house of jaz
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Designed by Jazzo! Grass Guru Re-branding
March 10.10
I recently (as in yesterday) finished re-branding a logo for a lawn service business. The client was so pleased with the finished product, I thought I’d share the “before” and after as well as my thought process for the actual development of the logo.
Many people are unaware of the amount of time, thought, and energy involved in creating the identity of a business. In essence, designing a brand is a great responsibility as a graphic designer. It requires one to pull from personal experience, knowledge of various subjects, understanding of the basic principles of art, as well as the ability to execute a message that accurately conveys the nature of the business in question. If you factor in the budget, deadline, as well as the client’s likes and dislikes, you quickly find yourself in a delicate balance between the infinite world of possibilities for the final outcome, and the reality that something must be complete.
With that being said, I invite you to take a peek into the design world of Jazzo!
Before
This is the logo that was in need of a redesign. The client is the owner of a business that provides various services revolving around lawn and highway maintenance. After a consultation (learning the history of the established design, business and goals, giving an analysis and a few recommendations), I started the design process.
Some things to consider when branding: It’s very important to have an identity that contains elements that are for the most part timeless (not relying on design trends for “ooh” factor), flexible (looks good whether placed on a magnet or a billboard), and are attractive as a whole (most people see your logo before they see your work). For self-run businesses, it’s also very important to have a look that is official.
“Jazz” it up
I decided that the best plan of action would be to completely revamp everything that was present in the old logo. From color scheme, to font, I wanted to approach the redesign from a simple and clean direction. After color swatches were picked, I did research and began rounds of thumbnail sketches, I decided to take it to the computer to play around with some potential options. Here’s my digital “drawing board”. I usually start out really scattered and jumbled and then streamline once some ideas start to form.
The main questions I asked myself were:
- Should it stay green (only)? If not, what other colors should I introduce?
- Although the name of the business is Grass Guru, do I want to introduce other elements into the overall look and feel (state tree, street symbols, etc.)?
- If I do represent grass, should it be figurative or literal?
- How complex should the mark be?
- How would this logo look when paired with the client’s clients (in this case certified by the Virginia Department of Transportation)?
- How will this look on the client’s equipment?
After my digital doodling, I felt that I found a few options worth presenting. (This is an abbreviated version of some of the comps I came up with.)
After
The client was pleased with the options. After selecting a look and finalizing the content, I prepared the rest of the files. This is the look that was selected.
Those are blades of grass, get it?
What do you think? Was it a success?
NJ Haps: Deal The Villain’s EPic Release Party 03.04.10
February 25.10 — 1 Comment
Congrats to the homie, Deal The Villain for the release of his EP, EPic! It dropped last month, and he’ll be celebrating in true Elite Assembly fashion next week. Definitely don’t want to miss this if you’re in the area!
Pause for a Cause! The Makings Of MHMC
February 12.10
The Shock Felt Around the World
It’s been a month (to the date) since an earthquake and a series of almost equally potent aftershocks violently and mercilessly jolted the country of Haiti. It was a usual day that turned extraordinary (in a positive and negative way). The amount of damage, death, and destruction is still hard to process, yet the amount of love, support, and innate desire to respond and save the people of Haiti are some of the most touching testaments to the compassionate nature of man.
To Haiti, with Love
The devastating earthquake on January 12th of this year fueled a desire in many to put collaborative efforts into action. Friends and I donated money, clothes and time shortly after the quake, but we knew more needed be done. We also knew that the road to recovery is going to be a long one.
Workin’ On It
I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by friends who are very aware of their purpose and their varying gifts and talents. I’m even more fortunate that they know when and how to utilize them. From creative to political, I have a friends that can and will “put in work”. My friend Janelle, (1/3 of the fabulous triple-threat that is BudgetFab) called me and simply said (paraphrasing), “I want to do something, and I need your help”. Without hesitation, we put our plan into action.
The Makings of MHMC
What began as a mission to help Haiti, quickly evolved into a mission to contribute to a wide range of causes (with the situation in Haiti being our first official cause). After painting, talking, eating, and writing, we came up with My Heart, My Cause.
Fashion with Passion
The premise is simple: Janelle and I are creative and crafty individuals. Art (among other things) heals. Why not design something that will show AND give support? In the course of three days, we named, designed, and created our organization, MHMC. Our sole purpose is to design pieces that are a tangible representation of what we hold dear to our hearts. ALL of the profits are donated to the cause that item is “showing love” to.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink
Okay, we don’t have EVERYTHING in the store; but we DO have awesome mugs, buttons, hoodies, t-shirts, and bumper stickers in an assortment of colors and sizes. Regardless of where or how you choose to support a cause (this particular set of designs obviously being geared towards the rebuilding of Haiti), it’s important to just SUPPORT. (Here are some of the items we have in our shop; Please go to My Heart, My Cause for a look at ALL of the products available.
Just Cause
Contrary to popular belief, there are still nice people in the world who do nice things with no strings attached. It’s called compassion, and sincerity. It’s an understanding that in a split second, your life can change (we’ve seen it with Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, the Tsunami, etc), and the hope is that someone will reach out and help. We’ve witnessed the outpouring of support and the diligent efforts of many to lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti. We’ve channeled the spirit of that energy and mixed it with our own to design shirts that graphically illustrate the sentiments of our actions. As you’ll see on the mission statement of our store, 100% of the profits generated will be donated. For this particular effort, we are donating the profits to Doctors Without Borders.
Slowly but surely, people are starting to recognize our brand. If you like what you see, SHOW LOVE!
