Identity Crisis! teaser spread No. 3 (Redux)

Another look at a chapter from Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, by Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives.

The above is just one spread of the Toppers Pizza identity re-design and rebranding effort, submitted for the book project by Shine Advertising Co.

Identity Crisis! is available at your local bookstores and online.

Image used with permission of author and HOW Books, an imprint of F+W Publications, Inc.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Identity Crisis!' included in limited edition MyDesignShop.com 'branding expert' package

Update: The 'Become a Branding Expert Ultimate Collection' SOLD OUT on 04.01.11 through the MyDesignShop.com website.

The book Identity Crisis!: 100 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands by Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is included in the latest Ultimate Collection Series package offered by MyDesignShop.com. The 'Become a Branding Expert!' collection is limited to 100 purchases at the special price of $119.

The 'Become a Branding Expert Ultimate Collection' also includes:

Why We Buy, Why We Brand. Debbie Millman's Branding Secrets On Demand DesignCast. Debbie Millman takes a keen look at the influence branding has on our everyday lives, from branding ourselves and the world around us to the role branding plays in the products we buy and the way we live.

Chermayeff & Geismar's Identity Design Process Revealed - On Demand Master Class. Sagi Haviv, recently called a "logo prodigy" by The New Yorker, walks you through his firm's time-tested approach to identity design, with 4 real-world case studies from start to finish.

A Logo Does Not Make A Brand - On Demand Master Class with Joe Duffy. In this Master Class, Joe Duffy discusses what brands need today: a complete 'language' that is unique to them, one that they can call their own. This language must encompass every point of contact with the audience - the way it looks, sounds, even smells.

Branding is Like Dating - On Demand Conference Session. Marcus Hewitt will take you from initial concept to potential repositioning. Plus, learn the seven steps to better brand relationships.

2009 How Annual CD. Get a whole year's worth of inspiration & ideas from the leading business and creativity magazine for graphic designers.

2009 Print Retrospective CD. Portable, searchable, and printable, this CD offers a gorgeous look book and insightful critique of the best design in the United States and around the world.

The $119 special offer is valued at $330.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Identity Crisis! teaser spread No. 2 (Redux)

Here's a look at another chapter from my book, Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands

The above is just one spread of the Vancouver Aquarium identity re-design and rebranding effort, submitted for the book project by the firm Subplot Design.

Identity Crisis! is available at your local bookstores and online.

Image used with permission of author and HOW Books, an imprint of F+W Publications, Inc.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Identity Crisis! teaser spread No. 1 (Redux)

Another look at a chapter from Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, by Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives.

The above is just one spread of the Sheridan's Lattes and Frozen Custard identity re-design submission from the folks at Willoughby Design Group.

Identity Crisis! is available at your local bookstores and online.

Image used with permission of author and HOW Books, an imprint of F+W Publications, Inc.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Identity Crisis!' among 'Top Products of 2010'

The online design book, DesignCast and product resource MyDesignShop.com has listed Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands as one of its "Top Products of 2010." MyDesignShop.com is the retail branch of the magazines HOW and Print, both published by F+W Media, also the publisher of Identity Crisis!.

For a limited time, those purchasing Identity Crisis! and the other "Top Products of 2010" may save an additional 10% on their purchase. Enter the code FAV10A at checkout, until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31, 2010, for the added savings.

© 2010 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Logo Design Books for the Creative Designer'includes recommendation of 'Identity Crisis!'

Thanks to Wisconsin graphic designer Paul Her for including my book, Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, on his list of "Logo Design Books for the Creative Designer." The resource recommends a great variety in the 10 international volumes providing offerings showcasing symbolism in designs, logo design case studies, historical perspectives, branding, identity tutorials and more.

© 2009 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

New books from friends, acquaintances and "imaginary" online pals of author Jeff Fisher

Referring to myself as an author still feels a bit odd at times. From an early age, it is something that I wanted to be "when I grew up." Well, I don't know if I've grown up but, with the publication of The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career (HOW Books, 2004); the 2007 release of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands (HOW Books); currently writing Logo Type for a 2010 HOW Books release; and discussions about future books, I guess I have become an author.

Anyone surviving the process understands the accomplishment of writing a book - and actually getting the thing published. In the last few months at least nine "creative type" friends, acquaintances and "imaginary" online pals have released design-related books. I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and the end results.

The other day I came across Graphic Design for Nondesigners: Essential Knowledge, Tips, and Tricks, Plus 20 Step-by-Step Projects for the Design Novice, by Tony Seddon and Jane Waterhouse. The book is an incredible resource for anyone needing a basic understanding of graphic design. It would be a great gift for a student considering a design career. I first met Seddon at a HOW Design Conference, where he was attending in his capacity as art director for UK publisher Rotovision. Hopefully our discussions about possibly doing a book together will result in a future volume.

