Local design firm Coptix Inc. today announced a new name, MEDIUM, and the launch of a Content Management System, Message. In a brief interview with Chattarati, president Josiah Roe said the company needed "a brand the reflects our firm's maturity and the breadth of services we provide. We're not just programmers, not just copywriters, not just designers. We're communications strategists." The company's new brand identity includes a suite of nearly 150 MEDIUM logos.
Confusing? Not according to Mr. Roe, who said "a logo is just a visual reference to a brand. So as long as it accomplishes that goal, you could have a million, as long as they all are obviously 'MEDIUM'."
From the press release:
This is Medium Coptix announces new brand and content management system CHATTANOOGA (APRIL 9, 2009) — Founded as Cross Computer Consulting in 1999 and Incorporated as Coptix in 2002, the company announces today their new name and brand, MEDIUM. At its inception MEDIUM began with a focus on software development in a web environment. Over the last decade, the company has seen the overriding need for companies and organizations to communicate clearly with their audiences across all media. In response to this need, MEDIUM added services in brand strategy, identity, print and graphic design. In that same time period the company has designed, implemented, and promoted more than 400 websites, identity systems, print pieces and software development projects for local, regional and national companies and organizations including clients such as redbox, Clarity, Chattem, Baked, EPB and Olan Mills to name a few. "Our re-branding from Coptix to MEDIUM was not and is not about the past, but about the future and the exciting opportunities it presents," said Josiah Roe, president and chief strategist of MEDIUM. "MEDIUM represents a unique vision of integrated design, communications and software development. We provide brands with sustainable and integrated communication tools across multiple channels. It's with great pleasure and sincerest thanks to our clients & partners that we announce this change." In addition to the name change, MEDIUM is also launching a new website development platform and content management system, Message. Message is the most powerful and effective tool for website management, allowing for true content collaboration in a scalable and extensible website development environment. Further, MEDIUM is also launching Message Mobile, an extension of Message that allows for the rapid deployment of applications for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Android-powered mobile devices. "Web sites powered by Message can manage their mobile equivalents through one management interface," explained MEDIUM Vice President of Technology Rob Righter. "Want to post a new event to your website's calendar? With a click of a button, websites using Message Mobile allow you to tag that new event to appear in your iPhone, Blackberry or Android-enabled application. It's that simple." Learn more about MEDIUM at http://thisismedium.com. Learn more about the Message content management system at http://messagecms.com. About MEDIUM MEDIUM (formerly Coptix Inc.) is an award-winning integrated design & communications firm, bringing clients holistic business development through branding, graphic design, web development, internet marketing, social media marketing, e-commerce, software development and communications. thisismedium.com
John Hawbaker
CaseyTuggle on April 9, 2009
I found myself a little befuddled this morning by the bevy of logos that accompanied the rebranding. I did admittedly read their new site pre-coffee, however, so perhaps a later hour will bring clarity to the hidden genius here.
Bill on April 9, 2009
I will always remember today as the day that Coptix picked a new identity and backed it out.
Congrats!
Also, I no idea what any of the stuff on your main page means.
David on April 9, 2009
In the middle of the night, I awoke with a gasp, knowing that the site went live.
fred on April 10, 2009
Whoopie!
All things being equal, "Medium" is sooooo much a better name than "Coptix". When I think "Medium" I think 50%. Great idea.
Sure the time and effort spent on the name change wouldn't have been better spent actually working to get new clients?
anonymous on April 13, 2009
....“a logo is just a visual reference to a brand. So as long as it accomplishes that goal, you could have a million, as long as they all are obviously ‘MEDIUM’.
-Josiah Roe
..."design something that has a meaning, that is not arbitrary, that has a reason for being, something in which every detail carries the meaning or has a precise purpose aimed at a precise target. How often we see design that has no meaning: stripes and swash of color splashed across pages for no reason whatsoever. Well, they are either meaningless or incredibly vulgar or criminal when done on purpose."
-Massimo Vignelli