Friday, August 20, 2010

Check out OrthoCarolina 10K

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

August 21, tomorrow at the crack of dawn we will be setting up our booth at the FIRST EVER, OrthoCarolina 10K run/5K walk. 
 http://www.orthocarolinaclassic.com/full/ for info.

Yesterday I ran back and forth between the t-shirt printer and Charlotte Running Company where packet pick-up was running shirts hot off the press.

We did performance T's for the first 200 sign-ups.
Volunteer T's
Regular Cotton (ice Gray) just to be different) for Participants
Race Directors specific apparel
The design was simple anad working through all the sponsor logos to make them one color wasn't easy. But that's what I do best. 



I think everyone will be really happy with the event. I'm impressed with Justin Ratike's, the event Director. He has handled everything with an ease about him and a sense of humor. He wants to put on a classy event, and I really admire him for putting all this effort into it.
Ok back to packing the crates with apparel design samples!




Sunday, August 15, 2010

Elements of Good Logo Design

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Logos are what represent your company, product, business, or even yourself. They are the primary way to communicate to the world your business’s personality, identity, essence, and individuality. There are two types of logos: logomarks are symbol-based logos, and logotypes of logos that are made up of typography. or a unique font.
The latter has become increasing more popular with the explosion of Web 2.0. But, no matter what type of logo it is, it must abide by certain essential elements that make a logo exceptional, and these elements should be considered in the planning and executing process of the logo design. A successful logo should encompass these elements in order to effectively do its job. 
In this post, we will briefly recap the elements of a superior logo design, and since football season is in full fling, and everyone love sports, I have selected a few sports logos from Football, Baseball, and Basketball that I think abide by these essential elements. Enjoy looking at examples of exceptional sports franchise logos! 

The Elements of a Good Logo Design

Timeless
The logo must be timeless, meaning that it should not be designed with any sort of fad or style that is likely to go out of style. When you are designing a logo, try to make the logo as enduring as possible through the many years and many styles of “in” it will pass through. The best logos are the ones that looked good fifteen years ago, and they still are extraordinary today.

Simple
A great logo design has to be simple. Many designers think that you must make ornate and complicated logos for it to be good, but actually the most successful ones are the most simple, straightforward, and sharp. You can see the logos below are generally very simple, but they really captivate and appeal to the eye.

Unique
Being unique is key to a successful logo design, because the logo is the identity of your company. Therefore, you must take the time to be creative, imaginative, and original. Notice the logos below are all uniquely different, and all have their own personality and flare.

Consistent
Nothing is worst than an inconsistent logo design. I have seen on many occasions where the logo in one part of the world looks one way and in another part of the world looks differently. In addition, I have seen where companies have too many different logos that can confuse the target audience. Even if the look is slightly off, it is noticeable and it makes it look poorly designed. Try to be consistent with the logo, so make sure it is not manipulated even slightly.

Immediate and Lasting Impression
A logo must make an immediate and lasting impression with the audience. A successful logo is one where a person sees it once, and will remember it forever as associated with that business or entity. All of the logos below possess that quality; in fact, I do not even need to label these logos and I am sure that the high majority of readers will be able to recogonize the majority of the logos! That shows that they have created a lasting impression on the viewers!

Appealing
Another element of good logo design is the audience appeal element. The audience must find the logo interesting, appealing, and alluring for it to truly be successful. I always suggest that designers do a test run of a logo with a select target audience to see the reaction; if it is not a positive reaction, change it.

Shows Proper Image
A successful and effectual logo will properly and accurately convey the image and personality of the business or entity it is representing. Some logos are great in all other aspects, and I find them very exceptionally designed and constructed, but they do not properly express the business’s personality, so I think I would rule it unsuccessful. It must do its job of representing the general company image.

Comprehensible and Logical
This one may be last, but it is equally as important. The logo must be understood by the target audience; therefore, you must not use symbols, colors, or ideas which your audience will not understand. Also, try not to go overboard with the hidden message or clever logos, because many times, though original, may not be understood, thus are worthless. So, try to make a logo that can be understand by the average person to make sure it will be successful! This is why we spend so much time doing research of your industry, service and competition.

Sample Sports Logos that Encompass the Elements of Good Logo Design

Denver Broncos
Broncos
Houston Texans
Texans
Indy Colts
Colts
San Antonio Spurs
Spurs
New England Patriots
Patriots
New Orleans Saints
Saints
Oakland Raiders
Raiders
Pittsburg Steelers
Steelers
Seattle Mariners
Mariners
Los Angeles Angels
Angels
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens
Atlanta Braves
3kgwjp6heowkeg3w8zoow9ggy
New York Nets
Nets
Green Bay Packers
Packers
Miami Heat
Heat
Boston Red Sox
Red Sox
Oakland A’s
6xk2lpc36146pbg2kydf13e50
Indiana Pacers
Pacers
Chicago Cubs
Cubs
All Star Game
AllStarGame
Major League Baseball
MLB

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Spring & Summer 2011 Color Forecast

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com


I sat in on a forecast/trend seminar while at Outdoor Retailer last week. 
And this image below, sums up exactly the colors and feel for what is coming for next year's fashion and sports fashion trends.

