Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451373
2 8 G R A P H I C S P R O J U N E 2 0 2 2 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M A W A R D S & C U S T O M I Z A T I O N I n the production of promotional products, companies often lose sight of the original goal of creating such a product in the rst place. Somewhere along the process, "create long-term value, return on investment, and make the world a better place" shifts to "put our logo on as many things as possible for as cheap as possible." ese goals are often in direct competition with one another. A promotional product should be cus- tomer focused. rough innovative design, the product strives to create a positive as- sociation with a brand and a useful outcome. Nobody wants a stress ball with a mort- gage company logo on it. No- body. In contrast, a customer who receives a high-capacity power bank with their favorite colors that saved their ight when their phone almost died — that is memorable. That is what people want. at is what will make a company money. So, how does a company elevate the im- pact of its promotional product oerings? Step up the design game. DRINKWARE, NOT STINKWARE Sure, any brand can slap its logo on a Yeti mug, and people will use it because the mug is great. However, if the budget is tight and doesn't allow for high-end merchandise, one ma- jor way to elevate a brand is to avoid the logo slap and associate the brand with highly intuitive design and decoration. A small investment in design time can pay o tenfold in customer loyalty and brand recognition, but it's often overlooked. By Promotional Products: From Trash to Treasure B Y J E R E M Y P I C K E R gage company logo on it. No- body. In contrast, a customer who logo on a Yeti mug, and people will use it because the mug is great. B Y J E R E M Y P I C K E R If the company touts its eco-friendly packaging, con- sider reusable straws or water bottles over plastic tchotchkes. (All images courtesy AMB3R Creative)