MIND MAPPING

This mind-map was created to find some specific visual elements that would help me to create the right brand image for My Assets Claim. After reading the questionnaire, I can see the client hasn’t driven the concept in any specific direction. That is why I used as a reference some initial keywords related directly to the company service. I then created some connections between them to get a solid base before
starting to brainstorm and sketch.

CONCEPTUALIZATION 

Since the company’s mission is to help clients to claim unrefunded taxes, it is important that the logo has a visual connection with personal finances. Here is where the tagline (Financially Rewarding) becomes a fundamental element to reinforce the right concept. It is clear when we think “Tax Refund”,  we are talking about  “money”.  My goal is to create a professional, visual identity for the brand and create a concept representing the money by itself. Definitely it would be the easiest way and the final result would be a cheap and overused concept. (#2 )After the brainstorming and mind-mapping process, I came to some important conclusions:

My Assets Claim is more than a tax refund check. We are talking about personal finances.

When we spend money, we have different feelings. Let’s say I have $500. For me, it’s not the same emotion to spend this $500 buying an iPad (#2) as it is paying a $500 phone bill (#3). It is important to drive the concept into a positive emotional direction… branding more than a company name and to communicate feelings. The brand should tell your clients, “We are here to claim your money, therefore we are part of your progress and superation in this country.

With this information and some keywords (#2), I’m ready to get into the sketching proccess. \

RESEARCH

As I have stated before, when we talk about a tax refund, we are talking about “personal finances”. Therefore I have to do some research looking for branding linked to “personal finance management”, such as corporations, banks, money exchange, accounting, etc.

Here are some good samples. You can see most of them were created using lines and solid colors. This graphically transmits a feeling of validity and reliability.

SKETCHING

My initial thought was to create an icon representing a person, but maybe this idea would be too ordinary and hard to identify as an unique concept. At the second page I’m getting into another kind of concept. Using the company’s name as initials, I’m trying to represent the sun as a symbol of prosperity, achievement, progress, etc. Another direction could be to  use a star as another representation of  progress and achievement.

On third page I’m working with the initials. With these sketches, I’m getting into a more corporate concept. Here we have 4 equal elements trying to represent the company’s name with initials. The M and the A match perfectly, but since the C is a rounded letter, my goal is to find the perfect shape to represent the initials in a more consistent  way.

RENDERING

Here we have some vectorized ideas, not color yet. I’m just testing some shapes. Some of the initial concepts #19 to #25, could be a good starting point, but it is hard to integrate the “C” with the A and  M letters.Graphics #26 to #36… here I’m going deeper and with some work it could be possible to find the right shape to represent the company’s name through a unique and clever way.

CONCEPT CHARACTERISTICS

After some additional work and sketching, I have achieved my goal. With four semi curved arches, we can see the company initials.It is clear the letters are different from their original shapes. The ideais not to type three letter to represent the company. The idea is to create a solid, unique and professional concept.

The logo was created using a continuous path and as a result, we have a really solid concept.

The arches represent 4 mountains, which are increasing in height from left to right. This  is visual resource as symbol of  superation, “Your next challenge in this country  is going to be bigger”.

Following the same idea of superation, prosperity, progress, etc, we see the darker bars are going forward. This is a clear symbol of overcoming challenges… with our services we can help you to achieve your American dream.

NAME POSITION

Here we have some options for the name, position and alignment

TYPOGRAPHIC SLECTION

These are some typographic options.  It is important to use a clear and nice font. After check these font selections, The font Gil Sans is really nice and simple. It works perfectly with the symbol created for the company.

COLOR COMBINATIONS

Some of them are over saturated, but this visual exercise is important to view the logo in all of its possible contrasting combinations. Some color combinations were created based on the American flag.Personally, I think red and grey is a great option. It is really strong, corporate and it has a direct connection with the American flag.

FINAL LOGO

This was my proposal sent to the client,  there wasn’t any modification or modification suggested by the client. He just love it

My name is Javier Samudio, I’m a award winning graphic designer founder of Javier.LA, this is a design studio highly focused on creating effective and awesome solutions for my clients, I have had the opportunity to work with great brands such as Ed Hardy, FOX, DirecTV, Foreseeson, just to name a few.

In  2005, I moved from Bogota, Colombia to Los Angeles with my wife and Merlin (my dog), my 15 years experiences range from designing, brochures, advertisements, product packaging, catalogs, logos to more complex projects, such as web pages and marketing strategies. I understand the importance of knowing the long-term vision of a company and how to accurately and consistently reflect and strengthen that message in all visual and written communications.

Technical Skills

Since I’m graphic designer, I have to work with the best software, which is why I use Adobe CS5

© Adobe Flash. Animation
© Adobe DreamWeaver. this is indispensable when I‚Äôm creating a website
© Adobe Illustrator. Logo creation, stationery, posters, billboard and most of my graphic design
© Adobe Indesign. Books, brochures and catalogs
© Adobe Photoshop and © FireWorks. Digital Retouch
© Adobe Premier. When I need some video edition
© Adobe Bridge. This is a pretty cool tool to work across the Adobe Suite

My studio

Based in Los Angeles, working as a freelancer, I strive to give my clients the most superior and cost efficient solutions in this vastly competitive market. I specialized in areas such as web design, logo design, corporate identity design, branding and print design.

My studio featuring Mac Pro G5, 1 LCD Cinema display, and a MacBook Pro 17 that I use to work on my customer’s location or agencies that hire me for independent projects.

Additionally I have couple printers and a 17″ Compaq laptop with Windows 98 installed, this is the perfect tool to test any website I’m creating, it’s slow, the operative system is old, small screen, but if the website I’m creating runs on this machine, that means it runs on any computer on the earth.

If you are starting a new project, need to design your website, create a professional logo, or any other graphic endeavor, this is the moment to hire me.

Check out this application on the App Store

Brief

The information contained in this post is an overview to the process followed to create the logo and the iPhone app icon for the brand CallPlease LLC. All the sources and graphic elements used in this process such as sketches, reference image, and names were created and selected  based on the company’s background and other important aspects provided by the client through a questionnaire.