I can't remember when I first met Seattle-based designer Terry Marks. I've been a long-time fan of the work of his firm, TMARKS. His book Good Design: Deconstructing Form and Function and What Makes Good Design Work, written with Matthew Porter, features interviews with numerous designers presenting their definitions of "good design." There's plenty of "eye candy" in this offering from Rockport Publishers.

Illustrator Holly DeWolf is among what some refer to as my "imaginary friends." We're online pals from design forums, Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. DeWolf's book, Breaking Into Freelance Illustration: A Guide for Artists, Designers and Illustrators, has just been released by HOW Books. It's a step-by-step guide to assist illustrators in creating and promoting an independent business.

I recently just missed a "real world" Austin introduction to another "imaginary friend" - designer, artist, craftsperson and writer Patricia Zapata. Zapata's book, Home, Paper, Scissors: Decorative Paper Accessories for the Home, provides beautiful inspiration to anyone enjoying the creation of art from paper. Check out A Little Hut for a peak at the incredible artwork. I'm thrilled to have a piece of her original art awaiting display in my soon-to-be redecorated bedroom.

Steve Gordon, Jr. is absolutely RDQLUS! One of the nearly infamous HOW Conference "Speakers Gone Wild" gang, Gordon - owner of RDQLUS Creative - was initially another of my online "imaginary friends." Today he is one of my favorite design industry pals. Rockport Publisher released his book, 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative, earlier this year. The book focuses on the daily habits that inspire designers to stay creative and business strategies to be successful when working on your own.

Caffeine for the Creative Team: 200 Exercises to Inspire Group Innovation is the follow-up volume to the HOW Books release Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain. The new volume offers exercises, tools and related experiences to help creative teams get the most out of their efforts. Authors Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield have become friends over the years through time spent together at HOW Design Conferences.

I first met designer and educator Peg Faimon years ago when we were on the "Designers in Handcuffs" panel at the New Orleans HOW Design Conference. We've kept in touch over the years - and that resulted in her using me as a resource (more about that it a future bLog-oMotives entry) for her book, The Designer's Guide to Business and Careers: How to Succeed on the Job or on Your Own. The book is a "must have" resource for assisting designers in mapping out a successful career.

Tamye Riggs is another online "friend" that I've never met. We have an Oregon connection, a common passion for typography, and often bump into each other on Typophile, Twitter and Facebook. Riggs' new book, Typeface: Classic Typography for Contemporary Design, is a type lover's wet dream. Read more about this book in a recent bLog-oMotives "Toot! Toot!"

Illustrator, designer and speaker extraordinaire Von Glitschka lives less than an hour from my Portland home studio. However, we were online forum acquaintances long before we met in person at a HOW Design Conference in Chicago. Glitschka spent over a year creating the patterns in his book, Drip Dot Swirl: 94 Incredible Patterns for Design and illustration. The book is an excellent follow-up to his first texture volume, Crumble Crackle Burn

Any titles from this incredible assortment of books - written a collection of my friends, acquaintances and "imaginary" online pals - would be great additions to your own design library.

© 2009 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

"No self respecting designer should bewithout Identity Crisis by Jeff Fisher"

In the recent ImJustCreative blog post Case Studies - The Real Source for Logo & Brand Identity Inspiration, UK identity designer Graham Smith suggests that identity designers look beyond the numerous online logo design galleries for project inspiration. He recommends books that feature real-life logo design case studies and writes: "And no self respecting designer should be without Identity Crisis! by Jeff Fisher."

Thanks, Graham!

Designers'Couch interviews author Jeff Fisher

Jeff Fisher, author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, is the subject of the featured interview on the industry web presence Designers'Couch. Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, discusses his 30+ years in design, working independently, the challenges facing young designers today, and more.

Designers'Couch is a relatively new online design resource for inspiration, education, collaboration, industry news, project critiques, and other needs of those in the profession. Site membership is free.

'Identity Crisis!' included in 'Best Logo Design Books for Your Graphic Design Library'

Sometimes it takes a while to find posts out there in the cyber-verse related to my design efforts or writing. Recently I came across the post Best Logo Design Books for Your Graphic Design Library on the All Graphic Design blog. My book, Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, was one of four suggested identity design books.

One of the others, Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos and Explain What Makes Them Work, includes examples of my logo design work. The two others, Design Matters: Logos 01: An Essential Primer for Today's Competitive Market and Logo Design Workbook: A Hands-On Guide to Creating Logos, are both in my personal design library and I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in identity design.

© 2009 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

"Identity Crisis!" recommended as a "must have"

I appreciate San Francisco graphic designer Quan Vu recommending Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands as a "must have" logo design book in a relatively new portfolio, blog and design resource site. My book is showcased with some other great identity book options, most of which already have a home in my design library.

