Joy in Branding and Design

Joy in Branding and Design

When I was growing up in Pittsburgh a must-stop for any visiting guests was a trip to Mount Washington, to look out over the city. If it was a special visit, we would get to ride the incline to the top. While most folks marveled at the skyline and the natural point...
Genius gives birth, talent delivers.

Genius gives birth, talent delivers.

Genius gives birth, talent delivers. Jack Kerouac I read an article about the Coen brothers, in which they discussed that by using the same team on all of their movies, they are able to achieve greater production values and make higher quality movies. Because of their...
An Inflammation of Creativity and Happiness

An Inflammation of Creativity and Happiness

This year we were asked to create a Super Bowl commercial for Jovia Financial Credit Union. As many of you know we created and have managed this brand for the last five years, so reaching this point is literally an honor for us. Having said that, the one thing we knew...
Heavy Rotation Vol. 24a

Heavy Rotation Vol. 24a

HEAVY ROTATION Heavy Rotation Vol 24a In a world of pandemics and social unrest there was no Thanksgiving music. UNTIL NOW! OTTO Brand Lab brings you two back-to-back-packed Heavy Rotation’s that establish new holiday standards for many Turkey Day’s to come. Mixxed...
Playing it Wrong on Purpose

Playing it Wrong on Purpose

I saw a band recently that I hadn’t seen since 1984. That’s right – 37 years ago. I was excited to see them again but wondered…would still have the same wildly creative spirit?  To me, NRBQ is one of those bands that plays it wrong on purpose, i.e., it is too easy and...