Brainstorming

This mind-map was created with the objective to extract useful information provided by the client, since I was working with 3 different points of view, I have extracted the main aspect from each one and then try to get the possible connections between them to obtain a common point of view that will help me to create the right concept.

I have created this mind map using a cool application called Bubbl

Research and Conceptualization

Since I have to create a visual identity for the brand, one of the task is to create an concept that can be used as a iPhone app icon, that Is why I have made some research based on the visual appearance desired by the customer, clean and simple with a professional feeling and easy to understand, there are thousand of iphone icons and is hard to guess what are tue best concept, but here we can get an idea about some shapes and proportions.

While I was reading the questionnaire, creating the mind-map,  making connection between keywords, browsing iphone apps, moving words, etc,  I went really involved with the project and a lot of ideas came on top of my head,  then, I have a small tough about the project, this concept could take two different directions.

The first option is: The brand name is really good, nothing to guess about the company’s service, “CallPlease”, really simple and meaningful, so what if I create a visual concept focused on the name, a symbol that meet the same characteristics, clear, simple and meaningful?

My Second thought was: Since the name is really specific maybe the client wants to represent aspect of the company such as communication, boss and assistant contact, connection, interactivity, etc. and at this point the questionnaire will be the main source for inspiration and sketching.

Let’s do it, I will start working with the first option, Create a visual concept based on the brand name “CallPlease”.

Looking for logos that represent its name literally, I found an interesting blog named “Literally”, but what had my attention was a quote on the header that said: “Some of the best logos are obvious, that’s what makes them resilient.”  – MICHAEL BIERUT.  Lets see some of the logos featured there.

It is clear these are great logos, but all of them represent objects,  elements that in some way exist physically; apple, shell, puma, cross, target, Bell, etc. But what is  “CallPlease”  the closer element to this words combination is a phone icon, Is this a good symbol? It means “CallPlease” literally? Good try, but this is not what I’m looking for.

Why the phone icon can’t be used as a “literally” representation for CallPlease? Well because this combiantion of words more than a objet represents an action.

Lets go back to the mind-map. This area helped a lot to get the right solution, I found some important keywords to create the concept: phone, calls, hand, mouth, ear and human interaction, in addition “Call Please” is an expression used thousand of times every single day around the world.

Is there any visual element or symbol that could help me to represent Call Please?

Sketching

Here we have some sketches that will help me to achieve the concept that I want to transmit. It is important to keep in mind that what are we creating is an icon, the key here is to transmit the concept as a simple is possible, make a detailed draw it is the a easy way, but not a good symbol at all. The idea with this random sketching is to experiment different ways to represent the “CallPlease” gesture expresed in the pictures showed in the previews slide. The option #4 and #18 could help to represent the idea, the option #5 uses the hand icon closed to the “C” , this could be an interesting experiment, but I wasn’t sure yet.

Computer Generation and Rendering

Here we have some vectorized ideas, not color, Here I’m testing some shapes and the company’s name, I suggest to start the logo with lower “c” I understand for grammatical rulers the client use to write “CallPlease”, but if we see the “a” is trapped between five tall letters. We should use a typography celar and simple. after different test, these fonts are the best to represent the brand name Myriad Pro, Helvetica and Century Gothic.

Proposal presented to the client

The hand symbol fits perfectly inside the iPhone app box, it is the perfect support for the brand name, the color on the icon should get the same color on the work “call” to establish a direct relation between these elements .

In the following images you will see the logo symbol in color, combined with the company’s name. There is some small variations on the color. This is to give you a better idea how the logo looks in different applications and devices and help to make a decision about the direction we should take to create the final version.

Modifications after client Feedback

The clients really liked the concept proposed, but they wanted a better representation of the hand to transmit the idea in a direct way. We spoke about nails, modify the hand shape, use the application colors and other options represented in this page.

Icon Options

Final Logo and Color Values

Logo Construction Grid

View Client Testimonial

If this is the first time you are visiting my website, you won’t notice the big change it has had. But if in some way you know me, you will see I have rebranded myself. I wasn’t unhappy with my previous business name (samAdvertising). It was catchy and easy to remember. Some people asked me why Sam, well, it was a short cut for “Samudio”. In spanish it sounds good, but in english is kind of hard to pronounce.

When I arrived in the United States, my first thought about my business name was to create something personal and easy to identify across the country. As I said before, to use my last name wasn’t a good idea. That is why I used “Sam” and then combined with “Advertising” it would be the perfect match.

Now after six year of hard work and a huge learning process in Los Angeles, I have decided to give a fresh images to my business. It wasn’t an easy decision and sometimes I thought it would be better to stick with my old name. Now that the work is done, I’m sure about this big change. I have been working on this project for some months now. My task was to use a short name that was easy to remember and focused in my target audience, “independents and companies interested in professional design services, preferably based in Los Angeles.

Rebranding is more than changing the logo and stationery, it is also important to think about other important aspects such as domain name (website), emails, social media, phone numbers and so on.

Here we go.

Logo and identity design prices start from $500 and up. If you are a small business or large company, I can help you to  create a suitable logo. If the success of your business is important to you, then it makes sense that you invest adequately in your branding. By looking through my previous detailed creative process you can see exactly the amount of work I put into each project.

This will ensure that I have the time and means to fully research and understand everything about what you do and think. Time is crucial when developing a strong branding, it needs to reflect the personality of your company as well as send out specific messages to potential customers.

Redesign your Existing Logo - $500+

If you are company using the same logo for a while, but feel it’s showing it’s age, it may be time to rebrand. This basically entails new images for your existing concept. Maybe it needs an updated typeface and/or the logo-mark needs a bit of a clean up .

Create a Brand New Logo - $1500+

The logo design packages includes:

• Professional creative process.
• Logo versions for print
• Icons for internet and social media
• Supporting color palettes.
• Typography and applications.
• Logo construction  guidelines.
• View logo design projects.

