We have six ethos items at Doth Brands: Be Open, Plan, Speak Many Languages, Less is More, Good Design = Effective Design, and Traditional Advertising is Dead. Throughout April, May and June, we will explain . . . → Read More: Doth Brands Ethos | Plan.]]>

ethos (noun): the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution (Merriam-Webster)

We have six ethos items at Doth Brands: Be Open, Plan, Speak Many Languages, Less is More, Good Design = Effective Design, and Traditional Advertising is Dead. Throughout April, May and June, we will explain how and why these six statements form the foundation of our everyday life.

I am a planner. I’m a list maker, a do-er,  a box checker. I’m a 5 year planner. I’m a this week and next week and the week after that planner.

I learned very young the value of a plan. And I remember feeling what it feels like to stick to a plan—to have a plan to stick to—to stick to a roadmap you created yourself. I remember what it felt like to have a Plan A fail and a Plan B there to cushion me.

I suppose ‘Plan’ has been one of our ethos items since the very beginning because it’s just what I know. One of the things with Planning is that while it is what I know, it is also what other people know, but in their own ways. The way I plan is not the way other people in the office plan.

Planning itself is a topic of study by cognitive psychologists.

“The terms “plans” and “planning” can be used to refer to many different aspects of cognition and cognitive control in everyday life. One use of the term “plan” is to describe a procedure for achieving a particular goal or desired outcome. For example, when we ask a friend or colleague “So, what’s the plan?” we are often hoping for a set of directions to guide our thoughts and actions. That is, we are hoping for directions on what to do and when to do it, and this in turn might tell us those things that are most important and those things to watch out for. Ideally, the plan that is shared should be complete (that is, the contents and their ordering satisfactorily accomplishes the goal), efficient (the component thoughts and actions should hopefully have been evaluated and optimized), and foolproof (the instructions should be easy to memorize, monitor and execute, with little chance of things going wrong). However, in everyday life, plans may still be useful without offering explicit guidance or instructions. A map of the London Underground or an architect’s diagram detailing the layout of a house may also be properly referred to as plans, but they provide a representation or overview of a project or problem, rather than a set of directions. This type of plan refers to the appropriate organization of knowledge, and facilitates integration of the component parts of a problem, allows for mental simulation to generate and evaluate new ideas, and affords increased understanding to test and detect problems before they occur.” The Cognitive Psychology of Planning, Edited by Robin Morris and Geoff Ward

If you are familiar with the Myers-Briggs Personality tests, you might know that SJ types are the planners. The ones who like everything to have its place. That would be me, unsurprisingly. I’m an SJ.

The thing about planning is that different personality types plan in different ways. My husband, for example, is not an SJ. He’s an NT. He ‘conceptualizes the vision and systems to learn what might happen’ (Personality and the Planning Process, a Monograph by MAJ David A. Danikowski). Even though he’s not a list maker like I am, he is a fantastic part of the planning process. It’s almost as if he looks from the outside in and I look from the inside out.

In a workplace setting, planning is a very important component of the success of a company or organization. What’s important is not that everyone plan a certain way, but that we recognize everyone’s unique way of doing it, and integrating that together into one bigger, better plan.

There are a lot of free Myers-Briggs tests online. They are not the complete test, but will give you a good idea of what your Myers-Briggs Type might be. If you’ve got the time, I strongly recommend taking it. You can quickly determine your strengths and weaknesses.

The quip “You can’t solve a problem until you identify what it is” comes to mind. Planning is not always just as simple as a list on paper. The best plans come from a group of people who work together well and who have a variety of different viewpoints. This is exactly why Plan is part of our ethos here at Doth. When we work with a client, we don’t approach it with the mindset that we are ‘right’ or that they are ‘wrong,’ we approach it to set a plan in motion. A plan that is best for the client and the goals at hand.

