Perspectives

Expanding Our Qualitative Tool Belt

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Some of the Barnum team had the great opportunity to pick the brain of a practicing ethnographer and anthropologist Russ Nelson. Being with Barnum for almost a year I've realized that we're constantly evolving our methods to better benefit everyone involved. While hearing about Russ' process of preparing and gathering user-research through surveys and interviews, along with our interest in better quantifying our design decisions—we've started to equip ourselves with some great tools to start implementing these things with our client work as well as our sweat ventures projects.

Interested in our work? Feel Free to contact us.

Animation & Motion Test

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:22:00 GMT

Barnum Brand Opener

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:30:00 GMT

At Barnum, we are always working closely with our clients to build strong brands through meaningful, engaging creative.

Our process has always been somewhat organic and involved weeks if not months of effort. All too frequently, the necessities of day to day business forced us to start executing on tactical programs before the core brand DNA was fully defined. We decided it was time to create a more systematic approach in order to jump start the process. We call our new process the Barnum Brand Opener.

We just finished our first test with the Emerging Markets Investors Association. This new financial services trade group’s mission is to leverage the power of the investment community to advocate for for good governance, fair trade practices and sound environmental stewardship in emerging markets. Over two evenings we worked with the founding group to craft a succinct mission and positioning. Given the complexity of the topic, it was a great test of the process.

Conscious Business: Wake Up!

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Socially Responsible Business, Values Based Business. Conscious Capitalism... in our work with start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures, we encounter these terms frequently.

But is this all of this just a kumbayah fad? Can business actually create value through values? We would respond with an emphatic “yes!”

By adopting the triple bottom line model, decisions are weighed for their impact on people, planet and profit rather than profit alone. Far from being naive, this approach yields benefits that directly impact the valuation of a business. Expanding the “why” of a business beyond a particular product or service opens up new avenues of expansion, improves the effectiveness and satisfaction of staff and helps to foster a memorable and positive identity with customers. Don’t believe it? Ask Ben & Gerry, Steve Jobs, or Howard Shultz

David Speaks at Founders Space

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:32:00 GMT

Founders Space New York Roundtable is an organization that brings together entrepreneurs to share knowledge and work together to solve problems.

Roundtables are geared to founders and C-level executives of growth-oriented companies for exploring critical issues and business opportunities with peers and subject matter experts. Each Roundtable tackles a specific subject, such as creating a marketing plan, filing patents, raising venture capital, etc.

David shared the stage with Janine James of The Moderns and Albe Sakes of Terracyle. The panel led a discussion on defining brand identity and creating tactical programs to communicate a venture’s unique vision across markets and media.

Education is the Key

Wed, 11 May 2011 20:41:00 GMT

Right next door in Yonkers, 73% of students live at or below the poverty level. In the midst of some of America’s most affluent communities, more than 26,000 kids are fighting to succeed. These kids are bright and motivated, but they don’t have access to the critical educational resources needed to reach their potential. Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) is changing this by bringing together parents, businesses and government to give these kids an opportunity to thrive, to grow, to learn and to contribute.

Barnum Design stepped up to help by working with YPIE to develop a campaign to raise awareness, volunteers and support. Our team had a blast working with the YPIE team and the students. We shot on location with students, teaches, and staff in the Yonkers public schools to capture engaging, almost heroic shots of the kids at school. By helping develop the story, evolving the brand, and designing the print collateral, the Barnum Design team jumped in together for this pro-bono project. And we’re quite happy with the results. Volunteers and financial support are already coming in, just days after the campaign was sent out.

The White Belt

Thu, 26 May 2011 21:12:00 GMT

Recently, we posted photos of our new studio. We got lots of great feedback, but a bunch of people have been asking about the martial arts white belt on my desk. The short answer is that the belt is both a personal memento and a reminder of the guiding philosophies I’ve tried to instill into the culture of Barnum Design.

I’ve been studying martial arts for over 22 years, primarily in Seido Karate, a traditional Japanese style. Most people are somewhat familiar with martial arts belt systems: the order of colors differs from style to style, but all start with white for new students leading to black, and “degrees” of black thereafter. In my own style (and in many others) when you’re ready for the big kahuna – black belt promotion – the four-week testing process starts by becoming a white belt again. This particular white belt has seen me through four such promotions.

So that covers the personal momento part, but what about the guiding philosophy stuff? What does punching and kicking have to do with design, collaboration, management or business in general?

