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QR Codes: Connect with Your Audience Wherever They Are

Have you noticed? Little boxes of static are suddenly everywhere. You see them in store windows, on restaurant receipts, in magazine ads. They are on food packaging, flyers, and even…

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In Brief: A Roadmap to Remarkable Results

I said before I’d say it again, and guess what? Here we are already! I want to talk a little more about collaboration in today’s blog. Specifically, about how we…

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To Your Customers, Small Gestures Make a Big Impact

We recently contracted Colonial Roofing to replace the roof on our garage. We were delighted with the professionalism of the crew and the great work they did. But what really…

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Collaboration Works Both Ways

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. And again, and again! Collaboration is a key element of great design. Every client has their own perspective on what they…

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On My Bookshelf: Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team

As a design and brand expert, I’ve amassed quite a few remarkable books on brand and design over the years (I know, it’s a shocker). Occasionally I’d like to recommend…

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Brand 101 – On Brand (and Identity, and Branding)

We know what a brand is, right? We’re all certainly able to recognize a brand, but do you know how your brand informs and amplifies your business strategy? Do you…

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Why do I Call Myself the Savvy Brander?

It’s a good question. Savvy is a term open to many interpretations. On a personal level it’s someone who’s shrewd, perceptive, or street smart. In business, I see it as…

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Rick-Whelan-Ditto-Design-by-Franco-Vogt

Howdy! I’m Rick, a brand expert and seasoned graphic designer in NY’s Hudson Valley. For more than 40 years I’ve been creating remarkable brand solutions for individuals, companies and nonprofits here and beyond.

I want people to understand why brand is essential to their business, share a few personal experiences, and explore what goes into a good (or bad) design.