YOU NEED A GRAPHIC DESIGNER
At the start of a new business there's always a mountainous to do list, but the number one position on that list should definitely be a logo/corporate image. This is what will differentiate you and your company from your competitors and convey your professionalism.
Now, you can save money by creating your own corporate image with software supplied on your computer; only if you're sure your business will not be judged by its clip art style logo. Or you can employ a graphic designer to create your corporate image.
WHAT CAN A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO?
If a strong visual identity is important to you, then don't leave it chance. And don't confuse a wacky font and some clip art for a logo. A graphic designer will plan, analyse, and create a visual solution. He will consider cognitive, cultural, physical, and social factors in planning and executing the appropriate design for your corporate image.
DO I REALLY NEED A GRAPHIC DESIGNER?
Good graphic design has the power to involve, inform, motivate and sell. It translates emotions into images and instills a lasting impression. The design must speak to the client's public directly and clearly, yet with great imagination to attract and hold attention.
Graphic design must also represent an investment which should return a profit. End results are judged not only on the effectiveness of the solution, but also on the sound management of the client's budget.
Using a graphic designer to create your logo/corporate image is an investment that will help to establish your business as a professional organisation.
MY LOGO DESIGN
LOGO - noun, LOGOS - plural1. A logo is a name, symbol, or trademark designed to identify a company or organisation.2. A graphic design used by a company to advertise its products or services.3. A symbol used on a company business cards, letterheads, advertising material, and signage.
WHAT DOES THE LOGO NEED TO DO?
A logo helps your business to:
- build a corporate image
- convey your professionalism
- be remembered
- attract future business
- differentiate you from your competition
- create a competitive advantage
MY BUSINESS CARD DESIGN
WHY IS A BUSINESS CARD SO IMPORTANT?
Whether you have a small business or you're an employee of a large organisation, your business card communicates your professionalism. When you make physical contact with a potential customer or colleague, it's the first piece of advertising that accompanies you and only relevant piece of advertising that you leave behind. It helps you make a formal presentation of yourself and is one of the most powerful marketing tools that you have. The business card will help your customer or colleague to remember you.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD BUSINESS CARD DESIGN?
KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid!
The business card must be clean and easy to read. It should only have relevant contact details, the information should be together, and in most cases be on the front of the card. Be careful with background photos or images because they may make your details harder to read. Never make the type too small for the reader and don't use too many different fonts.
The contact details should include:
- business logo
- business name
- name and title
- business address
- postal address
- phone number
- fax number
- skype number
- email address
- website address
Some people also print information on the back of their cards. This is a great place to itemise your services, add your website address, relevant images or in some cases simply over print the companies corporate logo and colours.
WHAT MAKES SOME BUSINESS CARDS STAND OUT?
The design style of your card should convey the essence of your company, with the finish of the card making a world of difference. You could have a matt finish, gloss finish, embossed finish, raised lettering, form cutting, usual sized cards, and even a four page business card. The quality look of your card should distinguish you from your competitors.
WHY USE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER?
For something as important as your business card, don't rely on templates or pre-designed cards. A graphic designer will use all relevant information and create the image you wish to portray.
MY BROCHURE DESIGN
WHAT SHOULD A BROCHURE DO?
A brochure contains descriptive material and serves several roles:
- it presents your company
- it promotes your company
- it advertises your company location
- it advertises your products and/or services
And a brochure needs to portray all the above within the constraints of the company's corporate image.
HOW DO I DESIGN A BROCHURE?
There are no set rules to designing a brochure. However, most brochures have a front cover design that represents the beginning of the journey. The words "Don't judge a book by its cover" have no meaning to a quality brochure. People will always judge your brochure by its cover, and only four out of five people never go beyond it. An attractive cover will encourage the recipient to pick it up and see what's inside. If you rely on the inside pages to make a sale, then you're wasting 80% of your money.
This said, the inside pages also have a roll to play. They are where you present, describe, promote, and advertise your products and services. But you don't just design the cover and full the insides without a clean design. You need to develop a theme and follow it through.
Don't add too many photos or illustrations, and select more relevant photos that tell the story. Consider using photos instead of illustrations because photos suggest reality in the reader's mind.
If you have a lot to say, then consider a brochure with more pages. Don't try to squeeze and elephant into a mini minor. Just because you see white space, doesn't mean filling it edge to edge with words and pictures. White space on a page also allows the readers to rest their eyes.
You need to however, tell your customers what your products or services include. And because your brochure only goes to your prospects, it's a good idea to tell them everything they need to know about your services. If you only wish to promote your products or services in general, then consider producing a leaflet.
A leaflet is a brief overview of your services and is only meant as an introduction to your services, where as a brochure represents your entire company to your prospects.
The back page is your contacts page. It shows the customer your company logo, address details and any disclaimers you may have. Because anything else would be lost on the back page.
Consider the size, the number of pages, the colours and finish of your brochure. Remember, your company brochure is your silent salesman who represents you to your customers. Make it worth keeping by creating a brochure as good as your finances will allow.
WHAT CAN A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO?
A graphic designer is a visual person. He will take all the required elements and format a clean, cohesive, well designed, corporate brochure.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL THE ABOVE
Go to my website: www.creativejuicefactory.com