Visual Identity Development - $2500+

The identity or ‘image’ of a company is made up of many visual devices:

• Professional logo design (The symbol of the entire identity & brand)
• Stationery (Letterhead + business card + envelopes, etc.)
• Social Media and Layouts
• Supporting color palettes.
• Typography and applications.
• Visual Identity  guidelines.
• View visual identity project

Visual Identity and Branding – $3000+

If you are a large company, a consultant, or a business that requires a solid image to attract the right niche, then you are generally looking over $2500 +.

• Professional logo design
• Visual Identity for print and web
• Marketing Collateral (Flyers, brochures, books etc.)
• Apparel Design (Tangible clothing items that are worn by employees)
• Signage (Interior & exterior design)
• View branding projects

Recent clients have invested anything from $1500 to $4000 for well researched logo design and identity. If you are unsure about how much to invest in your logo design, please contact me and we can both look through your requirements and I can help advise you on this.

Are you considering creating a website or moving your current HTML site to a WordPress platform? If so, you may be wondering – what the heck is WordPress? Why is everyone talking about it? What’s the big deal? why the whole world is moving to this platform?

WordPress allows website owners to have complete control over the content WITHOUT any website design skills. It is an easy‐to‐use application that allows you to update your website, upload images, embed videos and keep your site current, all without knowing a lick of HTML.

If you can use Microsoft Word, you can use WordPress!

The fact that your site can be managed without knowing HTML or PHP eliminates the need to pay a webmaster or web developer every time you want to make a change to your site or publish new content. This can result in HUGE long‐term savings over the life of your site. WordPress works beautifully with search engines.

The software is optimized for the search engines, which means that your web pages get found more quickly and come up in searches more often. And because it’s easy to publish new content, you’ll be much more likely to update your site on a regular basis, which is the BEST thing you can do to be found regularly by Google. Some of my clients have published content on their websites that is indexed and found by Google by the same afternoon.

The platform comes with an entire library of  themes and plugins, which are powerful tools created to optimize your website, with couple clicks you can sell products, inser keywords, increase your google traffic, add Twitter and Facebook “Like” buttons and more!

if you need help creating your website using this amazing tool. please let me know.

My website design & SEO services are comprehensive and professional design rates which are very competitive. My website design services can also include professional organic (natural) SEO built into the design. I have divided my web design services into two stages to make it easy for you to step up in incremental levels if you wish to spread out your expenditure. My development costs are usually significantly lower than you might expect because I work fast and in a development environment that allows rapid assembly and deployment.

Standard Website - Priced from $150

I understand all my clients want the best design, but on the other hand I have to deal with budgets and that is why I have created some options for those clients that are not ready to make a significant invest in their website presence.

Why are these prices are so low? For this kind of website I use a tool called WordPress™.  Since this platform works with predesigned themes and plugins, I don’t charge for the creative process. My prices are based just  on configuration and development. This is the perfect tool for any business. WordPress™ allows you to easily update your website on the Internet from any location. You don’t need additional software. If you know how to use Microsoft Word, then you are ready to update your website with pictures, videos, articles, etc.

Here are some prices:

Professional Custom Design - Priced from $2000

Here is another option. If you want to be unique in style and design, custom design is the category for your brand or personal portfolio. I can build you a nice clean website from scratch. Following a detailed design process, once the visual concept is created according to the client’s needs, we are ready for the second phase …  the programing.
I work  with current industry coding standards and practices, and the site is cross-browser-compatible.

Depending on design quality and programing complexity, I have created websites from $2000 up to $15000. If you are unsure about how much to invest in your website, please contact me and we can both look at your requirements and I can help advise you on this.

Contacting Me is Really Easy

• Use the purple tab Ask Javier a Question
• Send me an email to info [at] Javier.LA
  
• Call me 1-336-JAVIER-3 or  818-645-31-94
• Leave a comment at the bottom of this page
• Send me a tweet
• Send me a Facebook message

Why Should You Hire Me?

• Over 15 years experience
• Smart concepts that combine design and usability
• SEO and SMM strategies
• I always work with a contract to certify the client satisfaction
• Payment options (check, creditcard, Paypal)

Since my clients’ database is growing, I have decided to set standard rates, then it will be easier for my clients to get a better idea about what their project will cost.  You can hire me per project or as a freelancer.  What is the difference? Per project you will know the exact cost of your project, as a freelancer the cost depends on the number of hours I will work.

Per Project

My rates start at $100 (not kidding), from there I need to know some project details. This information is really important to give you the right quote. When you hire me, you are not just paying for a great logo or an amazing website…this is the final result.  You are paying for my ideas, style and concepts. You will have high quality design. Something you would expect to pay top dollar for with other designers.

• Web design pricing
• Logo design pricing

Freelance

For those clients or design studios who prefer to hire me as a freelancer, My regular hourly rate Monday through Friday between 10 am – 5 pm is $30 hour. My minimum charge in this case is $100, actually more than fair  for the quality of work I deliver.  If you want to hire me outside my regular schedule, even weekends, my hourly rate is $50.

Meetings an traveling fee

Everyone is welcome to my studio in Sherman Oaks, but I understand some clients are busy people or they just prefer to meet me in the comfort on his office, home or they are design studios that require me to work on location,  Your wish is my command.  In that case, I charge $50 traveling fee to any location in Los Angeles County, For other locations, my traveling fee may vary.

What Services Do I Provide?

Some designers are used to ask  high deposit, say around 75% or even getting full payment, asking this on a $2000 is just not fair to the client. Equally for the designer, a project like this will require much more upfront work, research and commitment and to not get a fair deposit should things go South half way though is also unfair. So here you have a payment methods to make the things easy for both of us

Projects under $1000

For any design project under $1000 I ask for full payment up front for new clients and between 50% to 75% deposit for regular clients.

Projects up to $2000

My solution is based on a 3 step payment plan. First of all I get 50% deposit up front. This is a fair and reasonable amount. If a month in something happens and the client walks, I am covered. I based this on 2 months work, so half of the fee for 1 months work.

