Updating Logo is a Good Way to Create Company Buzz

Updating Logo is a Good Way to Create Company Buzz 

By Yetta Blair 

Think about the last time you updated a room in your house.  Maybe you replaced the carpeting with hardwood floors or you replaced the outdated pink ceramic tile in your bathroom.  Remember the feeling of excitement and joy it brought when you invited friends over to show off the new changes.  You created a buzz and a feeling that is lasting.  You can do the same for your company by updating an out of date logo.  

Taking your logo out of the vault, and dusting it off every five years is a good way to keep things fresh and create a buzz about your company.  And, updating your logo doesn’t have to be a daunting task.  Here are a few tips to simplify the process.

1. Keep your company’s message and personality in mind when updating your logo.  Changes should always strengthen and reflect core values.
 
2. You do not have to throw out the old to bring in the new.  Sometimes, you just want to tweak what you already have. Maybe updating some elements and colors is all you need to do to give it a fresh updated look.  This will insure you do not lose the brand awareness that you have built over the years with the current version of your logo.
 
3. Keep social media in mind. Does the old size work well with social media?   If not, be sure to include a version of your updated logo that works with Facebook, Twitter, linked-in, etc. 
 
4. People remember shape first, color second and content third.  We have a built-in memory connection to the meaning of shapes and color. Skilled designers can update your logo in a way that reflects your company’s message and personality while keeping these elements in mind.

Your company logo is a symbol that represents the company, and its service or products.  And remember, you do not have to throw it out completely and start over to give it a fresh, up to date look.

Choosing The Right Graphic Design Firm: 5 Factors to Consider

Choosing The Right Graphic Design Firm: 5 Factors to Consider 

By Amber Hyde

Working with the right design firm is a key element in helping a company achieve their advertising, branding and marketing goals. But when it comes time to select the design firm, what elements should you consider to insure you choose the right design firm for you?  Cost may be the top criteria, but there are other, equally as important, factors to take into consideration. Here are five factors to keep top of mind when choosing the design team best for you. 

1. Expertise- There are many different types of creative firms, many specializing in one particular field, while others offer a wide range of services. Because of this you need to carefully consider all of the current and future design needs of your company.  Do you need just a logo design or do you want complete branding, print, and marketing material? You need to look for the firm that has the resources to solve all your design needs.  You don’t want a web design firm handling a print project; that is not their expertise. It is important to maintain a consistency with your projects because it is vital to business success and recognition. So be sure to find the firm that can handle your entire project needs.
 
2. Portfolio- The expertise of a firm can be seen through their portfolio. You want to look for qualities such as variety, originality, and creativity. Mainly deciding whether you consider their style of design effective and suitable for your business. You want a firm that is going to work with you to create the vision that you have for the project. It is important to also get an understanding of their creative process and see if they will be people you can work alongside, bouncing ideas back and forth. Look at the quality of their work and how they present it. This will give you an understanding of what you should expect to receive. 
 
3. Rate- Every Firm is unique, having their own skills, expertise, and price. If price is a concern, be upfront but be aware that the lower rates mean that less time will be devoted to research and concept development, less time translates into a less creative and unique piece. Design is an investment for your business. You want to compare the price offers and the quality of the work they present.  But in the long run I believe that good design doesn’t cost money, it makes money. 
 
4. Time- Time plays a very important factor. You will have some sort of deadline for the project and you want quality work done. First, look for quick responses to your initial inquiry. If it is taking awhile to hear back from them they are either too busy, unprofessional in their work manner, or simply not interested. You want to know that your business and project are important to them. Every firm will obviously have other projects they are working on, but they should make you feel that your project is important and at the top of their list. After seeing their portfolio and understanding their creative process you need to know that they will be able to handle the project in a timely manner. 
 
5. Location- Location may or may not be as important to you, but it is a factor that needs to be considered. One of the big benefits of using someone local is that it provides an opportunity to discuss the project in a focused manner with face-to-face contact.  If you have found a non-local firm you want to work with, be sure that they will take the time for phone calls or video chats so that nothing can get lost in translation when working on the project. 