"Identity Crisis!" listed among Logo Critiques' "10 Great Logo Design, Branding and Identity Books"

Thanks to the design blog Logo Critiques for including my book Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands on their list of "10 Great Logo Design, Branding and Identity Books.". Most of the featured books are already in my personal library and some of my work is included in the volume, Really Good Logos, Explained.

Logo Critiques, written by designer Erik Peterson, is a blog assisting logo designers in creating better logos by offering to give free critiques.

"I believe that through constructive feedback & critique, design can often be improved. Sometimes the truth hurts a little, but if it's honest, it'll likely make you a better designer," writes Peterson. "Not to mention a better logo and identity for your client or company."

© 2009 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Identity Crisis!' one of 30 must-have logo books

The design industry blog You The Designer has included Identity Crisis!: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands, on their list of 30 Must-Have Logo Books. Publisher HOW Books/F+W Media acknowledged the book list on the HOW Blog.

In addition, many Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity designs may be found in other books noted on the list, including the Big Book of Logos series, the LogoLounge volumes, Really Good Logos, Explained, Rockport's Letterhead and Logo Design books, and Graphics Logo Design 6.

The image above is a spread of one of my own designs from Identity Crisis!. Many other teaser spreads may be seen on this blog.

"The Ultimate List of The Best Logo Design Resources" includes "Identity Crisis!"

Just Creative Design, the blog of designer Jacob Cass, has posted "The Ultimate List of The Best Logo Design Resources" - with my book, Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands, included on the list.

The resource list also includes an earlier Just Creative interview with me (Logo Design Tips & A Not-So-Ordinary Interview with Logo Designer, Jeff Fisher), my own blog bLog-oMotives, and a listing in the "Logo Designer" category.

'Identity Crisis!' - and all other books - 50% offat HOWBookstore.com through 11.28

For a limited time my book, Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands, and all other HOW Books offerings are 50% off at HOWBookstore.com. From November 25 through November 28 take 50% off suggested retail on book orders of any size from the entire selection of books. Include coupon code BLACKFRIDAY when ordering to receive savings at checkout.

Infographic journalist flips over 'Identity Crisis!'

Teoh Yi Chie - an infographic journalist, illustrator, and cartoonist from Singapore - posts design book reviews with great photo imagery on the Design Shelf blog. I recently came across a review and video (above), with the reviewer flipping through my book Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands, when posted on the Amazon.com page for the volume. I followed the provided link to the Design Shelf page for my book, which displays some great additional photo images.

Inside Digital Design features "Identity Crisis!"

Recently Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives was interviewed for the design industry radio program Inside Digital Design. The primary focus of the podcast, conducted by hosts hosts Scott Sheppard and Gene Gable, was Fisher's latest book Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands. - which was released one year ago.

The Inside Digital Design show airs weekly in key U.S. national markets and is then made available to a global audience, on the program's website and as a podcast via Apple’s iTunes.

Inside Digital Design Radio & TV is a weekly broadcast program providing news, information, product reviews, and in-depth interviews for today’s creative professional. Covering the latest digital design tools, tips and techniques, insights from industry icons and designers, anecdotes from the history of design, and a good dose of creative inspiration, the original content is distributed and produced by Inside Media Networks.

© 2008 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Identity Crisis!' on Goodreads networking site

Goodreads is a great social networking site for readers and authors, offering so much more than just the opportunity to connect with others around the world.

As explained on the Goodreads site:

Goodreads is a free website for book lovers. Imagine it as a large library that you can wander through and see everyone's bookshelves, their reviews, and their ratings. You can also post your own reviews and catalog of what you have read, are currently reading, and plan to read in the future. Don’t stop there – join a discussion group, start a book club, contact an author, and even post your own writing.

As the author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands, Goodreads provides yet another marketing tool for my book with my own author's page. Authors can post a detailed biography, make note of upcoming book-related events, share writings or book excerpts, participate in discussion groups, and promote their own books.

Anyone with a passion for books - and an interest in finding out what others are reading (and writing) - should give Goodreads a look.

(Note: I have added Goodreads to my previous list of social networking/media sites I use for marketing and promotion purposes.)

© 2008 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Summer is a great time read a book...

Thanks to Kelly Erickson, Owner and Creative Director of VisionPoints, for including Identity Crisis! on her Summer Is a Great Time to Read a Book list. Her 10 suggested beach reads appeared on the Maximum Customer Experience Blog.

Erickson writes:

This book will set you back a bit more than the others on this list but not too much for this colorful, real-life-example packed classic. After you’ve read the book, applied all the lessons, and become a fan, you’ll want to visit Jeff’s LogoMotives blog, where you can also click through his wonderful portfolio.

I appreciate the plug for the book and the comments!

Design Dump names 'Identity Crisis!' winners

Today Design Dump, the online design industry resource, announced the winners of the drawing for copies of Identity Crisis!: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands. Congratulations to the winners! Thanks to all who entered and to the Design Dump gang for coordinating the event.