Even if you aren’t familiar with the name Paul Rand, you are definitely familiar with his work. Paul Rand was an American graphic designer and art director, who essentially defined the visual culture in America in the decades following World War II – and revolutionized how we think about corporate logos today.
He was born on August 15, 1914 as Peretz Rosenbaum in Brooklyn, NY. He enjoyed working on school art projects as a child, and painted signs for his father’s grocery store. While he received some higher education from different institutions, he claimed to have been primarily self taught, through his own explorations, interests, and reading. His influences were the German Bauhaus, the Netherland born De Stijl movement, as well as Russian constructivism. In young adulthood, he decided to change his name to Paul Rand to camouflage his Jewish heritage. He thought his surname might hinder his career, given the cultural climate of the time. His chosen name has gone on to practically be a brand in and of itself.
He started his career providing graphics and stock images to various publications. He quickly amassed an impressive portfolio and reputation. In 1936, he worked setting page layouts for Apparel Arts magazine, which is now known as GQ. This led to a position as art director for the Esquire-Coronet magazines at just 23 years of age. The December 1940 cover of Direction magazine — which uses barbed wire to present the magazine as both a war-torn gift and a crucifix — was particularly well received, and helped refine and define the “Paul Rand” look.
Paul Rand’s most revolutionary contributions to the art of American graphic design are his corporate identities. He knew that good design was good business, and was able to convince others of that. Some of his work is still in use today. Even the ones that have been retired were so successful that they are still recognizable. Think of the companies IBM, UPS, Morningstar, Enron, Westinghouse, and NeXT, and you are likely picturing the logos designed, refined or originated by Paul Rand.
Perhaps what made his corporate identities so successful was that he was incredibly thorough, and confident, as it relates to his design processes. In fact, when Steve Jobs (the notorious founder of Apple) was asked about Rand’s work for NeXT, he shared “I asked him if he would come up with a few options, and he said, ‘No, I will solve your problem for you and you will pay me. You don’t have to use the solution. If you want options go talk to other people.’” This attitude can be suggested to have left an impression on Jobs when approaching his future endeavors. A company may have all sorts of ideas about what they think they want, but Rand proved amazing things can happen when you trust your designers to do just their job unimpeded.
The Foundations of Branding
The foundations of your brand is your logo, your messaging, website, imagery and promotional materials. Keeping a consistent brand is critically necessary when it comes to building brand equity. Brand equity adds value to your company based on the core values you promote, and comes in the form of perceived quality. Brand consistency is key…
What is Brand Consistency and Why is it Important?
Brand consistency means always delivering messages aligned with the core brand values in the same tone, presenting the brand’s visual language in a consistent way, and repeating the same colors throughout the cohesive brand experience. Over time, these elements become ingrained in the minds of consumers, and they’re more likely to remember your brand. Brand…
What Makes a Logo Successful?
A logo serves to represent your company through a visual image that can be easily understood and recognized. Logos generally involve symbols, stylized text, or both. A good logo should create memorable impressions on your target audience, and set your company apart from your competitors. So, what makes a logo successful? A successful logo will…
8 Signs You Need to Update Your Brand
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, it’s important for companies to continually assess and update their brand to remain relevant and competitive. A brand is more than just a logo; it’s the perception that customers have of your business. Therefore, if your brand is outdated or suffering from negative perceptions, it’s time to re-evaluate and refresh…
The Difference Between Graphic Art and Graphic Design
Graphic Art – the fine and applied art of representation, decoration, and writing or printing on flat surfaces together with the techniques and crafts associated with them. Essentially, a graphic artist may create art for the sake of art. They may want to convey a certain idea or story, or they may not. Graphic artists…
Remixed’s 10 Step Process
Our 10-step process is the backbone of our customer journey. From the initial discovery phase, where we listen to the client and understand their strategic objectives, to strategic development, design, multiple rounds of refinement, and the final deployment of deliverables, clients should experience an engaging, collaborative, and satisfying journey with our agency. Listen (Discovery Phase):…
The Future of Branding: How Technology is Shaping the Industry
Executive Summary As we move further into the digital age, technology continues to revolutionize the branding landscape. This white paper will examine the key technological developments shaping the future of branding and discuss how businesses can leverage these advancements to create stronger brand identities, enhance customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge. Topics covered include…
The Future of Graphic Design: Trends to Watch
Graphic design continues to evolve, shaped by technological advancements and cultural shifts. Several trends will define the future of graphic design, emphasizing interactivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Motion Graphics and Animation: As digital platforms prioritize dynamic content, designers increasingly incorporate animated elements into websites, social media, and advertisements. This trend captures attention and conveys messages more…
Advertising, Marketing, or Branding Agency?
