HAWK - Copy Cat Crime

Our Ohio field office was alerted to a rogue character design being used by the local “Rockhurst High School.” The school mascot wasn’t new to design crime, he was a fifth generation copy cat of the original, still artistically scamming his way along.

The FBI took immediate action and set up surveillance on the suspect. Over the course of about eight days we witnessed the tell tale signs of criminal artwork in action.

CASE SOLVED

Strong, confident and bold.

With solid evidence in hand we secured the necessary creative search warrant and moved in quickly. We surrounded the suspects office, and the FBI apprehended him as he attempted to photocopy himself for use on another school flyer.

We told him to step away from the copy machine and put his dog eared corners in the air.

Once in custody we took him to the local FBI field office for a creative brief interrogation. But he was a rough character, and resisted us for several hours. He just tapped his talons on the floor creating a small pile of toner and spoke arrogantly saying.

“Come on. I’m quick and easy! And really, does anyone care how clean and legible I am anyway? It doesn’t matter, they’ll go to the games anyway regardless. You have nothing on me! Nothing.”

The FBI proceeded to ruffle his feathers about his application ease, scalability, and over all marketing effectiveness. Our agents also shared the intel gathered during our surveillance and the suspects countenance spoke volumes even though his poorly xeroxed beak never moved.

After a few hours of this line of questioning he finally broke down and talked.

“You can’t blame me. I’m just a copy. I didn’t start this, I have no choice but to keep replicating myself. It’s what I do. I know none of the students want me on a shirt and I’ve accepted the fact I’ll never be painted on the gym floor either. You happy now? I’m worse than clip-art.”

Thanks to the FBI, the long arm of creative justice succeeds once again.

DIVINA - A Shell Game

The FBI has global jurisdiction over Illustrative design crimes. We work with local authorities world wide in order to arrest the guilty party and solve creative cases.

Most off shore illustrative design crimes involve a good amount of creative counterintelligence on the part of the FBI in order to fully vet the artistic process and procure needed evidence.

FBI headquarters was contacted by our field office in Coasta Rica regarding international movement of a suspicious identity.

The suspect mark ran his business using glorified clip-art and possessed an unhealthy penchant for meting out ocular beatings via a heavy handed use of the font Papyrus.

Using the latest in creative counterintelligence the FBI tracked the marketing habits of the company and determined it’s equity was at best a shell game.

CASE SOLVED

Clean and classic.

The old mark tried to skip town once he caught wind of the investigation, but our exhaustive creative process had already secured the projects perimeter and the suspect was quickly isolated and removed with extreme prejudice.

Our investigative team moved quickly to build a creative case that would more appropriately represent this business. Our in depth analysis of the companies methodology helped us to create a strong effective mark.

A license to create.

An FBI agent has a license to create. But when we work through any given design case we leave no creative stone unturned in our pursuit of artistic excellence.

MARDI GRAS - No Laughing Matter

An illustrative design crime is no laughing matter. Contrary to “Casablanca” there are no usual suspects when it comes to brand larceny and the victims of these retinal felonies can be directly or indirectly effected on many levels.

FBI headquarters received a call from our New Orleans field office regarding such a case involving a local corporation trafficking a counterfeit identity.

Our FBI agents coordinated with local design authorities who brought us up to speed regarding this companies history in the local marketplace and abroad. Once we thoroughly reviewed the existing evidence, “Operation Joker” was set in motion.

We brought in an FBI design profiler who reported the following: “This business has operated for decades using this eye sore of a mark. And over time they’ve built up a false sense of security, forming a seemingly impenetrable marketing callus that visually contradicts the quality of the work they produce themselves.”

The FBI profiler confirmed our own findings. Blaine Kern Studios is considered one of the world’s leading makers of floats, sculpture, and props. Other associates that have called upon their services is Disney and Orlando’s Universal Studios. Yet their own criminal identity made them look like a creative forgery rather than authentic.

CASE SOLVED

Festive sophistication.

With profile in hand we interrogated the old mark and within a few minutes under the hot lights this clip-art excuse for design spilled his guts.

“You know, back in the day I was somebody. No one questioned my effectiveness. I even fooled the “Mystery Van” kids and their meddling dog! I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I was just surviving man.”

Unique business cards.

The FBI continued to glean more intel from our profiling and we used the identified attributes to uncover new unique visual clues we could capitalize on.

With the old mark brought to justice and new cards in hand the company is now better equipped to represent themselves and the quality of work they do for the local community and abroad.

A whole new identity.

The most rewarding aspects of being an FBI agent is witnessing a visual felon turn away from a life of design crime and become a successful member of the marketing community.

LORAIN - Visual Public Corruption

Our field agent out of Ohio contacted FBI headquarters concerning a known visual corruption case they’d been gathering information on. The graphic suspect had been under marketing surveillance for some time and now a more in depth investigation was needed.

FBI agents met with the local investigators and reviewed the intelligence reports provided. When you’ve investigated hundreds of similar brand larcenies, it’s easy to isolate the origin of corruption.

We’d just arrived and already this case was making our skin crawl.

