When Constructive Criticism Becomes Toxic

As we enter 2011, I am hopeful for a healthy, happy and prosperous year ahead. At my most idealistic, I’m also hopeful that we can find a little more balance and civility as an industry.

The world was shocked by the January 8, 2011 shooting of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and many others in Arizona. And while the exact motive may never be known, the event has sparked a global debate about words triggering violence. As government officials scramble to take down inflammatory imagery on their web sites and tone down their rhetoric, maybe we, as an industry, can learn something from this tragic event.

I’m guilty of it. Let’s face it, sensationalism gets attention. Making people fearful and spewing negative comments incites action and fuels debate. But have we gone too far as an industry? I look at industry blogs and I see a lot of uninformed criticism out there—a lot more criticism than compliment. Everyone, and I mean everyone is a critic, although a disturbing number of critics online don’t seem to have the courage to share their real identities.  Change a brand too much and the public hates you for throwing away the heritage, too little and the design world deems you boring and safe. And in theory, this thinking is correct, but the window of “acceptable change” seems to be getting smaller and smaller by the day.

I’d like to encourage us all to take a moment before throwing out that juicy comment or critique this year and consider the realities of what your colleagues might be working with. We all have clients with specific needs and concerns. There are realities to each client and brand that we work with as designers. You may not like the end result as a designer, and you have a right to that opinion, but it doesn’t mean the work is wrong or off target.

While there has been a pretty strong industry consensus about brand missteps like Tropicana (I know, will we ever stop talking about it), but more recently The Gap, and even Starbucks has had its fair share of critics. Where I find criticism getting out of hand however is with the many brand evolutions out there. From the ferocity of many ‘constructive’ comments I see, you’d think every job was a blank canvas. In actuality, the gatekeepers we must satisfy is an ever growing list, starting with design managers and ending with the CMO or CEO in many cases, with brand managers and marketing teams to satisfy along the way.

I would argue that the quality and talent of a design firm is revealed, not by their “Method-esque” designs, but by the small humble redesigns. The ones that we all scratch our heads at, thinking, “how are we going to fix THAT? They won’t let us DO anything.” It’s easy to make something gorgeous when you have free rein and a single level of approval. But how do you create inspired design when you only have license to take a baby step? This is where our industry’s true talent shines.

As a seasoned designer who tempers idealism with reality, I’ve realized that these challenging projects are often the ones I am most proud of. These redesigns allow us to really examine each detail of a package and lovingly reconstruct the brand, hand picking typography, illustration, color palette. They are changes that the average person may barely notice as separate elements, but when assembled magically evolve a brand, creating happy consumers and successful business.

Case in point, one of the holy grails of brands, Budweiser. If you look back to the beer’s origins from 1870, there is still a heavy influence on who the brand is today. What’s really interesting about Budweiser for a designer is the essence of this brand. It’s as relevant today as it was 140 years ago. And while Budweiser has constantly evolved, rarely has it taken a misstep, and it has always retained a very strong connection to the brand’s DNA.

In the end, there is nothing funky or cool about most of these projects. Instead, they often bring to mind words like respectful…proud…control. When you think about it, a brand is very much like a person. People don’t change overnight, and neither should a brand. They grow, evolve, and sometimes reinvent. They wear different clothes at different times in their lives – feel more confident at times, more reserved at others but at all times must remain believable. And while critics might scream and yell that this work isn’t creative enough, the reality is brand evolutions are the backbone of our industry.

Now, for those of you who know me, you might be thinking I’ve gone all warm and fuzzy. Not true, I still tell it like it is, but I do stop to consider that I may not be privy to all the information, restrictions, and considerations that my fellow designers are working with. There are loads of amazing, talented designers out there, and plenty of work to go around. Let’s tone down the ego in 2011, temper opinions with some civility, and give credit where credit is due. There’s a reason after all that The Golden Rule has been around for more than 2,000 years.

The Author is a shrink label and shrink wrap sleeves designer located in Washingon State.

Green. And Yellow, Pink, Blue, Purple, Red…

I was deeply surprised at the end of last year when I heard the news that one of the blandest packages I have ever designed, had been chosen to go on exhibition at a Design Biennial here in Brazil. After all, if the creator didn’t consider it very beautiful, you can imagine what others would think. Had the exhibition’s curators created the “worst designs of 2010” category and I was about to get ready for public humiliation?

Unfortunately no. Yes, unfortunately . Because reality was even more somber: the selection had been based on merit, because the design had “green” elements. And the theme of the event—which in theory promised to be very comprehensive —was, of course, sustainability. There were several other designs alongside mine, equally uninteresting, parading claims of being “organic”, with handwritten typography and recycled paper. They were all posing as natural products, adorned by packaging that pretended to be nothing.

Even though I have been bothered for quite some time now about how discussions on packaging design have become increasingly shallow—to the point where they cannot even be considered discussions, but rather boring monologues—the shock was unparalleled. After all, the need to be aware of the environmental consequences and impact of what we produce is one thing. Reducing an arena that should discuss design in its broadest sense into a politically correct pamphlet is another entirely . As if sustainability were the only issue for design today.