{Curious how the other Myers-Briggs types plan? SPs generate alternatives yet prefer to take life as it comes. SJs trusts concrete procedures and keep all things scheduled and in their place. NTs conceptualize the vision and systems to learn what might happen. NFs demonstrate empathy for those conducting the process and those affected by it. -Personality and the Planning Process, by MAJ David A. Danikowski}

We have six ethos items at Doth Brands: Be Open, Plan, Speak Many Languages, Less is More, Good Design = Effective Design, and Traditional Advertising is Dead. Throughout April, May and June, we will explain how and why these . . . → Read More: Ethos | Be Open.]]>

ethos (noun): the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution (Merriam-Webster)

We have six ethos items at Doth Brands: Be Open, Plan, Speak Many Languages, Less is More, Good Design = Effective Design, and Traditional Advertising is Dead. Throughout April, May and June, we will explain how and why these six statements form the foundation of our everyday life.

A Simple Statement
Be open. It’s an easy enough thing to say, but it’s a huge concept that is at the heart of all our interactions.

A relationship built on false pretenses is not productive; the reality of it is that Person A wants one thing and Person B wants another. There may be a mutually beneficial way they can work together to achieve both goals, but unless they are willing to be open with their desires, someone’s dreams will not be realized. They will not be happy in the end.

So, before you enter into any relationship, it’s important to get a feel for the people you’re dealing with. Who are they? What do they hope to achieve? How did they come to where they are today?

The answers to these questions can help you carefully choose which relationships (both personal and professional) you want to enter into. They can also help you to take stock of your own motivations and goals, and allow others to come to your aid when you need it.

Picking and Choosing
You cannot and should not go into business with every person who crosses your professional path, so at some point you have to choose. Every person and every business works differently; even if your ideals align well, your work styles could be in sharp contrast, making it difficult to act on the very ideals that brought you together in the first place.

So be honest. Let that potential employer, job candidate, or hopeful ad agency know how you best get things done and the kind of support you’re hoping to find along the way. Then, if you choose not to work with someone, or someone chooses not to work with you, know that it is likely for the best. You can be supportive without working together and find a person, place or company that is a better fit. All parties involved will be happier for it.

Taking Stock
To be open with others means you first have to be open (read: honest) with yourself. What do you hope to accomplish? What are your personal and professional goals? No matter how big or small the goal is in regard to any situation, it is important to know the answer. Once you have it, you can focus on getting your priorities straight and set yourself on a path to attain it.

Receiving Help
Somewhere along the line you’re going to need help. Even the most prepared people with the clearest plans come up against something unexpected from time to time. In these moments, do not linger on worries about how others will perceive your missteps, own them. Sometimes being big enough to say, ‘I screwed up,’ is the most productive move you can make. You may even find that your honesty garners respect.

I am reminded of a statement made by Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it. When you have set yourself up well, with people who share your priorities and outlook, it is in everyone’s best interest to help one another, but you have to be open enough to admit that you need help in the first place.

A Culture of Happiness
Even though we are a business, we care about happiness. Happy people are more productive people. Happy people are more fun to be around. Who wants to work at a place where they’re miserable?

Not us. So, we create a culture of happiness by being open with one another. Sharing our goals, fears and mistakes alike only helps us to better understand ourselves, our co-workers and our clients. Try allowing yourself to be happy by allowing yourself to be open.

Our first two infographics of the day come from GOOD. GOOD partnered with Levis last year and rolled out a whole line . . . → Read More: Water Infographics]]> Water is one of the most basic needs, and a good portion of our planet is already experiencing a major shortage of water that is safe to drink. Here are some well-illustrated infographics about H2O.

Our first two infographics of the day come from GOOD. GOOD partnered with Levis last year and rolled out a whole line of water-themed infographics. The first appeals to the humanitarian in you, while the second appeals to your checkbook. Save water, save lives and money.

Water is also used in the production of many products. The Virtual Water Project seeks to educate people on how much water was used to make these products, so they can develop more eco-friendly shopping habits.

The Education Database Online put this infographic together to highlight facts about water most people don’t think about when it comes to the bottle they buy at lunchtime.

To start this series off, I’m posting a few of my favorite infographics on… infographics!

If you’re unsure what . . . → Read More: A Love Affair with Infographics]]> Infographics get to the essence of what we like at Doth Brands—clear, effective communication in an aesthetically pleasing way. To celebrate our love for infographics, each month I’ll be posting a few of our favorites within a certain theme.

