DS Blog
Demystifying Direct Mail, Part 2
This continues our series of introductory posts on designing for direct mail. Part 1 introduced your friend at the post office, the Mailpiece Design Analyst, the basic mailpiece shapes, and some helpful online resources. Here in Part 2, we'll look more closely at the shapes and other ways that the USPS categorizes mail. Factors determining the type of mailingAs a designer, unless the format of the mailpiece and the class of mail are already decided for you, you'll be basing decisions about the design of the piece on what kind of message, information, or material needs to be conveyed, weighed against...
Comments (0)|Posted by: Alison Ashe, 1 July 2009 at 12:29pm
Demystifying Direct Mail, Part 1
We recently attended a breakfast talk hosted by AIGA Knoxville on designing for direct mail. Sheila Kirton, our local USPS Mailpiece Design Analyst (did you know those existed?), gave us a great refresher on what to do and not to do when designing direct mail and alerted us to some upcoming changes in mailpiece requirements. Since we found this so helpful, we decided to put together our own introductory guide to mailing standards. Even if you’ve worked on mailpieces before, there can be many gaps in your knowledge. Mail can be pretty tricky, and it’s difficult to know where to...
Comments (2)|Posted by: Alison Ashe, 8 June 2009 at 3:28pm
The Stage is Set (again) for Designsensory
What a year 2009 has been already! Here's the latest bit of heartfelt news. I am pleased to announce Designsensory has officially been awarded a second term with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development as their interactive agency of record. In turn, we are partnering with our peeps at Paramore|Redd on the online marketing initiatives which includes email, social and viral initiatives all driving back to the tnvacation family of sites.If you spent any time with us for the past several weeks you would know this was a more emotional win than the many we are thankful to be...
Comments (2)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 12 March 2009 at 5:59pm
Though this news is a little late making it to our blog, I am happy to report we had a stellar showing at this year's Addy Awards. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we went 5 for 5 entries to awards. We were happy to get that notice but ecstatic when the results were finally revealed. Your favorite (I hope) design and tech peeps walked away with 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.• Tennessee Vacation Seasonal Sites - GOLD• Hunter Museum of American Art - GOLD• Designsensory Website - GOLD• Designsensory Stationery System and Identity - SILVER• Lifesaver...
Comments (0)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 5 March 2009 at 8:14pm
Early Returns for the 44th Annual Addy Awards
Early this year we decided to submit a few projects to the Addy Awards for consideration. I am happy to report that early indications are favorable. As the letter for Exhibit A (above) states, all five of our entries have been awarded an Addy. The question now is, what color are we going to walk away with---bronze, silver or the almighty sparkly gold. Personally, we are hoping for gold---these days, it's good for a diversified portfolio. Ok, bad joke. Anyway, being a proud American Advertising Federation member we thought to not only shamelessly plug our success...
Comments (6)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 10 February 2009 at 12:07pm
Well, what can I say? You blink an eye, the year goes by and it's Christmas once again. It used to be that we'd get a little snow, and that would help to make the season feel more like a winter wonderland. Now, what generally signals the approach of the holidays is our frantic search for what has become a Designsensory tradition---our yearly ornament gift to our new client friends. Over in design, this is coupled with designing our package label and Christmas card. For the past several years it so happens this honor has been bestowed on the newest...
Comments (1)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 18 December 2008 at 4:50pm
Five sites on "Best of CSS Design 2008"
Once again we have had the fortune of having our work recognized over at the popular design-blog Web Designer Wall. None other than five of our websites have been selected and included on this years "The Best of CSS Design 2008." Our seasonal site series for the State of Tennessee and the website for local Knoxville favorite, Dara's Garden are included with 45 other examples of great web development. Five out of 50 ain't bad but 2009 is almost here! New year..new challenges...new inspiration. Let's see what 2009 has in store. Appreciate the nod Nick. Here are the showcased websites: Tennessee Winter Tennessee...
Comments (5)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 17 December 2008 at 9:36am
Cut & Paste: The 2008 Greeting Card Competition, AIGA Knoxville
As many of you may know, Designsensory is a proud and active member of our local chapter of the AIGA, the professional association of design. Given that Alison and I both serve on the Knoxville AIGA board we thought we'd do our part to get the word out for this year's greeting card competition. The theme is handmade and the competition is open to everyone! Here's more info:We're encouraging you to step away from your bright computer screens this holiday season and get back to working with your hands. Create an original holiday greeting card(s) and mail it in to...
Comments (2)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 11 November 2008 at 4:40pm
From Abingdon, Virginia with Love
Several weeks ago we had the pleasure of taking a quick trip to Abingdon, Virginia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Highland region in Southwest Virginia and steeped in Old World tradition, Abingdon succeeds in transporting the lucky traveler to a different time and place. Rumor has it that Abingdon is also an old childhood stomping ground of a certain Technical Director here at Designsensory. Anyway, we found Abingdon a magical setting when we were there last but it is surely going to hold a special place in our hearts now. The business that brought us there weeks ago (bidding on their...
Comments (0)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 16 October 2008 at 10:33am
Work Honored by Graphic Design USA
Just a few days ago the mailman brought a little dose of love in the form of a good ole catalog envelope. There was nothing special about the envelope except for what was inside---five awards for design excellence and a special note of congratulations. Our selections were picked out of a pool of 10,000 plus entries as part of the top 15%. A big pat on the pack to everyone who worked on these projects! Check out the certificates below. More importantly, click on the projects and see the work! Recognition for the new Tennessee Theatre ID mark (logo) | View...
Comments (6)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 12 September 2008 at 1:39pm
A taste of our own medicine: Designing one's own Identity
Why is it so difficult todesignand develop your own identity system, print collateral and web site? Besides the time and personnel commitment, many design and web development agencies often struggle to capture the essence of their organizations when it comes time to do all things brand, identity and web site. Perhaps it is deciding on one path from a myriad of creative possibilities. Or perhaps it is a battle between aspiration versus pragmatism with respect to positioning. Be it a large, hundred-man enterprise or a small, two-person shop, it is always a decidedly difficult task. Having said that, focusing the mirror...
Comments (4)|Posted by: Joseph Nother, 5 August 2008 at 9:56am
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Authors
Alison Ashe
Alison solves visual communication problems through a process of research, concept exploration, and original thinking.
Lindsay Miller
Lindsay is dedicated to the unrelenting pursuit of delivering unique, effective media solutions that bring a company's message to life.
Joseph Nother
As co-founder and creative director for Designsensory, Joseph oversees teams that deliver award-winning and compelling design.
Brandon Rochelle
Brandon, co-founder and technical director, oversees technology development spanning interactive work through online marketing.