Design Inspiration or Plagiarism

Smashpop (Jason) has been sharing with his friends about how another blogger had violated him. Artistically, that is. Well, I’m not here to rant on how this blogger copied that blogger.

Instead, I’d like to discuss about how some who were most likely inspired by another source, coincidentally end up designing their blog too similar to the original.

This is what the original looks like:

jason-smashpop

And, this is what the inspiration resulted in:

onz-weebly

Sometimes our intentions aren’t bad. And sometimes, it’s when realizations come from our friends or others that reach us then only we’d realize them. So given the benefit of the doubt, this blogger may have been over inspired.

There was an article I read before on how you can be inspired but be not over inspired. It’s a really simple technique by identifying what is it exactly which inspired you. Was it the detail? Was it the color? Was it the texture?

After you’ve identified this, then you store it either in memory or as a reference in your personal space.

It’s the easiest (and laziest) line to say, “I like everything”, but it’s more fruitful and helpful to be able to identify what is it you really like.

What inspires you most about your own blog design?

P.S.: Jason, if you read this, the guy looks like he wants to become you. :P

Posted by dannyfoo on November 30, 2009 | Filed Under My Life | 8 Comments |

3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Online Brand Experience

A brand may be the logo designed for your company. But, branding is about sharing your brand philosophy and vision with your customer. Well, that’s my take of it.

In the words of a branding consultant; Scratchdisk Creative, their description of branding in 140 characters via Twitter:

Actually in all simplicity, branding is how people perceive and experience you. That’s it! :)

By the way, Scratchdisk Creative is a member of Level5 Creative. So is, Simpleet Solutions. ;)

How consistent is your branding?

As the question says. Where have you applied your branding? And I’m not talking about only business cards, brochures or any other offline marketing collaterals. What about your online branding?

Here’s a brand which isn’t only inspiring but has many other brands under its network. I really liked how they’ve brought their branding experience online although it may be subtle. So, let’s have a look at Envato.

Envato website

envato-website

Envato Twitter

envato-twitter

Notice the subtle branding. Yes, what Envato did was bring forth their background across the website and Twitter. Unfortunately, I emailed Envato if I could have an image reference of their business cards but I didn’t get a reply. So, all we could do is assume it carries the same subtle branding.

Benefits of a consistent branding strategy

From the article, you could tell I’m looking at branding from not only an online point of view, but offline too. And based on my observations, I’ve found myself believing a consistent branding strategy:

Increases credibility

You are who you say are from the moment you passed your business card to a potential customer. They’re immediately attached to the branding experience you’re sharing with them.

Increases professionalism

Consistent branding tells customers you’re serious about your brand. There’s something so important in the brand which you want to be carried to all channels and platforms.

Increases brand experience

With an increase in credibility and professionalism, it’s obvious even your brand experience will get a boost from a consistent branding strategy. :)

At the end of the day, it goes to show, it’s a damn good brand!

So, what are the 3 simple ways to improve your online branding experience?

You can start with your website, blog (if any), Twitter (if any) or if you’re not active in social media then look towards your offline marketing collaterals – business cards, brochures and etc.

By the way, what other examples of a consistent branding strategy have you found?

Posted by dannyfoo on November 23, 2009 | Filed Under Business & Marketing | 2 Comments |