To start this series off, I’m posting a few of my favorite infographics on… infographics!

If you’re unsure what an infographic is, the one below from EVR Advertising will help your understanding. I especially enjoy the venn diagram showing the intersection of theme, data, and graphics.

Rick Mans’s infographic below shows exactly why infographics work, illustrating the clarity that comes from a few words, images, and carefully placed arrows.

Most infographics attempt to take data about trends in health, the fiscal world, or politics, and boil them down into easy to understand images. Ivan Cash beautifully depicts trends within infographics. As our series continues, see if you can spot these trends.

And finally, an infographic about the most popular types of infographics. Thank you, Alberto Antoniazzi, for making us smile.

If you would like to see more beautifully illustrated information on whatever you find interesting— coffee, color, branding, finances, the internet, animals, whatever!— stay tuned. And, if there’s a specific topic you’d like to see infographics on, comment below.

Let’s look at a simple grid system example: The example above is a standard 8.5″ x 11″ document. . . . → Read More: Grid Systems | What are they? How do you use them?]]> Grid systems are fantastic. You don’t need to be a designer to use them, either. If every business had a standard grid system in place, you can be sure their marketing materials and overall image would be much more consistent.

Let’s look at a simple grid system example:
The example above is a standard 8.5″ x 11″ document. Also known as letter size. The blue lines are set 1″ inside from each edge of the page. This is step one in setting up our grid system. 1″ margins.

Here’s step two:

Now, there are two more lines. Each of those lines (horizontal and vertical) divide the page in half. Look at that super simple grid!

I’m going to show you how to use it.

OK. Super simple document above. First, notice that everything is within the 1″ margins. Second, notice the headline. It is aligned to the top margin line and the left margin line. Third, you’ll see two columns. Those columns are aligned the same way.

Here’s another way to use this grid system:

The headline is aligned the same way as before. Do you see how the content is contained by the right and left margins? Everything is in alignment.

I’m sure you can think of a number of different ways to arrange these same elements featured above while sticking to the same underlying grid.

If you’re interested in integrating a grid system into your marketing materials, start looking around you. Look at the marketing materials of other companies. Flip through advertisements in magazines. See if you can pull out those ‘little blue lines.’

In your own company, take a look at the marketing materials that are already leaving your doors. Do they follow a consistent structure? If not, they better start. It can start with something as simple as standardizing the margins of your documents.

Another benefit of using grid systems is that they save time. Imagine if everyone in the office used this same underlying structure. Would documents be completed sooner? The answer is probably yes.

One complaint that is common within organizations after a grid system is introduced is that they will reduce creativity. This is not the case. What grid systems do is provide a consistent boundary one can work within.

There are several books out all about them that will illustrate different grid options (just search ‘grid systems’ on Amazon.com). Before deciding on a system, consider the elements you often use in your materials. If you always have a lot of images to work with in materials, that will come with a different set of needs than if most of your documents are mostly text.

When you’re talking about food, you’re inevitably going to end up talking about health too, so let’s cut to the chase.

The infographic, courtesy of GOOD and Whole Foods Market, looks at the variation . . . → Read More: Food & Drink Infographics]]> This month we’re sharing food and drink infographics. There’s a ton of them out there; here are a few of our favorites.

Health

When you’re talking about food, you’re inevitably going to end up talking about health too, so let’s cut to the chase.

The infographic, courtesy of GOOD and Whole Foods Market, looks at the variation within school lunches that meet USDA guidelines.

If you really, really love infographics, there are these infographic plates, created to help curb obesity by HAF by Hafsteinn Juliusson.

Coffee & Tea

Being an office that likes its caffeine (Victor makes a pretty mean cappuccino and Cole enjoys a host of different whole leaf teas) I had to throw a couple of infographics on the topic in here.

I enjoy this first one mostly because it beautifully breaks down what’s in the fancy drink you order from the corner coffee shop. Thanks to Plaid for including some of the lesser-known options. Perhaps they’ll make it into our repertoire soon.

