I have an addition to the alphabeard / beardface project (Z!) that I will post soon, but in the meantime I just wanted to share a great thing that happened for my little shop the other day:
http://www.underconsideration.com/quipsologies/archives/september_2012/arminvit_15.php
It was great exposure, our traffic increased sevenfold, and subsequent traffic has been great and diverse (via twitter, pinterest, designspiration, etc.) While the design of the product is in a decent place (though I’d like to add & refine some more), the design of the brand and customer experience is still lacking significantly. This exposure is motivating me to improve this somewhat dormant side project. Here is the bigcartel site: www.moderntrees.com and the Etsy shop
First, I’m interested in re-branding this. I’d like to redo the identity, and I’m considering updating the name. Something shorter would be nice. I’d be interested to hear initial thoughts on these two items as they exist currently, and maybe ideas/inspiration on where to take it next. I have some initial sketches/ideas, but not quite ready to share.
Second, I know the site, the process, the brand experience is lacking. I need help from a good developer…and money. So I’m tabling that part for now, but definitely thinking about it for the not-too-distant future.
Way to go viral, Mike. It’s really exciting. Are you seeing any more orders or just a bunch of traffic?
As far as the brand goes, I think it sounds like you could do as much or as little as you like. The products really speak for themselves so you might just want to focus on a bit of logo/naming change and then put all your effort into more photography. Then grab the simplest, pre-build website you find to house them in.
I think the name ModernTrees works fine, but if you want to go shorter there’s always MoTrees or ‘DernTrees or MoT’s or even Modees. I will be expecting a cut if you choose one of those options.
I agree with Micah. When you first introduced your Etsy store I thought ModernTrees was pretty great—still do. It’s easy to remember and says EXACTLY what it is.
Totally excited that you are getting some exposure. I expect it to really take off. (You should consider running an ad in LDSLiving or something like that—I think the LDS market would really eat this up.)
Wow, those are awesome! I really have to look into getting one for my son (he’s only 3months right now). I have been struggling with wanting to create one for my children and I think the sunburst is a perfect design. At first glance it kind of looked like the grains in a tree when it’s cut.
Anyway, I have to be honest, I didn’t really understand what they were until I went to your site. I’m wondering if you should include some derivative of the word generation or family into the name if you end up changing it. That would make it a little clearer. Of course, it could just be my own stupidity why I thought it was just artwork made from or into trees.