Choosing an agency to help with your advertising, marketing, or branding needs can seem overwhelming. The agency you choose will play an important role in determining how your potential clients view your company. Which one do you need? If you imagine agencies in healthcare terms – marketing agencies are generalists (the basic needs), advertising agencies…
Revolutionizing Printing: The Latest Advances in Technology
Cutting-edge technologies are transforming the printing industry, enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Here are two notable advances: Digital Printing: Digital printing stands out as a game-changer in the industry. Unlike traditional offset printing, it offers: On-demand printing with minimal setup time and cost Excellence in short runs and personalized prints Greater flexibility and quicker turnaround…
REMIXED Named Top Branding Agency in Orlando Award on Clutch
At REMIXED, we help brands connect with their audiences through expertly crafted branding strategies. We’re a full-service and multi-disciplinary branding agency that provides everything from brand building to message promotion to marketing management. Since 2006, we’ve been working with brands of all sizes across various industries, including hospitality, retail, entertainment, nonprofit, government, and more. We…
Avoid These 6 Branding Mistakes
In today’s highly competitive market, a strong brand presence is essential for any business to thrive. But building and maintaining a powerful brand is no easy feat. It requires careful attention to detail, strategic planning, and consistency. Unfortunately, many businesses falter by making critical branding and marketing mistakes that can hinder their long-term success. From…
Navigating the World of Online Advertising: Tips and Tricks
Online advertising offers vast opportunities for businesses to reach their target audiences, but it also comes with challenges. Here are key tips for navigating this dynamic landscape: Understand and Utilize Various Platforms Recognize the strengths and user demographics of platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads Choose platforms that best align with your…
Typefaces & Fonts Do More Than Transmit Words
Do the typefaces and fonts you choose for your brand materials matter? As long as it’s in a language the audience understands, they’ll get the intended message, right? Wrong. Typefaces and fonts are essentially the shapes of the letters. Shapes are multi-sensory, meaning they affect more than one of your senses and can easily elicit…
What is the Difference Between Serif and Sans-Serif Typefaces?
You may have heard the terms serif and sans-serif before, but do you know what those terms actually mean? In typography, a serif is a small line, stroke, or other decorative flair regularly attached to the end of a larger stroke in a letter or symbol within a particular font or family of fonts. “Sans”…
5 Ways a Well-Built Brand Makes Your Company Money
We all know standing out in a crowded market is essential for success. One way to do that is by creating and maintaining a well-built brand. After all, your brand is more than just a logo and a tagline, it’s the image and perception that customers have of your business. A strong brand sets you…
A Brand Refresh fit for a (Burger) King
Not too long ago, Burger King underwent a major brand refresh not too long ago! They hadn’t rebranded since 1999, and this new rebrand feels super fresh and juicy. At first glance, some may think they simply returned to their most successful old logos, of which appeared in 1969 and 1994 – but it’s so…
Content Creation in the Era of Short Attention Spans
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, content creators face the challenge of capturing and retaining audience attention. With dramatically shortened attention spans, creators must adapt their strategies to keep audiences engaged. Here are some effective approaches: Prioritize Brevity and Clarity: Content creators should focus on short, concise messaging that gets straight to the point. Users tend…
Sustainable Practices in Printing and Production
The printing and production industry is embracing sustainability, driven by growing environmental concerns and consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Key sustainable practices include: Responsible Paper Sourcing: • Use recycled and FSC-certified paper • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures paper comes from responsibly managed forests • Recycled paper minimizes waste and conserves natural resources Eco-Friendly…
6 Reasons why a Strong Brand is Important for your Small Business
Building a strong brand is a critical component of any successful business. A well-crafted brand strategy not only helps businesses establish recognition and build trust with their customers, but also supports advertising efforts and inspires employees. Furthermore, strong branding can increase a business’s financial value and generate new business opportunities through word-of-mouth referrals. As the…
Why Colors Matter
