Category Archives: standards

Most popular posts of 2011

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Kirk

This month BrandSTOKE is three-years-old. At the upper end of the toddler years, it enjoys improved motor and language skills. Though still developing emotionally, BrandSTOKE is growing more confident while exploring its environment. Thank you for continuing to subscribe, read … Continue reading →

Posted in advertising, art direction & design, authenticity, brand essence, budgeting, copywriting, health care, identity, loyalty, packaging, promotion, public relations, research, retail, roi, simplicity, social media, standards, strategy | Comments Off

Repost: What every non-marketer should know about branding

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Kirk

I’m taking a short break from BrandSTOKE. In the meantime, here’s a reprint of a popular post: The words “brand” and “branding” are thrown around in casual conversation so frequently now that I’m still surprised to find not every business … Continue reading →

Posted in brand essence, loyalty, roi, standards, strategy | Comments Off

Is Starbucks strong enough to drop its name?

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Kirk

The swoosh, the arches, the apple … and now the mermaid. Starbucks is attempting to join an elite group of brands recognized worldwide by their symbols alone. Is its brand identity as powerful as those of Nike, McDonald’s and Apple? … Continue reading →

Posted in art direction & design, identity, packaging, retail, simplicity, standards | 1 Comment

Beatlemania 2.0

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Kirk

Or is that 3.0? The Beatles’ songbook is finally available to download from iTunes. (Fascinating to watch is the group’s first U.S. concert, offered for free. It is amusingly low-tech by today’s standards — tiny speakers on stage, no guitar … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, event marketing, loyalty, promotion, standards | 1 Comment

Coke and Pepsi merge, combine logos

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Kirk

In a surprise announcement, corporate giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo today announced a multi-billion-dollar merger of their soft-drink divisions. Following the recent example set by United and Continental airlines, the newly merged company will feature Coke’s trade name and Pepsi’s logo. … Continue reading →

Posted in art direction & design, identity, packaging, retail, standards | Comments Off

Best posts of 2009

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Kirk

This month BrandSTOKE is one year old. I’m honored that you take the time to read and comment. My goal for 2010 is to engage more conversation. If you have any suggestions for topics or improving the blog, please let … Continue reading →

Posted in art direction & design, brand essence, budgeting, client-agency relationships, copywriting, identity, loyalty, new business, roi, standards, strategy | 2 Comments