What is Brolliology? The study of the bumbershoot, the brolly, the parasol, the umbrella! Brolliologists maintain that the umbrella is one of man's oldest artifacts. Mostly used for sun protection, rather than rain protection, the umbrella has not changed much over the last 2000 years. Nowadays, we tend to group them into folding and stick categories. The folding is more portable and smaller; while the stick is more fashionable and larger. Wind resistance is important too - with stronger ribs and vented material. Whether shading the royalty or keeping your head dry, the umbrella is a useful artifact for everyone. Consider giving them at your next event.

More brolly facts can be found here.

We are often asked to recommend embroidery versus silk screening on clothing, caps, bags and other soft goods. Here are some things to consider when deciding:

Embroidery:

1. Stitched onto the garment

2. Price per stitch (size matters here) - more stitches, more expensive

3. Multi color usually doesn't increase price

4. Color match not possible but will get close

5. Words should be 3/16" or taller for readability

6. Can feel more permanent and more high end

7. Personalizations doable

Silk Screen:

1. Printed onto garment

2. Printing on black material more expensive than on white

3. Each color adds a screen charge and run charge

4. Can print large areas at same cost as small ones

5. Small details in designs usually print

6. Printing photos or graduated color will work

If you have question on what's best for you, let us know. We can help!

February is National Embroidery Month - email us about our free offer.

How many things can you remember to buy when you go to the grocery store before you need to write a list? Fo me, it's three. So, rather than writing down a Top Ten list of resolutions, we've decided to dust off the 3 core values that we've always had at O2 Marketing and Design: Work Hard, Play Fair and Have Fun.

Work Hard: deliver

Play Fair: respect

Have Fun: enjoy

Embrace 2010!

Things to think about when giving business gifts to clients, employees or suppliers:

1. Decide on your budget - will you spend more on some and less on others?

2. Check your list. Will you give gifts to your top 10? Your top 25? Or all of them?

3. Do you want to give all your clients the same gift? Or do you want to give them individual gifts?

4. Do you want to brand the gift you give for lasting messaging? Or perhaps personalize it with their name or initials?

5. When do you want to give? End of the year? Beginning of the year? Quarterly?

6. How will you give the gifts? Presentation is important. Will you mail or UPS it? Or deliver in person? Do you want to have it wrapped or gift boxed?

7. Have fun with gift giving - it is meant to convey appreciation for your relationship. Celebrate your company's personality by creating a memorable moment.

If you need gift ideas, check out some here.

November is here and brings thoughts of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. It also has us reflecting on the people in our lives who we need to thank (and thank more often). We would like to THANK all our clients and manufacturers who supported us all year. 2009 is a year many of us would like to put behind us, but along the way, we had lots of fun and enjoyed doing what we do - helping clients attract and retain customers, prospects and employees.

We will be sending out a great custom calendar this year to keep us all organized for next year. If you want to make sure you get yours, contact us. We don't want to leave anyone out!

 Thanks!