Thursday May 22 5:56 PM
I wrote a dreamy entry on designing your life during the conference, and now that I'm back I'm almost afraid to read it. I'd like to talk about designing your business instead. I've known since the name change from 3232 Zoo that the zebra image is confusing. What's it doing there? What does it have to do with 3232 Design? I kept it because it was a striking image, and I spent about eight hours painstakingly creating it so I didn't want to bin it just yet.

Since the conference, though, I've gotten to thinking about where the business is going and how it is in desperate need of a makeover so that the whole thing makes sense. I've also thought about the type of projects I want to chase and how I can position 3232 Design to take better advantage of my strengths, which are mainly in the cost savings I can offer while still delivering agency-quality design.

Designing your business is more than just a logo; it's finding out what it is that you do and then examining all aspects of your business to make sure that your message comes through in each detail. What you do isn't just the service you provide or the widgets you make but the way people feel about your company and how they interact with it.

I know people come to my site and are looking for cool web design with a personal touch, but the message of the cost savings versus advertising agencies isn't as strong. Part of the problem is the cobbler not having enough time to make shoes for his children. However, I have to show prospective clients how it's done so they can do it.

On the other hand, I've never been busier. Maybe the zebra is working. If it's quirky and memorable enough, maybe it doesn't have to make sense. At some point in the next few months I'll be doing a brand review and see what's really going on.

I have a feeling I'll be killing me some zebras.