My name is Todd Lyda. I design, direct, and create.
With over 11 years in the business, I’ve learned and experienced many things. The story continues to unfold as I discover new things, meet new people, and leave my mark on the world— however big or small it may be.
After matriculating from The University of Tennessee, I embarked on a creative journey which led me to the internationally recognized studio in Washington, D.C., known as Supon Design Group. Here, I experienced what it was like to work in a true studio environment on a large scale. This was no Mom & Pop boutique design firm. My first project was for the largest association in the world. I found my groove and went on to accel in the fast paced world of big design for the next 4 years.
While DC was very exciting, my heart still belonged to Nashville. So I packed up and the “prodigal son” returned home. It seemed only natural to do the freelance thing. Things went well. Jobs came in so I continued to be my own boss for the next seven years. I partnered with a local design firm, The Eleazar Group, and continued working with Supon. Feeling I had grown as much as I could personally and professionally, I was ready for a change…
That change came when I discovered a small firm in Franklin, TN was in search of an art director. A new door opened and I walked on through. I am currently at Birdsong Creative experiencing a whole new set of challenges. BC is a small firm built on a reputation of great design and great client service. I have been instrumental in maintaining that reputation and introducing new initiatives which include a small business package and web solutions for clients of all sizes.
The thing I love most about this profession is no day is ever the same. My journey continues.
Capabilites
Art Direction
Currently serving as art director at Birdsong Creative, I have driven many campaigns to a successful result. The role of art director encompasses many things. I help provide business solutions, I propose and execute many internal processes, I oversee the quality of work we produce, and I drive the creativity of each project. The real reward comes when the team and I work together to meet or exceed the client's expectations.Branding
There is more to branding a client than just a logo. I have found over the years that not only do clients have a hard time with this fact, but some designers as well. Your brand is a feeling your company projects—it's personality. This is done through, communication, quality of message, a strong logo, and an identity that incorporates corporate colors and smart font choices. A graphic standard is key to maintaining the identity across the brand.
I pride myself on providing creative solutions that serve the client's needs and project their brand through thoughtful and well executed design.
Print Design
As the web grew steadily in popularity and importance over a decade ago, many people predicted the demise of print media. Print lives! While it must share the spotlight with online media, the two can compliment each other and in many case, depend on each other.
Cost is always a factor in print. A designer also has to be a salesman in order to convince a client the value and impact that costly paper stock will have. This is a hard battle, especially in today's economic climate. On the same token, digital printing has become more popular clients. The days or foil stamping, die cutting, embossing and spot varnishing seem to be but a dream.
My goal is to provide the client with creative solutions that work well within their budgets, but still have the quality impact of a more costly traditional piece.
Web Design
Web design and development has changed vastly over the years. No more so than right now. Hence the term"Web 2.0". A modern web site has to emphasize the importance of communication and organization and social networking.
Content is king. A client has to be empowered with the ability to update and manage their own content through a CMS. Their are many solutions for this, but I am finding Wordpress to offer the most flexibility and features. It's fully support by a vast developer network and continues to improve with release updates.
There's much more to web design than just graphics. Staying on top of web trends and technology is a vital.
Twitter: @lydadesign
E-mail: tlyda@ka-lyda-scope.com
Phone: 615 305-9809
Address: 327 Lakebrink Dr
Nashville, TN 37214