Our Blog
This is where Blake thinks out loud.
Blake Allen the creative directorParamore Tested, Kid Approved
I don’t have kids… yet, and I’ve never spent a lot of time in hospitals. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been for a few minor things: stuck a bean up my nose when I was 4, slammed my finger in a door when I was 8, broke my wrist when I was 12.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorSpring Cleaning in Gatlinburg!
I grew up in middle Tennessee, so I knew all about Gatlinburg before we even talked to them about redesigning the site. My family took many trips to the Smoky Mountains – camping, hiking, or wading through streams searching for the perfect “skipping” rock. In college, my friends and I took weekend trips to Gatlinburg, even sleeping in my Jeep once. Also, this one time, a black bear ran into the side of my car, shook it off, and ran back into the woods. True story.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorQuest for the Golden Paddle
In general, we’re a pretty competitive company. We always want to have the best ideas, create the best designs, build the best online experiences. That doesn’t stop when it comes to our ping-pong games, so we’ve created brackets within the office to compete for the infamous Golden Paddle®.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorSimplicity.
I was going to write this long blog post about the beauty of simplicity, but these guys said it best…
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorPart 3: Branding & Collateral
A few weeks before our company retreat last year, we began talking about redesigning our site. It had been around 2 years since the last redesign and there were plenty of new ideas on the table. Before jumping the gun, we knew we needed to update the Paramore brand.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorColor: The One-Two Punch
One of the key elements of building a strong brand is color selection. It’s one of the most effective visual tools we have as designers. We are programmed to respond to color. It sets the tone of the brand. So, choose your colors wisely.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorRedesign: A Happy Medium
As I was walking through the aisles at the grocery store this past weekend, I was reminded of a project I saw a few months ago. I’m not sure how I found it, maybe through Twitter, but I remember loving the concept.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorTypography Matters
I learned the significance of type early in my design career. Working at an advertising agency creating magazine ads and billboards with nothing but a photo and a witty tagline. You quickly learn how crucial font selection can be.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorInspiration is Random: 4 of 4
We’ve discussed design galleries, blogs, and music. For the most part, all can be explored online. But… sometimes you have to get away. Away from the glow of your computer screen. Away from the things you’re used to. Away from your comfort zone.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorInspiration is Random: 3 of 4
I knew when I began making a list of what inspires me, music was going to play a huge role. Some would say I’m a little obsessed, and I wouldn’t disagree. Music can create a mood, captivate you with beautiful lyrics, and definitely be a great source of inspiration.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorInspiration is Random: 2 of 4
Last week I talked about design galleries and communities. While it’s important to stay up-to-date on all the latest and greatest in website design, I think it’s equally important to venture elsewhere online to find things that inspire you.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorInspiration is Random: 1 of 4
I began making a list of the places I get design inspiration and quickly realized it’s more in-depth than I thought. So, I’m breaking it out into four main categories and posting one each week. You are welcome.
Continue Reading Blake Allen the creative directorA Tale of Two Sites: Before & After in the Wonderland of Burgers
My mom has always been an excellent cook. We rarely went without a home-cooked meal, however, I distinctly remember the times my family would stop by Back Yard Burgers (BYB) and enjoy a Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich™, or a tasty burger. Needless to say, when they came to Paramore|Redd and told us they needed to reinvent themselves, of course I was up for the challenge!
