11.07—Three Blocks Down
Satellite Design has moved into a larger suite of offices a full three blocks away from its former site in San Francisco's SOMA district. Our new offices at 333 Bryant Street feature giant windows and lots of exposed concrete on a tree-lined street.

10.07—Welcome Dani
We're happy to announce that designer Dani Nomura has joined Satellite Design. Prior to coming on board, she worked for studios in the Bay Area and in Oregon including 1185 Design, Celery Design Collaborative, Propp+Guerrin, IDEO and Mulch Design. Her experience has galvanized her interests in sustainable design, vector illustration and typography. Dani graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts from the Graphic Design Program at The University of Georgia.

09.07—Brand Recognition
Satellite Design’s submission to the SIGG “What’s You Eco-Style” contest has been chosen as one of ten finalists. The contest, sponsored by the Swiss maker of aluminum sport water bottles and intended to draw attention to the environment and the increasing importance of protecting the world’s waters, will select a design for use on a signature water bottle. The Satellite Design entry, “Our Oceans Are Turning to Plastic,” highlights the troubling abundance of plastic garbage floating in the world’s oceans.

08.07—Pitching In
A Satellite Design white paper has been published on brandchannel.com as its design article of the week. The article, Hey Lizard Man, Wanna Buy a Watch? is also available on our webiste in the articles archive. Brandchannel.com, the world’s premier online exchange about branding, is read each week by tens of thousands of marketing professional in business and academia.

06.07—It's Not Brain Surgery
Satellite Design continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience. Well, sort of. Last week, we released our quarterly white paper on a model for developing marketing messages. We call it "Lustify and Justify." It's something we've developed to help sort out how to create brand and product messages that appeal to consumers on both a rational and emotional level. It's not as complicated as it sounds—read the white paper here.

Now we think we're pretty smart over here but we never though our little model, developed from anecdote, observation and experience, would reach the same conclusion as a research project by a bunch of brainiac neuroscientists at Stanford. So you can imagine our surprise when we heard this story on National Public Radio the day after we published our article.

Using MRIs to scan the brain function of their subjects, the scientists are discovering just what happens in our brains when we shop. It turns out that two very distinct areas of the brain light up as we evaluate products for purchase: a pleasure center when we first encounter the product and a fear center when we second-guess ourselves for wanting it. The Stanford researches, pioneers in the new science of neuroeconomics, found that emotions related to desire and fear appear to play a big role in consumer decision making. Not exactly lustify and justify but pretty close. We'll be sending our PhD applications in soon.

06.07—Lustify or Justify?
The second of our white papers on current issues in graphic design and marketing communications, Hey lizard-man, wanna buy a watch?, was published this month. The article addresses the delicate balance between emotional and rational brand and product evaluation by consumers.

From economists to anthropologists, everybody's got a theory about why we buy what we buy. Unfortunately, no two seem to agree about what's really going on in consumers' minds. In this article, we'll look at past attempts to solve the puzzle and a handy little messaging model we call "Lustify and Justfiy." Read the complete article or browse our white paper archive.

06.07—Ocean’s Ten
Satellite Design’s submission to the SIGG “What’s You Eco-Style” contest has been chosen as one of ten finalists. The contest, sponsored by the Swiss maker of aluminum sport water bottles and intended to draw attention to the environment and the increasing importance of protecting the world’s waters, will select a design for use on a signature water bottle. The Satellite Design entry, “Our Oceans Are Turning to Plastic,” highlights the troubling abundance of plastic garbage floating in the world’s oceans.

05.07—Channel Marketing
The Satellite Design article Combating Icon Overload was selected for publication as the featured white paper at brandchannel.com. Brandchannel.com, the world’s only online exchange about branding, is read each week by tens of thousands of marketing professional in business and academia. Subsequent to its selection and publication by brandchannel.com, the paper was reprinted by a number of other websites including Package Design magazine.

04.07—Icon Believe It
Combating Icon Overload, the first in a series of white papers on current issues in graphic design and marketing communications was published this month.

Icons are everywhere. From packaging to advertising, marketers make extensive use of graphic symbols to communicate brand and product attributes. But like any other design element, they must be used well to communicate effectively. Here's a primer on how to evaluate the role of graphic symbols in your brand communications. Read the complete article or browse our white paper archive.

01.07—Information or Intimidation
Satellite Design principal Chris Harges spoke at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the outdoor sporting goods and apparel industry’s bi-annual trade show. The talk focused on marketing outdoor brands and products to novice- and intermediate-level sporting good consumers.

Industry newsletter SNEWS had this to say: “Of all the seminars and talks, if you go to one, we’d recommend listening to Chris Harges. He’s written for GearTrends® and we’ve heard him speak and he’s worth the price of admission—your time. His topic … is key to our industry’s future growth.”

01.07—Double Identity
Two Satellite Design projects were featured in the book Global Corporate Identity 3. Called “a favorite reference for designers worldwide,” the book is the third in a series of retrospectives showcasing outstanding designs from around the world.

