Blog
09.29.2009
Instant gratification for less than the typcial in-store Venti beverage.
People are calling Starbucks new Via Instant Coffee a “down-market” drink. I think the drink and its rollout embody all that a company should in a time of recession – change and development. It may not be the same as a freshly brewed cup of Breakfast Blend, but it’s most certainly a step up from home- (or office-)brewed Folgers!
Those of you who know me, know that I preach renewal, change, adaptation, and perseverance during these hard times. Starbucks closed around 600 stores in 2008. They had to make changes to stay afloat. Tapping into a market that desires fast services for a smaller fee may help pull them through the recession.
The company hopes to tap into the huge market of instant coffee, while simultaneously boosting the not-so-popular beverage’s image. Their new product boasts a delicious cup of Joe for less than the cost of buying a brewed cup in-store. Buyers have been reportedly using the powder to bake with (I’d like to try this, as coffee greatly enhances the flavor of chocolate), as well as using it for its intended purpose – a fast cup of coffee during a busy work day.
I think they have a real shot at boosting sales and grabbing their share of the market. They’re providing a quality product that people can afford. I can’t wait to taste it!
Think they can pull this one off? I do. After all, they are the ‘Bucks!
Please share your thoughts on this!
Tags: Branding, Business, Economy, Funny Products, Starbucks
Posted in Blog, Branding, Economy, Launches, Products We Love | No Comments »
09.14.2009
In the spirit of my husband’s favorite time of year, I thought I’d pose a little question: What is your favorite NFL logo?
Personally, I like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo. I have a thing for skulls, though, so that might be why I favor it. It looks fierce and challenging, which I think is important for a football team to portray.
I also really like the Atlanta Falcons logo. The way it forms an “F” is clever and works well. It also has the fierceness factor, with it’s sharp beak and claws.
My least favorite is probably the Washington Redskins. It feels dated to me, even throughout its years of updates.
So, what is your favorite NFL logo? What is your least favorite? Why do you feel this way?
I should also add that I don’t follow football except for what I watch with my husband. I like watching the Colts and Dallas. My husband is a big Dallas fan, and I like watching him get into it.
Tags: Logos, Sports Branding
Posted in Branding, Logos, Sports | No Comments »
09.01.2009
We heart WordPress and we’ve officially made the move to a WordPress-based website! Woohoo! Please stay tuned as we will be adding new projects to our portfolio and moving all of our previous blog posts to the new blog. We’re stoked and we hope you like the new look!
Tags: Branding
Posted in Blog, Branding, Wordpress | No Comments »
08.20.2009
Tulsa County unveiled their new logo this past May. (Note that their website needs a lot of work!) The logo is a step up from their old one, but many Tulsa County residents are expressing their disdain for spending the funds to implement the new logo. The County saved several thousand dollars by having all research, ideas, and designing done by their in-house designer, but they do still have to create new letterhead, business cards, vehicle graphics and signage.
What the naysayers don’t understand, though, is the need for businesses to stand out and increase marketing efforts during tough economic times. Tulsa County is a business just like any other – they just serve in a public capacity. I personally think the decision was an excellent one, as Tulsa County is in dire need of competent, skilled employees. Part of attracting those employees is the County’s image. They need to appear updated and modern to be attractive to educated job seekers.
I don’t think the logo is as beautiful as those from some other cities, but we also don’t have the budget for that. We did the best with what we have.
Granted, Tulsa does need money spent on projects to improve roads, etc., but that is where city spending comes into play – not county. Come on, guys! The logo had been in use for over 40 years! It is time for Tulsa to show its true colors!
Tags: Design in Tulsa, Tulsa, Tulsa News
Posted in Blog, Branding, Logos, Tulsa Design, Tulsa News, Uncategorized | No Comments »
08.11.2009
If you shop a Walmart like millions of Americans do, you may have noticed Walmart’s “Great Value” brand has gotten a facelift. They’re new look not only 
feels more modern, but also looks more upscale.
In a press release on March 16, 2009, Wal-Mart explains how the downturn in the economy led them to redesign their brand to appeal to a wider market. More and more Americans are pinching pennies and looking for ways to save. Walmart hopes these people will turn to Great Value.
Not only did the outdated logo get a new look, but the products and packaging also underwent dramatic changes. Products were submitted to rigorous market testing, while packaging was reduced when possible to maintain the company’s sustainability commitments.
Walmart isn’t the only major retailer that saw an opportunity for growth during tough times. Target has also revamped its store brand to maintain consistency and recognition throughout the entire store. Target’s marketing campaign for Up & Up boasts that they carry over 600 products for under five bucks.
Did Target do the right thing by rebranding? Check out this blog post for an interesting take on the matter.
Personally, I think the brand change by both companies was a smart move. Both logos were outdated and inconsistent. Now both are clean, crisp and recognizable.
In my opinion, this was a great time to spend the budget on a revamp. People are saving more and spending less, and store brands are key to many a household budget.
If you’re thinking about rebranding to appeal to an audience that might use your product now when they never have before, follow these two giants’ lead and jump into the waters of change!
Tags: Branding, Business, Economy
Posted in Blog, Branding, Business, Economy | No Comments »
07.21.2009
Muahhhhahhahahaha! The transformation is complete! That’s right – our blog redesign is complete! I’m glad it’s over. It’s harder to design for my own buisness than for my clients. I’m my own worst critic!
Anyway, it was a good way to make a slow summer more productive. 
Posted in Blog, Branding, General Stuff, News | No Comments »
04.21.2009
Not sure about the colors of your new brand? Check out this nifty little tool: Color Scheme Designer
It can help you pick out various color schemes to show your designer. Remember, though, this is not for print colors – only web colors. Your designer will need to match the proper print color, and some blues and reds will not properly translate into print. Just keep in mind that you have to be flexible!
Have fun and happy coloring!
Tags: color, design
Posted in Branding, Cool Websites, Web Design | No Comments »
01.05.2009
Mad Hatter Design Co. is proud to announce the launch of another fab Virtual Assistant service, Diamond Virtual Services!
The wonderful Erika Meiser of Diamond Virtual Services wanted an elegant and professional logo and website that included her chosen colors. Erika’s eggplant and cocoa color combo is a sure-fire winner! Erika’s site also includes some cool features like live chat and embedded video!Also, be sure to check out her blog!
Thanks for a fun project, Erika! We look forward to seeing your success in 2009!
Posted in Branding, Clients, Launches, News | No Comments »
12.15.2008
KathyCrofoot.com actually launched a while back, and I was slacking in my launch announcements! Please forgive me!
Kathy’s logo and site have been an absolute joy to develop. Her style and and personality truly show through in her unique logo design.
Kathy asked me to use some special lettering to develop a font for her logo. It’s the Kathy Font! If you haven’t read her About Page to hear the story of her logo, you definitely should!
Kathy’s site is WordPress-based, and includes a blog section. It’s bright, uplifting, and truly unique!
Thanks, Kathy! It’s been a pleasure!
Posted in Branding, Clients, Launches | No Comments »
12.15.2008
Mad Hatter would like to announce a new website design that launched this month!
HaloSecretarialServices.com is an awesome VA specializing in virtual legal assistance. Laurie Mapp of Halo asked Mad Hatter to give her site and blog a fresh, new color scheme and to revamp her logo with the new color choices.
We’re so proud of how it came out! Check out Laurie’s website and blog!
Posted in Branding, Clients, Launches | No Comments »
