Winter Graphic Design

08/29/2023

I know you love using Canva, but...

While DIY design tools like Canva have made it easier for individuals to create basic graphics, the benefits of hiring a professional graphic designer cannot be understated. Here’s why entrus…

06/23/2023

Check out my newest blog post!

When it comes to logo design, less is more. Almost all of the world’s most infamous brands know this and, therefore, have very minimalistic logos as the face of their brands. Have you ever wondered…

01/17/2023

Well, that's an aggressive political promise...

01/16/2023

In almost every industry and career, advancing technology has had some effect. Some have been for the better, while others have been for the worse.

Technological advancements have forever changed the way we communicate and interact with our clients and colleagues. And thanks to new technology, we can produce, manufacture, and complete projects faster than ever before. It has also given us a new way to keep records, access information, and network globally.

However, many of our peers in creative industries have expressed concern about AI's advancement in art and design, and its lack of regulation. Many fear that AI will replace creator roles and our skills will no longer be needed or utilized. While others believe that AI will always be incapable of completing each unique project accurately, because of the tie between human emotion and marketing.

How has the rapid advancement in technology affected your career? Has it been a godsend, or a set back? What types of technology are you looking forward to and which have you concerned for the future of human jobs?

12/11/2022

Brand consistency: why is it important?

A whimsical brand sends mixed signals that leave customers confused. Customer loyalty is increased when a brand interacts with them in a consistent brand voice. When a brand is consistent, its messages are aligned with its core values. It devotes to certain standards, such as presenting the brand logo in a similar manner and using the same colors in the visual elements. This includes using the designated brand fonts across all printed and digital media. These practices will ensure brand integrity and, better yet, long-term customer loyalty.

12/11/2022

Absolutely genius advertising!

12/10/2022

Do company brochures still matter in this digital age?
The answer is ABSOLUTELY and here’s why…

You should certainly incorporate a company brochure into your branding efforts (along with your website, social networking, and advertising efforts). You need to give potential customers a piece of information about your products and services they can take with them. Brochures keep your business' face in the hands and minds of your customers. It serves as a reminder of your services.

The following are some key advantages of having a company brochure and what should be included:

• A company brochure serves as the perfect introduction to your business.

• Brochures can enhance the visibility of your company when distributed correctly. It's an excellent marketing tool when trying to reach new customers.

• Brochures can generate positive press for your company.

• Brochures are ideal for networking and trade shows.

• Simplicity is key. Rather than paragraph after paragraph of text, you just want a persuasive design with visuals and bullet points of short copy. Too much content and your potential customer will put the brochure down and not read further.

• Be sure the information in your brochure communicates a positive message about your company – one that proves your success and will entice people to use your services. Keep in mind, a poorly designed brochure can say just as much about your business as a well-designed one. With the help of a skilled graphic designer, you can create the right look, combined with the right words, to reach the right audience.

• Include a brief introduction. Providing a little information about why you’re passionate about what you do will draw customers in.

• State exactly what services you provide or what your company does. Make it clear, so that your audience knows what they can expect from you.

• Although this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked: Make sure your contact information is on your brochure – telephone numbers, website address, email addresses, social media handles, etc.

A well-designed, well-written brochure can help sell your company. If you want to grow your business and connect with more customers, and you don’t have a brochure yet, contact your designer!

12/10/2022

12/09/2022

Why does your company NEED a brand guidelines book?

Brand guidelines should really be used as a tool to keep your brand consistent. Whether your business is large or small, brand guidelines are critical to helping your brand to work effectively. Without these guidelines, your brand’s message can change at any point just because a logo was used improperly or because someone didn’t know to use the wordmark instead of a graphic element.

Here are just a few of the reasons you need guidelines:

1. BRAND CONSISTENCY
In order for any brand to be effective, it needs to be consistent. If you change your logo’s colors to better fit a certain marketing material, then it may not be recognizable to your consumers or clients anymore.

Consistency is the key to making your brand powerful and recognizable.

A style guide puts rules in place not to limit creativity, but to keep your brand identity consistent and recognizable. With brand guidelines in place, you can ensure your brand’s elements are used effectively and look professional anytime they are used.

And, when the elements in your brand are used in the correct way consistently, you can build a powerful and recognizable brand.

2. SETS STANDARDS & RULES
Your brand’s guidelines will include more than just a color palette and versions of your logo. It will contain specific rules and standards in which those elements are to be used.

Not only will the guide contain things like different logo variations, but it will include examples of how not to use those logos. Rules like clear spacing around logos are just as important as knowing when to use the logo versus the wordmark.

The guidelines will help anyone creating a message from the brand know and understand which elements to use and how to use them. It’s about consistency, but it’s also about knowing what’s right and wrong when it comes to using those brand elements.

3. PROVIDES TOOLS
Your brand guidelines aren’t just about setting rules, though. They’re about providing you and anyone else sending out a message from your brand with the tools to keep your branding consistent.

Your brand guidelines will include the tools you need to use your brand elements.

The elements included in your brand guidelines work together to create a cohesive message and those elements are the tools you need to create moving messages and iconic marketing communications.

4. AVOIDS CONFUSION
Just because not that many people use the tools and elements outlined in your brand guidelines doesn’t mean that will always be the case. If you’re looking to scale your company or just add one employee, then more and more people will be involved and part of your brand. You need something to keep your brand consistent and cohesive.

You know your brand like the back of your hand because you created it. A new employee won’t know the rules of your brand identity, at least not right away. Having brand guidelines in place will help avoid confusion for those using the brand elements and keep your brand consistent.

Credit: Iconic Digital Agency

12/08/2022

While every project is unique and may require more or less time to complete, this is a great way to estimate the time it will take your graphic designer to complete a project. ✨

Credit: Lindsay Marsh Design