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Buying the Package
Your Customers May Be Buying the Package Before They are Sold on the Product. Think of the overwhelming selection of items we face when entering a store. Instead of waiting for the consumer to reach for your product, let your product reach out to your audience. Packaging can be designed so that the colors and typography are vibrant, it’s easy to read and stands out from the competition. Once the customer sees your package, is it delivering the right message? Your packaging is part of your brand! It should be used to tell the story of...
read moreMarketing with Posters
Did you know that posters were one of the earliest forms of marketing? In the 19th century, industrialization led to the birth of a middle class; workers who had disposable income and purchasing power. At the same time, new and affordable color printing technologies were developed. Because of these two factors, print advertising was born. Potential customers were reached through the use of posters displayed in outdoor spaces; public streets, markets, and town squares. Advertising posters were designed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse...
read moreIs Your Web Site Usable?
Have you considered whether or not your website is usable? As much as I hate to admit this as a designer, the visual appearance of your website isn’t everything. There’s a purpose in having an attractive site. An attractive site informs your audience that you are established, professional, credible… However, a web site can look great, but not be usable. With only 10 seconds to get your message across, you really have only about 150 words to make your point and convince your visitor to complete your call to action. I asked you before the...
read moreMarketing Resolutions
From my newsletter a few years ago, it’s still good advice. Did you know that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s Resolutions? You may start with the best intentions, but people often fail at achieving the desired outcome. According to Forbes.com, to keep resolutions your goals should be specific. Instead of making a vague promise to “improve my website”, you might also include a focused plan of what needs to be changed on your website and how you will accomplish this. The plan could include where to begin,...
read morePeace on Earth
2017 Holiday Greeting from Resolution Creative Peace on Earth Since 2008 the pedestrian bridge in Batavia, Illinois is decorated with the greeting “Peace on Earth.” during the holidays. It’s a message we should remember throughout the year. This original color pencil drawing is based upon a photograph I took, at sunset. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and looking forward to a prosperous 2018! If you’re a client, thank you for your support. Your Winter Break homework I recently returned from WordCamp US 2017 in Nashville. One of the topics...
read moreLearning more about WordPress in the Music City
WordCamp US 2017 the national WordPress conference part 1 This year, between the Thanksgiving gathering and preparing for the holidays, I plan to travel to Nashville to attend the 2017 WordCamp US. What is Wordcamp? It’s a conference focusing on everything WordPress, with information presented on a variety of topics. For those of you not familiar with WordPress, it is a content management system used for blogging and websites. The sites I have designed in recent years have used this system. It’s easy for my clients to maintain, and...
read moreGood Logo Design is More than a Trend
When browsing online, I often see articles such as these: Logo Design Trends for 2017 Logo Design Trends and Inspiration Graphic Design Trends to be aware of Print Design Trends to Look Out For Instead of following trends, it is better to learn and apply the principles of good design. I constantly see poorly designed materials which are difficult to read or understand. Knowledge and use of the principles of design and rules for good logo, print and web design is an important investment in your marketing. Since a logo is the most commonly seen...
read moreWebsite Update, Be Discovered
Website updating will help clients find you Perhaps your business or organization has not changed in years, but the internet has. It may be time to update your website to meet current standards, compliance, and make it easier for your customers to find you. I recently attended Wordcamp Chicago, a two day conference for everything related to WordPress, a content management system used in website creation. I’d like to share a couple of important takeaways from the event regarding SEO. (Search Engine Optimization) If your website is not using...
read moreChange is Coming…
How It Affects Your Marketing The new year traditionally triggers a time for reflection, followed by planning for the future. In planning for this year, no matter who you voted for, you probably realize it will be a time of change — time to consider how your organization or your audience might be impacted by the new administration, and the message you will need to communicate in your marketing. There may be multitude of different audiences you need to reach. Here are just a few examples. Immediately after the election there were increased...
read moreDo You Need Branding Guidelines?
You’ve probably been told, and acknowledge, that a business logo is important; a well-designed logo is a visual reminder of a brand. However, the logo is only one element in your visual branding. Is there a consistent look in your marketing materials? If you look at your website, printed materials, and advertising, are there a variety of styles being used? Are old elements being mixed with your new identity, creating a mishmash of styles and confusion? Brand standards specify guidelines for the size and placement of a logo, approved colors...
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