Lastly, an infographic to inspire conversation in your office, and ours. Coffee vs. Tea, by UK Insurance company Policy Expert. There are notable health benefits and risks associated with both beverages and this infographic breaks them down.

A Basic Break-Down

A basic break down . . . → Read More: Color Infographics]]> A big part of branding and identity deals with color choice. How is it going to affect your target audience’s perception of you or your business? So, we thought we’d put together some of the best infographics on color out there.

A Basic Break-Down

A basic break down of color theory.

Above is a bit of basic color knowledge, clearly represented in an infographic by Paper Leaf Design. This will get you started on your track to understanding color. It’s clearly segmented, without looking choppy.

Colors in Culture

A guide to what specific colors mean within various cultures.

You’ll definitely want to enlarge this one, from Information is Beautiful. If you’re doing work within your own culture, great. If not, this might come in handy to double-check against any cultural miscommunications. For example, South American cultures tend to associate the color green with death, not new life as many Western or North American cultures do.

Color preferences organized by gender, thanks to KissMetrics.

Color Preferences by Gender
There is a lot of information in this infographic by Kissmetrics, compiled from 70 years of research. Favorite and least favorite colors, tints and shades, and color naming each get a section. Click to enlarge!

This past year, growing our blog was one of . . . → Read More: 2011 in Review]]> As the year draws to a close, we always encourage clients to look back on the progress they’ve made during that year. That includes what goals were set and whether they were met, what could’ve gone better, and how plans for the upcoming year can be made realistically.

This past year, growing our blog was one of our internal goals. Along the way, we feel we produced some wonderful—and hopefully useful— content. Here’s a recap.

May | Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO: An Introduction
Victor explains how those three little letters have a big impact on your company’s online presence, and how SEO came to be such a big deal.

A Beginner’s Guide to SEO
Kate shares one big question that will guide all your SEO efforts, and five tips for those setting out to do some SEO of their own.

August | Inbound Marketing

What is it?
Cole tackles the differences between inbound and outbound, or modern and traditional advertising, to help you decide what is right for your business.

September | Handwriting

Handwriting Is An Asset
Cole explains that no matter how sloppy, your handwriting is a gift and shares how it can help you out.

Handwritten Notes How-To | Some Letter Writing Samples
Cole gives examples of professional, appropriate notes for those situations you’re not quite sure how to handle.

November | Time Management

What is Time Management?
A professional organizer weighs in on her best practices for a more organized, calm life.

Add Things In For More Time
Cole gives some practical advice for taking care of yourself when your life and work are at their busiest.

Timed Out
Victor shares a narrative account of his life-long struggle with disorganization and the real problem behind it.

The Doth Brands ‘Pomodoro’ Technique
Cole has used this technique for productivity since high school and we’ve found it works for most our clients too.

—

All in all, we’re happy with what we’ve created this year, and we’re moving forward with plans to create more content for you in 2012. See you then.

First, get a timer of some kind. You can use an actual kitchen time or something like this. A . . . → Read More: Time Management | The Doth Brands ‘Pomodoro’ Technique]]> I’ve used a variant of what is most often called The Pomodoro Technique since I was in high school. It is really simple and something you can do right away. You will see immediate results in your productivity.

First, get a timer of some kind.
You can use an actual kitchen time or something like this. A free timer widget for your computer.

Second, set it for 15 minutes.
Now work on something for 15 minutes straight. No interruptions.

Third, set it for 5 minutes.
Take a break. Do whatever. Check Facebook. Go to the bathroom. Call your Mom.

Repeat.

You will be amazed at how much you get done.

I’m including a PDF you can download and print out. It gives you a step-by-step for the Doth Brands’ method of the Pomodoro Technique.

[Download]

Tips for Advanced Time Managers
Depending on the day, I will adjust what I set my timer for. If I have a lot of design work, I’ll set it for 30 minutes and take a 10 minute break.
Different people maintain focus in different ways. What this technique does is it establishes clear boundaries for your work and for your play. Adjust until you find something right for your natural preferences and your line of work.

Resources:
The Pomodoro Technique Website