Lots of dusty faded colors, worn out look, floral (Eastern culture) and clean and simple.
There is more focus on fabrics, which is hard to demonstrate in a blog, but with new textures, recycled fabrics and the latest trend upcycle, which I will explain in the next blog.


Friday, August 13, 2010

Future of Fabrics

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

When I was at Outdoor Retailer, I ran into a company that works with suppliers exhibiting at Summer Market. This is their take on the...
Future of Fabrics

Identifying and tracking trends is important to the entire supply-retail chain, especially when technology is impacting new product developments. Below you will find a summary of some of the current trends influencing the specialty textile markets.

TECHNICAL SPORTS TEXTILES Look for lightweight fabrics and apparel that multi-task, providing comfort, moisture management, antimicrobial protection, and more.\

Current trends in technical sports textiles include fabrics and apparel that provide comfort, manage moisture, and are lightweight and flexible.  But, more is being expected of fabrics.  
runner imageAntimicrobial technology continues it's strong growth toward becoming an "expected" performance characteristic.  Stain resistance/repellency is also gaining in popularity in some categories.  
Other value-added properties such as UV protection Environmentally sensitive fibers and fabrics also continue strong, with the use of more natural fibers and fiber blends, including bamboo, as well as driving the development of plant-based polyrmers such as Ingeo®, Dupont's Sorona®, and fibers made from soy.
  • Technologies allow fabrics to thermoregulate, such as Akwatek/Akwadyne and Outlast, control the atmosphere next to the skin,  controlling temperature and comfort. 
  • Fashion, style, silouettes and color elements continue to create interest with consumers.   The hand, or feel, of fabrics is toward soft and comfortable.  Fabrics with stretch provide both comfort and look.  Compression fabrics remain popular as a performance enhancement.  The development of advanced fibers, such as Holofiber, have also shown a positive effect on the recovery of the body from exertion, improving  circulation  and oxygenation of the skin.
  • Advances in construction include seamless knitting and welded & glued seams, which reduce a garment's weight, provide added protection from wind and rain, and enhance comfort.  Advancements in fabric  construction include developments of a "new" fleece product such as those produced by Concept III International.
Important Qualities/Products for Today's Technical Sports Textiles:
Moisture Management
  • Dri-release®
  • Innova®
  • Sorbtek®
  • Innova®
  • Akwatek®/Akwadyne®
Antimicrobial
  • Aegis Microbe Shield®
  • Visa Endurance®
  • AMY®
  • MicroSpike™
  • Innova AMP®
Water/Stain Resistant Fabric
  • StainSmart®
  • WR100X™
  • Parados™
Thermoregulation
  • Akwatek®/Akwadyne®
  • Outlast®
  • X-Static®
Odor Control
  • VisaEndurance®
  • BodyCare®
  • Dri-release®
Comfort/Flexibility
  • Reflexx®
  • Comfortrel XP®
  • Sensura®

UV Protection
  • MynxUV®
Sustainability
  • Body Care®
  • Antex Knitting Mills - Green Line™ Fabrics
Welded Seams
  • Sewfre


INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES
Geotextiles There are more applications for textiles that are getting buried. Fabrics are used for filter drainage applications. Also Erosion Control, Temporary Silt Fence and retaining walls.

Inflatables Lighter weight, heavy-duty fabrics and bonded seams provide strength and durability that last. Think inflatable boats.

Lightweight Structures Tensile fabric structures are being used as permanent temporary space, with some coated fabrics having life spans of 30 years. Tensil fabric structures can span unsupported lengths of up to 150 feet and tensile steel cable nets with fabric can easily span twice that amount.  Air structures can span even longer distances with column free structures up to thousands of feet.

Pet Beds A niche market has developed in high-end pet accessories.
You can now purchase anything from a dog umbrella to a microfiber pet-drying towel.  Dog and cat products are the most popular.  However, animal/pet accessory products are also being developed for birds, rodents (i.e. mice, hamsters, etc.), and horses.  Some popular pet products include:
  • Pet Bedsartic ski jacket
  • Pet blankets
  • Pet Tents (instead of cages)
  • Pet Cushions
  • Car Seat
MEDICAL TEXTILES  The medical textile market is experiencing significant growth and is demanding much from it's textiles. Barbed Sutures, Wound Care, Prosthetic Vascular Grafts, Smart Bandages (muscle/skeletal repairs), Use of technical fabric developments for socks and gloves for diabetic patients to improve circulation.

HOME FURNISHINGS   Trends include the use of blended fibers for improved properties, and the use of stretch, texture, and color to add variety. Renewable fabrics are also important.

SAFETY AND PROTECTIVE   The trend is to comfortable, lightweight, ergonomically designed fabrics and apparel.


Source: Fabric Links

Thursday, August 12, 2010

MDA calls on Mariellen to Raise funds and awareness

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
 
Yes I've been recruited to raise funds and awareness for MDA, Muscular Dystrophy Association. I"m honored to have been chosen to be put in JAIL Aug 26th. They only way to escape is if I raise $3,000.
Please help me by donating online at my own website.


Thank you for all your help and support to find this terrible disease!

Mariellen