`Form Follows Vision'. What does it mean? It means that what form your marketing takes follows the vision you have for the organization. It means that your marketing communications tools and tactics are part of a holistic, 360°, enterprise-wide branding program that starts from within, and spreads outward to your target audience. Identify your vision first; form will follow in a way that is a reflection of who you are.
Graphic design is an interdisciplinary, problem-solving profession that combines visual sensitivity with skill and knowledge in areas of communications, technology and business.
- Employees, customers and investors all seem to prefer names and marks or symbols with one obvious meaning.
- Logomarks with too many parts or that are too intricate will be less memorable and harder to reproduce than strong, simple marks.
- Logomarks that follow the latest design trend are usually doomed to an early death.
- Identity design strategy should be to constantly simplify and clarify.?The best logomarks do not float in space, but have some grounding reference point that hints at their placement.
- Watch out for logomarks that are derived from a certain product, service or industry; they, too, are doomed if the company should decide to diversify.
Symbol designs should be:
Adapted from The Designer's Guide to Creating Corporate ID Systems For companies of all types and sizes Rose DeNeve ©1992
The following information is taken from the web pages of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC). Businesses and organizations considering developing a new logo for their product may wish to read this information.
More information can be obtained by visiting the IPIC site at www.ipic.ca.
A trade-mark is a word, design, number, two-dimensional or three-dimensional form, sound or color, or a combination of two or more of these elements which a trader uses to distinguish his/her products or services from those of his/her competitors and serves to establish goodwill with the consumer. Almost every kind of company that operates a business uses a trade-mark of one kind or another to identify its products or services.
The difference between a trade-mark and a trade name is that the first is used with specific products or services coming from a single source, the trader, while the second identifies a company and its business as a whole. Words can be used interchangeably as both a trade-mark and a trade name. Use as a trade-mark will depend on the context of its use. Consulting a registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer is recommended.
The Trade-marks Act is federal (not provincial) legislation, and the Trade-marks Office in Ottawa/Hull administers the trade-mark registration system. Although a trade-mark owner acquires some legal rights in its trade-mark simply by using the trade-mark in the marketplace, these rights are limited to the geographic area in which the trade-mark is used and/or advertised and proof thereof must be made before the Court in case of litigation. Depending on whether the trade-mark is used in association with products or services, its use must fulfill certain criteria to be qualified as "use" under the law. Broader rights can be acquired by registering a trade-mark with the Trade-marks Office. The benefits of registration include the exclusive right to use the trade-mark throughout Canada, regardless of the areas in which the trade-mark is actually being used, and the right to sue for infringement of the registered trade-mark. In addition, if a trade-mark owner allows others to use its trade-mark or grants franchises, that use must be properly licensed. This is particularly important to protect the distinctiveness and enforceability of the trade-mark failing which it might be subject to expungement from the register.
A trade-mark may be incapable of being registered for different reasons, including the possibility that it is likely to be confused with a prior trade-mark. Different criteria are to be considered in evaluating the likelihood of confusion between trade-marks. A registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer can assess your trade-mark and provide an opinion as to whether the trade-mark you have or propose to adopt is capable of being protected in Canada.
It is highly advisable to conduct a search of trade-marks previously registered or applied for before a trade-mark is used in the marketplace, or before an application is filed. You may determine from the search results if anyone else has already registered or applied for the same or similar trade-mark, has used or intends to use the same or a similar mark in the same field of activities, to the extent that the public might be confused. If a prior confusing trade-mark is located by the search, it may be best to select a different trade-mark, rather than invest in a trade-mark which might later lead to a costly legal dispute. Provincial searches for corporate names do not provide a list of registered trade-marks. It is recommended that trade-mark searches and a professional opinion be obtained from a registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer.
Before you begin to use a trade-mark, (which could be the name of your business), whether you plan to register or not, you should consult with a registered trade-mark agent, and have a search of prior trade-marks conducted. If the search results are clear and the trade-mark is capable of being registered, then obtaining a federal trade-mark registration will increase your legal rights in the trade-mark. If your business involves licensing the use of your trade-marks to others, it is vital that you consult with a registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer to ensure that you are properly protected by trade-mark registrations. A registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer will also advise you as to the maintenance and protection of your trade-mark which must remain distinctive and properly used at all times. The trade-mark's relative strength or weakness will also affect the scope of protection it may receive. Consultation with a registered trade-mark agent or trade-mark lawyer is recommended before starting to use a trade-mark in the marketplace.
© 2008 Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, Ottawa, ON 613.234.0516
What is The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)? In 1996, RGD Ontario became the self-regulatory, professional body for graphic designers in the province of Ontario. The Association grants graphic designers who qualify the right to the exclusive use of the designations Registered Graphic Designer and R.G.D. and is the governing and disciplinary body for its members. RGD Ontario is the only graphic design association in Canada to have such legislation.
TD Graham has been a Registered Graphic Designer (RGD) since 1996.
To encourage clients do their part for sustainability, we recommend the use of FSC certified paper.