Sometimes, in order to see the world clearly, it is helpful to go back to the beginning. The beginner sees a world of possibility, an expert very few. This concept, of “beginner’s mind." is a guiding philosophy of how we approach business challenges at Barnum. At the start, we try to free ourselves of preconceptions and explore a broader world of possibilities. This open, collaborative approach allows us to identify solutions, and sometimes create entirely new ways of solving old problems.

The belt on my desk serves as a daily reminder of this powerful idea.

General Composites Inc.

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:39:00 GMT

GCi is a leading composite material design and manufacturing specialist known for their ability to solve unusual challenges. Whether developing snowboard bindings for one of the world’s largest sports brands, military backpack frames, or jet engine thrust reversers, GCi always enjoys the challenge of problem solving.

Whether a project is large or small, GCi always starts from a blank slate and asks insightful questions to reveal the ideal attributes of the end product rather than force fitting solutions around preconceived notions. Of course we were delighted to learn about their approach as it is so similar to our own media agnostic process for communications design. That kindred spirit has led to a particularly dynamic and effective collaboration.

In the constant push to increase performance while keeping costs down, a spirit of openness is critical to fostering innovation. Twenty plus years of composite manufacturing experience has taught GCi that standard processes are not always effective or efficient. We’re very excited to launch GCi’s new web site. We think the updated design and content conveys the depth and dynamism of this entrepreneurial company.

The Barnum Ecosystem

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:24:00 GMT

It’s been an exciting few years here at Barnum, and a lot has changed! New clients, new team, new digs! As our business has grown, we have focused on structuring our organization in way that supports our core vision: to advance and foster the entrepreneurial spirit.

From our new hub in Manhattan, we are expanding our network of writers, image-makers, producers, and social media mavins to better support our clients. By creating this virtuous circle of creative and passionate people we assure the success of everyone involved.

When you work with Barnum, you aren’t just hiring a service provider, you’re tapping into a virtual cloud of talent and energy.

Long Tail Strategy?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:41:00 GMT

We’re proud to announce the launch of our most recent pro-bono branding and web development project, GimmeShelterPet.com

As you may know, six to eight million animals are brought to shelters around the U.S every year, out of that eight million, four million of those animals are euthanized. The Humane Society of Greater Miami reached out to Barnum for assistance in developing a brand and a web based business dedicated to addressing this issue by supporting adoption guarantee shelters.

Profits from product sales will be donated to adoption guarantee shelters. The first beneficiaries are Soffer and Fine Adoption Center and South Clinic Cutler Bay, both located in Miami, Florida. But the long term vision is to support local shelters across the nation through tracking of on-line sales. If you know of a no-kill shelter that could benefit from this program. Please let us know!

Gimme Shelter’s first products are a line of vitamin supplements that help dogs stay beautiful, happy and healthy. They are made in the USA with human grade ingredients and cost about the same as vitamins found in stores. By purchasing Gimme Shelter Pet Supplements, owners can improve their dogs health while helping to keep homeless pets safe from euthanasia while they await a new, loving family. A true win-win for owners and homeless pets!

Expanding Our Talent

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:48:00 GMT

As a design studio that specializes in helping organizations and businesses define their personality in the marketplace, we've added two new members to its team in July to further our mission. The team of designers and developers at Barnum Design is thrilled to welcome Pelayo and Williams to the table…and may the best ideas win.

The collaborative approach at Barnum brings the best ideas out of the best talent. “These two young men are going to be an enormous asset to the Barnum team and our clients,” said founder and CEO, David Barnum. “They have a passion for meeting and exceeding your expectation; I am continually impressed by their contributions.”

Brian Pelayo recently moved to NYC from sunny San Diego, CA where he has logged 4 years as a designer. He has a broad field of experience including concept development, branding, online media campaigns, promotional materials, and large-scale websites. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine but his mom is most proud of his bad dance moves and sarcasm.

Chris Williams hales from Wallingford, CT. He is an experienced IT Technician with a love for coding and development. Chris began as an intern to Barnum’s Front-End Web Developer. He brings a “can do” attitude to tackle any new task. (And if that wasn’t enough, he’s an Eagle Scout and knows how to keep us all alive during a natural disaster.)

