This quote has been the bane of my writing existence and the monkey on my back since high school. It and the time available are almost always at odds. But, it’s something we should all aspire to especially now as digital marketing is so prevalent. Some of you asked me to follow up on my...
Welcome. Isn’t that the first message we want people to know about your organization—both as an offering and as the feeling? Some of you wrote that for a brand consultant I spend much time focused on brand identities and other graphic communications. Guilty. I’m like you. I gravitate to the shiny object in front of...
New York City Center opened its new season with improvements to its building exterior and a newly renovated interior. The architectural style of their Moorish Revival building reflects the theme of its original occupants. For those unfamiliar, City Center, a former Mecca Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine...
In past essays such as Branding vs. Marketing: In case you missed that lecture and Position first, then logo, I’ve touched on brand strategy informing key organization messages and organization visual identity. I should clarify brand strategy vs. design strategy and what defines each. Over the years, we’ve received cultural arts RFPs that stated the...
Sure it was just a coincidence. But the juxtaposition was just too priceless to ignore. In one day I received: 1. Online information commemorating the 20th anniversary of the first website. 2. A promotional email from Capacity Interactive Inc. pitching their inaugural Digital Marketing Boot Camp for Arts Marketers. 3. A LinkedIn message from Museums...
Sometimes it’s about a simple creative idea well executed. And sometimes it’s about creating buzz and intrigue long before one’s brand is launched. This is part of a series of construction barricades that line the perimeter of the site for the new Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, launching in 2013....
In Creative Review, I read recently of the announcement of Greenwich, London’s National Maritime Museum and the launch of their new visual identity. The article states, “The new identity, the launch of which coincides with the opening of a new wing at the National Maritime Museum, encompasses not just the Museum itself, but also the...
Oh, c’mon, admit it! A wide-eyed, excited, little shiver went up your back at the mere mention of them, didn’t it? Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? I admit it. I’ve loved them since I was young. I still have my first dinosaur book. I watched the Flintstones with amusement. And in recent years I was a...
It’s beautiful, sunny, and warm in New York today, just as beautiful as it was Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 almost ten years ago. In fact, that “message” of sorts is often mentioned when people begin to tell the story of 9/11 and that personal context is part of what connects us all to that...
The topic, Single Brand Strategy, from two weeks ago intrigued a number of readers, so much that I thought I’d clarify some of my thoughts and expand on other aspects. First, I am not against arts organizations creating sub-brands (names, sometimes logos, and message points for some of your arts organization’s programs, events, series, or...
The New York Times article, “Beer. Nachos. Arena. Ballet?” highlights the recent effort of The Royal Ballet to expand access to its programming. In mid-June, the Company held four performances of Romeo and Juliet at South London’s The O2 arena, the world’s largest single-roofed structure, which holds up to 20,000 people depending on the event....
Some of you may be scratching your head, “What’s a single brand strategy and why should I care?” Simply put it’s when an arts organization decides to put all of its branding, marketing, and communications resources behind one name and one brand. “Don’t all arts organizations already do this?” you might ask. Generally yes, but...
