Things We've Made
To the right is a small collection of recent work we've done. For a more in depth look into our work, download our brochure or just stop by and talk with us. The coffee's always on!
Services
Use the left and right arrows to scroll through our work
Click on the above image to view selections of each client's work
Click on the above image to view selections of each client's work
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Who We Are
Of course behind every great company lies a great team. And though the highly talented team is away, we have offered up these substitutes players to help bring it all together! Hell, maybe we’ll even keep them!
Meet The Team
Our studio was created in 1987. Since then we have thought of ourselves as very creative people who have found a way to pull one over on life. We get to be creative, imaginative, do what we truly love, and get this, we get paid for doing it. Our clients say they return because we provide excellent client based service and because we consistently produce top quality material.
Our work isn’t really work to us, it’s our passion. It’s fun, it’s exciting and the more challenging the project, the better we feel. This site will show you some of the things we can do, but it will be far more fun if you give us a call and invite us over - or better still, drop by our office to discuss brand planning and positioning, identity and collateral development, advertising, direct marketing, trade show materials, product naming and launches, web-based solutions and social media services, or even just the latest hockey game.
At our core, we feel that creativity, like opportunity is boundless and if you take the time to look, really look, you will see that this site is also about the clients that have worked with us. They are like you. They could be you. They believe in a vision and a direction that will make them successful and they know that using us is one of the best choices they can make because they know, we know what it takes to become a success.
Our business, like every other business on the planet started small then grew as our dreams and realities got bigger. We became successful. We became very good at what we do. We are successful because we know that a great design team requires talent, hard work, no egos and plenty of personality. You will see our personality in this site. We know you will be impressed by the work we have done and the people with whom we have worked.
We’re not bragging or name dropping but there is a pretty impressive list of clients in this site who by any and all definitions are incredibly successful. As great as we are at what we do, and we are, it wouldn’t matter unless our clients stood behind and believed in what they do. And that’s the point. That’s exactly the point! We do too! We know that we are good at what we do - which is to make you look great. But talent isn’t enough. Lots of firms have talented people. What makes us different and we say better, way better, is our attitude. We have fun. We look forward to and enjoy meeting our client’s needs and exceeding their expectations. You see, successful people really do surround themselves with successful people.
Browse around, have some fun.
Matt Ashwood
Matt is a designer, web developer, programmer, a visionary extraordinaire! Someone who can work out the code for a complex web transition while enjoying the latest “Office” episode on the monitor next to him. A graduate of the Fanshawe Graphic Design course, Matt considers heckling Jordan for... just about anything, all in a days work. And to that end, Matt resigns himself to feeling superior over Jordan, and proudly display his manly white iphone whenever the opportunity presents itself. He goes about his day creating masterful sites that make our company and clients proud.
matt@gldstudio.com
Jordan Stewart
Before joining our studio, Jordan acquired years of experience at various firms in Toronto. His specialty is print and ranges from identity and branding to direct mail. A graduate of the Mohawk College Design and Advertising course, Jordan likes to bring his laid back approach into the office and that translates to a slick, smooth, uncluttered style (unlike his work area). Jordan can deliver a concept like Luke Schenn can shut down the offense - solidly... even finding time to fulfill all of his parole commitments after his brief run in with officer McDonald in Windsor recently. Congratulations Jordan, only 2 more months of house arrest!
jordan@gldstudio.com
Andrea Dieleman
Andrea is the newest member of our team. With a degree in Business - Marketing, Andrea is what keeps the projects running smoothly day to day, the person who holds it all together, a person who coordinates all the printers with the projects, the ads with the magazines, the proofs with the clients, and the weekly therapy session with the appropriate staff member. Andrea is that person. But as the days go by, we are slowly discovering some of her true qualities, and she continues to impress us with her vast Dutch knowledge but try as she does, she can’t seem to get us to comprehend why the Netherlands and Holland are used to describe the same country? Oh well, they did bring us Heineken... so who are we to complain!
andrea@gldstudio.com
Barb Shorey
Before joining our firm as our resident number cruncher, Barb traveled the world working as a currency exchange extraordinaire, turning 20,000 Russian Rubles into 661 Swiss Francs as quick as you can say math geek. After a small run in with the authorities in the Czech Republic, Barb was forced to return home and has enlightened us with her accounting wisdom ever since. We’re glad she’s here. And the next time you call, ask her what 15,000 Iceland Krona converts to in Cuban Pesos... and be ready to be impressed!
