Summer of Photos

Well it was not the “Summer of George” it was indeed the Summer of Photos. Hannes Design worked on lots of photography work this Summer. 

We started with shooting 21 locations for the new merged Lake Ridge Bank. After Monona Bank and State Bank of Cross Plains joined forces – they became Lake Ridge Bank and with new signage comes new photos. Shooting that many locations over two counties poses quite a few challenges. Add in a little smog from Canada and it was definitely tricky business. We first took the time to try to figure out which direction each building faced, in order to determine if it would be best to shoot in morning light or afternoon light. From there we planned routes and groups of offices that were close to each other. Then we watched the smog and the sky for the best conditions and lighting to shoot. Dealing with cars, people, homeless (long story) and other curious people was an added challenge, but in the end I think it turned out well.

Next we had the pleasure of working with the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation and shooting photos inside and out of the newly remodeled building serving as “The Collective”. Listed as an “…innovation center, piloting best practices for childcare business sustainability” this creative workspace offers many different working opportunities – as well as a YMCA and childcare all in the same building. Overlooking the Rock River, it not only offers pleasing workspace but nice views and a central location as well. We were blessed with pretty good weather the day I came out and the staff at The Collective was amazing to work with. The renovations were done to an old building, but you wouldn’t have known it as the inside looked brand new. An amazing space that will be around for years to come helping the different business of Watertown and the nearby communities.

It was a nice change to have an uptick of photography work this Summer and good to get out and about and see more of this part of Wisconsin while doing it. I think it really shows the importance of having good photography showing off your building or product. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words and hopefully more. If you or someone you know is in need of photography, be it a headshot or a new office shot – let us know. We would love to help you out.

You Designed What?

Over the years I’ve been asked to Design – or create – many different things. Once I put the head of a companies boss on to an Oscar statue so the image could be printed out and mounted on foam core to be handed out at a annual meeting. Another time I was asked to photoshop a person in a photo who looked a bit scruffy. My clients asked if I could “Give him a shave”. So I did. Sometimes Graphic Design are regular requests and sometimes they can be a bit unusual. But it is all FUN! From billboards, to can coozies to trade show graphics to packaging labels.

My latest ‘unusual’ request was a couple of tattoo designs! I thought “sure, I can help design a tattoo!” Often people have an idea that is unique but can’t quite communicate it to the tattoo artist and are at the mercy of their interpretation. My client and good friend Rick (hey buddy!) asked me to design him not one – but TWO tattoos! Both were uniquely personal to him and in both cases he had a concept and wanted the idea refined and perfected before going into the tattoo artist.

Just goes to show – if you have an idea and just can’t visualize it – maybe a designer can take your ideas and your input and take the concept to the next level. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you have an idea, a concept, a new business or something that you are having trouble pulling into focus. I’d love to hear about it and try to help create something to give your concept a new direction.

Stay Frosty

A new year is upon us and although its given us lots of crazy weather – it has also reminded us to look for beauty and new opportunities everywhere. We are doing well and surviving the Wisconsin winter and are ready to help you with any of your design needs.

We have a few new projects in the work and invite you to check out our updated Portfolio and the fun new examples of our work — like tattoo design!

Be sure to contact us if there is anything creative or visual that we can help you design. From small to big – we work on it all.

Holding Strong

Looking back at my last blog – from 2018 – I couldn’t just leave that there being that its three years old. Ironic though, as the post said “Are Blogs Dead?” Maybe not, but in this case not well utilized. Anyways, the last few years have been difficult for all with Covid and a worldwide pandemic. We at Hannes Design are holding strong and doing our best. I have some plans for some upgrades and improvements and so far 2021 has been a better year than last. I’ve seen a number of clients lose their businesses, and I appreciate all my clients each and every day. Contact us today if there is something we can help you with.

Are Blogs Dead?

I assume most people think the same thing I did when I built my website – “Should I have a Blog?” I chose to do one but clearly looking back, I like others do not post often enough to create interest. Its been 1.5 years since my last post – that’s crazy. But as you all know time goes fast. We all make priorities and blogs just aren’t one of them. So are they dead? I think in some businesses and industries they are. If you are in a business where constant communication is key, they could be important. But I believe most have been replaced by a Facebook page. So much easier to keep up on.

So I’ll let you tell me. Do you read this? Do you think I should keep this page? I take no offense either way. I plan on doing some website updates soon. I’ll decide then whether or not to keep this page. Feel free to contact me with your opinion.

Design All Around Us

Monona Terrace

I’m amazed sometimes by the different designs I find all around town – sometimes in the areas I least expect it. From a terrace chair to city banners up and down the street. Some amaze me and some just make me shake my head.

My wife likes to tease me when I critique menu design when we are out. I just can’t help it – its in my blood. But at the same time, how a menu reads, or looks to the restaurant’s customers is almost as important as the taste of the food. Both are part of the experience and leave an impression. That is the same with your businesses design. Whether its an advertisement, your letterhead – or even an invoice – you want your design to leave a good impression.

If you come across a design that you particularly like – or hate – let us know. Tell us what impression they left on you. I’d love to hear your thoughts.