And, I must confess, these kinds of categorizations frighten me. One dimensional, monothematic. Supposedly guided by a noble, “historical destiny” that is impossible to deny. They should frighten you as well. A brief, retrospective look at similar moments in history is sufficient to see the damage a group of people can cause when they believe they have been anointed.

If, as the saying goes, consumption is the great enemy; when packaging that wastes material is all ordered by the same client (Hell’s marketing department), what is left to us, as designers, but to make amends for our guilt by restricting our profession to the search for solutions that minimize the environmental impact of the evil we cause? “It’s not my fault.” “I’m doing my part.” “Look, look: I’m a packaging designer, but I also ride a bicycle!” And that’s it.

That’s it?

Well now, isn’t there another recurring cliché in present day monologues that says we should replace “consumers” with “humanity”? Let’s do that then. We don’t even have to stop pretending we don’t know that a great part of the movement towards sustainability is fed by greater profit margins and not through social engagement. Nor do we have to go into details about the “purity” that existed in past ideologies, also considered “noble” in their time. Let’s just discuss “humanity” in all its complexity.

For example: is it possible to consider the cultural aspect of design as irrelevant? To not speak  of esthetics as if they were synonymous with futility? To not be  ashamed of discussing beauty, a superficial matter in the face of such important issues, such as global warming? Apparently not. And that’s what replacing “consumer” with “humanity” means? Oh, okay. Then let’s begin by renouncing all those who wasted their lives on superficial matters? Yes, those futile ones. Turner, with his sterile landscapes of boats at sea, while others lived in hunger. Flaubert, concerned about provincial bourgeois boredom and adultery in Pont L’Evéque while the planet perished. Michelangelo, selling his talent to the powerful papacy rather than painting the social themes that surrounded him. The list is long, very long. And it includes designers as well. All empty beings. Not like us. We have a historic mission; we have a collective consciousness. We only speak of serious things. We all talk about the same things as we ride our bicycles to buy fruit without preservatives at the corner grocer.

The human being needs more than organs functioning perfectly in order to live. Otherwise, we would need only doctors and dentists and we would go through existence happy as could be. The same occurs at a collective level. If the environmental issue is an undeniable component of our times, it is not the only one. Monothematic speeches tend to engender people blinded by what they consider their “historical destiny”. From there to burning enemies at the stake is but a short step. Whether the enemy is packaging that wastes material or a book. Or a person. The object changes according to the times, but the attitude is the same. Identical. To the heretics, the fire. The idea of being collectively united by a mission that justified the elimination of its “enemies” was responsible for many of the bleakest periods in the history of mankind. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because of each period’s cultural differences, past examples are odd. (Unless, of course, you believe they had their reasons.)

Is green a colour? Yes. But there are others. Many others. So, let’s get back to talking about all of them.

The Author is a in mold label designer and a printed shrink sleeves designer located in Washingon State.

Beyond Heat Shrink Sleeve Packaging...

Once relegated to mostly labels the packaging industry is now purchasing new equipment to keep contemporary with consumer needs. New technology has enabled companies to provide packaging on demand and where products can be produced in small quantities as needed. As the technology becomes more mainstream companies will switch to digital alternatives offering cost savings, inventory and time.

This technology is particularly relevant to the online marketplace where orders can be placed, delivered quickly and in small quantities enabling them to become global competitors.

Customization and personalization options will enable companies to offer unique and personal items in small quantities.

Packaging On Demand

Digital printing will change the way in which firms look at packaging. Businesses are looking at short inventory times and just-in-time delivery, as well as rapid processing of orders.

3d Mockups for packaging development and prototypes can be created for any product.

You can make adjustments and changed before the final product is completed.

Whatever the needs of the market digital packaging is growing. It offers unlimited flexibility to order smaller quantities whether testing the market, launching an new product or juts keeping inventory under control. Digital printing is the wave of the future.

Packaging Phrases To Watch For In 2010

• Digital Packaging
• On Demand Packaging
• Prototypes
• Mockups
• Customization
• Personalization

The Author is a shrink sleeve labels designer and a heat shrink packaging specialist located in Washingon State.

Planning for Senior Care in Connecticut

Saving for retirement is often encouraged as a way to be able to enjoy some of the activities you did not have time for while you were still working. The reality is that you must save for retirement if you want to be able to afford to pay for senior care services and to enjoy the little extras such as a meal at a restaurant and traveling to see your friends and family. Your social security will cover your basic expenses, if you are lucky, but not much will be left over for anything else. This includes paying for senior care.

If you can plan ahead for the type of senior care you would prefer and be aware of the costs, you will make the process of finding care go much more smoothly. While you may not be able to predict what health issues you may experience as you age, you can at least make sure the process of finding and paying for care goes smoothly, should the need arise.

