With website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and others coming into their own, it’s becoming easier to put a website online. And, that makes it harder for the average person to tell the difference between what you get from a website builder, and what you get when you hire a website professional. After all, why would […]
A letter without a message is just a blank piece of paper in a fancy envelope. (And who wants to look at that?) How Design Communicates When we build websites, draw logos, and make marketing assets, we’re using our (awesome) creative powers to help our clients share their message. We use colors, shapes, letterforms, photo […]
Logo design has come under a ton of scrutiny, thanks to increasing numbers of people using social media. Now, basically any well-known company who dares to update their brand assets open themselves to critique from the internet at large. (even I had some choice words about a big-name logo redesign, several years ago!) Patreon’s recent […]
On April 28th, Upswept Creative hosted a panel discussion at HQ as part of Design Week Portland. What started as a fun idea tossed to the group in one of our team meetings very quickly evolved into a fully realized, (and totally booked!) event. Creative Director and Benevolent Overlord Sarah had been thinking a lot […]
Working in web design can be a complicated process. A lot of creative decisions need to be made while working under a deadline, and within a budget. Both functionality and the client’s needs have to take priority, all while looking prettier than the previous iteration. So how do the pros do it? We’d like to […]
Designers have a reputation for being fussy, opinionated, and disinterested in client feedback, or even for needing to have things their way concerning your project. But your pals at Upswept are here to say that when you work with us, that is simply not the case. We believe that design is a collaborative process between […]
A logo is a key brand element for any company. Whether a new startup venture, or a well-established company, getting your logo design (or redesign!) nailed down feels good, and can help re-energize your company going into the new year. Approaching logo design can be a real challenge. A good logo design will fit the […]
When we first met with Emily of Happy Nest, she had a busy day-to-day of running her professional organizing business and caring for her young children. She had the start of an online presence, but her brand didn’t feel like a good fit. “It’s just… not awesome,” she told us. So, we made a plan to turn her disappointment into excitement, and […]
Jessica and I recently enjoyed a panel discussion at Pull The Weeds, an exhibition and event centered around purpose-driven branding hosted by FIRNW. Kirk Souder, Thom Walters, and Jen Michaelis Van Arkel shared their thoughts about what drives branding when social good is at the center of the organization. The most obvious purpose-driven brands are the ones that are engaged […]
It’s all too easy to get stuck in work mode. Working long hours, rushing to the gym, then going home to eat something and fall asleep. Only to wake up early and do it all again. But as a creative agency–or any type of business, really!–it’s important for us to remember take play breaks. Design […]