Take your time and do the research to find the right firm for you and your business. Interview several design firms before making a decision. If you're happy with the solutions they've provided other clients, comfortable with the way they present themselves, and think you'd enjoy working with them...hire them. Clients who understand the value of good design realize that a talented design firm has the ability to influence their current and potential market.

The Ins and Outs of the New Facebook page layout

The Ins and Outs of the New Facebook page layout Change: COMING YOUR WAY!

Ever notice how technology can be your best friend and the friend that drains all of your energy, and all at the same time?

Technology, including Facebook, is constantly changing. Staying on top of these changes is the key to keeping technology working at it's best for you and your organization, instead of being a drain.  Here is an "infographic" that Ink Publishing & Design created to help you understand and adapt to the latest round of changes by Facebook.  As you can see, the changes are all about the sizing of your page layout.  Seems like a small change, but in reality it can be significant if you do not adjust your layout accouringly.  Afterall, no one wants to be caught with the equivalent of a Facebook wardrobe malfunction. 

The importance of correct sizing of your facebook page layout can not be understated. When your business does not keep a consistant professional looking presence on it's social media platforms, it can send a message you do not care.  If you need assistance with a new design change, we can help.

Like Death and Taxes, Change is Certain to Happen in the Work Place

Like Death and Taxes, Change is Certain to Happen in the Work Place | By Yetta Blair

Death, taxes and change. There’s never a convenient time for any of them, but we can take steps to prepare for each.  Here are a few tips on how to prepare for change when it is happening in your work place.

1.  Acknowledge Change Happens.  Stand up and admit to yourself that change happens. Things can not and will not stay the same.  For an organization to advance there must be change. So the first step in preparation for change is to acknowledge change happens and will happen in your organization.

2.  Stop fearing change.  Stop fearing change. Embrace it. If you are afraid ask yourself what would you be doing if you were not afraid? Take fear out of the equation and you will open up your mind to the possibilities that change brings. Once you embrace the change in your organization, you will feel free and maybe even excited and refreshed. Trying something new invigorates us. Challenges us. So the second step is to stop being afraid of change. 

3.  Anticipate Change.  Since we have acknowledged change happens and we no longer fear it, we must now start to look for change and anticipate it happening. Look at what you are doing and start asking yourself questions.  Is it still relevant?  Does it bring value?  Is there a better way to do it?  What are your competitors doing?  Time to update?  When you start monitoring for change, you will notice the small changes early, and in doing so, we no longer will be taken by surprise when change happens.

4.  Change your course.  If you keep doing the same thing, you will continue to get the same results. You must move in a new direction to be successful with change.

5. Be flexible.  The better you are able to adapt to change, the greater your chances of being successful. Look at the requirements of the new situation that change created. Maybe your current skills do not fit exactly, so ask yourself what skills from the old situation can you apply to the new one.  In other words, instead of focusing on differences the change brought on, focus on similarities.

6.  Adapt to change Quickly.  The quicker you let go of the old and embrace the new change in your organization, the sooner you can enjoy the new.  Change can make things better. 

7. Communicate the change with others.  Good communication is always important, but especially so when you face change in your organization.  A lack of communication from others can have a negative impact, while effective communications can have a positive one. Part of the fear of change involves dealing with the unknown.  So start talking.

8.  Change – You must change with the times.  Saying, “but we have always done it this way”, will not cut it.  Dinosaurs remind us we are not too big to fail.  IBM reminds us we should never think we are too big for change.  Change really can lead you to a new and better place.

9.  Stay positive and Enjoy change.  Keeping a positive attitude can help you deal with the uncertainties of change and will not go unnoticed by staff, co-workers or customers.  Savor the adventure and enjoy what change brings you.

