In getting involved with the NC STEP Leadership Team, and directing my efforts towards/through the Business Development Strategies Group, I have been thinking a bit about the important role that Graphic Design can play (has played and will continue to play) in catalysing small business growth and activity in town. The more I think about it, the more I realize the potential of its impact... (as in many ways, Siler City's is perhaps largely an image challenge..).
So, while ultimately, I think that street side signage is going to be a huge player in Siler City's continued development, for the past couple weeks, I have been turning my attention (improbably) towards.....Stickers!
Yes, stickers. Why? Because they are, well, so sticky, silly.
One set of stickers I have been working on creating are stickers that reward shoppers for choosing to shop in Siler City. Obviously, leaking dollars outside of the County is a huge obstacle to a healthy local economy. While tackling this problem will be an ongoing effort for Siler City (as it is in all small towns), and there need to be a variety of approaches to this problem, perhaps the simplest and most direct approach is to remind people of the importance of shopping locally.
And of course, we must reward shoppers, when they do make that choice, to support our local businesses.
One way might be through this simple sticker.
This one looks like it was designed by the Board Of Elections. Hey, got to start somewhere!..
Just kidding, no doubt, this is kinda hip in its retro nostalgia, and I think is headed in a good direction, of matching with at least our Arty segment of Historic Dowtown Siler City's business district...
Perhaps I can develop a few designs that business owners can choose from, or they can design their own...
Here it is with a bit more color (and life!) Its getting there! (though from afar, I can see that the black ring (that I really like) is still overbearing it).
So, while ultimately, I think that street side signage is going to be a huge player in Siler City's continued development, for the past couple weeks, I have been turning my attention (improbably) towards.....Stickers!
Yes, stickers. Why? Because they are, well, so sticky, silly.
One set of stickers I have been working on creating are stickers that reward shoppers for choosing to shop in Siler City. Obviously, leaking dollars outside of the County is a huge obstacle to a healthy local economy. While tackling this problem will be an ongoing effort for Siler City (as it is in all small towns), and there need to be a variety of approaches to this problem, perhaps the simplest and most direct approach is to remind people of the importance of shopping locally.
And of course, we must reward shoppers, when they do make that choice, to support our local businesses.
One way might be through this simple sticker.
This one looks like it was designed by the Board Of Elections. Hey, got to start somewhere!..
Actually though, I suppose that is quite appropriate. In fact, it is probably because I am lifting this very idea / approach from them!
After all, they know better than anyone, that a small badge of honor, for doing your good duty, can go a pretty long ways in developing pride...
Of course, I thought if I wanted anyone to actually VALUE this small token of appreciation, I had better HOIST it out of the early Gerald Ford 70's!
As for my revision, well, you might say sometimes you have to take two steps back to take one step forward...
Perhaps I can develop a few designs that business owners can choose from, or they can design their own...
Here it is with a bit more color (and life!) Its getting there! (though from afar, I can see that the black ring (that I really like) is still overbearing it).
Seduced in unproductive directions, by that pretty ribbon (the nature of pretty ribbons?),
here's one more of the same...for shame, for shame...
BUT I LIKE IT!
I'll keep working on it...
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