Competition for inclusion is limited to firms whose work appears internationally and spans disciplines from corporate identity to collateral. Winning Satellite Design projects include a logo for a special collection of The North Face products and a packaging program to market The North Face apparel to consumers at retail.

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11.06—May I Present My Card?
Business card designs by Satellite Design were featured in the new design compendium Nicetomeetyou: Visual Greetings From Business Cards, published by victionary:workshop ltd. The book features innovative business cards from design studios around the world.

11.06—Our Complete Works
A variety of Satellite Design projects are included as examples of outstanding design solutions in the recent book: The Complete Graphic Designer: A Guide to Understanding Graphics and Visual Communication, released this fall by Rockport Publishers. Author Ryan Hembee’s overview of the design process and design’s role in business and culture uses examples from published works by major studios in the U.S. and abroad. Showcased Satellite Design projects include product packaging, catalogs and a product user’s guide.

10.06—Two-Time Winner
A fund-raising brochure designed for the Urban School, a San Francisco indpendent high school, garnered a second industry award. After winning a regional award in January, the piece advanced to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) national award competition where it won the National Circle of Excellence Award Bronze Medal. The six-panel brochure was die-cut to match the architectural profile of the school’s new buildings. CASE is the national organization for advancement professionals who work in university and independent school alumni relations, communications and development departments.

09.06—Logos Featured in New Book
Two logos designed by Satellite Design will be featured in the forthcoming design book Logology, due to be released this October by Victionary Press. The book showcases selected logo designs from around the world that exemplify design processes that elicit the true nature of the brands they represent. The following Satellite Design logos are included:

Flight Series: a sleek, simple mark that differentiates and elevates a specialty line of apparel.

Morrison Crossing: designed to represent a residential housing development whose identity combines hip Silicon Valley elements with a sense of the site's 19th century heritage.

08.06—Speaking of Marketing
Satellite Design principal Chris Harges spoke at this year’s Health & Fitness Business Expo. In his presentation, Feeding the Hungry: Satisfying Consumer's Need for Information, Chris explained how consumers evaluate products before purchase and described ways of influencing that decision-making process through packaging, collateral and other product marketing initiatives.

07.06—Balancing Act
“Balancing Act,” an article by Chris Harges evaluating packaging decisions made in one category of the personal fitness industry, appeared in the Summer 2006 issue of GearTrends Fitness. The article helps marketers evaluate the needs and expectations of sporting goods consumers and walks through the pros and cons of five sample packages.

06.06—All Hail the President
Satellite Design principal Amy Gustincic was elected president of the San Francisco Chapter of the AIGA. Amy took over the presidency after serving as vice president from 2004 to 2006. She looks forward to promoting Bay Area graphic design and providing educational, social and career-building events for local designers and design aficionados.

05.06—Let’s Get Small
Satellite Design hosted a tour and presentation as part of the AIGA’s fifth series of studio tours. The presentation, entitled “Let’s Get Small,” focused on the benefits to client and staff of graphic design in a small studio environment. A dozen attendees were shown samples of big jobs designed in a small studio and got a sneak peek at our tactics for working big including vertical project management and Apple Script production workflows. Attendees were also fed tiny little candies and cookies.

04.06—More Published Work
Two Satellite Design projects were selected for inclusion in the Rockport Publishers book The Best of Business Card Design 7. The book is the latest in the architecture and design publisher's series showcasing “the most innovative work” by “top designers across the globe.” Satellite Design cards include work for Charles Cormany Photography and our own studio business cards.

01.06—Principal Pontificates on Packaging
"Hang Time," an article on apparel packaging by Satellite Design principal Chris Harges was published in the January 2006 issue of GearTrends magazine. The article walks apparel manufacturers through the basics of on-product collateral and the importance of communicating with consumers at retail. After a summary of recommended strategy and tactics, Chris compares the pros and cons of four manufacturers’ jacket hang tags.

01.06—Urban School Fundraiser Wins Award
A uniquely shaped fundraising brochure designed for the Urban School of San Francisco was awarded the Silver Award for Best Alumni Relations or Fundraising Publication by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) during their annual conference. The six-panel brochure, die-cut to match the architectural profile of the school’s new buildings, was the only piece by a high school to win an award at the conference. CASE is the national organization for advancement professionals who work in university and independent school alumni relations, communications and development departments.

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10.05—Akiko Ito Signs On
Satellite Design welcomes its newest designer, Akiko Ito. Prior to joining Satellite Design, Akiko worked at Chronicle Books and attended California College of the Arts, where she earned a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Akiko also holds a B.A. in International Relations.

10.05—Packaging Work Published
Satellite Design packaging designs appear in the Victionary publication It’s a Matter of Packaging. The 200+ page packaging retrospective highlights innovative and influential packaging from around the world. Our camping equipment packaging system, designed for The North Face, shares the spotlight with designs from internationally recognized firms such as Sagmeister Inc. and Pentagram.

