Posts by EricaDeutsch
What to do with a City Seal When You Have a City Brand
Officiating important documents at the turn of the century – or even the turn of the first millennia – often fell to one source: the city seal. City seals were used to represent the legal verification of documents. Some city seals are interesting and well-designed, depicting an important historical event or an era long past.…
Read MoreThe Key to Place Brand Success
At the beginning of the brand development process, we are often asked, “How will we know this brand is successful?” The expectation is data and metrics that justify the time, effort, and money spent on brand building to demonstrate a return on investment. The short answer is “You can’t measure that until you begin using…
Read MoreFirst Out-of-State Campus Wayfinding Program: University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia (UWG) operates by the slogan, “Go West.” Though this simple directive is a snappy way to attract new enrollees, not long ago the institution needed help in getting visitors and students around its 645-acre campus. UWG serves a large commuter population, in addition to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors…
Read MoreDesigning a Lasting Sign Program for State-Wide Historic Sites
Ohio History Connection (formerly The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society) has been stewarding Ohio’s stories for over 130 years. They have worked to preserve over 50 historic sites and museums statewide, a selection that includes the Serpent Mound and an Underground Railroad that shepherded freedom-seekers on their escape from oppression. The “Ohio Historical Society”…
Read MoreFirst Out-of-State City Wayfinding Project
Guide Studio’s current client portfolio represents a mix of local and out-of-state communities and organizations. However, that growth required leaving a happy place of well-known cities and neighborhoods for uncharted territories and new adventures. The City of Holland, Michigan, provided this opportunity, hiring Guide Studio with the creation of a city-wide signage and wayfinding program.…
Read MoreCity of Delaware leads the way with a new brand
Since its inception in 1997, Guide Studio has partnered with communities and place-based organizations to help with issues related to image, reputation, and experience — which is addressed through branding and wayfinding services. Many times, organizations will cite a problem by saying “We need wayfinding.” Once deeper questions are asked around the issues they are…
Read MoreUp, up and away! Superman Exhibit takes off at CLE
Although Guide Studio has built its reputation on branding and wayfinding, there have been projects over the years that fall outside the bounds of the firm’s normal portfolio. Guide was a proud part of the permanent Superman exhibit that flew into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in 2012. One of Guide’s previous clients Richard Pace, happened…
Read MoreWayfinding Audits and the Dangers of Self-Diagnosis
How to determine the right wayfinding strategy for you Here’s a story: Community X realized it had a big wayfinding problem. Actually, many problems. They heard people complain that existing parking was impossible to find while others said there just wasn’t enough of it. When asking another group, they heard the current signs were useless…
Read MoreBringing a College-Town’s Personality to Life through Signage and Wayfinding
Not all college towns are alike, notes Guide Studio President Cathy Fromet. Some universities like to keep students on campus, whereas others prefer enrollees to experience life outside the comfort of well-manicured greens and stately buildings. Thanks to a strong relationship between the City of Kent and Kent State University (KSU), Guide Studio had an…
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