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I’m fluent in design, not in copy
In the KnowPoliticians Loved Eagles, Flags, and Terrible Typefaces
January 14, 2026

Politicians Loved Eagles, Flags, and Terrible Typefaces

Let’s not dance around it. Political campaign logos were rough for a very long time. Not charmingly retro. Not accidentally cool. Just straight-up ugly. If you looked at campaign branding…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowBuilt on Hard Work, Backed by a Strong Logo
January 9, 2026

Built on Hard Work, Backed by a Strong Logo

When you raise cattle or sell beef in bulk, your name means something. People want to know where their beef comes from and who stands behind it. A logo helps…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowWhy More Color Usually Makes Logos Worse
January 7, 2026

Why More Color Usually Makes Logos Worse

If you look at some of the most recognizable brands in the world, you’ll notice a common pattern. Their logos usually stick to just two or three colors. This is…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowTimeless Design Over Temporary Style
January 3, 2026

Timeless Design Over Temporary Style

A logo has one job. Be remembered. That’s it. Not to impress other designers. Not to show off the latest effects. Not to chase whatever style is flooding Instagram this…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowThe Typeface Is the Voice of Your Brand
January 2, 2026

The Typeface Is the Voice of Your Brand

Logo icons are designed for impact. They catch the eye, trigger recognition, and give people something to remember. But once that first impression is made, most brand interactions move quickly…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowThe Power of Owning a Color
January 1, 2026

The Power of Owning a Color

Think about the last time you saw a Tiffany blue box, a brown UPS truck, or a hot pink T-Mobile ad. You probably knew exactly what brand it was before…
Bart O'Dell
Love1
In the KnowA Logo Should Adapt, Not Hold You Back
January 1, 2026

A Logo Should Adapt, Not Hold You Back

A logo is not just a logo anymore. In real life, it has to live in a lot of places. Websites, social posts, packaging, signage, email footers, ads, merch, and…
Bart O'Dell
Love1
In the KnowWhy Original Logo Design Matters
December 27, 2025

Why Original Logo Design Matters

When businesses commission a logo, they usually want two things. Something that looks great and something they fully own. Where many brands run into trouble is misunderstanding how copyright and…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowWhy a Good Logo Is Only the Beginning
December 23, 2025

Why a Good Logo Is Only the Beginning

A logo is usually the first thing people notice about a company. It lives on your website, your packaging, your social profiles, and your storefront. It is what people recognize…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowScale Your Brand Smarter
December 5, 2025

Scale Your Brand Smarter

A good logo is great wherever your brand is represented. A logo should look great on a small social media icon and also on a billboard. This is achieved by…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowUnderstanding Design Hierarchy
November 11, 2025

Understanding Design Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy is how designers organize elements to ensure that your eyes move to the correct places first. Visual hierarchy provides flow to the design by taking your eyes from…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowSimplicity isn’t plain, It’s powerful
November 6, 2025

Simplicity isn’t plain, It’s powerful

We’ve all seen that logo that tries way too hard. Shapes everywhere, colors competing for attention, and effects layered on like sprinkles on a sundae. It’s what happens when clarity…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowWhen to Send a Cease and Desist Letter for Logo Design
November 1, 2025

When to Send a Cease and Desist Letter for Logo Design

At O'Dell Design Co., we know how much time and creativity go into building a logo that truly represents your brand. Your logo isn't just an image; it's your business…
Bart O'Dell
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In the KnowThe Problem with Using Clip Art in Logos
October 31, 2025

The Problem with Using Clip Art in Logos

If you're starting up a business or just need to refresh your brand, it can be tempting to grab some clip art, do a little tweaking of it, and call…
Bart O'Dell
Love1
In the KnowWhy Canva and AI Logos Aren’t Legally Yours
October 1, 2025

Why Canva and AI Logos Aren’t Legally Yours

There are design tools available, which make logo design easy, but intellectual property rights become complex issues. Websites such as Canva or AI logo design will help you create a…
Bart O'Dell
Love1
colorbrainToolsColor on the Brain
September 29, 2025

Color on the Brain

Colors do more than enhance your brand's appearance. They evoke emotions, shape perceptions, and affect how people connect with your message. Color theory provides a framework—like the color wheel and…
Bart O'Dell
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Publications84, Yes Eighty-Four
February 26, 2019

84, Yes Eighty-Four

It is the one email I look forward to receiving every year. It is the one email that makes all the hard work seem worth it. It is the one…
Bart O'Dell
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ToolsTools of the Trade
February 19, 2019

Tools of the Trade

Every artist has a set of unique tools in which they love to create, mine happen to be those of an architect student, turned graphic artist. Over the past few weeks,…
Bart O'Dell
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thisdesignlifeInterviewsQuick Interview: This Design Life
February 15, 2019

Quick Interview: This Design Life

Recently I had the privilege and honor of being interviewed by Chris Green, from This Design Life. This Design Life brings you hand-picked quality design and inspiration from all over…
Bart O'Dell
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LL1PublicationsLogoLounge 2018 Trends Report
February 13, 2019

LogoLounge 2018 Trends Report

This past year I was honored to have 3 of my logos included in the 2018 LogoLounge Trends Report by Bill Gardner. Every year LogoLounge does a comprehensive analysis of…
Bart O'Dell
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macbook1aWebsiteThe New Website is Live
February 11, 2019

The New Website is Live

The portfolio of Bart O'Dell. I finally did it! After having my old domain taken over by an Asian gambling website. Largely in part to the fact that the email…
Bart O'Dell
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