Gift Njoku’s Post

In the fast-paced and visually driven marketplace of the outdoor industry, from adventure outfitters to sporting goods, the power of compelling brand photography cannot be overstated. Whether it's hiking gear, camping supplies, or extreme sports equipment, the way a product is presented can significantly influence consumer perception and decision-making. Here’s why high-quality brand photos are essential for success in the outdoor industry.

What inspires me: In the typographic dance of ‘The Ambidex,’ every line, every curve, holds purpose – much like the words we choose in branding. Its typographic design speaks of surprise and delight, key hooks in any brand’s language. Craft your message to resonate, to sing without sound. Effort in detail isn’t just appreciated – it’s remembered and trusted. Craft your narrative with the precision of a master reel maker; your audience will not only notice but feel compelled to return, time and time again. #outdoorindustry #outdoor #fishing #fishingislife #fishinglife #whatinspiresme #branding #brand #creativity #creative #creativityunleashed #stamp #vintage #vintagestyle #hikingadventures #hiking #art #campinglife #camping #typography #design #happiness #storytelling #backcountry #community #commerce #startup #fun #wellness #activeliving #sportsmarketing #advertisingagency

Thanks to Vincent Lusardi for his recent post. The trout stamp he used brings back a flood of memories of filling out forms in tackle shops that smelled of crickets or feathers and fur, of funky county-clerk offices with buzzing fluorescent lights and creaky furniture. I think of scribbling out personal details into segmented government forms along with great uncles, brothers, and fishing buddies; then forking over cash to get the stamp. None of the above was done to get a stamp. The stamp was just our ticket. The state forms were filled in anticipation of filling our lungs with the musky smell of water and earth, stuffing our feet into waders, then stealthily shuffling hip-deep into cold rivers with smooth-handled fly-rods, hoping to fool native trout with imitations of mayflies and caddis made from thread, hackle, and hair. The stamp represented all of those things but we never thought of ourselves as collecting stamps. We collected the experiences. Some states had better stamps than others, of course, but I can't recall buying a stamp for the stamp. For us, the stamp was incidental to the fishing. If the fishing was lousy, I might not be back for another stamp the following year. Likewise, the world's best graphic designers can't overcome a consistently lousy customer experience. Good brands create good experiences that their customers later identify with a logo or brand mark. Brand creators have to ask - "How do we identify the brand as an experience that brings people back?  - What anticipation will the brand create?  - What is the stamp that facilitates the relationship? Thanks again for this post. It brought back some wonderful feelings. I'm now off to raid the library of all their Gierach books.

The storytelling lure of branding Imagine a 1961 Tennessee Trout Stamp - not just a permit, but a narrative woven into every angler's memory Today's branding isn't about products; it's about the stories they tell Like this stamp, the brand should invite customers into an experience, a story where features fade and feelings remain That's where true connection lies #outdoorindustry #outdoor #fishing #fishingislife #fishinglife #whatinspiresme #branding #brand #creativity #creative #creativityunleashed #stamp #vintage #vintagestyle #hikingadventures #hiking #art #campinglife #camping #typography #design #happiness #storytelling #backcountry #community #commerce #startup #fun #wellness

Traveling every week keeps me on the move, whether for work or leisure. One thing I’ve noticed: detailed visuals matter. Just like I scope out hotel rooms and solve crosswords, I also search for CrossFit gyms and roofing companies online. What catches my eye? Clear, welcoming photos of equipment, community, and materials. According to a study by MDG Advertising (2018), websites with high-quality images can see a 45% increase in conversion rates compared to those with low-quality or no images. What catches your eye online? #roofing #contractor #homeservice #roofingcontractor #homerepair ##success #businessowner #roofer #branding #website #onlinepresence

PLAN THE DIVE, THEN DIVE THE PLAN Any scuba diver brand builders out there? They'll relate to this golden rule. Once you're under the water you are in the real (unreal!) world beneath the waves - there's no time to decide your plan of action, discuss with your dive buddies what kind of dive you're doing, where you're going and how you're going to get there - or realise your equipment is faulty or there's no air in your tank. And yet that is how many solopreneurs and small businesses set about building their brands. They want to dive in with the design before defining their strategy. They want their logo and website done or refreshed right here, right now - oh and give me that powerful unifying creative idea too, please! And there are too many brand houses that are willing to give them what they ask for, not what they need. The race to the bottom for 'complete branding solutions' is already well underway...the standard $25k 'packages' are falling to $10k...and $5k...and the DIY option of generative AI is putting constant pressure on the perceived value of these design kits. The thing that is inevitably sacrificed is the depth and quality of strategic thinking and preparation that goes into positioning your brand for success - before a digital pen is lifted on the design solutions. There is still no substitute for quality strategic thinking based on human experience, insight and collaboration. On top of my consulting, I'm spending an increasing amount of time coaching solopreneurs, small business owners and aspiring brand strategists on how to 'plan their dive'. It starts with a proper Discovery & Definition process - easy to understand - more difficult to master, but it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive to do it properly. #brand #brandstrategy #brandbuilding #branding #diving #strategy #strategicplanning

Crafting a website? Take your time to strategize before diving in. A thoughtful approach to design ensures your site not only looks great but also performs well! Share your thoughts on website strategy below. #WebDesign #BrandBuilding #DigitalMarketing

✅ From fixing to crafting, this tool does it all. ✅ Enjoy the convenience of multiple tools in your pocket with the compact and foldable design. ✅ Be ready for anything with a portable tool that fits in your pocket, making it perfect for camping. 📌 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 📌 𝑶𝒏-𝒕𝒉𝒆-𝑮𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 📌 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆-𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 GET YOURS NOW HERE. 👇 https://lnkd.in/d5JwW-W9 ✔ Streamline your toolkit with a multifunctional gadget that eliminates the need to switch between tools, saving you time and effort on tasks. #HandyDandy #MultiToolMagic #PliersAndHammerCombo #DIYEssentials #ToolboxUpgrade

THERE IS ONE IN EVERYONE 'The relevance of a design can sometimes change with time. This one was developed by me long for a travel innovation when camping holidays were relatively less popular. Today in 2023 and thereafter, probably this graphic connects in a different way for champions of travel seek an isolated personal camp thats safe yet thrilling. Indeed 'There is one (campion!) in every one' #identitydesign #functionaldesigns #identities #brandpositioning #brandidentitydesign #design #travelbrands

The demand for surf-anchored destinations is on the rise. We’re seeing more and more cities and developers demanding these activity-based designs. So how do you get started? In this guest blog post from AO’s Bruce Greenfield, we learn about the architectural best practices necessary to create a Surf-Anchored Property. #surfing #surfparks #wavepools