barb@gldstudio.com
Vance Merson
A graduate of the Advertising and Graphic design course from Humber College, Vance started the studio a little over 21 years ago. Over the years we have had the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing projects and clients around, and we have learned a few things... our creative team can ultimately only be as successful as our clients, a great idea can come out of nowhere if you know where to look, and a patio on a Friday afternoon after a long creative week with a tray of nachos is the best place to be. Hey Matt, do you want to join our upcoming CFL pool... because free nachos taste even better!
creative@gldstudio.com
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How We Think
When people think about advertising, marketing and design, usually the latest advertisement they saw, or radio blurb they heard comes to mind. However, there is more to this industry than what meets the eye. In this section, you will find out about our thought process and how we integrate each piece of marketing into the next.
Messaging and Strategy
Developing a message is an important part of marketing for a company. However, aligning the message and strategy with the brand is something that each company should integrate into all of their marketing activities.
Implementing a concrete strategy and message is a multi-step process. Research, analysis, feedback and the development of a brand vision are all important parts. Once a vision has been created, development of the brand and future advertising and marketing plans can begin.
The message and strategy are two important components that when utilized properly will become the base for all promotional activities. The message and strategy need to be intertwined and clear. A weak message and strategy will confuse consumers and the message will not get across.
When this is completed, the corporate identity and brand need to be developed that align with the message and strategy.
Corporate Identity/Branding
Branding and identity are some of the most effective tools that can be used in advertising. When a company has an ineffective or poor brand, potential clients may be missed which can ultimately result in lost sales. A bad brand can stick with a company for a long time, as can a good brand. It’s important to develop a brand that not only reflects the company, but also appeals to consumers. A good brand will stand out in the crowd. It is the foundational piece in marketing communication. A good brand clearly delivers the message, show the credibility of the company, and motivates buyers. The brand needs to be developed consistently in all aspects of the business.
The logo and slogan a company creates becomes the public face of the company. These need to reflect the marketing strategy of the company. Creating a logo is about reflecting the organization - the people and products. It needs to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Slogans need to capture the entire corporate identity in a phrase that captures the attention of consumers. It’s very important for a company to have a solid logo and slogan, because this is what consumers base their judgments about the company on.
Web Development
The website industry has been one of the fastest growing industries in the world. However, there is more to a website than just the look and feel of it. By implementing the company’s marketing strategy into the website, the brand will shine through. Strategizing ways to drive traffic to the website is just as important as the website itself.
Branding the website is different than branding any other promotional material. What is unique about websites is that they can regularly be updated with changes taking effect immediately. Many companies depend on their websites to be the driving force behind sales and new clientele. Creating a design that is easily understandable, effective, professional, unique, and consistent with the brand image is important. A website can raise brand awareness and help in creating top-of-mind awareness for consumers.
In addition to this, the internet itself is constantly changing. Think back to a couple years ago and the rate of change in social media has been enormous. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs are becoming the norm for advertising and getting a company’s name known. Knowing how to utilize these tools effectively can reach mass amounts of people with little cost and a high return.
Print Design
Print design encompasses much more than simple print ads. Billboards, magazine ads, postcards, mailers, brochures, signs, greeting cards, business cards and newspaper ads are all a part of print. The importance of designing these ads to reflect the message and strategy as well as the branding is huge. Without consistency, branding is lost.
Print ads need to convey a clear message that reaches consumers in an effective way while achieving brand continuity. Careful planning and consideration has to take place to not only place the ad in a spot where it will reach the target audience in the most effective way, but also at the most advantageous times.
Display Design
Recognizing donors, sponsors, or employees is important. When people feel appreciated for their time, monetary donations or accomplishments, morale is boosted and there is a certain element of status gained for honorees. A hierarchy of goals creates new levels to reach. It has been proven that as a result of this hierarchy, more money is raised, more time is donated, and employees feel motivated to reach the next level.
Each display requires knowledge, expertise, and creative talent to design and build in a way that is unique to the company and captures the attention of all who see it.
