Favorite State & Country Logos

Out of all 50 state logos that exist these are my top five picks. Most state logos are just simple type, sometimes it looks fine - but I chose these based on uniqueness.

If you look at all the country logos they all kind of start looking the same. Most of them look like updated folk art or use colorful colors for their fonts. They all seem to blend and look the same. These are the few that stood out to me.

Yo Gabba Gabba - Good Fun Designed Kids Show

Unless you have kids you probably never heard of Yo Gabba Gabba - on Nickelodeon Jr. I don't have kids (but I am a fan) I discovered this show by accident back in 2006. Right away I could see the appeal to kids - vibrant colors, fun looking characters, crazy costumes and high energy.

The show itself has a "weird" 70's feel to it, yet at the same time, it is very modern. It is a mix of live action with animated shorts, music and added to the mix is old school rapper/beat boxer Biz Markie who does a segment called Beat Updates.

The show, as well as their website itself, have a great sense of design. Good, fun typography that doesn't come across as awkward or goofy. This is always hard to balance (using the right typeface but not have it look boring and "grown up"). The website is very kid friendly - easy and simple to navigate. Even their loading pages are colorful and active to keep their young viewers entertained until the page loads up. The shows set designs are minimal, colorful and effective. The segments inspire creativity and community. Overall, the show's designs reflect exactly the market they are after. Put simply, it works.

Recently, I read that Yo Gabba Gabba has gotten so popular with young kids that they have optioned it for a movie and toy deals. It's always good to see that good design and quality can still become popular. Plus, getting kids used to good design at a young age will hopefully make them more aware of it and demand it in the future.

Here are some sites related to the show, http://yogabbagabba.com & http://brobee.blogspot.com

All images via http://yogabbagabba.com 

Economic Downturn Affecting Inspirational Target

Going into a Target store has never been a laborious task for me in comparison to say, going to a mall or even a supermarket. I have always walked through the store looking for inspiration and ideas. Their signage, gift cards, bags and store displays have always kept my designer's eye interested and engaged. Even back in September 2008 - when Target temporarily opened Bullseye Bodegas across New York City. I was curious to see how differently they would market themselves in this bodega styled shop.

But recently, I began to wonder how Target was doing in this economic downturn? And how this economy would affect their design and marketing efforts. Funny thing is the same day I wondered this I received a direct mail piece from Target for $10 off any electronic or home purchases of $100 or more. There is a Target store less than five miles from my home and this was the first time ever that I have received a coupon from them. I took this as a warning sign - of things to come. Hopefully they can weather this horrible economic state and continue with their design for all mantra - Great design, Everyday, For everyone.

Above are some of Target's self promotional items that I have collected over the years. Included is the coupon mailer I received from them.

Starbucks Inaugural Sleeve

I almost missed this today, Starbucks put out simple inaugural coffee sleeves with presidential quotes on them. They are definitely on top of their game and it's these subtle little things that really show you how they use design to give their customers a unique experience. Hate them or love them you have to give them credit for putting out something to commemorate this day. This really makes you appreciate good design + marketing.

Happy New Year