Studioblog (n): a blog by Studiobanks about design, marketing, internet, business, Charlotte and more.

Design Un-Plugged: A Panel Discussion with the Women of Charlotte Design

Christy 0 Comments

I was recently asked to participate on a panel for AIGA. First of all, it was such a pleasure to be asked and even better to be apart of a panel along side such talented women in our design community.

Here's how the AIGA event was described:

In this constantly growing city and industry, it is important to bring attention to the challenges and benefits of being a woman in the workplace. You would think that in these modern times, there would not be these issues, but there are still growing concerns and a great deal of interest from other women in the industry.

Read More

(Project Update) Zobo.tv Launched!

Christy 0 Comments

We're excited to announce the launch of the Zobo.tv website. Take a look and let us know what you think. This site is a great example of how to make a lot of content very clean and navigation friendly.

(Project Update) Aegis Brand Development Project Complete

Christy 0 Comments

So we created a logo, designed all the collateral, including an extensive brochure and launched the Aegis website! Project went so well that Aegis is now on retainer with Studiobanks. More great stuff to come! Stay tuned.

Hillman Curtis - Artist Documentary Series: Paula Scher

Christy 3 Comments

So, I was catching up on what JT Helms has been up to by reading his blog. JT used to work with us, before he upped and moved to Chicago last year. (Please come back JT!) And I came across this wonderful video clip that I think does an amazing job of describing the designer/artist point of view. I wouldn't do the clip justice by trying to recap it. Just watch for yourself: Hillman Curtis - Artist Documentary Series: Paula Scher.

(New Project) Muzak

Christy 2 Comments

Being the music lovers that we are, Studiobanks is very happy to announce our latest project(s) with Muzak, who is a leading provider of business music. We'll be designing four websites for their various product lines. These are the folks that design, install and maintain the sounds that brand a company. For example, here's the audio architecture (the integration of music, voice and sound to create experiences designed specifically for your business) Muzak created for Ghiradelli Chocolate:

An older, credible, caring female voice delivered in a simple, formal style. No ornate production was needed. The voice is heard over music that could be performed in a jazz club. Brushes on a snare drum, a jazz guitar and a stand-up bass complete the experience.

You'll hear the sounds Muzak architects while shopping in a store, sitting at a restaurant, on hold or in a TV commercial. This is why I love my job, I'm always learning about new companies and what they do.

(Project Update) Southern Comfort Logo

Christy 0 Comments

Here's the final logo picked by Southern Comfort Development Group. It was our favorite. We've just wrapped up the collateral design and are on to the website design. The client is working hard to gather up content, including photos of their properties and deciding what information they want to provide for each of their site's pages. This is always one of the hardest parts of the process. You would think it would be easy to just sit down and compose a paragraph or two about your company and its processes, but in fact, it's not so easy. This is why we have many great copywriters at our disposal to help our clients along while they gather content.

(Project Update) Kubilins.com Launched

Christy 3 Comments

As promised, here's a look at the newly launched Kubilins website. While this was a team effort, Clay knocked this out of the park with his design and Will truly showcased his animation skills, bringing the site to life one frame at a time!

37 Signals article in TIME Magazine

Christy 3 Comments

37 Signals, the company that developed the project management software we use called Basecamp, was written up in TIME Magazine. Not only do we love using their simple, easy to use software, but we really love their "keep it simple" philosophy. In fact, I use their online to-do list, Backpack, for my own personal use. Anyone else using Basecamp?

(New Project) Varji & Varji Salon and Spa

Christy 0 Comments

This is our third client in the Morrison, located in South Park. First Winestore, then Asana Activewear and now Varji & Varji Salon.

We had our kick-off meeting yesterday and are very excited about the vision Max and Susan Varji have for their website. If you've seen the interior of their store, you'll have some sense of their incredible taste.

Read More

(Project Update) Greg Biffle Website - Top NASCAR Driver

Christy 0 Comments

So, while Greg Biffle's business manager is coordinating a photo shoot and gathering the last of the content we'll need, we've begun organizing the sitemap. This blue print of sorts allows us to be clear on the structure of the site before we begin design. It also allows for the client to have an outline of the final content we'll need.

We work hard to receive content as soon as possible. This helps our designers visually tell a story and understand how much text and/or photos will be on a page. Since Studiobanks is known for very clean and easy navigation, it's important we know what we are navigating before we begin the design.

One of the goals of the Greg Biffle site is to show the personal side of Greg—what he's up to when he's not on the track. One of the ways to accomplish this is to show Greg in his street clothes versus his NASCAR uniform. We're looking forward to being at the photo shoot in a couple weeks. Should be fun.