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Stuff We Like
Now that you’ve figured out who we are, we thought we’d give you a little taste of what we do in our free time. Go ahead, take a few minutes while your boss isn’t watching and check it out.
Websites We're Wasting Time On
When we're not busy making your company look amazing, we spend some free time browsing the net. Whether it's looking for things that will help your business grow, or sites to fuel our childlike immaturity. Here's some of our favourite we'd like to share with you:
Barb
- Oh I don't know, leave me alone Matt I'm trying to get some work done.
What's Playing in the Office
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis euismod, mi non ultricies dapibus, quam sapien vehicula nunc, sed facilisis libero tellus nec libero. Ut sed sapien in urna tincidunt auctor. Cras ultricies est et enim egestas vel porttitor lectus sollicitudin. Nulla nibh lacus, eleifend nec molestie sed, consectetur sit amet nisi. In vehicula felis sit amet tellus ullamcorper vulputate. Mauris consectetur rutrum velit nec cursus. Duis lobortis diam ut arcu semper varius. Cras fringilla tempus nibh, vel dictum odio condimentum eu. Suspendisse nec rhoncus eros. Proin molestie ultrices semper. Donec volutpat, ipsum et luctus scelerisque, urna orci ornare nibh, non semper nunc elit pulvinar sapien. Donec eleifend, leo id scelerisque porttitor, neque risus fermentum velit, quis volutpat nibh quam a leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur risus enim, vulputate in tristique sed, sollicitudin interdum erat. Pellentesque pellentesque felis vitae sapien placerat quis volutpat nulla ullamcorper. Duis id mauris sit amet felis mollis sodales id vitae urna. Mauris interdum tempor eros, vitae sagittis ipsum consectetur consequat. Nunc lacus ante, tristique in elementum sit amet, semper ac urna. Integer in elit sit amet libero convallis egestas. Nunc enim odio, pharetra non ultricies sed, sagittis eget diam.
The Office Hockey Pool
A sour note with someone (Matt) in the office right now... seems like someone (Matt) thought choosing Coliacovo in the pool was a good idea... I wonder who (Matt) lost the first round, and then (Matt) lost the second round... but then after a late series rally, (Matt) lost round three, and sure as bacon is the greatest smell in the world, (Matt) will be buying the final round of food and drinks... can we get chicken and beef on those nachos please!
Future Southern Ontario Hockey Team?
Don’t even know what to say here other than sign us up for seasons tickets please!
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How To Do Things
Below is a list of various things that will help you when beginning a project with us.
 Get Acrobat Reader
Somedays, we like to think of ourselves as students, albeit the ones that spend a lot of time sitting outside the principals office for pulling a wedgie on all the browners in our school, getting caught making out in the teachers lounge with the substitute art teacher and mooning the entire cheerleading squad... and sometimes, we like to consider ourselves as teachers, albeit substitute teachers, the ones that got hit with spitballs, who threw chalk brushes at the students who wouldn’t share their conversation with the rest of the class and who gave you homework to do over the Christmas holidays. We obviously loved the power!
But the years have passed, and we’ve gotten over all of those things that have made us what we are today - for good or for... and we’ve decided to pass just a few of the things that we’ve learned... to you.
So to the left, you’ll find some helpful tips, things that will hopefully make your day just a little bit easier.
Class is dismissed!
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Work With Us
When a phone call comes in, and a prospective client wants us to work on a new project, and they are sitting in their office at their Fortune 500 company, as much as we would like to jump right in... we can’t. We have developed a protocol to follow... a simple set of questions to find out if we are, as they say on the e-harmony commercials... if we are compatible.
gldstudio.com is Different
At gldstudio.com, our soon to be patented Compatibility Matching System narrows the field from millions of prospective clients to a highly select group that are compatible with us. Unlike other design firms where you may tediously work on project after project until you build up enough common trust to hand over the ‘big project’, gldstudio.com does the matching for you based on 10 Dimensions of Businessality that are scientifically-based predictors of long-term business relationship success.
Scientific Matching
Our compatibility matching models are based on 21 years of studio experience and rigorous scientific research into which characteristics between client and designer are consistently associated with the most successful business relationships.
Get started now! Simply fill out the questionnaire and we’ll review and see if you match!
(The same goes for prospective employees... bla bla bla... fill out the questionnaire...)
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