I then ask for a further 25% once we are half way through the project. So this is like a good will gesture form the client, they are seeing progress, hopefully, and it’s a form of acceptance that the project is still very much on.

The 3rd step is the remaining 25% on project completion. Only once this is paid will I release all the digital files and sign over all rights to the client.

Projects up to $5000

If I landed a $2000+ project, and I estimated it would take 4 months. I would likely do something with a 4 way split, so basically ensuring monthly payments. Which again, is a fair enough thing to ask given how bills and things work. So it might be something like 40/20/10/10 or thereabouts. This is not to say turn down a hefty deposit if the client is prepared to pay it, but if not, this ratio is fair for both parties.

Projects over $5000

Usually projects over this amount will take me five months or more, in that case we can divide the total amount into equal parts without a 50% downpayment.

Payment Methods

Payment methods include checks, bank transfer, credit card and cash. The credit card payment is possible through Paypal with an additional 4% fee. If the client has problems paying the 2nd or 3rd month invoice, I will put the project in hold and wait for it to be paid. I understand sometimes the client has genuine cash flow problems and just needs time to get it cleared, usually designers could finish the project arguing violation of the agreement, but this is not my style, hiring me your inversion is always safe, I really like my work and I love when clients walk away from my studio with a smile on his face. “A happy client brings more clients”

Visit Client website

Javier was great to work with, listened to what I wanted and delivered. I got a great website and logo for my money! Javier was personable and easy to reach throughout the entire process. I get many compliments on my website… thanks Javier!

Melinda

FaceBody Essentials Facial Spa
Pasadena, CA”
Service Category: Graphic/Web Designer
Year first hired: 2010 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value

The information contained in this post is an overview to the process followed to create the visual identity for the company Bly Law, PC. All the sources and graphic elements used in this process such as sketches, reference image, and names were created and selected  based on the company’s background and other important aspects provided by the client through a questionnaire.

Brief

Bly Law, PC is a business law firm in Los Angeles with a niche representing clients in the technology, communications and entertainment industries.  Our mission is to develop and implement sound legal strategies and practical solutions for our clients that achieve their goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner.  We assist clients with business litigation and transactions and counsel clients on legal, regulatory, and public policy matters.  We also provide general counsel services to start-up companies and assist them with the formation of their business entities.

Mind Map

This mind-map was created with the objetive to extract useful information from the questionnaire and drive the initial sketches in the right direction.

Research

I did some research on hands trying to find out if there was another action, different from the hand-shake proposed by the client, that would represent the client, respect, deal, business, or trust.

The client said he didn’t consider any existing logo appealing enough to be used as a reference. Since I am still going to use “the hand” as a principal element, I’m still need to do some research to avoid copying any one else’s concept. The idea is to create an original graphic element that meets the clients requirements.

Since I didn’t have a clear understanding of the term “Zen like”, and it is obvious that the grammatical definition is important, I needed to get involved with the concept in a graphic context. I wanted to understand how it has been used and applied in other creative.

After my research, I concluded that I had to convey the concept using a basic shapes with a fresh appearance without losing the element of balance.

Now that I have the necesary information about the company and I’m familiarized with some visual elements, shapes, and concepts, it is time to start creating the right visual identity to achieve the perfect image to represent Bly Law, PC.

Before I start sketching my ideas out It is important to consider my client’s input…

“I do not want something that is based on the letters in the name of the firm.  I would like a logo that I can use if I change the name of the firm. Perhaps something that reflects the lawyer-client relationship would be good, such as shaking hands or interlocking links, but I would like it to be simple, abstract, and zen-like.”

Since the client has a clear idea about the logo he needs to identify the company, it is necessary to review some important aspects to narrow the design focus.

After checking some hand actions, “shaking –hands“ is definitely the best way to transmit lawyer-client relationship, other gestures such a single hand or several hands could be interpreted in diferent ways.

After check some logos created using hands, my perception is that while one hand is visible, the other one is practically hidden, what about if I try to represent the shake-hands with both hands at front? Since we are creating an abstract concept this could be possible and this could help to create an original concept. Since nothing is hidden,  it could be interpreted as a symbol of transparency and confiability in the service offered by the client.

Sketching & Development

Here we have some sketches that will help me to achieve the concept that I want to transmit. As I said it before, The traditional shaking –hands, we can see that one hand is hidden (6, 7, 8).

The other sketches could work, but personally the scketches (9, 10, 11, 12) are close to concept and meet the requirements for the creation of this logo…simple, abstract and Zen like.

Computer Generation

Here we have some vectorized ideas, not color or company name yet, I have to get focused on the forms. Something that I can see here if that I must keep a clear difference between the hands., I could work with different color or reduce the color intensity,  otherwise I will lose the idea I am trying to convey.

I have two final options. The first is my favorite. It is perfectly balance and kind of abstract, but

could easily be interpreted as a couple of hands about to shake.

The second option is basically the same concept, but here the hand-shaking is more evident, we can see the same five lines, but the different sizes and rounded corners are easily interpreted as fingers.

Delivery and feedback

In the following graphics you will see the logo  in color, combined with the company’s name. There is some small variations on the font and color. This is to give you a better idea how the logo looks and help to make a decision about the direction we should take to create the final version.

Option 01

Option 02

Option 03

Option 04

Final Version

The client really liked bot concept, but he must select one, after a conversation through phone and some work with the color we have the final version to represent Bly Law PC, now the work begins on rolling the logo out through application onto the website and business stationary. View the Logo Design Guidelines

After six years in America, it is time to look back and take a look at my career as a graphic designer. It has been an exhilarating roller coaster ride! Sometimes going up like a rocket and other times coming down with the parachute closed. But this is part of learning process. This acquired experience has helped me stay in the battle. It is time to pay back and share the strategies that have helped me to get  top clients and become a successful graphic designer in a challenging city like Los Angeles …
in a relatively short time.

I have learned some of these strategies through my experiences, reading books, attending seminars or getting invaluable advice from colleagues and friends.

