We believe that advertising is the Big Daddy of communications. Ads need to be strategic– whether for awareness, preference or direct response. The single net message must be relevant to the target audience and include a solid “reason to buy”.

Our tactic is:
Be approachable.
Be compelling.
Be relevant.

And, never, ever be boring. 

We’ve successfully worked with technology firms, banking & financial services, healthcare and consumer industries. We’ve helped taco shops, karate studios, non-profits, furniture makers, residential developers, agribusinesses, yogurt stands–and more.

We also believe in Howard Gossage: "People don't read ads, people read what they like, and sometimes it's an ad."

Every company has a voice, style and culture. Some voices are strong and clear. You know who they are and what they stand for.
We work hard to develop clarity, tone and a style that is in-sync with the personality of the business. This goes beyond developing a logo. Some firms need our help with their positioning statement. The clarity ensures that the corporate tag line or positioning statement is reflective of their market goals.

We’ve worked with corporate giants, as well as teeny-tiny companies that will soon become giants.

We do not design to be “arty, pretty or cute”.

We design strategically. Our approach to marketing design is based on an approved creative strategy. Each project has a clear, specific objective. Both copy and design work together and reflect the key message that’s appropriate for the target. That’s true whether the project is a poster, brochure, banner, signage or environmental design.

Yes, design can deliver a Return on Investment. Good looks with substance that’s “relatable”.

We've designed corporate and internal logos for global corporations as well as for small businesses––all with equal enthusiasm. For us, what makes an effective logo, is how well it reflects our client’s personality and market position. And, how quickly does the target audience respond with: “I get it”.

Here are a few examples created for high tech and no tech businesses.

We’ve developed radio and television spots. So, when Adobe Flash came about, it was an easy transition. We developed storyboards just like a TV spot, with a clear, single net message creatively presented. Visitors can interact and our clients can get a response. It’s an interactive brochure. No postage - No printing – No mail house fees! Clients are happy! The printers are not thrilled.

Today, it’s video. Like any media, a solid strategy and creative presentation is critical. There’s another challenge. We're located in "Silicon Valley". The majority of our creative work must cross cultures and "translate" internationally. Our creative solutions need to also work in Latin America, Asia and Europe. 

We are "front end" designers who want to establish a great look and feel for our clients and their visitor/users.

Since 1994, we’ve been asked to design online media for corporations. Typically this is to support a promotional campaign that we created. Like always, we ask questions. A lot of questions: What impression do you want to make? How can you create an experience that will help visitors? Is it intuitive? What is your single net message? Is this relevant to your audience? And, is it easy to navigate?

Our thinking is based on “KISS”:
Keep It Simple Stupid

If you’re asking mental gymnastics from visitors/users, it's not a positive experience. We want visitor/users to stay. Stay & play. 

A while back, I picked up a camera.
Oh, I mean I've always had a camera hiding in a drawer. I just saw it with new eyes.
Over the years, I've art directed a lot of photo shoots. But, that was different. I designed the shot(s), chatted with the photographer, moved props, directed models and then, sat in a chair and sipped coffee. Easy. However, behind the lens, it's way different. This is especially true when I shoot for my interior designer wife: http://www.sotointeriordesign.com. She's a former art director, too. And, when we don't see eye-to-eye, oh my! Then, regretfully, words tumble out of my mouth like wacko bats flying out of a cave.

It’s a quiet ride home.

Yep....very, very quiet.

You can hear a feather drop.

Thunk.

Over the years, we’ve heard or read some lines that made us take note. These excerpts come from life, history, movies or music. They can be hilarious, compelling or just shake you to the core. When we hear a great line, we run to the white board, or scratch away on a note pad or even scribble on the back of a lunch receipt.

We saved a few.