I’ll most definitely keep you posted on our updated causes and designs. Please stop by our shop My Heart, My Cause.
Picture Perfect!
As you can see, we’re starting to collect photos of people who have donated through MHMC. We’d like to add more to our collage! When you purchase an item, please email a picture with you in it to hojdmv@gmail.com. As you can see in the collage, our supporters have accessorized the tee-shirt with a leather jacket, or just rocked it out at a party. One can show subtle support with a button, or sip from a mug. I’ll show you how the collection has grown through House of Jaz.
Tune In to DTV
February 2.10
Congrats to the homie, Deal Diamontes a.k.a Deal The Villain for the release of his EP, appropriately called, EPic. I recently posted about it via Sound Review: Deal The Villain—EPic. Don’t be fooled by the moniker. Nothin but AWESOMERY coming from this project. Don’t believe me? Check one of my favorite tracks, A Fly Love.
:: RTD PRESENTS DEAL THE VILLAIN—EPic::
Classic flow (Remember the name).
If you want to check out some more of his tracks, click on the image.
HEADS UP: EBM* (Earbud material)
SHAMELESS PLUG: Thanks to Deal for letting me dust off the creative cobwebs and give a face to his project by way of designing the album cover.
Sound Review:: Deal The Villain—EPic
January 26.10 — 1 Comment
Birds of A Feather
When the stars align, there’s nothing you can do but pay attention! I’ve referenced the musical genius and quality that is oozing from New Jersey since the House of Jaz popped up in blogland. One might even say that I am obsessed with New Jersey hip hop. Let me just make this clear: I’m obsessed with quality. I’m obsessed with execution. I’m obsessed with all things DOPE. I have much respect for people who not only respect their craft, but produce something worth paying attention to. It just so happens, that the underground artists that I’ve had the privilege of hearing in the last six months hail from hip hop’s birthstate’s neighbor (and yes, I believe that they all possess the qualities stated). It’s no coincidence, however, that they are a part of a gestalt of emcees known as the Elite Assembly. Elite Assembly is a whole different post, and it consists of more than just Daniel Joseph and Brokn Englsh; but just know, they just might be the remedy. I’d like to introduce the third emcee of my NJ Hip Hop Trilogy. For MONTHS, I have been sitting on my hands so that I wouldn’t write anything about what I feel is a nostalgic hip-hop renaissance that is Deal The Villain until his album, EPic had an official release date (Tuesday, February 02, 2010).
HEADS UP: This is EBM* (earbud material).
Back in the Day…
As someone who was born in the early 80s and grew up and became familiar with music in the 90s, I have to say that I for one have not been too hype nor impressed by what the mainstream music scene continues to present to us as their definition of HOT. What’s HOT has not always been the equivalent of quality. It’s been a formula, it’s a watered down remnant of what real music (especially hip hop) used to be. No disrespect to those who have been doing their thing; but a lot of emphasis has been on the facade and not the core. I’m not saying that everyone needs to be into the same style of music; I’m saying that I miss the days when you could hear diversity WITHIN a genre (especially hip hop). From Native Tongue to Gangsta Rap, party to political, there was a time when one would hear an eclectic array of styles from hip hop at one time. ::stepping down from soapbox::
::designed by Jazzo!::
Hustle and Flow
What I dig about this album, is that it tells a story from start to finish. The overall album is an autobiography of an instance of his life in New Jersey. The interludes seamlessly sew you into the next track, and immediately you become one with and identify with ‘The Villain. What you get when you hear this album is honesty without the hype of being “real”. You won’t hear references to ice unless it’s referring to a love turned cold in Fly Love. You won’t hear about run ins with the law unless you check the interludes (which are chuckle-worthy). Clever allusions to current events, spot-on movie references, and an understanding of how to implement the elements of hip hop make EPic an album to have for those who appreciate the artistry of flow. His flow is more intricate than the basic and classic bars of back in the day, but he has an understanding of the foundation and uses it to tell his story. If that isn’t enough; he also produced MOST of the tracks on this album. If you want to know the makings of a real artist, don’t give them top of the line; give them the basics and see what they produce.
A Day in the Life…
You Remind Me
For those who have a hard time just appreciating an artist without any familiar connections, you may notice that his sound is similar to a certain member of a certain clan, but please understand, he is very much his own. I look forward to seeing more of what New Jersey’s neighborhood villain has in store. You’ll most likely read about it here.
I don’t have any leaks for you from the album, but I DO have a few beats produced by the my multi-faceted friend. Check out DTV’s Beat LP here.
I’ve said enough. I’ll let you hear for yourself. My name is Jazzo, and I approve this message.
COP EPic NEXT TUESDAY (02.02.2010)!!!
Designed by Jazzo! Musical Evite
December 28.09 — 1 Comment
I don’t know about you, but I am SO READY to “move on to the next one” in 2010. I decided to switch up the celebration ritual and keep it close to home. I wanted to be in control of my New Year’s Eve celebration, and I wanted my invitations to be a reflection of me. Unfortunately, there weren’t ANY evites that conveyed the message I was trying to deliver, so I decided to “Jazz it up” (I hate that pun for obvious reasons, but it was appropriate). This is what I came up with. Enjoy!
PLUG: The music is an original piece by none other than Porsche Smith (check out my Friends With Benefits page). All the artwork for the invitation and production was done by yours truly. All comments and constructive crits* are welcome!
Designed by Jazzo!: Custom Wedding Broom
December 25.09
Broom design: Jazminia ::photo courtesy of:: erin marie photography