“To join the team at Barnum, you have to have more than the required skills to accomplish the task,” says Neil Brown, Managing Director. “Our workplace must be a place of positive, creative energy. And our team dynamic can grow or stifle what we are trying to build here. I have no doubt Brian and Chris will help the firm provide excellent services to our clients and put us in the position to grow.”

Our newest client – R Tape

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:42:00 GMT

R-Tape manufactures unique products for the graphic production businesses. From full graphic wraps for vehicles to simple signage applications, the company’s products improve the quality, creativity, productivity and profitability for a vast array of clients in the industry of applied graphics.

“We trust the team at Barnum Design. They will deliver a finely crafted visual identity for our company so our products and resources testify to our reputation and innovation in the industry.”

Barnum Design has been retained to re-imagine this well established brand through a more robust web presence, print collateral, advertising, and trade show presence. By leveraging R-Tape’s unique expertise and quality, Barnum Design’s goal is to make R-Tape’s website quality content the expert, go-to resource of their industry.

“Our vision is to make their substantial line of products more accessible to graphic arts professionals in order to enhance their work and craftsmanship,” says lead designer, Rachel Dluogos.

A New Online Business for Miami Retailer Havana Nines

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:38:00 GMT

Havana Nines operates multiple retail locations in the greater Miami Florida area and the Caribbean. The company specializes in unique “island lifestyle” menswear.

Like many large and small retailers, the company has experienced unprecedented challenges from the economic recession. Barnum Design created a web business to increase sales, improve customer loyalty and reach out to traveler’s coming to greater Miami or those who wish to take a piece of the island lifestyle home with them.

“It was absolutely necessary for us to capture the attitude of Havana Nines and their clients. We want to completely embrace the personality and identity of our clients in order for them gain the respect and admiration of their industry,” says Neil Brown, Managing Director & Associate Creative Director for Barnum Design.

The design of the site builds upon Havana Nines visual identity and provides seamless e-commerce functionality. The site is fully integrated with Havana Nines Point of Sale (P.O.S) system to facilitate the proactive merchandise planning and inventory control that is critical to the company’s success.

EnSA – New Addition to Our Client Roster

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:40:00 GMT

EnSA’s name is derived from Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture. This new, entrepreneurial company is working closely with the government of the Dominican Republic to realize the vast agricultural potential of this verdant island paradise. The Dominican Republic has a long history of organic farming and enjoys abundant water supplies, a long growing season, and well-educated work force. By working with the DR government, land holders and local farmers, EnSA is taking a long-term approach to constructing the DR’s inherent capacity to improve global food security, particularly for the Middle East which imports 98% of it’s food.

As a new company with a new approach, EnSA turned to Barnum Design to develop branding and marketing tactics that communicate the founders unique vision to stakeholders around the globe.

“The Barnum team turned around a fantastic brand identity, web site and print collateral in record time. Their efforts have helped us land the long-term relationships that are critical to our business model,” says Ray Martin, the company’s CFO. “They’re also great people to work with,” Martin added.

Moving forward, Barnum Design will provide B2B and B2C marketing support along with web-based business tools that will help develop organizational support and infrastructure for EnSA to grow it’s business with efficiency and effectiveness.

Barnum Design Launches New Specialty Brand for Sherle Wagner International

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:36:00 GMT

Sherle Wagner International designs and manufactures an extensive line of ultra-luxury bath fixtures, architectural hardware and decorative specialties. Since 1945, the company’s products exemplify fine detail, meticulous finishes and classic design. The company embarked on a new endeavor to diversify their core offering to include designs with a more reductive, modern aesthetic to reach a previously untapped marketplace and audience.

Sherle Wagner’s management looked to Barnum Design to propel this vision to the marketplace with a confidence that could compete with the biggest players in the industry.

At the outset, the project simply involved designing and developing a sophisticated, robust website. Within the initial discovery phase, SW quickly grew the project scope to include branding, identity, positioning, high quality print collateral, and rich photography. These efforts helped the company successfully launch the new line and gain entree to large scale luxury real estate development around the world.

“Our website and print catalog were big hits! They look great. I was so insistent on respecting the Sherle Wagner legacy but carving out a new much wider net for Sherle Wagner Architectural with a fresh generational look. Many kudos to the Barnum team; job well done,” garnered John Cairo, VP Sherle Wagner and Managing Director of the Architectural Group.

After the successful launch of the Architectural brand, Barnum Design has been retained to re-imagine the company’s core product line by designing and developing their most sophisticated website to date along with consumer and business to business advertising and print collateral.