Don’t forget about Congress Clothing this holiday season!  As you gallivant around Waco searching for the perfect something for the perfect person, stop by and enjoy our plethora of options. Not just shirts anymore, folks!

1. GO BEARS tee, designed by our very talented Ryan. This is perfect for anyone who likes basketball games, grass green, or generally looking awesome. $24.49

2. Even the kiddos like to represent Waco. Get your tot this classy top for just $14.99

3. 31 Bits jewelry. Made with 100% recycled paper and 110% love (we assume) by women in Northern Uganda. This is great for the stylish gal with a conscience. $10-$28

4. Toms! We dare you to argue with this pick. $44

5. Texas BU wall art via Sticker Universe. What do you get for the man or woman who has everything? This! $99.99

6. The Waco love doesn’t get old. Not now. Not ever. This rustic wood plaque is the bees knees boasting the legendary 254. Even more designs available in store. $58.99

7. Still into ethical consumerism? Very cool. These fashionABLE scarves help rehabilitate women in Africa. Assorted prints and prices. $32

This is the first installment of the HTR-Down-to-Party interview sessions. It is here that you will get to know the soul behind your designers and sales reps and anyone else who helps to make the magic happen. Our first subject is Harrison Connally. Harristotle has been with Hole in the Roof for three years!

Let’s see what he’s up to…

Hi Harrison. My name is Becky Murphy and I will be conducting a short interview with you so all of our fans can get to know you a little better. First things first: if you were a cat, what life would you currently be on?

One and a half.

Very cool. How long have you been at HTR? What hats have you worn here?

Long enough to know what I’m doing but just barely. I wear no hats because 1) I’m not 34 and balding and 2) I have accepted the fact that every day is a bad hair day.

So I take it you don’t want to talk about the fact that you were a shirt guy and now you’re a graphic designer turned caricature artist? That’s fine. I’ll move on.

Oh that’s what you meant by the hat question… I see.

What kind of design makes you tick?

The kind that makes you say “Oh I could do that…but didn’t.”

I concur. What fad is extinct that you wish you could bring back to life?

Camo bow ties…

WA-RONG! The correct answer is Giga Pets.

What celebrity do you think you’re most compatible with? While you’re at it, what would you title your autobiography?

She would be a mix of Destiny’s Child, Madonna’s wild style, and Janet Jackson’s smile. My autobiography would be titled Hmm?

Good luck with all of those things, Harrison. I truly hope that lady you just made up will be in Hmmm? someday. What is something most people don’t know about Waco that you want to scream from the top of a mountain?

Its got nice sushi.

Oh…okay. I’m glad I didn’t talk to you when I moved here last August. Woof. What is your favorite design blog?

Designspiration fo sho.

 Do you subscribe to any magazines?

No…I have an iPad. Don’t hate.

Don’t worry, I do. If you were stranded on an island, who is the person from the office you would bring with you?

Harrison:

Just kidding. Don’t answer that. Unless it’s Joel. Then he might give you a raise. Last question: if Kanye were to read this blog post, what would you want him to know about you?

He has issues.

One more: do you forgive him for what he did to Taylor Swift at the VMAs a couple of years ago?

Only Jesus can forgive…So maybe?

It was a treat talking to you, Harrison. Best of luck with hmmmm?, your destiny’s child, and any camo bow ties you haven’t gotten to wear in a while.

Swing by soon to see more inspiration and other such goodies here from the heart of the heart of Texas (that’s Hole in the Roof).

Cool clients, cool ideas, and cool projects are what make the world go round. I had the lovely opportunity to team up with my friend Andy from the Windy City for their first-time-limited-edition Pop’stache tees.

Popstache

A little back story about these guys:

Pop’stache is an online arsenal for album reviews, concert photography and awesomeness altogether. They’re pretty new to the scene, but they have been around the block and have been making quite a name for themselves. I got to hang with them when they visited Austin the last couple rounds of music festivals. The guys were even sporting their new HTR threads (well, one of them was). If you like all things music and mayhem, check them out here.

On another note about Pop’Stache, “This Must Be the Fan” is their new Kickstarter project that has already raised several thousand dollars for their latest gig.

The ultra-visionary, Andy Keil, is heading the project. The team’s goal is to “redefine coverage of a live show”. They’re taking special interest in getting to know the culture of the fan. A number of photojournalists and writers are releasing  a print publication featuring the new insight into this year’s SXSW. Whether you were or were not in Austin for the groove fest, I have a feeling you won’t want to miss Pop’Stache’s coverage. Support their Kickstarter project here.

In November of 2009 I was given the challenge of coming up with some new  shirt ideas for our retail store, Congress Clothing. I originally created this “Free Bear Hugs” design more than a year ago when I first started working for Hole in the Roof, and it is just now hanging on the wall at Congress. It’s crazy to see how many changes I could make to my original design after designing for Hole in the Roof for a year. Experience and practice have made my designs grow so much. Let this go to show that your cool idea could one day be on a t-shirt, coaster, billboard, or anything.

I believe that what separates the ones that make it and the ones that don’t are the people around you and the ability to try, and try again. I would be nothing without my Hole in the Roof family teaching me and encouraging me daily. I couldn’t tell you how much faster I grew as a designer when I was encouraged, and how many “not so good” designs it took for me to learn what makes a good one. I’m still learning and that’s the best part.

So be encouraged. Put yourself around people who build you up and never ever let a challenge bring you down.

So in order to capitalize on the benefits of branding, it is important to have a well-developed logo. A logo is not just an image, but it acts as the face of the company and creates a connection between the product and the customer. Often times people approach design and branding in two ways, as a cost or as an investment.

The cost approach focuses on the bottom line, but it is ultimately a short-term plan. By letting cost dictate your branding strategy, it is difficult to build a brand that is unique and able to evolve . The second approach views branding as an investment. With this approach it is understood that building a strong brand takes time, but ultimately you plan on getting a positive return on your investment. Professional logo design can be a key element in constructing a solid branding foundation. It creates a professional image of consistency and stability that can be reflected across all aspects of your company.

Once your logo is developed it can be utilized in a multitude of marketing tactics including: apparel, brochures, business cards, letterheads and stationary, ads, flyers, banners, promotional items (i.e. water bottles, pens, magnets, etc.), signs and website and e-commerce solutions. All of which help build strong brand recognition. Whether your business is big or small, you are embarking on a new venture or you are a seasoned veteran in your industry, professional logo design and branding is key to a successful marketing plan.

Hole in the Roof offers professional logo design services and can help you develop a brand new image or strengthen your current design. To check out more logos visit http://holeintheroof.com/htr/designlogo1.html.

HTR Logo Designs

You can expect to find updates about what’s going on in the world of Hole in the Roof, guest bloggers from our team, our observations, random bits of knowledge and advice on various topics we have experienced along the way. From website design to promotional products to every day life in the Hole in the Roof office,  you’ll see it all. We hope you will find it informative and even a bit entertaining, because hey, work is meant to be fun (at least we like to think so.) We are eager to see what this year will bring and excited to hear what you have to say along the way.

Cheers to a wonderful new year from the crew at Hole in the Roof!