Choosing the right colors for your brand is a crucial step in building a strong and effective visual identity. While color preference is subjective, certain colors are associated with specific traits or emotions that can influence how your brand is perceived by your target audiences. Understanding color psychology and its impact on branding can help…
The Impact of Augmented Reality in Graphic Design
Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing graphic design, offering innovative ways to create immersive and interactive experiences. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing users’ perception and interaction with their environment. Key impacts of AR in graphic design include: Bringing Static Designs to Life: Designers can enhance printed materials like brochures and posters with…
The Rise of Personalized Marketing: Trends and Strategies
Advancements in data analytics and rising consumer expectations for tailored experiences have propelled personalized marketing into a powerful strategy. Let’s explore key trends dominating this landscape: AI-Driven Personalization: Artificial Intelligence (AI) now analyzes vast amounts of consumer data to deliver personalized content. AI identifies patterns and preferences, enabling brands to: Create highly relevant and targeted…
The Art of Storytelling in Branding
Storytelling has become a cornerstone of effective branding, allowing businesses to forge deeper emotional connections with their audiences. At its core, brand storytelling crafts a narrative that conveys the brand’s values, mission, and personality. This narrative transcends products or services, creating a relatable and memorable brand identity that differentiates a business from its competitors and…
What is Clear Space?
Clear space refers to a specific amount of are a logo is defined to have on all sides (in a brand standards manual or house style guide), no matter where the logo is applied. The reason for clear space is to ensure the logo maximizes visibility and impact. There is no set rule for defining…
5 Reasons Successful Branding Is Important
In today’s highly competitive marketplace, building a strong brand identity is crucial for businesses looking to stand out and connect with their target audience. A well-crafted brand strategy not only delivers a clear and compelling message but also creates an emotional connection with customers, reinforces credibility, and inspires loyalty. In this article, we’ll explore six…
Why You Should Care About Branding Your Business
It is safe to assume most everyone will look you up on Google prior to visiting your business, hiring you for a service, or purchasing your products and/or services. Whenever you interact with people, whether in-person or online, how you present your brand is exceedingly important. Think of all of the brands you know. While…
Effective Branding Strategies for Startups
For startups, effective branding is crucial to establish identity and stand out from competitors. Here are key strategies for startup branding: Develop a Strong Brand Story Communicate the startup’s mission, values, and essence Create an authentic narrative that resonates with target audiences Share the story across various channels (website, social media, marketing materials) Create a…
Integrating AI into Creative Design Processes
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing creative design processes, offering new tools and capabilities that enhance efficiency and innovation. Here’s how AI is transforming design: Generative Design: This technology uses algorithms to generate a wide range of design options based on specific parameters and constraints set by the designer. Benefits include: Producing unique and optimized solutions…
Creating Engaging Content for Gen Z Audiences
Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, values authenticity, creativity, and social impact. Engaging this unique audience requires understanding their preferences and behaviors. Here’s how brands can effectively reach Gen Z: Leverage Short-Form Video Content: • Utilize platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels • Create visually appealing and easily digestible content • Share…
What is Branding?
Now, we all know that building a strong brand is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun along the way. After all, who said branding has to be boring? So, let’s start by defining what a brand really is. Think of it as your business’s personality, it’s what sets…
Digital Marketing: Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
Social media has revolutionized business growth, offering unprecedented opportunities to reach and engage vast audience segments. To leverage social media effectively, businesses must develop strategic approaches aligned with their goals and target audiences. Key strategies include: Create Valuable Content: Share informative articles, engaging videos, and visually appealing images that reflect the brand’s identity and values.…
What is Branding? And, Why is it Important for Your Business?
