I (Justin) have a new project that is going live today. It is called Shoshul, it’s a blog dedicated to insights into social media, networking, and marketing. Have a look if you are interested in the subject, I (being a Co-Author) highly recommend it! The design, of course, is the work of Inkblot Robot.
There is, obviously, a huge trend in big business right now outsourcing non-critical business tasks to cheaper labor in places like India. But now it is becoming easier and easier for small business and even individuals use outsourcing. Websites like Your Man In India and directories like Outsourcing.org make it simple to find and connect with labor companies across the globe. This is already affecting web developers and programers, and will undoubtedly affect designers of all stripes. So how can a designer succeed in this new environment? The answer is not slashing rates to compete on price. That is a death sentence.
I believe we will need to do 2 things. First, designers need to determine their unique value proposition. How does your work benefit the client and their bottom line? How can you connect with their customers better than any other designer (outsourced or not)? This is where having a strong and specific niche is really going to payoff. Secondly, people will pay for what they value. If they understand the power of design and embrace it, they are willing to pay for top notch work. If they don’t “get it” (and you are not able to make them get it), they will be happy with any decent looking logo or website, doesn’t matter if it is relevent to their customers or not. These will be the clients who are shopping on price and we have to be ready to pitch our value or right them off entirely. Chances are pretty good that there will always be a struggle over costs with these type.
So stick by your work, prove your value, serve the niche. And realize that not every client is the right client.
What do you think? How will you stay competitive?
Update: There is also something to be said for perceived value. This is one of the things that is actually holding outsourcing back. Clients have a world view their mind. Do they believe that an outsourced designer, working for half the rate will produce work at the same quality. Maybe yes, but often no. Perceived value may be the trump card that many designers hold.
I have just joined Twitter this past week and I have really been digging it. If you don’t know, it’s a social news website. It is kind of like a mix between blogging and instant messenger. Once you give it try, you will be hooked. Find me here, and follow me! I generally post and comment on technology and design, as well as life in general.
The main site inkblotrobot.com has been updated with new portfolio samples. Included in the update is corporate identity for Accounting Solutions and TinyURL.com as well as print material for 1% Productions and Sweet Maggie’s.
We are also thinking about doing a site redesign that will offer more functionality, easier updating, and more interactivity. We will keep you updated on that.
First things first, let me apologize for the long hiatus on the blog. I swear there is a good reason for it!
Inkblot Robot has officially moved to Portland, OR! I had mentioned several months back that we were going to be visiting Portland on a scouting trip to see if it was a good fit for us and we found out that it absolutely was. So as of April 1st we left the flat lands of the Nebraska and headed West on I80 for about 900 miles and Northwest on I84 for about 600 miles. We are really, really excited to become apart of the lively arts/music/etc community here in Portland.
Enjoy a few quick links of what Portland has to offer. Then come visit us!
Grass Hut
Voodoo Doughnut
Holocene
Doug Fir Lounge
I know this is a bit long, but the ‘Emotionator’ at the end is pretty classic!
In a quest to keep up with the mediocre “casual dining” chain restaurants, Applebee’s has cooked up a new logo (I think I should be working more puns into these blog posts 
). If you recall Ruby Tuesday released their new logo just a couple weeks ago. Applebee’s is striving to regain the top spot in mediocrity.
before: 
after: 
It is nice to see a much less “street sign” type look in the new logo. The color palette gives the new look a much needed push into the present. There is just something about the typography that rubs me the wrong way, though. And the combination of the tagline font and the logo font just looks off. But honestly, like I said in the Ruby Tuesday post, I couldn’t care less about the new logo until you do something about your interior design. I will never be able to enjoy my bloomin’ onion at one of these restaurants until the faux-retro junk collages are off the walls.
See you next week with a new TGI Friday’s logo to report, and a new Chili’s logo shortly after.
A posting on a Dutch video game site hints that a new PlayStation 3 logo may be arriving. If you haven’t been following, PlayStation 2 was the powerhouse in the video game console market. Then the Xbox 360 came along and picked up some of their market, and the Nintendo Wii came in and surprised everyone to become the hottest seller. PlayStation 3 was then released with much hype but quickly fizzled. Before Sony knew it they were the number 3 player in the market. So maybe a new logo is just what the doctor ordered?
Possible new PS3 logo:
Sadly, I don’t think this logo is going to change any gamers’ minds. It is possible that this new mark may serve a niche purpose, for example being the logo for the PS3 online service. But honestly, the PlayStation 3 just needs one strong identity. Their identity is way to vague and segmented at this point. Below are three separate PS3 logos that are floating around.
Not to mention the standard (and most recognizable) catch-all PlayStation logo.
Still in Portland, and more logo news. Toys R Us has brought their logo up to date. The new logo includes a rethinking of the star and a more mature color scheme.
before:
after:
Once again Brand New has a pretty extensive right up regarding the redesign as well as a historical look back at the Toys R Us identity.
We are Portland this week, but I wanted to keep you up to date with a pretty prominent redesign. Holiday Inn is totally rethinking their approach to the mid-level hotel. A redesigned logo is at its basis.
before:
after:
Brand New has a pretty in depth article regarding the redesign. It’s worth a read if you are interested.