I hope you find this small post helpful. Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.

Rates for photography projects are competitively quoted based on the specific needs of your project. Factors such as project size, product complexity, and optional features such as transparencies determine the overall cost of your project. For basic projects, we offer the following rate table as a guide.

Rates for individual photos on white background*

What’s included?

• Product prep & steaming of garments.
• White background with choice of natural shadow or reflection.
• Photo editing to correct dust and minor imperfections.
• Re-packing for return shipment.
• High resolution 300 DPI files for print and web use.
• Instant online delivery and free online image storage.

Fast standard turnaround.

Most photography projects are completed approximately 1 week after I receive your products in my studio. Very large projects may require additional time. In rare cases when I have an exceptionally high workload, your project may take slightly longer. To confirm current production times please contact me!

Take a look to some sample here

Developing a professional interactive website takes a combination of strategic insights, creative and technical execution that can bridge the gap between ideas and reality. I always utilize tools that help me work through the digital design and development process. One of these tools is designing using the 960 Grid System, This amazing system helps professional designers and engineers build websites and web applications that look brilliant and function intuitively.

My creative process consists of multiple steps, but always starts with the same question: How can this website help my clients succeed? Based on the answer, I gather user requirements, conduct research, do a competitive analysis, and prioritize the project features and functionality. At the end of this first step I’ll define the project scope. Once I have a definition there are several steps toward making our idea a reality, including site maps, wireframes, visual design, copywriting, web production, and web development.

A challenge is determining how to tie those often disparate elements together as seamlessly as possible. To do this, we have standardized on the 960 Grid System for all of the functional and visual design elements.

Visit the website

Brief

I was hired to created the visual identity for a new payment method called Invisipay.  What this system basically does is let you pay and get paid without sharing personal information such as email  or phone number.

Research

Before I start sketching, I always do my market research to get some inspiration and at the same time to make sure my client’s design stands out from the competition. This time I don’t have to go so far, as the comany’s brief says invisiPay is going to be a new payment method to make transactions online. I think this is clear enough and I just have one set direction to drive my creativity.

I understand the client’s affirmation when he says InvisiPay is going to be a new payment system different from others such as paypal or wire card. We have to keep in mind that  sellers always offer different payment options and it doesn’t matter how innovative or secure this new system is, it is going to compete with major brands that have been around for a while. That is why I have to create a concept that differentiates from the competitors.

Let’s go to the basics…we know what a transaction is, but as a designer I have to be objective and I can’t use my common sense and assume what I know is the absolute truth. After searching on google, I found the word “transaction” had a couple of definitions. This search drove me to a more specific field Financial transaction and Electronic funds transfer.  The second one is the reference I’m looking for.

A financial transaction is an agreement, communication, or movement carried out between a buyer and a seller to exchange an asset for payment. It involves a change in the status of the finances of two or more businesses or individuals. The buyer and seller are separate entities or objects, often involving the exchange of items of value, such as information, goods, services, and money. It is still a transaction if you exchange the goods at one time, and the money at another. This is known as a two part transaction, part one is giving the money, part two is receiving the goods.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the electronic exchange or transfer of money from one account to another, either within a single financial institution or across multiple institutions, through computer-based systems.    

This is just what I was looking for. I have such good keywords that I don’t even have to create a mind map. 

Sketching & conceptualization

Simplifying the concepts expressed above, a transaction is an exchanges of money between two parties. The key here is to combine this definition with the concept invisible which means that your personal information in this transaction is not viewed by anyone.

Let’s get started

The first sketches (1,2,3,4 and 5) are icons were I’m exploring different alternatives to represent the buyer and seller, the #1 is basically the vocal “I” which works as an initial for Identification and #2 is something close to a human shape. Both of them are surrounded for a circle as a representation of protection … “you and your personal information are safe”.

With sketches #6, #7, #8, #9 I’m trying to transmit the same concept,  but here the icon is duplicated. This is to represent seller and buyer, something important is the intersection area. As we know the intersection is used to represent something in common between two elements, in this case a transaction. If you look at sketch #8, I have replace the human silhouette with a couple of key lock holes. They represent security, safety, protection, etc. In sketches #9 and #10, I’m experimenting with other alternatives to represent the human interaction in the transaction.

The sketch #13 is a little different and more specific. I”m still working with the human silhouette, but they are surrounded with irregular shapes, in this case a D.
Here I’m trying to illustrate a direct representation for the ID initial.

Computer Generation

After getting clearer idea of the concept, it is time to start sketching out some elements to present to the client and to compare and start making the selection to achieve the right image for the brand.

These two are the ones selected by the client. They are simple and either one could be the perfect brand representation. The small icons at the bottom were create to get a better idea of how the logo looks in comparison with other merchants’ marks.

After some print outs and visual tests, the client decided to  use one  element instead of  two. The decision was based on identity protection from a general perspective. “The one element is to represent that the identity is protected (invisible)  regardless if this is a buyer, seller, person or corporation”. Which is a clever point of view.

The next step was to create some variations to explore different alternatives.

Typeface

After the icon was selected, it was time to select the right typography to represent the brand name. It has to be simple, clear and easy to read in small sizes.

Delivery and feedback

The client was happy with the final version of the logo and now the work begins on rolling the logo out through application onto the website and business stationery.

I hired Javier to do the branding for the new mobile APP named CallPlease. It’s a unique product that did not lend itself to obvious branding. Javier created graphics that fit exactly what we had hoped for, professional yet fun and out of the box. I can only give him my highest recommendation, as he fully met our expectations, and is an absolute pleasure to work with!

Service Category: Graphic/Web Designer

Year first hired: 2011
Top Qualities: Great Results, On Time, Creative

Gregg Fienberg

Zachary Wong is a 17-year-old award-winning filmmaker, musician, visual artist and writer. Zachary’s short film, “Not Without My Dog,” was nominated for Best Picture at YoungCuts Film Festival in Montreal, QC, Canada in 2008. Additionally, the short film achieved Official Selection at the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, and KIDS FIRST Film Festival.

