Tag Archives: Branding

You guys know about debt settlement, right? We’ll break it down for you, just in case: You decide you need a new suit. You buy it. Your boss decides s/he needs a shiny new Gulfstream…which means you get downsized. Suddenly, you’re awash in credit card debt. You need help. A “debt negotiator” appears. They tell you they can negotiate your nut down to pennies on the dollar. You are happy. Then you discover how the racket really works. You are sad.  First, they want a big-ass up-front fee. Then, you’re asked to fund an account that will be used to pay off your debts – yes, for pennies on the dollar – but that isn’t real helpful if you don’t have any pennies to begin with. The whole thing is a lot like high school.  Remember the 300-pound bully who used to throw you against your locker, steal your lunch money and give you a swirlie? When that 300-pound bully is your credit card company, you need a bully to bully that bully. Or at least get their attention. If you had an eagle with a knife in its mouth, you'd be all set. But we'll assume you don't. (If you do, call us, we want to check that out.)

Would like to renegotiate your repayment terms.
Also: is an eagle with a knife.

Say hello to the American Fair Credit Council.

The good people of the AFCC noticed what was going on in the debt settlement racket market, and saw an opportunity. Not the “let’s check the poor people’s couch cushions for change”-kind of opportunity, but the kind that could actually help people get a fair shake in the credit game – a game that’s patently rigged. So, they created a brand new model called “no advance fee debt settlement.” Here’s how it works: You agree to a fee. The AFCC goes to work. Your debt goes down. You pay your debt. You pay your fee. You’re free. A simple, strong idea, worthy of a simple, strong name. Which Mortar was proud to give them.

So. Even if your credit’s good, check out the American Fair Credit Council. They’re a good friend to have, in an economy where one can never have too many good friends, feathered or otherwise.

 

 

There are many causes that Mortar holds dear- Fair Trade USA, the ASPCA, Martini Awareness Month- however we are proud to announce one cause close to our heart has launched a brand spanking new website.

With Mortar’s help, A HOME WITHIN, a non-profit organization right here in San Francisco dedicated to the mental stability of foster children, has gone live with a beautiful new website to match the beautiful work they do for kiddies around the nation.

For foster kids tossed around until they are kicked out of the system at 18, A HOME WITHIN provides stability and mental support. They match at-risk foster children with therapists and allow them to maintain a relationship regardless of age, location or finances. A HOME WITHIN launched their new site in May to mark Foster Care Awareness Month. With programs like Fostering Art, A HOME WITHIN supports creativity and mental stability in an very overlooked—but needy–population.

Mortar is proud to have been apart of the branding, brochure production and website design for A HOME WITHIN. Hopefully this website will allow A Home Within to reach more kids, connect with more clinicians and grab more funding (hint, hint).

Most people would shop more responsibly if they knew what to look for.

Problem is, our capacity to focus on what’s good and what’s not is short-and-getting-shorter. Instead of lecturing them, we thought it might be nice to say “This is extra-good because…"

Hence a bouncing, baby brand for The Artists Formerly Known As TransFair USA. Check it out:

 

TransFair USA Changes Name to Fair Trade USA

 Nonprofit Launches New Name and Brand Identity during National Fair Trade Awareness Month in October

OAKLAND, CALIF. (September 21, 2010) – TransFair USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States, today announces that the nonprofit organization will change its name to Fair Trade USA (www.fairtradeusa.org) on October 1, 2010. The updated, simplified name and brand identity will support the organization’s efforts to increase awareness of Fair Trade among a broader consumer audience, increase sales of Fair Trade Certified™ products, and generate more benefits for farmers and workers around the world.  The company’s ethical label–Fair Trade Certified™—will remain the same.

“American consumers and the business community are more eager than ever to embrace the simple concept of better products for a better world. Fair Trade delivers both,” said Paul Rice, President and CEO of Fair Trade USA. “In the past five years, consumer recognition of the Fair Trade Certified label has tripled. By strengthening our brand, we seek to accelerate that momentum and awaken millions of Americans to a simple truth: every purchase matters. Every shopping decision is an opportunity to improve lives, restore hope and protect the planet. Ultimately, we aim to dramatically increase the positive impact of Fair Trade for hardworking farming families around the world.”

Fair Trade empowers consumers to vote with their dollars for fair prices, better working conditions, environmental stewardship, and brighter futures for the people who make the high-quality products that they buy every day.  In 1998, TransFair USA pioneered Fair Trade certification in the United States.  In 12 years, it has helped industry partners and consumers generate nearly $200 million in additional revenues to support community development and sustainable agriculture in farming communities in 70 countries around the world. Today, as Fair Trade USA, the organization works with more than 800 companies to certify more than 6,000 products as Fair Trade. In 2009, Fair Trade Certified products generated $1.2 billion in retail sales. 

Fair Trade USA will transition the organization’s website and marketing materials over the next year, starting with Fair Trade Month, which also kicks off October 1^st with the theme “Every Purchase Matters.”  The annual national awareness campaign mobilizes a wide range of corporate, nonprofit, producer and consumer partners through more than 100 events, promotions and fund-raising parties across the United States.  These activities raise awareness of the Fair Trade movement as a comprehensive approach to social, economic and environmental empowerment and sustainability among farming communities in the developing world. 

 

This is the official logo of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

To say it's "caused a bit of a stir" is a bit like saying "The Titanic had a few bugs to work out."

But did those Londoners back down? Never, never, never! They doubled down. Not with delicious chicken sandwiches, but with this:

Presenting "Wenlock" and "Mandeville," the official mascots of the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games. 

No, we're not kidding. They even did a video!

But you know who is kidding? The kids. As in, "The Kids, They Will Mess With Your Brand."

Let's see what you scamps have gotten up to with your PhotoShop.

Expected. (But still funny.)

"Not in our house, Chalmers!"

"Say "What the #*#$&* are those things supposed to be?" again, mother#*$er.
Say it again. I dare you!"

 

"Sweep the leg-like protrusion, Johnny!"

We're through the looking glass, people.

 

This explains so much. Enjoy the rest of your Friday – and please continue twirling, twirling, twirling to freedom.

There's more (NSFW but hilarious) fun over at Deadspin.