Non-disclosure Agreements (NDA)
I recently was given an NDA to sign which would restrict me from promoting myself with specific pieces of work. I am aware that NDA'S are an important part of containing information when working with bigger business's but what it would effectively do is cut me from my work. My main concern was what if in the future that particular brand goes global or starts investing in TV advertising flashing their logo on screen which I designed? The NDA would act as a gagging order which I know would REALLY frustrate me and I would loose some valuable exposure. So my angle was to (and I would suggest this to other freelancers) is to ask for an NDA which pertains to individual projects specifying what can and can't be promoted. In my case all web stuff I'm happy to go with a promotions black-out as I'm not interested in promoting myself as a web designer. But when it comes to branding new companies I asked to have the ability to use it in promotion effectively becoming the named designer but fitting neatly under whichever company I was contracting for. My client has never heard of a contractor asking for such rights but I believe that it is important for a designer and their design to be allowed to maintain a relationship.
I design for the opportunity to create a lasting mark that I will be recognised for. By taking steps early in my career I can hopefully reap the benefits in the future.
Netelek
This was a very exciting project to work on as renewable energy has an exciting future feel about it which I wanted to capture in the mark. Netelek are manufacturers and installers of renewable technologies including tidal, solar and wind farms. Each wave represents the energies in a dynamic motion, the typography was developed to express the technology aspect through a bold and slanted typeface. The name was originally a cool gray chosen to bolster the technology aspect but the client asked for it to be changed to orange like their old logo. I have warmed slightly to the orange but would of preferred the gray, as a freelancer you won't always get your own way and sometimes you just have to smile at the client and get over it. (That's after some serious begging).
Kim Klelund
You should never design for your friends...I would disagree after designing this brand with Kim Klelund, she was very easy to please and a pleasure to work with. www.kimklelund.com
Tyrrell Design Ltd
I have been working with a building design firm on a re-brand. I think what was particularly interesting is how the client really understood the value of getting a more personal service rather than the £50 off the shelf logos. The mark is based on the Tyrrell Knot but features three connected houses. The temptation is to go blue and green when working on building and architectural firms but wanted to avoid any of the 90's. The result has a homely welcoming feel, the key was to avoid coming across as too exclusive and expensive without looking cheap. I also added a touch of nostalgia by referring to the iconic red Monopoly houses in the mark.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my latest blog and look forward to any comments or questions.