It was a clear case of fraud. Lorain county didn’t have a well crafted logo, they were rather the owners of a fraudulent visual. The type you might find at a local tole painting convention or other psuedo-artistic den of graphic design iniquity.

We consulted a few local informants who told us the mark went by the name of “Light House.” Within a few days we tracked this not so bright suspect down. He was shacking up with a wannabe designer and circus clown painter selling other do-it-yourself art crack in a seedy part of town.

CASE SOLVED

A great place to visit.

With the suspect now arrested we proceeded to use FBI case analytics to define a new and appropriate direction for Lorain County.

Our agents developed a new design solution that showcased the true personality and value that Lorain County offered those who visited.

Tourism icon system.

FBI investigations not only solve visual crimes they also uncover vulnerable areas that also need protection as well. With this case it was clear that one singular mark could not adequately portray everything Lorain County offered.

Our agents proceeded to investigate further and uncovered a modular system of icons that would serve as a deterrent to future corruption. Having an iconic system in place would enable Lorain County to better equip themselves to survive in a competitive environment and adapt it as they grow as well.

Lorain County business cards.

Part of the FBI follow up on this case included the design of new business cards. With new cards in hand, the clients mark was no longer corrupt but rather fun, coherent and effective.

Easy management for a modular continuity.

The FBI solves brand larceny cases all the time, but we also like to help prevent them as well. Part of our overall strategy with identity cases of any variety is to create a solid foundation that will help prevent future visual crimes.

Our skilled process provides complete style guide services so a client can self-manage their mark moving forward. We take the guess work out of providing logo art to vendors thus avoiding the normal problems associated with transferring logo source files.

MIRRACO - Aiding and Abetting

Our field agent out of California contacted FBI headquarters concerning an aiding and abetting case reported by a local company insider. This company’s nefarious creative intent on some BMX bike graphics had literally drawn attention.

Individuals charged with aiding and abetting or accessory are usually not present when the design crime itself is committed, but they have knowledge of the creative crime before or after the fact, and may assist in its commission through advice, actions, or financial support in regards to its creation.

FBI agents met with the insider at a pre-arranged location away from the prying eyes of his employer. He explained his reservation when the company asked him to just use the art provided by their rider. Not wanting to be an accomplice in this design crime he contacted the bureau.

Our agents poured over the do-it-yourself sketches the insider had provided. The company’s complicity in this act of criminal creative negligence was evident. The drawing itself was clearly a hack job, not a pretty picture and wouldn’t work for the intended usage.

CASE SOLVED

No more bones to pick with this artwork.

Design crime like aiding and abetting can rise to the level of conspiracy, so our agents had to determine this before proceeding further with there investigation. We questioned appropriate leadership within the company and determined no conspiracy existed, it was an isolated crime.

Our agents worked with local design authorities and proceeded to vet the case.

Design crime evidence exhibit “B.”

With the case solved, we were presented with a secondary concept furnished by the client. As with the first sketch this one wouldn’t work as a bike graphic. The core idea wasn’t criminal, but the execution of it was clearly premeditated intent to carry out a design crime.

Skulls-O-Plenty.

This design incorporated the existing company logo and was used as another component in the bikes graphics for this specific BMX rider. Creating each skull as its own separate piece of art was crucial in solving this aspect of the case. It allowed us to move components around and balance the composition of the skulls.

Creative skullduggery.

The investigative techniques of the FBI are a combination of skill, creativity and diligent process. More than a mere pretty picture we strive to uphold the lawful order of unique creativity.

SCHIER - The Missing Identity

Our field agent out of Wisconsin contacted FBI headquarters concerning a missing identity case reported by a local company. With all identity cases, the longer the lapse of time, the less of a chance to recover any of the original equity. So our agents had to move fast.

FBI agents met with the eye witnesses and soon discovered that the identity had gone missing three times in the past five years. A key moment in the investigation which lead to our team determining why this brand pattern had become a repeat offender.

Our agents were tipped off regarding the whereabouts of the missing identity through interrogation of a local street urchin named “Kinko.” Apparently the brand had been hiding out, with other ineffectual marks, at a dirt cheap back alley drinking hole called Logoworks.

Our agents confirmed the missing marks identity. He asked to be left alone and said through blurred eyes and slurred speech

“I am a farm windmill. At best I am a loose analogy for plumbing. Don’t blame me for not being recognized.”

CASE SOLVED

A pioneering personality.

Using proprietary FBI brand profiling we determined the true company attributes, pinpointed the public perception and proceeded to process the case accordingly.

Our agents developed a new design solution that fit the true personality of the company. Our profile revealed that their history and vision was all about pioneering new products for their industry, while having a healthy respect for the environment in the process.

A well plumbed identity.

Part of the FBI follow up on this case included the design of new business cards. With new cards in hand, the clients mark was bold and appropriate without being another flight risk.

Insuring continued continuity.

The FBI solves missing identity cases all the time, but we also like to help prevent them as well. Part of our overall strategy with identity cases is to create a solid foundation that will help prevent future visual crimes.