Visit Zachary Wong portfolio

Photographer, Los Angeles

www.karasso.com

Consistency is key when looking to apply the Bly Law, mark. This brief guide will the client to applythe  Bly Law PC  logo.

This is a continuation of an existing logo and brand identity redesign project for Bly Law PC.  This law firm represents a wide range of clients in the communications, technology, entertainment, social media, gaming, music, fashion, and e-commerce industries.

The images above show the start of the brand identity guidelines, and specifically focus on the general usage of the Bly Law PC  logo.

We have logo versions for: website header, stationery and print design, a short/mini logo and just the logo mark with/without a boxed container. The contained version being used as website favicon and social media profile image.

Wood Design & Art CMD, Inc. is one of the finest custom cabinetry designer and manufacturer. WDA has built a solid reputation in Los Angeles  and surrounding areas for 40 years by specializing in personalized cabinetry using Mullet Cabinet, and solid wood, Amish-made cabinets.

Javier is an excellent designer fast to the point knowledgeable fast learner and all round grate to work with. I have referred him to my clint and got great reviews.”
Service Category: Graphic/Web Designer
Year first hired: 2005 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity

Tal Karasso
CEO at Bridge production
CEO at Karasso Photography
www.karasso.com

Noellie las lived in Los Angeles from 2004 to 2008 and is deeply appreciative to American choreographers, Maria Gillespie, Laura Gorenstein Miller, Victoria Marks, Stephanie Nugent, Holly Rothschild and Lionel Popkin. Since his return to France, she is member of the company Béa Buffin (2010 piece for 6 dancers: Les malentendus).

In 2011, she joined the company Ezio Schiavulli to perform TempoRubatoAlCrepuscolo (2011 piece for six dancers.) She was also a dancer in the musical Romeo and Juliet.
and Notre Dame de Paris for an international tour.

Visit Noellie Bordelet Official website

Concept and graphics for this portfolio were provided by the client, I was hired to make the flash development and configuration for its publication online

Dyan Sutton is a design professional with over 20 years experience in the advertising/marketing field. She brings marketing strategy, brand development and a strong conceptual vision to your project. Whatever your creative or strategic marketing needs are… new identity, corporate brochure, website design or simply a “facelift” for your current brand… She can help!

Visit Dyan Sutton Website

From the spices of Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico to the exotic flavors of the Caribbean, Asia and Europe -Tropicafe’s cuisine is one of a kind. With perfection, organization and planning we can make your event a dream come true. Whether you want a Latin cocktail party or a European Wedding – we can do it all. Our hand-picked chefs from all over the world will have your guests asking for more. Serving only in the San Diego County

FaceBody Essentials is an exclusive SKIN SPA boutique nestled in the Burlington Arcade in Pasadena’s South Lake Business District. The dedicated owners and sisters, Melinda and Sylvia Gallo, are licensed skincare experts recognized as elite professionals for their unique approach to skincare renewal. The Gallo sisters are at the forefront of the latest and most advanced skincare technologies and science.

The primary objective of FaceBody Essentials, or FBE is to raise your skin fitness to a level that ensures a more healthy, radiant and youthful glow with a variety of progressive skincare treatments tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Preserving your skin is an on-going process, just like going to the gym, and FBE believes that seeking expert skincare facial treatments is also about taking care of yourself. FBE strives to make your skin spa experience a necessity, and not an indulgence because maintaining a healthy and youthful skin is a lifetime commitment.

View a live demo of the course 

How the Course Works
General Library		Lessons.		Virtual Test
After you sign up, you will get access to the Library, then you will see the first lesson unlocked, you should open this lesson to start your Online Driving Course.		Each lesson is divided into chapters, once you complete the first chapter you should be able to unlock the next chapter which are the various books you see at the library.		Upon completion of each lesson you need to answer an Interactive Test that consists in 10 questions, when finished, you will be allowed to continue to the next lesson.

I wanted to once again thank you for your tireless efforts and true care you put into your work. We are so happy to have found you and hope to utilize your talents for future design needs.

Thanks again for helping us launch our first site!”

Aaron Ganz

Founder/Artistic Director,

X Repertory Theatre Company at X Repertory Theatr

This design studio has hired me to work on a project for direcTV Latin America.

3ROUNDBURST is a fully integrated production and design studio that provides a one-stop service for digital and video content. We specialize in bringing a unique visual style to our projects and infusing a fresh look into branding strategies.

Our dynamic team of producers, directors, designers and animators compose the artistic collective who will bring your idea from inception to fruition. From commercials to music videos to long-format shows, 3RB delivers effective content that consistently exceeds the expectations of the client’s vision by shooting on the latest HD cameras and utilizing the most progressive post-production software. The result is a polished product that satisfies both the client and the creative team behind the effort.

3 Round Burst productions

www.3roundburst.com

• Hexaface is the only sign in the world that is 3 dimensional, to see it in action it’s spectacular view.
• Pedestrians stop in their tracks to admire the beauty and design of the machine.
• No permits needed.
• It’s 110 volt, plug and play design, allows for mobility and easy set up, both indoor and outdoor.
• It is very expensive to purchase an existing advertising company.
• Easy application and removal of ad space allows for minimal service cost.
• Developed and patented by an industry professional of 20 years.

Visit Hexaface landing page

Foreseeson provides innovative, reliable custom displays and components. Advanced display application technology, Engineering capability provides leadership in display technology, Landmark product introductions, Added value through strategic alliances, Design experience that solve problems, Customer-First Support, Global presence and product access.

The human connection. That’s what I love most about social networking sites. It’s more than just swapping business cards and trying to sell our services or products. It’s two-way communication, building relationships.

How about you? Do you enjoy social networking? What’s your favorite part?

Do you think that affordable printing services are out my reach? you are wrong, I offer a complete suite of printing solutions to meet any need, from a business card to a large banner.

