12 Things You Should Never Say to a Client

Great article titled 12 Things You Should Never Say to a Client, by Mason Hipp over at freelancefolder.com.

Cast Study 01 - The Dupe Creative Logo

This is the first in what should become a series of studies into the design and photographic processes we go through at Dupe. What better place to start than with ourselves, we thought?

For those that don't know, Dupe Creative is a small but perfectly formed graphic design and commercial photography studio. Based in the North West of England it consists of its two founder members - Matt Goodfellow and Edward Lamb.

First, of course, we had to agree on a name. After scouting around we struck gold with 'Dupe'. Aside from it's slight negative connotations, we felt it would help set us aside from the many boringly named rival companies (you know the kind, the type that tend to over-use the word 'solutions' in their company skill-set) and, as soon as wrote it down (see below) I knew we were on to a winner. Nice shape.



After my initial sketch, I quickly threw myself into Illustrator to play with a few typefaces. However, it quickly became apparent that a custom job would be needed to realise the circular, balanced, distinctive look I had in my head.



Each of the four characters is based on a circle. Various sections were added or re-shaped using Illustrators fantastic tools until I was happy with the look of each individual character. Finally, I adjusted the space between each letter and, for balance, added the registration symbol at the top right.









Next, I picked an appropriate font. Something unique, but super-simple. I decided upon Interstate, designed by a clever man named named Tobias Frere-Jones, better known now for his amazing work at Hoefler & Frere-Jones.





The logo and the typeface has been the base for all of our corporate stationery so far (see letterheads, business cards and CD wallets) both online and offline, and will hopefully survive in its intial form for years to come.

Most people know the importance of having a consistent set of rules for a business. If you don't, and think that we can help, then get in touch for an informal discussion about how Dupe Creative can help.