Canada is the world leader in FSC certification.
FSC certification is creating positive ecological and social change in our forests and for our communities.
For more information, visit: http://www.fsccanada.org
A few years ago, Harvard University did a study of which words had the highest impact on the largest number of people. Here they are:
Proven... |
Looking for a recipe for success? Why not go with what works? It's been proven that these words affect us as consumers - and business people. They're words guaranteed to catch our attention, and make us feel positive. It's easy. Use these in your ads, your letters, your proposals. Discover new results from your brochures and newsletters attention, and make us feel positive. It's easy. Use these in your ads, your letters, your proposals. Discover new results from your |
For most people, the 7 Habits were their introduction to Dr. Stephen Covey, father, grandfather, and author. While many have heard of these - as Dr. Covey calls them - "self-evident" habits, few people actually live by them.
As a reminder to those who would live by them, here they are. For more information on the 7 habits, and other Quadrant II activities, please refer to any of Covey's excellent books or tapes www.franklincovey.com.
Habit Five Publishing was formed in 2000 as a family-run publishing house. Its main purpose is to publish books produced by the home-educating family of Tom Graham and Jeanne Lambert. Their first book, The Four-Lane Comes to North Grenville, started as a home-schooler's independent study project, consists of photos, illustrations and text, and tells the story of how a four-lane is built, and the effect it has on the small rural communities along the way. [more>] [link to book info, below (next item on list)]
A second book has also been released. How to Take a 3-Minute Shower is about practical ways you can conserve water. Using simple graphics to illustrate each point, the book is a good reminder that conservation - especially water conservation - is something we should ALL pay attention to, and that there is always something we can do about it. Instead of just reading about it, you can act on it. [more>] [link to book info, below (next item on list)]
North Grenville - A book of historic and economic significance to Grenville County is now available. The Four-Lane Comes to North Grenville - How they built the Veterans Memorial Highway published by Kemptville-based company Habit Five Publishing, is available in local book stores.
For the last two years, the North Grenville home-educating family of Tom Graham and Jeanne Lambert - with their 13-year-old son, Theo - have been documenting the construction process of the new highway 416. From the surveyors’ stakes to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, this book tells how a modern four-lane is built.
The complex planning and construction process is told in a simple way that is easy for readers of all ages to follow. Artist Linda Myers’ cartoon-like illustrations are the perfect complement to the text. Accompanying the main story are side-bars filled with construction trivia and interesting historical facts.
In addition, a final section includes comments by local residents affected by the new highway. These thoughtful comments paint a picture of a growing, caring community literally at a cross-roads - looking to the challenges the future will bring, while striving to preserve its rural qualities.
Those who have read advance copies of the book have given it rave reviews. Ottawa Valley journalist Tom Van Dusen says the book is "Charming and practical. A tremendous family feat...and a fun read to boot!" Joe Morin of the Kemptville Advance feels that "Parents and kids will enjoy this book. It works for everyone." For more information, contact tdgraham@tdgraham.com.
Worried about the long-term effects of over-use of water? Looking for ways to make a difference - think globally - act locally? Got a teenager who spends too much time in the shower?
The handy steps listed below are from a new book called “How to take a 3 minute shower...and other things one person can do to conserve water” , by the family of local author Theo Graham. Theo recently won first place in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Regional Public Speaking contest for his speech on the same topic. Now, a book published by Habit Five Publishing is available for those seeking to gain a greater awareness of some of the things a family or individual can do to make a real difference, right now, right at home.
For instance, the book explains that while people in developing countries might use only 6 litres of water per day for all of their needs - including drinking - the average person in Canada and the US uses 350 - 400 litres of water every day for their domestic needs!
By using a low-flow shower head, for example, and taking shorter showers, a family of four could save up to 250,000 litres of water every year! Other tips, facts and pointers are listed, as well.
Using simple graphics to illustrate each point, the book is a good reminder that conservation - especially water conservation - is something we should ALL pay attention to, and that there is always something we can do about it. Instead of just reading about it, you can act on it.
Here’s how Theo’s family does it at their place. (Send these tips to someone you know!)
How to Take a 3-Minute Shower - by Theo Graham
First of all, Be Prepared, Move Quickly, Stay Focused!
Step #1 Get your soap, shampoo, and towel ready
Step #2 Undress; turn the shower on
Step #3 Check temperature, adjust, and get in
Step #4 Get hair wet. That will get the rest of your body wet, too. And remember: Move Quickly!
Step #5 Shampoo hair first, (using 2 in 1, shampoo & conditioner)?
Step #6 Soap up while it’s conditioning (use the time wisely)
Step #7 Rinse off: start with the hair, the rest of your body will rinse off in seconds
Step #8 Shut the water off. Don’t linger, you’re done!
© 2004 Theo Graham; excerpted from the book by Habit Five Publishing
The 36-page book is now available. Retails for $3 each plus shipping and GST. Quantity discounts available. Contact tdgraham@tdgraham.com or phone 1-866-4-HABIT-5 for more information.
TD Graham is a member of the following organizations: