During our first meeting Cassie told me all about her ideal target market. She was looking for someone similar to herself; someone who wasn't taking life to seriously, wasn't afraid to go against the norms or the trends and someone who was living the Austin motto "keep Austin weird."

So we started by creating a tattoo style logo, which of course had to play up the name "Cassie Rose"

Next, we went straight to the web, with a grungy, cement style background - with a slight ivory overlay to tame down the roughness just a hair. The background was the perfect brand element to help make the bold red and green tones in the logo pop off the page.

Here's a look at some of the interior pages (this is Cassie and her adorable daughter below)...

And of course, no site is complete without their convenient contact form, to help drive leads to their inbox!

Stay tuned, while we develop more of the Cassie Rose brand from business cards to marketing materials, and in the mean time, if you would like to chat with us about a branding or web project for your business, click here!

Gig Masters did a fantastic job of not only showing direct paths to their most important areas of their site, but also providing an area for visitors to sign up for their newsletter, read their blogs, and also connect by Twitter and email.

If you have questions about how the new Timeline page layout can help improve the user experience on Facebook - shoot us a message.

For our first meeting, we stopped by Matt's studio (Studio 3601), which was a really cool restored building full of natural textures, exposed brick, earth tones and tasteful splashes of color. So, in order to create a link between what visitors see on the site and when they first arrive at the studio, we used this palette as inspiration.

Here's a look at a couple of the "inside" pages as well (the about and blog pages).

Want to learn more about Matt? We asked him a few questions so you could do just that.

About your business:

How long have you been in business? 3^rd year

What do you do?  Fine-Art wedding and portrait photography

Why did you start your business?  I’d been doing commercial and editorial photography but started MJS when I started to specialize more in the wedding and portrait business.

What is unique about your business? MSJ is a small boutique studio that caters to clients wanting exceptional customer service and a more modern and artistic take on wedding photography.

What is the process like to work with you?  Even though I offer high-end services the experience I provide is casual and comfortable.  People have enough to worry about when planning a wedding so I try to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.  My South Congress studio is always open to my clients though, so I invite people to come over for a cup of coffee whenever they have questions and need help with anything.

Why did you decide to work with Doodle Dog?  When I met Nikki I could tell that she ran her business in a similar way as I run MJS, that is, giving great service and a top quality product, but doing it in a way that is easy to work with.  I’m definitely a perfectionist, so I really appreciated working with someone who listened to exactly what I wanted and was so helpful in making sure I was happy!

About You: My wife Mary and I live in south Austin with our dog Ruby.

Where do you like to shop?  Local Austin businesses are always my first choice.  I am a fan of stores like West Elm, Crate & Barrel and CB2 though.  I have some clients who come into the studio and know those companies catalogs so well that they can tell where each piece of furniture came from!

Describe yourself and your style.  I love the outdoors.  We have a fire pit in our back yard that we spend more time next to than we do the television.  After graduating with a journalism degree I strayed away from photography for 5 years while working as a fly fishing guide in the Florida Keys, Alaska and Yellowstone.  That love of nature definitely influences my work now.  I love natural tones, simple compositions, and photography that has a timeless look.

Where do you find inspiration?  I love magazines.  I could sit in the magazine section of Book People for hours.  I get about a dozen magazines, but I enjoy reading any magazine about travel, architecture or art.

A Day in the life of you consist of:

I try to bring my dog Ruby into the studio as often as I can.  It’s hard to have a bad day with her sitting next to my feet!  I wish I was out with a camera more often, but most days I’m at the computer editing images, responding to emails and working on marketing.

Contact Matthew Johnson Studios:

WEB:  www.matthewjohnsonstudios.com

BLOG:  www.matthewjohnsonstudios.com/blog

PHONE:   512.589.5921

Here's a look at the homepage...

and a few of the inside pages and blog...

If you are interested in using Doodle Dog for your branding, web design and SEO - please contact us  here for a quick quote.

We started by walking through our creative brief and then designing the new logo for the business. Take a look at how it turned out...

Next we tackled the brochure...

Business cards, for the cards we created one "affordable" option that could be used when handed out in bulk, and one super custom (and did we mention awesome) card that contained a custom die cut in the  middle of the card and a foil stamped logo all printed on a thick silk stock...

And finally the website.

Here's a look back at the items we originally created for her brand.

And here's a look at her new customized blog design...

Check out the complete design here

We love beautifying sites and blogs alike - let us know if we can help you with yours.

Here's a look at the site!

Want to know more about Schlosser Design Group? We asked Cristie, the owner a few questions...

1. How long have you been in business? 13-14 years
2. What do you do? (Short summary describing your business) We are an Award-winning interior design studio working with clients on their renovations, vacation homes and business.  We provide everything from interior space planning (where the walls go) to kitchen & bath design, custom cabinetry, furniture, accessories, art, lighting, window treatments and more.
3. Why did you start your business? Because I love design and architecture and felt I could have a more intimate and rewarding experience working directly with the end-user.  And of course, flexibility in my schedule.
4. What is unique about your business? (Why would someone want to use your services) We are involved in the process from start to finish.  Our follow-up is thorough and we care about our clients and meeting their needs.  We are very hands on and collaborative.  With us, you get custom designs that reflect  you  and are implemented with the utmost professionalism and care.
5. What is the process like to work with you?  I usually do a phone interview, then meet with the potential client for 1-2 hours getting to know them and their likes and dislikes.  Once we have determined we are a good match for each other, I submit a letter of agreement and request a retainer.  Then I begin the design process, which includes a second meeting to show the client the direction and get feedback.  We work on budgets.  Usually by the third or fourth meeting, we are close to sending out our designs for bid-assuming it’s construction, or we’ve put together quotes.  Each client requires a different amount of time to develop his or her ultimate design – that’s why we charge hourly for our design time.  Once we’ve approved selections, received contractors bids, we schedule the project and we charge a fee for our project administration and purchasing.  If we are designing furnishings and not doing any construction drawings, we add a percentage to our wholesale costs to cover additional expenses.  Finally, we inspect and make regular site visits during the project and are on location during installation of casegoods, and other furnishings.
6. Why did you decide to work with Doodle Dog? Nikki and Laura are dynamite!  High energy, easy to work with and great work ethic – which is a match for us.

About You:

1. Tell us about your family. I’m married with an amazing husband and two amazing children.
2. Do you have any pets? What are their names? I always had pets growing up and when I was single, but with a busy household, two careers to nurture plus very active kids, we don’t have time for much more than my son’s fish. Flicker.

10. Where do you like to shop? Nordstroms, Neiman-Marcus, Last Call, TJMaxx, Marshalls, anywhere in NYC

11. Describe yourself and your style. Updated Transitional – not too traditional, not too artsy-fartsy if you know what I mean!  Always need to have a great handbag and pair of shoes, and noticeable earings!

12. Where do you find inspiration? Everywhere.  I like people watching, noticing architecture, interior finish out of buildings and Hotels, and art.  I like to flip through magazines like Elle Dacor, Veranda, (I miss Metropolitan Home), Sunset, Interior Design, Luxe Magazine, Design Guide.  I also receive a lot of industry emails introducing mostly commercial sources which I find inspiring and am always looking for ways to incorporate into my projects.

A Day in the life of you consist of:

Usually I wake up around 6:45 and get my son going, make breakfast, make lunch for my daughter, every other week I drive carpool.  While everyone is getting ready, I check my emails.  A couple of days, if my schedule permits, I go to an 8:30 yoga class, otherwise I’m in the office anytime between 8-9.  I answer emails, review projects, return phone calls, do some design work.  If I haven’t brought my lunch, I  either head out for a quick bite,  or pick up a lunch at Wholefoods and head back to the office.  Some days, when I have lots of meetings, or projects in process, I may not even get to eat lunch…those days I’m a moving target.  Usually between 5-6 pm, I am on my way to the gym or to pick up my son and head home.  My husband and I split kitchen duty.  If he cooks, I clean and visa versa.  I’ve got my computer up and running and check mail or work in between monitoring the activities.  Sometimes my daughter and I head out to the gym at 7:30 or 8 for a work out.  It’s been so nice to do together since she quit playing competitive volleyball and now has time for her mom.  Last but not least it’s home to fold some laundry, grab a tv show or book and lights off around 11:30-12.

