In 1991, Bielenberg Design, under the pseudonym Virtual Telemetrix, Inc. (VT), began a continuing series of self-initiated creative projects that address issues related to the practice of graphic design and the role of image-making within our culture. Previous pieces in the series include: a book, a 1993 annual report, a poster, a product direct-mail catalogue, a T-shirt, and a website at www.virtualtelemetrix.com. The VT corporate mission statement is: “Design as a means of propagating corporate myth to infiltrate consumer psychology.”

As corporations have moved to replace church or state in shaping our culture and behavior, the Virtual Telemetrix 1997 annual report hopes to illustrate this phenomenon. The theme of the 1997 report is “A Brand New Year.” This report is designed to take a satiric look at corporate branding and brand extension, as well as parody the annual report as a communication vehicle. Virtual Telemetrix has branded itself in these areas: products, media, culture, sports, the workplace, communications, and politics.