Introduction to Branding and Its Importance Branding is the process of creating and maintaining a unique identity and image for a company or product. It involves the development of a company’s name, logo, design, and messaging to convey a specific set of values and attributes. A strong brand can help build customer loyalty, differentiate a…
Exploring the Role of Color Psychology in Marketing
Color psychology plays a vital role in marketing, influencing consumer perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Understanding and leveraging color psychology can significantly impact branding and advertising effectiveness. Color Associations and Their Marketing Applications: Blue: Associated with trust, calmness, and professionalism. Popular for financial institutions and corporate brands. Red: Evokes excitement, passion, and urgency. Commonly used in…
6 Benefits of Choosing a Local Agency
When it comes to branding and marketing, choosing the right agency is crucial. While larger global agencies may seem like the obvious choice, working with a local agency can provide unique benefits that can make a big difference in the success of your branding efforts. In this article, we’ll explore six key reasons why working…
Plan it, make it, stretch it, wrap it, ink it, spin it, long print run it : Flexographic
Flexographic printing is a form of direct relief printing that is characterized by the use of flexible printing plates. In the past, these printing plates were always made of rubber, whereas today, flexible photopolymer printing plates might also be used. These plates have a slightly raised image of the content on them, they’re inked, and…
Color Psychology
Color psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior. Colors can cause certain emotional reactions, and even influence perceptions that are not necessarily conscious. Color psychology is used all around us, taking its cues from nature, and should be considered in marketing and branding. The following are just some common color…
When Should You Utilize Digital Printing?
Digital printing is probably what most people are most familiar with, since you probably have one at home. Inkjet printers and laser printers are found in many homes, schools, and offices. Of course, these are generally consumer-level digital printers. For digital printing, images are sent directly to the printer using digital files, as opposed to…
How Dunkin’ Successfully Rebranded in 2019
The history of Dunkin’ began with a restaurant called “Open Kettle” in Massachusetts, in 1948. Founder William Rosenberg served donuts for five cents and premium cups of coffee for ten cents. Rosenberg renamed his restaurant “Dunkin’ Donuts” in 1950, and franchised his brand in 1955. Since 1950, the number of Dunkin’ restaurants has increased to…
The Best Time of Day to Post on Social Media
When it comes to social media, gauging the right time or times to post is considered crucial to maximize post interactions. At Remixed, we specialize in social media marketing, and have studied the best times to post. But, it is imperative to note the data isn’t necessarily applicable for every type of audience. A few…
Different Applications of Graphic Design Skills
There are a lot of different possible applications for graphic design. Some graphic designers or agencies will specialize, or be niche-specific. However, many brands often require numerous avenues for approaching brand awareness. Since a branding agency concerns itself with your brand on a comprehensive level—from the tiniest details to the big picture—they can be a…
How Decades of Solid Branding Saved Coca-Cola from the Pepsi Challenge
The Pepsi Challenge was a marketing campaign started in 1975. It was simply a blind taste test between Pepsi and Coca-Cola, touting that even Coca-Cola fans choose Pepsi. It was a wildly successful marketing strategy that they revisited for decades. Coca-Cola even ran their own private tastes test, through which they found Pepsi was indeed…
10 of the Most Recognized Logos in the World
We’ve compiled a list of the world’s most recognized logos. Yes, many of these logos have gone through some tweaks throughout the years, but for fun, we listed the year the first version of their current logo appeared. Some of these companies have even been around longer than their currently recognizable logo! It just goes…
Breaking the Mold: Innovative Advertising Techniques
As 2025 approaches, innovative advertising techniques are breaking the mold and redefining how brands connect with their audiences. Here are some exciting developments: Immersive Technologies: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow brands to create engaging, interactive experiences that captivate consumers. From virtual try-ons to immersive brand stories, these technologies transform the advertising landscape.…
The Importance of a Social Media Presence
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with billions of people across the globe using these platforms to connect, engage, and share content. For businesses, social media provides a powerful opportunity to build brand awareness, connect with customers, and drive growth. In today’s competitive marketplace, having a social media presence is no…
How AI is Transforming the Advertising Industry
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the advertising industry, offering innovative ways to understand audiences, create content, and optimize campaigns. Here’s how AI is making a significant impact: Enhanced Data Analytics: AI algorithms process vast amounts of data to uncover insights about consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. This enables advertisers to: Target campaigns more precisely Deliver…
Comical Global Branding Fails
Even the biggest brands can make mistakes when bringing their brand to new markets. A company should always carefully research and identify any cultural differences, or language translations, when expanding their business. You want to catch any possible missteps before they happen. Here are some epic fails for a good laugh. Coca-Cola When first launched…
How Good Branding Saves Your Company Money
Many businesses make the mistake of throwing money at marketing without thinking enough about their brand, as a whole. Paid media campaigns might garner attention, but they can’t necessarily retain it and convert as many customers without solid branding. A company with a consistent, strong perception amongst audiences will always outperform competitors with the same…
What is Typography?
