The Magenta Lessons consist of four installments: Design and Colors, Marketing, Trademarks and Public Relations. This is the 2nd part, in which we are discussing brands and how important they are in today’s world.

When was the last time you had a Coke? Maybe you prefer Pepsi? I’m sure you’ve tasted them both, and then you decided to stick with one of them. You may even go for Virgin Cola, Afri Cola, RC Cola, or another one (the list goes on). The point is, from the variety of given choices, on what do you base your decision which one to purchase?

You could say it’s the taste. Granted, Coca-Cola tastes slightly different than Pepsi Cola. But what if I tell you that it’s not only the taste that makes your choice, but the brand and their marketing?

Now you say, “no, you’re wrong. It is the taste I’m going for, not the brand. I’m in marketing or advertising myself and I don’t fall for brands” - ok, I’ll give you that. You already know that the values consumers connect with a product are the results of marketing efforts. And because you’re in the field yourself, you’re not falling for it.

I say, let’s move away from Cola for a second and look at table waters. Do you like Evian? Read on…