For the uninitiated, QR codes allow anybody with a smartphone and a free app to scan a graphic you position on your printed materials, working in a way similar to a barcode. This QR code then automatically opens the URL you designated in the code in the scanner’s phone. This is why QR codes are becoming popular very quickly: they offer companies huge benefits in marketing efforts. In fact, QR codes currently support the following functionality:

• Go to a URL
• Display text
• Call a phone number
• Send a text message
• Go to a Google Maps location
• Send an email
• Open a YouTube video
• Android supports automatic login to WiFi
• And much more…

But even if you have finally realized it’s time to start integrating QR codes into your print advertising, you may still hesitate about placing a black and white symbol into the middle of your designs. You may also be wary of just how difficult creating QR codes may be. Fortunately, it’s possible to move past these hesitations if you follow some simple best practices.

Just dropped a new ad for local Castro Valley plastic surgeon Daniel B. Allen in the Castro Valley Forum publication.

The new ad, featuring a limited time offer, has been updated to a contemporary and modern look and feel that is consistent with their website (www.eastbayplasticsurgeon.com).

See below to compare their old ad with the new one LSC designed for them.

Excerpts from Linkedin.com discussion:

Nic Stover - Chief Marketing Officer and Partner at PrimeTYME Media, LLC

Is Branding Dead? Should it be?

The economy has altered everything. What, in your opinion, has it done to the great branding tsunami?

Personally, I am leery of trends to the extent of being downright argumentative--I know, hard to believe, eh--and the brand band wagon was no different. Not that it's principals weren't sound--they were and still are today. What got me worked up on the brand discussions was that it seemed to be so hard for so many people to understand. Hundreds--nay, thousands--of books and articles were written on the subject. Conference after conference were dedicated to this one very important subject. Everyone was chatting it up, but very few people seemed to understand it, much less make it work. We even talked about those who "got it," and those who didn't.

But ever since the recession/depression hammer dropped and the world changed, I haven't heard much more about branding than the few reminiscent echoes.

So, back to my question. Is branding dead? Should it be, or should it be transformed?

Dave Wohlner • I could write volumes on this subject. So instead, let's get to the heart of the question. Is branding dead? No! To understand the enormous potential of branding we must first, try to define branding. It is still a work in progress for most. As much as it is a consumer tangible, it's equally important to note that it's an internal structure that keeps everyone focused on the reason to rally behind the company's products, goals & culture. It's a mechanism for efficiencies. It's crafting an effective go-to-market strategy that has meaning. Not empty promises. It's investing in your employees to release their potential. It's communicating effectively to the entire organization about the reasons to believe. It's accelerating customer commitment. It's understanding the customer like no other. It's investing in innovative customer solutions.

Second, make sure to keep the customer at the heart of everything you do. No reason not to reexamine internal processes that have taken a priority over customer needs. No reason why we should be tampering with cheapening ingredients that have made our products a success in the marketplace.

Building a brand is a long term endeavor where significant resources must be supporting the end goal. Hint: Sales! It doesn't stop every time the market sees a downturn. As a matter of fact, this is where the winners will come from. They know that when things start to "zig", you've got to "zag".

So buckle up you brand marketers, sales growth will happen when you get busy and dig in to understand the customer, their needs and shape your organization to meet those needs. That's "Brand Aid" to the rescue.

Jewel-Osco rolled out the "Cocktails 1-2-3" display that features monthly recipe cards, spirits brands, mixers and other key ingredients to the entertaining solution.

As the BTL lead agency for the Cocktails 1-2-3 programming, LSC lead the strategic and creative development for all internal and external elements. "Seeking to educate the consumer with merchandising elements that speak to ease and convenience, this program allows our client brands to display out-of-section, maximize decision corridor engagement and strengthen our trade relationships with a total solution to lift category sales vs. just thinking of our own segment, says Dave Wohlner, President of LSC.

Client: Diageo and Ralphs/Kroger Co.

Project Summary: When Diageo (the world's largest provider of spirits, wine and beer) partnered with Ralphs (part of the Kroger grocery stores empire with over $70 billion in sales) to create a spirits retail solution they chose LSC. To provide a complete, "Below The Line" program, LSC relied on their detailed development process, designer talent, pencil sketches, Adobe software - and Strata 3D tools.

Learn more.

Designers have the opportunity to make a great positive impact by practicing sustainable design. They can opt for paper and materials made with recycled, post-consumer waste. Printing can be done with inks that are low in volatile organic compounds. Efforts can be made to reduce the amount of materials used in production. Digital formats can be used to substitute printed ones. Cooperation with vendors that use renewable energy is desirable. Production methods that require the least amount of transport should be utilized. The goal is to reduce waste and use renewable resources whenever possible.