Essentially, typography is the visual component of the written word. It is the technique, and art, of arranging letters in a way that makes the text legible, clear, and visually appealing to the reader. Typography involves the structure, size, weight, and style of the characters. It also considers the amount of space between the letters,…
How to Create a Brand
Building a strong brand is essential for any business looking to stand out in today’s highly competitive market. A successful branding strategy can help you connect with your target audience, build trust, and differentiate your business from your competitors. Here are some tips on how to build a strong brand for your business: Determine your…
Flexible vs. Fixed Agency Pricing
Understanding the Key Advantages of Selecting a Digital Agency with Flexible Pricing vs. a Traditional Agency with Fixed Pricing. When it comes to selecting an agency meant to augment a marketing team or department, it’s critical to understand the limitations pricing models create or eliminate. Businesses must find an agency partner that understands their brand’s…
Understanding Finishing Processes: A Guide for Designers
Finishing processes play a crucial role in print production, adding final touches that significantly enhance the look and feel of printed pieces. Designers who understand these processes can make informed decisions and achieve desired outcomes for their projects. Let’s explore some key finishing techniques: Die-cutting: This process uses a specialized die to press the substrate…
Marketing Strategies for a Post-COVID World
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the marketing landscape, prompting businesses to rethink strategies and adapt to new consumer behaviors. In the post-COVID world, marketers now focus on digital transformation, customer-centric approaches, and agile strategies to navigate emerging uncertainties and opportunities. The shift to online shopping, remote work, and virtual events further highlights the need…
The Evolution of Branding in the Digital Age
The digital age has transformed branding, making it more dynamic and multifaceted than ever before. While brands traditionally established consistent identities through logos, slogans, and color schemes, digital technologies now expand branding to include online presence, social media engagement, and interactive experiences. Brands must not only stand out but also respond, adapt, and engage across…
Why It’s Important To Have A Brand Promise
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, it’s more important than ever for companies to establish a clear and compelling brand promise. A strong brand promise not only helps companies differentiate themselves from their competitors, but also sets expectations for customers and helps build trust and loyalty. According to Seth Godin, a marketing expert and…
Offset Lithography Printing
Offset Lithography is a printing technique that uses printing plates to transfer the intended image to the intended medium, usually paper. Sometimes this technique is simply called offset printing, or litho. The printing plates are often made of aluminum, but can also be plastic, rubber, paper, or even other materials. The term offset refers to…
4 Things to Consider When Embarking on a Rebrand
Your brand is the foundation of your business. It communicates who you are, what you do, and why you do it. But what happens when your brand no longer aligns with your business goals or fails to resonate with your target audience? This is where a rebrand can come into play. A rebrand can help…
Do You Need a Social Media Presence?
The answer is a definitive, yes. Maintaining a consistent social media presence helps establish your brand, enforces brand cohesiveness, helps strengthen connections with existing clients, and builds trust with potential clients. An effective social media strategy requires strategic planning and a committed effort, but has many benefits for your business. Your business’s social media content…
Print vs. Digital: The Ongoing Debate in Advertising
The advertising world continues to debate the merits of print versus digital media, as each offers unique advantages and challenges. Let’s explore both: Print Advertising: Includes magazines, newspapers, and direct mail Often perceived as more tactile and trustworthy Leaves a lasting impression in an era of ever-changing digital content Offers a sense of permanence Effectively…
