So far I've chosen a subtle way to brand the wallet: ACTUAL is laser cut on the flap inside the bill area, so that you can see it when you use the wallet. This appeals to me as a designer since I want the structure and materials of the product to speak for themselves.
Tonight I was watching the NCAA final with friends and one of them, who works in marketing for a large clothing brand, felt that the wallet needed a strong branding element on the outside. A logo, color stripe, or pattern that would immediately catch a customer's eye.
I could do a cutout or pattern of some sort on the exterior of the wallet, but it would be hard because there's a glue layer on the outside that can't be laser cut.
Perhaps it's enough if the actual logo is visible on the upper right (right now it's hidden beneath the green)? The more I think about it, the more I think this might help the composition, working with the holes on the left side.
Does it really need a branding element on the outside? If so, then what???
I like it just the way it is, although you could take the decorative stitching a tiny bit further. Personally I try to avoid products with obvious branding. It makes me feel like a chump to make myself into a billboard without being paid.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth, thanks for your comment. I have the same feeling about things that I buy and wear, mostly because I don't think labeling usually looks good. I'll think about the exterior stitching more, although right now it reflects the interior structure, which I like.
ReplyDeleteI totally hate branded things. I won't buy something with an obvious brand on it unless i'm pretty sure i can get the brand off it somehow. I agree with Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm late into the conversation, but if the material cuts so well, would it engrave nicely too? If you made a subtle and simple pattern that wouldn't take too long to engrave it could add a branding touch. Or even something simple like contrasting stitching could potentially increase appeal.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, you would think the material would engrave well but it doesn't... it just turns the surface white and it looks like bad printing. Yeah maybe a little bit of contrast stitching on the outside would be nice.
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