---
title: Design Tips & Critical Hits | Brand Name Nerd Blog
description: Nerdy, spooky, sparkly notes on branding, menus, logos and print for small businesses, from a New Orleans design studio.
image: https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/6008E365-05D8-4FC1-83E1-1280E30DBA12_1_105_c.jpeg
---

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Brand Name Nerd: Graphic Design for Small Businesses. Design Tips & Critical Hits.

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# Design tips & critical hits

The Brand Name Nerd blog: nerdy, spooky, sparkly notes on branding for small businesses.

[![Your Menu Doesn't Have to Be AI Slop](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/Blog_%2002%20-%20food-outside.png)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/your-menu-doesn-t-have-to-be-ai-slop)

[Print & Signage](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/print-signage) [Small Business Marketing](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/small-business-marketing) [AI & Design](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/ai-design)

## [Your Menu Doesn't Have to Be AI Slop](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/your-menu-doesn-t-have-to-be-ai-slop)

September 26, 2026 · by Amanda Burnswell

Somebody spray-painted the word "seriously" across a café's awning this summer. In red. Over a display of AI-generated food photos.

That's where we...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/your-menu-doesn-t-have-to-be-ai-slop)

[![Get It in Writing: Why Your Copyright's Only as Good as Your Paperwork](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/vecteezy_office-desk-table-with-laptop-computer_2297168.jpg)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/get-it-in-writing-why-your-copyright-is-only-as-good-as-your-paperwork)

[Legal & IP](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/legal-ip) [Branding](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/branding)

## [Get It in Writing: Why Your Copyright's Only as Good as Your Paperwork](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/get-it-in-writing-why-your-copyright-is-only-as-good-as-your-paperwork)

September 24, 2026 · by Amanda Burnswell

In September 2026, [a federal judge dismissed copyright infringement claims brought by Wixen Music Publishing against Meta Platforms](https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72184965/wixen-music-publishing-inc-v-meta-platforms-inc/). Wixen had...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/get-it-in-writing-why-your-copyright-is-only-as-good-as-your-paperwork)

[![3 Tiny Tweaks That Make Your DIY Logo Look Pro](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/Instagram%20Post%20-%203%20tiny%20tweaks%20for%20your%20DIY%20logo%20layout(4).png)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/3-tiny-tweaks-that-make-your-diy-logo-look-pro)

[design](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/design)

## [3 Tiny Tweaks That Make Your DIY Logo Look Pro](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/3-tiny-tweaks-that-make-your-diy-logo-look-pro)

September 14, 2026 · by Amanda Burnswell

## ... Without Starting Over or Summoning a Full Rebrand

The number of people who whisper at me about their logos could fill a small parade. It always...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/3-tiny-tweaks-that-make-your-diy-logo-look-pro)

[![Design Trends Small Businesses Can Actually Use in 2026](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/vecteezy_mesh-bag-cotton-bags-and-glass-jars_2386836.jpg)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/unveiling-design-trends-a-glimpse-into-2026-for-small-businesses)

[design](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/design)

## [Design Trends Small Businesses Can Actually Use in 2026](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/unveiling-design-trends-a-glimpse-into-2026-for-small-businesses)

November 13, 2025 · by Amanda Burnswell

Seven design trends are shaping small-business branding in 2026: AI as a creative helper, bold color, organic and sustainable looks, interactive...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/unveiling-design-trends-a-glimpse-into-2026-for-small-businesses)

[![Brand Name Nerd & Who Dat Café Brew New Orleans Branding Brilliance](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/Blog_%2002%20-%20Featured%20Image%20Who%20Dat%20Cafe%20Streetcorner.jpg)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/brand-name-nerd-who-dat-café-brew-new-orleans-branding-brilliance)

[design](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/design)

## [Brand Name Nerd & Who Dat Café Brew New Orleans Branding Brilliance](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/brand-name-nerd-who-dat-café-brew-new-orleans-branding-brilliance)

September 24, 2025 · by Velvet Incognito

If you need small business branding New Orleans-style, you want more than just a logo slapped on a latte cup. You want a story, a spark, and a sense...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/brand-name-nerd-who-dat-café-brew-new-orleans-branding-brilliance)

[![The front cover of Arabella's menu.](https://brandnamenerd.com/hubfs/Arabellas%20Menu.jpg)](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/arabella-casa-di-pasta-menu-update)

[menu](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/menu) [design](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/tag/design)

## [Arabella Casa di Pasta: A Comic-Book Menu Redesign](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/arabella-casa-di-pasta-menu-update)

September 24, 2025 · by Velvet Incognito

## Where Nerdy Met Noodly & Why Regular Menu Updates Are Essential

New Orleans is flush with dining options, so it’s *crucial* for restaurants to stay...

[Read More](https://brandnamenerd.com/blog/arabella-casa-di-pasta-menu-update)

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Occasional notes on branding for small businesses. Unsubscribe any time.

© 2026 Brand Name Nerd · Quirky ideas. Proven strategy. Driven by creativity. Locally owned & operated in New Orleans, Louisiana · Queer- and woman-owned Stock imagery: [Vecteezy.com](https://www.vecteezy.com) · [Licences & credits](https://brandnamenerd.com/licences) Site designed & built in-house by [Brand Name Nerd](https://brandnamenerd.com/web-design-copy)

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