As a professional in a creative industry it is a challenge to develop a program for a customer who may be a bit out of our sphere of influence. Today, with the internet we can research and find out more about a particular industry in a matter of minutes and hours. We find online groups,…
We just got a new toolbox in the Blacktop Garage. For gearheads like us, this is actually an exciting statement. Not only is this an opportunity to organize our tools, but also to find new tools for the box. But, you know what? The toolbox is no good if you don't use the tools. Each tool is an investment on…
Last week I had the opportunity to review some student's portfolio's for the AIGA/OC. It has been a while since I have been involved in the design community in such a way. It was very rewarding. I saw a couple of student's who reminded me of when I was in their shoes, 25 years ago.…
As I was making my morning walk, I saw a landscape truck making his way around the Orange Plaza. I thought, he is ready to put in a good days work. I hear the voices of past mentors, my father, and my nonno as I udder those words in my mind. Interesting how a snap…
Maybe you heard the entire dialog, but as I turned on the radio in my truck, I caught the tail of a conversation regarding Bravery vs Fear and the options you have available to you (in your mind) when you are feeling brave, vs when you are feeling fearful. I have certainly felt this, as…
The Blacktop Media Network exists to help you build your brand. One of the things we dig the most is creating content for your marketing department. Our content can be in the form of Press Releases, Testimonials, Photos, Video, Audio and Broadcast. We recently completed a Brand Advocacy program for a local nitrile glove distributor.…
Here at the Blacktop Media Network, we are very fortunate to work for clients who appreciate the value we have to bring to their brands. Blacktop Branding has developed a consistent and robust “Brand Standards” program. The program starts with a review of your current brand equity. Basically, we work to answer the question: “How do people…
We all need a place to go to and break away from the stresses of the day, the week, the year. This private space becomes our sanctuary. I was hanging out in my sancutary the other night. Looking at some items that were as old or older than my grandfather. My Nonno came here from…
I have been told that I am a great storyteller. Depending on the situation, that can be a compliment or not. One-time while on a road trip through the backroads of Vermont in search of covered bridges, I would make up ghost stories about driving through a road very much like this one, and when…
I recently attended three different marketing seminars focused around online marketing. The first was sponsored by Constant Contact, which was a good overview of e-mail, and social media marketing. There was a special guest at Faststart Studio; Benny Luo from NextShark who shared his Facebook marketing tips and at a recent OCMA Luncheon, Scott Rogers…