08.05—Retail Branding
Two articles on applications of strategic branding by independent retailers by Satellite Design principal Chris Harges were recently published in GearTrends magazine. The articles, one concentrating on the outdoor specialty market and the other on the fitness equipment market, help educate retailers on the process and techniques of using a strategic brand identity to position and differentiate their stores. By taking a page from the playbook of national retailers and powerful apparel brands, even small retailers can help create a memorable and recognizable presence in their communities.

06.05—Satellite + HP
Satellite Design has been chosen as the design partner for Hewlett-Packard’s Executive Briefing Center program. This series of 30,000 square-foot facilities is used for presentations, briefings and new product launches for HP clients, investors and the media. Satellite Design will work with exhibit design firm Red Egg Labs to produce environmental and exhibit graphics ranging from wall-sized interactive murals to display signage and informational kiosks.

06.05—Judging Amy
Satellite Design principal Amy Gustincic has been selected to judge the AIGA’s BOOM! 2004 design competition in Raleigh, NC. The competition, sponsored by the AIGA Raleigh chapter, is held every two years to recognize the best print and web design in the Carolinas. Amy will share judging responsibility with a number of other nationally recognized designers including AIGA national board members Lance Rutter of Tanagram Partners and Ann Willoughby of Willoughby Design.

03.05—Educating Educators
Satellite Design principal Chris Harges addressed a group of independent school advancement professionals as part of the annual California Advancement Partnership for Schools conference. The half-hour presentation concentrated on how a well executed brand identity and strategic communication plan can help schools connect with donors. Examples included recent projects for the Katherine Delmar Burke School including a new identity and associated collateral that resulted in markedly increased fundraising for the school.

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09.04—Welcome Hilary Howell
Designer Hilary Howell has joined the Satellite Design team. Hilary comes to Satellite from Alterpop and the California College of Arts and Crafts, where she earned a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Prior to her graduate work, she worked as an account manager for a number of San Francisco advertising agencies and as a marketing manager for Visa. Hilary also holds a B.A. in Art History from Brown University.

06.04—Messaging for the Outdoor Industry
"Denier is a Dirty Word," an article by Satellite Design principal Chris Harges, was published this month in GearTrends and the Outdoor Industry Association newsletter. The article focuses on effective messaging strategies to help outdoor sporting goods manufacturers connect with consumers and suggests ways of maintaining an authentic and technical brand image while speaking to more mainstream consumers.

06.04—Amy Gustincic Elected AIGA VP
Satellite Design principal Amy Gustincic was elected Vice President of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. She takes her position this month as an officer of the 14-member board that oversees the competitions, lectures and other events sponsored and organized by the local AIGA chapter. The AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing.

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12.03—Amy Gustincic selected for “People to Watch” List
Satellite Design Creative Director Amy Gustincic was chosen by Graphic Design USA as one of its “People to Watch” in 2004. The yearly list is a recognition by the magazine of outstanding and influential graphic designers who are helping to shape the future of design. The article will feature information on Amy, her studio and her approach to design and communication strategy. The 2004 “People to Watch” issue will hit the streets in January, 2004.

11.03—Amy Gustincic featured in design book
Satellite Design Creative Director Amy Gustincic is featured in the new book Quark XPress 6 for Print and Web Design by best-selling design author Michael Baumgardt. Baumgardt’s book walks readers through the creative possibilities available using the latest version of Quark’s print and web design software. The section on Amy features an interview about her approach to design and communication strategy and in-depth discussions of how she solved the design problems posed by a specific project. The book is published by Peachpit Press and will be available in early 2004.

08.03—Satellite Design Wins CA Award
Satellite Design has been selected for inclusion in the Communication Arts 2003 Design Annual. The international competition recognizes the year’s best graphic design and showcases winners in an annual publication. The Communication Arts judges chose a series of product packages designed for The North Face. These large octagonal boxes mirror the cylindrical shape of the tents and sleeping bags they contain. Their unique shape and prominent use of the client’s identity elements help them attract attention on the retail floor.

06.03—Satellite Design Wins AIGA Award
Satellite Design was presented with the “365” award for best Information Design by the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The American Institute of Graphic Arts “365” award competition recognizes the best of North American communication design. The winning design, a series of operating instructions for The North Face tents, uses photography and text to help users set up tents quickly and easily. The simple, image-oriented design lends itself to use in the field (even in bad weather or poor light) as well as to a multiple-language format.

04.03—Satellite Design Wins HOW Magazine Award
The North Face tent and sleeping bag packaging was selected by HOW magazine as a winner in the packaging category of the 2003 International Design Competition. The oversize hexagonal boxes are designed to stand out at retail and allow The North Face to communicate both brand and product-specific information while minimizing packaging production costs.

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07.02—Satellite Design Wins AIGA Award
Satellite Design received an award for best information design as part of the The American Institute of Graphic Arts’ annual “365” competition. The winning entry is a 112-page trade catalog designed to help The North Face sales representatives sell products to specialty retailers. The design solves the tricky problem of presenting extremely detailed product specifications in a compelling and easy to use format. AIGA jurors called it “classic information design, which there is not enough of.”

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© 2008 Satellite Design