Our skilled process provides complete style guide services so a client can self-manage their mark moving forward. We take the guess work out of providing logo art to vendors thus avoiding the normal problems associated with transferring logo source files.

SCORPION - Fugitive Character Design

The FBI has global jurisdiction over Illustrative design crimes. Our network of field offices report matters of creative compromise to our headquarters in the Pacific Northwest for in depth analysis to determine an appropriate course of action.

Our Arizona field office was alerted to a fugitive character design by the local middle school “San Tan Scorpions.” The school mascot was on the run and was considered an armed and dangerous illustration. The town went into lock down mode. Everyone stepped up their home security and made sure their children were home before dark. There is nothing worse than a school mascot on the run.

The character design in question “Scorpionida Criminalis Arachnida” was a result of a blue-collar crime. Hand drawn by a school secretary, this desert arachnid may seem harmless but it’s venomous intent was causing a small visual crime wave in the community.

The FBI compiled a character profile of the wanted felon. The tell-tale signs of criminal intent were evident inappropriate cartoon style, reproduction issues and lack of intense sports driven attitude.

CASE SOLVED

Strong, edgy and bold.

The FBI dragnet was cast wide and the guilty mascot was located hiding out in a two bit pay-by-the-hour motel on the outskirts of town. Cornered and desperate this debase outmoded cartoon attempted to sting one our investigators while attempting to take him into custody and was shot dead on the scene.

Our investigative team moved quickly to create a new character that would more appropriately represent this educational institution. Our in depth background check helped us to create a strong, edgy character for the school. One that students would be proud of.

The final mascot in context.

Evil design doers beware! The FBI is ever vigilant, armed with creative fire power and ready to respond to artistic threats whether local or abroad. You can run, but you cannot hide from the FBI.

PIRANA - Deep-Six Bad Art

Preventing design crime is our ultimate goal at the FBI. Unfortunately, most of our cases involve artistic reckless endangerment. The prime suspect in this case, recklessly engaged in branding conduct which created a substantial risk of serious perceptional injury to the viewer.

This form of amateurish graphic malfeasance exhibits a culpable disregard of foreseeable consequences to others from the creative omission involved. The victim of this senseless visual felony was a network security service.

The FBI taped off the crime scene, questioned the witnesses and proceeded with the logo identity investigation. The evidence of a design crime was clear, clip-art imagery and weak typography.

CASE SOLVED

Aggressively fierce aquatic branding.

Security is a serious business and deserves a serious mark that will reflect accurately a companies personality. This companies product logo didn’t reflect the omnivorous nature of a true pirana they chose to represent their network security platform service.

Using the latest in design enforcement technology, the FBI broke the case wide open, neutralizing the danger with a new appropriate logo.

The right bait gets the big fish.

The guilty party was dispatched with extreme prejudice and the work of the FBI once again prevented further blunt force trauma to the viewers retina.

FITNESS - Out of Shape Identity

Thugs come in all shapes and sizes and this one was large, round and ugly. Their victim was an informant within this organized design crime family. Caught in an identity crisis and being extorted by these graphic mobsters, they contacted the FBI and disclosed their inside information.

Part of our investigative process includes creative surveillance such as wire tapping the existing marks equity, identifying the godfather of the brand and building a case file for successful re-design.

The evidence we gathered through our crime scene investigation clearly showed an expanded waist line, steroid enhanced drawing skills, and poorly developed typography.

CASE SOLVED

Clean cut healthy identity.

We had all the evidence we needed and before you could say “J. Edgar Hoover wears a dress” the FBI had arrested the guilty solution. We immediately began to exercise and artistically re-shape a well proportioned mark, mimicking the human torso.

Working out the new identity.

Part of the FBI follow up on this case included the design of new business cards. With new cards in hand, the client entered the design witness relocation program with a new identity.

A healthy source of design inspiration.

With a new identity came a name change and “Fitness Experience” defined their personality. With secondary identity assets like the poster designs shown above, the FBI equipped them to begin a new brand life safe from mafia motifs.

KAZEON - The Diagram of Disaster

The weapon of choice for this visual felony was Powerpoint and Google images. A deadly combination which led to potential investors and clients of Kazeon needlessly suffering aggravated assault to their eyeballs.

It was a text book case of do-it-yourself criminal activity. The type of design crime most commonly carried out by new start-up companies or self-deluded marketing thugs, who fancy themselves as designers.

The crime scene was littered with the tell-tale marks of visual violence, cheap clip-art and massive amounts of poorly formatted text.

CASE SOLVED

 
The clarity of communication. (Click image to view larger)

The purpose of any diagram is to relay a complex process or idea clearly. Ironically enough their image clearly didn’t accomplish this. Rather, it only led to more needless victims of confusion.

A custom illustrative solution was brought in. We collected the raw data needed to balance a coherent and well organized overview of their company processes that quickly enabled us to solve this case.

 
Detail of new diagram.

In all we investigated and solved four diagram cases for them. Each one with their own challenges in communicating complex methods and processes. All of these can be seen at their web site www.kazeon.com