To place an order, just contact me, or if you prefer just send me your information or instructions by e-mail. You can send attachments such as photos, background photos, logos and artwork. Send the email to: info@Javier.LA

If your files are too large to send as an attachment, (Larger than 10mb) then we can set up an account for you to upload them to our website. We will need this information to setup your account.

After you receive an e-mail with your password you can return to this page and log in to upload.

If you have any general questions, contact me.

VICTOR SONORA has always had a special talent for art since sketching his friends as a young boy. He became a self -taught professional and has been a primo character artist for Six Flags Magic Mountain Park in Valencia, California for over a decade. Victor is currently studying with Karl Gnass, fine artist and master life drawing instructor for major studios such as Disney, Dreamworks and Sony. Victor is also a serious gallery artist and is developing a series of paintings and drawings focused on conflict and fear.

Visit Victor Sonora Official website

Hexaface is the only sign in the world that is 3 dimensional, to see it in action it’s spectacular view. Pedestrians stop in their tracks to admire the beauty and design of the machine. It’s 110 volt, plug and play design, allows for mobility and easy set up, both indoor and outdoor. It is very expensive to purchase an existing advertising company. Easy application and removal of ad space allows for minimal service cost. Developed and patented by an industry professional of 20 years.

I have created this logo for a Colombian coffee chain, the concept was based in a coffee stain, which gives people a subconscious feeling of unity and inclusiveness. Most people want to feel warmed and nurtured by their coffee, so company logos with a round shape or at least one with rounded edges will attract them most. Logo artists can design the round iconic logo so your eye is drawn either to the graphic, or in the case of Starbucks, to the company name. The brown tone is calming and at the same time suggests freshness, which is one of the company core values.

FaceBody Essentials is an exclusive SKIN SPA boutique nestled in the Burlington Arcade in Pasadena’s South Lake Business District. The dedicated owners and sisters, Melinda and Sylvia Gallo, are licensed skincare experts recognized as elite professionals for their unique approach to skincare renewal. The Gallo sisters are at the forefront of the latest and most advanced skincare technologies and science.

█████► Visit FaceBody Essentials website

Professional Pet Photography,

Los Angeles

With over 10 years in business, IC-Electric Inc. specializes in the design, and customized solutions for the power needs of residential, commercial and industrial areas. The support we regularly provide to our clients regardless of location is based on the fundamentals of strategy, design, implementation and full client service on an ongoing basis. Our distinctive capabilities provide domestic and commercial clients with a thoroughly reliable source of comprehensive expertise.

Visit IC Electric website

“Here’s my card”, that’s what I say when I give it to someone. This small piece of paper is a really important marketing tool for my business and the first touch point I will have with a potential customer. It is as important as my resume and website. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
I love when people say, “ Nice card, I’ll contact you soon.”

Card specifications:

This is a standard 2”x3.5” business card. I wanted to create a simple, clean, straight to the point concept: Who I am, What I do, and How to contact me. Monochromatic artwork, printed on16pt premium card stock. There is no varnish or coating on either side.

If in the end I have made a lasting impression and receive a job request, that small business card with its simple message has done a good jobof communicating for me!

Do you need some help with your business card? feel free to contact me

Mal Pais Media is a production company truly dedicated to the craft of sight, sound, and story. Whether it’s in documentary, cinematography, music video/commercial, film, video, script… Mal Pais Media is fully equipped and ready for a challenge.

We are passionate about ideas, and eager to discover and develop those ideas, thoughts, and concepts. Mal Pais Media is committed to delivering a customized product, one that awakens the senses and inspires the soul.

Until the past edition, the Córdoba Flamenco Contest awarded its contestants partial prizes for styles which carried the name of figures who made them their marks of identity. The jury reserved a global prize for artists who stood out in a special way. And it only awarded it on two occasions; both in baile. The first one, to Javier Latorre in 1989. And the second, to Marcos Flores in 2007. Because of it, the young bailaor from Arcos de la Frontera was given a star role in this nineteenth edition of the contest, offering him the stage of the Gran Teatro, and a night on the bill of performances accompanying the selective phases, for the premiere of his first large-scale solo show.

Before start creating your website you will need to identify what you want your website to achieve.

• Do you want to sell products?
• Advertise your services?
• Or just be a point for potential customers to gather information?

It would also benefit to know who your target audience will be. Once you have your goal(s) you can start to plan your website.

Do you need updates?

Dependent on your websites purpose, you will need a rough idea of how often you will need to update your website. If your website doesn’t need to be updated regularly, then it would be more cost-effective if the is site updated by the company that built it – this would also save you time. If you plan to change your website frequently (adding new products, updating your news feed etc…) then it would be in your interest to have your website with a content management system. A CMS will allow you to easily add and edit information on your site without having to have any technical knowledge.

How to choose a domain name?

One of the most important steps to take when creating your online presence is choosing the correct domain name. Your domain name is your online identity and will represent your website and business. Finding a good domain today has become a lot more difficult, with over 168 million domains registered worldwide and increasing each day. But don’t panic, there are still many domains out there that can benefit your company; you will just have to be more creative. Some of the most important factors when choosing a domain name are:

• Keep it short and simple.
• Make sure it is easy to spell.
• Make sure it’s easy to remember.

I would recommend trying to keep your domain under 20 characters with no more than 3 words. If possible, you should consider using a keyword in your name, e.g. if your website is about computers, then having “computers” in the domain name would be beneficial. Not only would it let potential visitors know what your website is about, it would also have a positive effect when it comes to search engine optimisation. Now we know what to look out for in a domain name, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas.

• Create a list of possible domains just using your business name.
• Create a list of possible domains from the services you offer .
• Now try and mix the above together.

Now we should have a reasonably long list of potential domain names which we need to see if they are available. There are many websites that let you check a domain’s status, search your domain here.

Who will be hosting your website?

When choosing a company to host your website, there are a few things to look out for:

• Amount of web space – How big is your website? Do you have hundreds of pages? You will need to choose a package that will support your needs.
• Data transfer / bandwidth – Make sure you will have enough bandwidth.
• Reliability and speed of access – A web host should not only be reliable and fast but they should also guarantee their uptime.
• Technical support – Make sure the company offers 24/7 support, as problems could arise at any time.
• Features – Most hosts nowadays offer a fully featured control panel, which allows you to control your server easily (setting up email accounts etc…).

