = A Reflection Of Me!

We just received the Call For Entries for Graphex 2010—GDC’s biennial national design awards. The concept is “A Reflection Of The Best Designers In Canada”, so I photographed myself reflected in the shiny mirror postcard. Does this mean I’m now among the best designers in Canada? No, but maybe it’ll bring some luck as we get ready to submit a bunch of work from the past couple years. Fingers crossed!

I see GDC has created a public Graphex 2010 group on Flickr, so hopefully more designers across the country will post similar photos of themselves.

Posted by Mark Busse

People build culture

Being involved in the development of District was a great experience.

Working closely with our clients Amacon and Mac Marketing I truly feel that we have all contributed to the South Main district by creating not just a great building but also a brand and lifestyle and an expectation for the type of people who will soon belong to the local community.

Continue reading "People build culture"

Posted by Matt SamyciaWood

Design Week Vancouver 2010 – Registration Open!

If you are serious about your career as a designer, and want to learn from the world’s top experts while participating in an important dialogue about the nature and value of our industry, leaving you better equipped to tackle social, environmental and economic challenges, then you should attend Design Currency: Icograda Design Week in Vancouver 2010.

Continue reading "Design Week Vancouver 2010 – Registration Open!"

Posted by Mark Busse

Freelance Contractors Or Employees? Does It Matter?

The Industrial Brand team circa 2009—no contractors included.

I recently spoke with a client who expressed his frustration with design firms who include associates on websites or in proposal responses without clearly expressing that they are external contractors and not employees. Does it really matter? Is it a personal choice or a question of professional ethics?

Continue reading "Freelance Contractors Or Employees? Does It Matter?"

Posted by Mark Busse