What is your web address? www.schlosserdesign.net

Yes I have a blog – www.schlosserdesign.net/inspirations

Phone Number: 214-546-6747

Here are a few sneak peaks at the new look!

Like what you see? Want to hear more about Lani and her planning business?

About your business:

1. How long have you been in business? 4 years
2. What do you do? I’m a wedding planner.  In the short of it I inspire, educate and support brides. I take my clients vision and turn it into a reality.
3. Why did you start your business? I started my business after planning my Mom a surprise birthday party.  I loved all the details that went into making it a wonderful event.
4. What is unique about your business?   We only accept 15 clients per year.   That allows us to really get to know our Brides and Grooms. That is turn allows us to truly personalize their wedding making their wedding one of a kind and not a cookie cutter wedding.
5. What is the process like to work with you?  The process is super fun and stress free. I give them an experience they will remember for years to come.
6. Why did you decide to work with Doodle Dog? I loved their work!  Nikki was very creative and professional.

About You:

1. Tell us about your family.  I have two wonderful kids; Landen & Jordyn and a very supportive significant other, Jacque
2. Do you have any pets? What are their names? Yes, a brown Dachshund, Carmello

10. Where do you like to shop? Ann Taylor is my favorite store.

11. Describe yourself and your style. I am a very fun going laid back person.  Some would say I’m a little goofy.  My style I would say is simple, chic and sophisticated.  I love blazers.  If I could wear a blazer everything I would!

12. Where do you find inspiration? Fashion blogs and magazines also Home and Garden magazines.

A Day in the life of you consist of:

5:30 am – wake up

6:00 am – get my kids ready for school

7:30 am – dropping my kids off at school

8:00 am – eating grilled shrimp and grits for breakfast

8:30 am  -check and return emails

9:00 am – returning phone calls

9:30 – 2:00 pm: Meetings

3:00 pm – pick kids up from school

3:30 – 5:00 – kids homework

5:00 pm - Dinner

What is your web address? www.eventsbylanibailey.com

Phone Number: 318-798-2154

The brand assignment was to create an identity that represents the product at hand...vintage rent pieces. Stacie's company offers unique one of a kind items that can be rented out for styled shoots, weddings and more. Here is a look at the logo we designed for her new business!

]]> http://www.doodledogadvertising.com/doodledogblog/?feed=rss2&p=2382 0 http://www.doodledogadvertising.com/doodledogblog/?p=2374 http://www.doodledogadvertising.com/doodledogblog/?p=2374#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:13:40 +0000 Nikki http://www.doodledogadvertising.com/doodledogblog/?p=2374 I'm sure by now (if you've ever been to our website or blog before) you've heard a thing about Thursday Therapy - the casual networking group that meets monthly throughout various cities to give wedding pros a chance to mix, mingle and share. So if you haven't take a look at the site and brand that we created a little over a year ago and read more about what it is here. If you have, we just wanted to give you and update and let you know that Thursday Therapy may be coming to a city near you!

photo credit - shalyn nelson photography

Here is a list of the current cities where you can attend Thursday Therapy:

Austin, TX (where you'll find Doodle Dog once a month)

Dallas, TX (where you'll find Doodle Dog once a month)

Fort Worth, TX

Chicago, IL

Albany, NY

New York, NY

Las Vegas, NV

Calgary, Canada

Sacramento, CA

Philadelphia, PA (the newest addition to the list)

If you don't see a city near you and are interested in hosting, click here.