It was 1977 when I first laid eyes on an Ansel Adams print. From that day, I spent the next 20 years trying to produce a silver gelatin print of such grandeur. The key word here is trying. I came close, but there’s only a few folks skilled enough in darkroom magic to pull it off.

Now is your chance to be amazed, as I was. There is an exhibition of Ansel’s prints at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Bravely going where no other company in their industry has gone before, CENTRIC HEALTH RESOURCES has just launched a new web site with BIG WHEEL that we think you’re going to want to see: http://www.centrichealthresources.com

While most of the competition’s sites take themselves too seriously and/or are comprised of the same 25 images of smiling doctors and patients, CENTRIC has fearlessly launched into deep space with this heavily theme-based design centered around their operating philosophy – which puts patients and their needs at the center of the universe.

From colorful infographics that explain complex business practices to engaging media and informative materials found in their new KNOWLEDGE BASE, this web site allows the audience to see how profoundly different CENTRIC is, and what that can mean for the patients, providers and manufacturers they serve.

We are proud to have played such a large role in creating this new Web vehicle, and look forward to our next “mission” with this client.

When I first read about this, I wasn’t really sure what to make of it. What did Freshjive really mean by “Anti-Branding”? Well, it turns out that Rick Klotz, owner of Freshjive, has decided to remove the Freshjive logo / name from the outside of their fashion lines as well as any inside labels. Their new product lines will feature no logo or name as to who their brand is whatsoever.

I can certainly appreciate not wanting to walk around like a human billboard for a company wearing their logo, and admit that it takes some pretty serious guts to go this route and stand firmly on the product alone, but I guess the question is – what would Nike be without the swoosh, what would Chanel be without its reversed letter C’s, and what would BMW be without its badge. The fact of the matter is that your brand and logo do matter to consumers on a variety of complex and subconscious levels.

Remember in the 1980’s when you would be able to buy generic “beer” at the grocery store, typeset in lowercase Helvetica. That was pretty amusing, but there is a reason that you don’t see that any more. Companies can make more money with a brand that is memorable verses one that is not. Brand loyalty pays the bills. Freshjive is by no means like generic beer, and has BRAND credibility and loyalist. Let’s see if the brand loyalty sticks when kids don’t know its Freshjive anymore.

Check out the full story and let us know what you think.

BIG WHEEL is proud to announce the launch of the new Web site and e-commerce platform for TRIM – a racing inspired line of clothing and accessories for fashion-savvy motorheads who Keep Fast Company.

This project has been a dream, as we have had a fantastic collaborative experience with the founders of the brand and a huge amount of freedom in designing a site that has real thunder. From working with Steve Smith of SMITH RACING (a veteran of the high-octane battlefield since 1964… shouts out to you, sir) to the pride of authorship we’ve shared with the TRIM team (mad props to you, TRIM brothers and sisters) this has been one hell of an experience. You hear references to “building brands” in our industry all of the time – how often to you actually get to do it; I mean really do it?

Though we are extremely fired up about the branding/marketing side of this site, the e-commerce component really has the shop abuzz. Why? Because we are breaking new ground as a company by providing a turnkey solution for TRIM – and that’s not just talk. BIG WHEEL is responsible for full-site maintenance, product inventory, consumer communication and fulfillment for this new enterprise. That’s right: If you order a product from TRIM online, we provide the horsepower behind the scenes that ensures this gear arrives at your doorstep.

Bottom Line: If you are a lover of life in the fast lane, you need TRIM.

Check it at: http://www.trimindustries.com

I’ve been listening to Jerry Week, on the Grateful Dead Channel, on SiriusXM all week. It’s his birthday, and the anniversary of his death (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995). There’s been some great interviews and sound bites, interesting facts about the early days of his life and a lot of good music.

Did you know Jerry was first a banjo player? He loved bluegrass music and one of his first bands was a bluegrass band, Old and In the Way, with David Grisman – a lifelong friend. A lot of folks don’t realize Jerry was in several other bands than the Dead. Another interesting fact is Jerry was missing a finger.

Happy Birthday Jerry! We miss you.