How much does senior care in Greenwich, New Canaan, Fairfield, Westchester, Westport Connecticutt cost? It depends. If you have some financial assets, you will be privately paying for long-term senior care. If you have no assets and qualify for Medicaid care, as a very low-income senior, you will receive long-term care paid for by the government's Medicaid insurance at a nursing home which accepts Medicaid as payment. Some do only if you first entered the facility as a private pay client. Some just don't accept Medicaid patients.

To effectively plan for senior care costs, research the cost of care in each state, comparing senior home care to nursing home costs. You may also should view the Medicare nursing home ratings and find out if a nursing home will accept Medicaid as a form of payment in the event you would run out of funds to privately pay.

A private nursing home room ranges from $145 in Missouri to $488 in Hawaii. Find out what the costs of care are in your state to help plan where you would like to spend your retirement years - near the ocean or maybe just near friends and family, regards of the view.

Elder Caregivers at Risk

Being a social worker for a Connecticutt homecare company, I have spoken with people from all walks of life regarding their health concerns, both for themselves and a loved one. The stress of caring for someone can really take its toll. I wanted to share some of the risks with my readers, not with the intention of scaring them away from caring for their loved ones, but in the hopes that they will seek all the help available to care for themselves.

Anxiety and depression are the most widespread complaints that I hear about, although physical issues of a real or perceived nature can be equally debilitating. It is not unusual for caregivers to suffer sleeplessness, be predisposed to substance abuse, even aggressiveness toward the senior or other family members.

In other words, if a caregiver is depressed or stressed from caring for a loved one, she is less likely to take care of herself – she might skip doctor’s appointments, eat unhealthily, take up questionable habits, forgo her usual grooming and socializing, etc. As you can imagine, when a caregiver fails to care for herself, she will suffer both emotionally and physically, which can only negatively impact on her ability to function her capacity as a caregiver. In such circumstances, caregivers hesitantly admit to resenting the people that they care for.

So what can be done? Thankfully, plenty. Support groups are one of my most advocated options as they provide an environment where caregivers report feeling less isolated, validated through the bonds of mutual help. Ask your friends, neighbors, or family for help, and be specific about the requests; for example visiting at a certain hour and day, helping with bill-paying, taking Mom to a doctor’s appointment – all of which most certainly alleviates some of the burden. In short, I encourage all caregivers to take care of themselves, and to please reach out to professionals such as myself who can offer suggestions and emotional support.

The Benefits of Automated Attendant Recordings

Positive. Professional. Consistent.

Often, the first contact potential customers have with your company is through the phone. That's why your "telephone image" is so important. american on hold can enhance your company's call center, automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive voice response (IVR), automated attendant, and voice mail systems by providing professionally scripted and recorded business telephone greetings and information.

Our professional voices and easy-to-follow scripting will make a positive impression on your callers. We can even help you present a consistent sound by using the same voice for your Automated Attendant Recordings and On Hold Messaging.

In some cases, menus for IVR or auto attendant systems are poorly written, resulting in caller confusion, frustration, abandonment, and even lost revenue. American On Hold can review your current call flow and then design routing menus that allow callers to easily maneuver through your telecommunication system.

American On Hold can deliver your Automated Attendant Recordings in a file format that can be imported directly into your system by CD or via telephone lines or the Internet using FTP.

Different Types of Health Insurance Policies

Our company provides the most competitive family insurance in Portland, Oregon. Please contact us for your family, or individual health insurance needs.

Health insurance coverage comes in several different types, depending on who governs the plan and how much money is put into the plan by the participant. First, there are private and government run plans. Private plans are the types of plans you get from health insurance companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Government run health insurance plans include plans like Medicare, Medicaid and state run programs like Medi-Cal.

Within private health insurance companies, there are several different types of health insurance policies they usually offer. The usual and traditional plans include HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans and health savings accounts, or HSA’s. HMO plans are the least expensive of the plans, but also offer the least coverage. You pay less per month, but in turn pay more for doctor visits, hospital stays and so on. HMO plans also require the approval of your primary care physician, or PCP, before seeing a specialist.

PPO plans are usually more expensive per month, but have lower payments for doctor visits and hospital stays, and don’t have the restrictions on seeing specialists that HMO’s have. HSA’s are savings accounts in which you put a certain amount of money each paycheck, and is saved until you need it. These are usually coupled with high deductible plans, and are becoming more popular as they allow more control over one’s health care spending.

Government health insurance programs also come in different types as well. Medicare, for example, is a health insurance program meant for people 65 years of age or older that helps them pay for doctor visits, medical equipment. Since it’s a government-run program, it has more restrictions than other types of health plans, as well as gaps in coverage. These gaps are usually filled by private health insurance companies by using Medicare supplemental health insurance policies.

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income families, people with disabilities who are at or below the poverty line, senior citizens looking for nursing home coverage and so on. The use of Medicaid has been increasing over the years, especially by seniors and baby boomers looking to cover their nursing home expenses.

As you can see, there are many different types of health insurance plans available for individuals or families, and it’s up to you to figure out which one works best. Take the time to do the research on various types of health insurance plans and find out which one is the best fit for your needs before choosing a health care coverage plan for you or your family.