█████► Get your hosting here

If you’ve never worked with a graphic designer before, you might wonder where to start. There is not a standard rule to jude a designer’s work, simply you love it or you hate it. So if you’ve started a new project and you’re not sure about the designer you are looking for, here are some things that could help you to make the right choice:

• Experience: Ask for a resume, and see what type of companies they’ve worked for, at what capacity (e.g, designer, art director, intern, etc) and for how long. The obvious resume flags are in play!

• Testimonials: Check their online profiles (linkedin, twitter, facebook), reviews, and their own website for testimonials or press.

• Skiils: Many tend to favor degrees from art and design colleges and four-year universities versus vocational/technical schools. Use your judgment. Remember you want someone who can think creatively, not just someone who can use software. Graphic design is more about communicating ideas than being able to create something gaudy with Photoshop. Also, don’t be discouraged if your candidate doesn’t have a degree at all. It’s all about the work.

• Rates: Especially if you’re a new business looking to keep costs low. This will vary depending on both the designer and how much you have budgeted. It may also depend on your region. Hourly rates can range anywhere from $30/hr fro graphic design projects to $200/hr for programing and advanced applications. Do they provide a flat fee or an hourly rate? Will they give you a discount in exchange for hiring them for multiple projects? All good questions to ask when talking about rates.

• Time: If you’re like most clients of graphic designers, you wanted that logo done last week. Obviously, that’s unreasonable, so be sure to start your search early enough to give your designer time to research, organize, and be creative while still making your deadline. The project timeline is a matter between you and your designer, so make sure to discuss when each phase of the project is due when.

So, you’ve got a project, you’ve found me and. What next? Just contact me.

Foreseeson Custom Displays is a privately owned company, that specializes in the development and production of LCD display units. We received services since in January 2009. Javier has assisted us with developing our quality website, brochures and promotional banners. We find their services extremely valuable and timely.

Daniel Tomlinson
Sr. Product Maanager Foresseson
www.foreseesonusa.com

Pomer Construction is a Los Angeles-based construction and remodeling company that is fully licensed, insured and bonded. Pomer Construction provides complete construction and remodeling services for your home. The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality service, meeting the agreed delivery dates, creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction and renovation, and executing the work exactly in accordance with the customers needs.

Visit Pomer Construction website

The business card: a tiny piece of paper that can make an enormous impact. Okay, so there is no true “perfect” business card, but there are certainly cards that work and those that don’t. So how can you create an eye-catching but simply elegant business card that creates the best impression possible for your unique business? Here you have few things to consider that can help you achieve that “perfect” card:

1. Information

The first order of business is deciding what the most relevant and pertinent information to your company and the image you want to portray. Would you like to include an attention grabbing slogan? Or do you prefer to keep it simple, including only your company name, address, and phone number? Keep in mind, you can always put a catchy slogan, attention-grabber, or logo on one side while leaving the other side for the “cut and dry” info, although this format is less common in corporate business cards.

2. Paper

When it comes to a business card, it’s the details that count. The paper is the foundation for the entire card and you should aim for a crinkle-resistant and durable card stock. When printers talk about paper thickness, they will commonly use “pt” or “lb”. A nice thick card will usually be 15pt, 16p, or 100lb (the higher the pt or lb, the thicker the paper). You could also play with the texture of the card, opting for a coated, shiny paper with high gloss or for a coarser card with narrow ridges, which makes the card seem thicker. If you are willing to spend a bit more, a thin, matte lamination can protect the card and prevent the ink from smudging.

3. Design

The design is probably the trickiest part of the business card because the options are infinite – only limited by your imagination. When it comes to design, the cliché “less is more” often applies. A readable font, minimal effects, and simple colors are much more powerful than the alternative. You can implement asymmetry or color to a card to bring a little excitement without going overboard. To give a unique look to a simple card, you can also emboss or raise the print of the company name or even round out the corners. Striking business cards usually have ample space between information. You don’t want your card looking cluttered. A visually overwhelming card will distract the person looking at it (your potential client) from the important information.

4. Purpose

Whatever you decide for your business card — flashy or simple, color or black and white, glossy or matte — make it memorable. The whole point of your card is to provide a tangible representation and reminder of your business. If another person remembers your name and the name of your company in a way that will encourage them to do business with you, the card has done its job.

Need help with your business card? I can help you with that.

█████► Take a look to some business cards I have created

First of all this is my favorite Channel, (Independent Fim Channel) and not doubt its style is faraway from the traditional TV programing fighting  for the desired rating. I really like the channel’s logo, it is simple, clean and it looks really strong on the screen, but I think it could transmit a direct concept about what “IFC is about Good television.”

Original Version

This is my personal version

Basically it is the same concept, same font and kerning, but in my personal version I turned the C and create some small contrast at the “I” and the “F”. I think it is clear what I’m trying to represent. At the same time this projector effect is driving us back to the initials. This small modification forces us to look at the logo at least twice, which is perfect for branding purposes.

I have posted  my version of the IFC logo on twitter  (Playing Around with @IFCtv logo), which has a positive feedback from the official channel twitter page

Lennon has hired me as a Freelance Graphic Designer since February 2011.

This advertising agency specializes in creative marketing solutions focusing on the hospitality, contract and residential furnishing industries. A combination of strategic creative execution, exceptional account servicing and tenacity for production follow-through allows Lennon & Associates to deliver the results that will positively impact our client’s bottom line.

Lennon and Associates

www.lennon.com

Javier has the perfect match between a great artistic instinct and a great business sense. His ideas all flowed very seamlessly, and he was able to make my website and logo look just how I wanted, and just as importantly, he was finished with the entire process in less than a week (like he said he would be). My last website took 8 months to build! I’d highly recommend him to anyone!

Mike Albert
Musician
www.mikeplays.net