This year, we are Thankful for a number of things. Our talented, brilliant, and dedicated staff and co-workers, our clients who continue to be progressive in spite of economic adversity, for the falling cost of fuel. For us, being thankful is a success story. If you have thanks, it probably means you started out with a goal or a wish that came true. On this eve of Thanksgiving 2008, what would you wish for?

It all started innocently back in the early nineties. Sharing URLs was so easy, links typically maxed out around 15 characters and rarely had more than one directory of depth, unless you were in Academia. Then came web applications and the length of URLs skyrockets such that today, it’s not uncommon to have a generated URL with upwards of 200 characters. Copying and pasting is problematic as links frequently break on lines and become inaccurate and unusable. Forget about trying to type some of these in on a mobile device. See the full story after the jump

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Recently, we were working on a print project that was completed with 100% wind power. As a part of the client’s environmental responsibility policy, all manufacturing that used electricity was sourced to wind-power vendors.

Our client wanted to be able to put a mark on the back cover of the printed piece to indicate this attention to detail. The logo needed to be able to printed in a single color, legible and immediately recognizable at a small size, and not conflict with another brand identity. We began looking for a high-quality logo that matched our specifications but couldn’t find one.  So, we drew one for everyone to have access to and use.

We now offer this logo for use to anyone who needs it for print or web publication. If used on a website, we ask for a link back to this article or http://www.stressdesign.com.

This logo is currently offered as a stand-alone symbol for your specific use, please feel free to add messaging specific to your use, and in a way that supports your existing identity standards. Some examples include :

We encourage you to use the Wind Power logo in colors appropriate for your brand style and with typography compliant with your organization’s identity standards.

We offer the stressdesign Wind Power logo for use in 4 common file types which can be downloaded here.

EPS	TIF	JPG	GIF

Each of the above files are provided at approximately 17.7 cm tall at 300dpi for best results, Please modify color and size to best suit your specific use. Generally speaking, the logo will work best no smaller than 1.3cm high.

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This fall, stressdesign completed a large-scale environmental graphic installation for L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computing Science. The project completely transformed the occupant experience of two main entrances to the building. Stressdesign developed and printed the panels in house and worked with Media Finishing who provided high quality finishing, fabrication and on-site installation.

“We were able to use existing case-work in the front section of the building which saved time and money.” Says Marc Stress, Principal of Stressdesign. “For the large mural wall, we fabricated a custom mounting solution which leaves existing architectural detail intact. Our solution will also allow us to update the installation in the future.”

An Environmental graphic installation can be a great way to bring your brand communications to life in a way that has a positive impact on your building. These installations also transform a space in a way that everyone notices without the cost of major architectural renovations.

“Working with stressdesign allowed us to update our environment in a way that positively effects everyone who comes into the building.” Says Tricia Hopkins, Marketing Director for the college. “Student, faculty and alumni have been very excited to see the transformation… the installation has provided a burst of excitement throughout the college.” Stressdesign design and installed the graphics to meet our deadline for the beginning of the semester.

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Tortilla Soup

Stressesign recently developed a new website design for Tortilla-Soup. Tortilla Soup creates custom stationery pieces for personal communication. “Our idea for Tortilla-Soup,” says owner Anne Matt “is that a family can create a personalized stationery system for parties, family events, or even have family brand.” Stressdesign worked with the technical team at Tortilla-Soup, a division of Crestmark Ltd. to develop the look and feel of the new identity and website interface.

“Working was stressdesign was great for Tortilla-Soup,” says Matt, “they were able to take my ideas and build on them to create a fantastic identity for my company. Stressdesign also worked closely with our technical team to deliver everything needed to turn the site into a reality.

The website was designed with flexibility in mind. As Tortilla-Soup expands their product offerings, they will easily be able to expand the site. The results have been a web site that has continually attracted more customers each month.

Stressdesign recently completed the 2008 annual report for Christian Brothers Academy. The 24 page annual report features information graphics and a message from the director. The design of the report follows the identity program that stressdesign helped CBA develop in 2007.