Social Media Self-Promotion: Do it Right Designers

Social Media Self-Promotion: Do it Right Designers By Amber Hyde In the past 5 or so years the impact of social media has changed the world and the way we communicate. It is a platform that has reshaped how our ideas, thoughts, news, and relationships are formed. Individuals, businesses, and even large corporations can now become more engaged and build relationships with friends, customers and clients. Social media has also entered the advertising realm, making it a terrific way to promote businesses and personal projects at very little cost. The problem is businesses have become too self-promotional in social media and this can have a negative effect on a businesses image. To be appealing to your followers your page cannot be all about you and your success. Posts need to be about interesting topics, inspiring quotes, news stories, or fun events going on around town, even talking about the weather gets people interested in what you have to say. Design companies on the other hand have an advantage. They can self-promote with out becoming too self-promotional. This is what I mean: As a designer I have learned to utilize my skills for social media posts that engage followers, but also have an underlying self-promotional aspect! If I find a quote, or if it is a holiday, or even just asking a question, I have given myself a blank canvas to create an illustration that can accompany the post and also highlight design skills. This is not throwing our business in everyone’s faces, it is simply showcasing our design in an appealing “non-business” related manner, while allowing us to display our skillset without saying “hey check out our designs”.  This is a great way to promote design work while still adhering to the minimal self-promotion aspect of social media. Your followers will appreciate you more for being real and not shoving yourself down their throats. Designers and Business', what are your thoughts about self-promotion on social media? And are there any other ways that you have found that work for promoting your business without being too self-promotional?  Below are a few examples of what we have designed for our Facebook. Getting our design skills out there through engaging content.

A Great First Impression

A Great First Impression | By Sarah Gaither

As a communication major in college who’s focus was in body language, I learned to watch.  You can learn so much about someone just by knowing how to read the way they present themselves.  While watching I have noticed something that confuses me.  All introductions these days seem to be missing a handshake.  If I do see it, it’s only between two older men.  My question is why?  Why are women, and the younger business generation not shaking hands? The handshake started as a symbol of peace between men.  As time passed, it has worked its way into all of our business deals.  It was used to solidify an agreement, whether it be for a herd of cattle, baskets of grain or building a house, the handshake has had its place in history and for good reason.  Today a handshake conveys trust, respect, balance and equality. It is also the easiest way to make a great first impression. As a young businesswoman it was a struggle for me to realize that I needed to be the one extending my hand in both business and social

scenes, regardless of who I was extending it to.  Once I got over that struggle, I was not only showing my respect for those that I had met, but I was receiving respect in return and creating an equal playing field between us.  Next time you are introduced to someone new, will you offer your hand first?  We would love to hear your thoughts on the matter! Are you teaching your young ones to shake hands when first meeting someone?  What are your thoughts about the younger generation and women of any generation not shaking hands?  Leave us your comments/feedback/ thoughts below!

File Formats 101: What do they all mean?

File formats 101: What do they all mean?

.jpg .gif .png .pdf .tif .bmp .psd .psp .raw

By Yetta Blair

Anyone working on a computer, which basically means nearly everyone, has a basic working knowledge of file formats.  If you are like most however, this knowledge means you sort of kind of have a feeling of which file format you should use, but are not exactly sure how it works and why it should be your choice.

With this in mind, I created a cheat sheet, so to speak, of the most highly used file formats and hints of when to use them.

.jpg – Great to use for web sites and email. This file format is optimized for photographs and compresses continuous-tone images that contain many colors down to a size that can be downloaded quickly on the internet. This is the format of choice for nearly all photographs on the web. You can achieve excellent quality even at rather high compression settings.  However, the downside to this format is that compressing the image too much will cause it to look jagged.  The JPG file extension is used interchangeably with JPEG.  JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group” who created the standard.  JPG files can be opened by most image editing software from Microsoft Paint to Adobe Photoshop.

.gif –  Another good file type for the Internet and emailing. GIF’s do a great job of compressing images and making them suitable for fast downloads. If your image has fewer than 256 colors and contains large areas of uniform color, GIF is your choice. The files will be small yet perfect and is well suited for some cartoons or clip art. Do NOT use GIF for photographic images, since it can contain only 256 colors per image. An added bonus is that GIF images can be placed on a web page with a clear background, so you can layer them. However, the downside is that sometimes the artwork has a sharp, unattractive border when the image's background is invisible. When this happens, try the PNG format. GIF stands for “Graphics Interchange Format”.

.png – “Portable Network Graphics”. If you want to display a photograph exactly without loss on the web, PNG is your choice. Its strategy is similar to that of GIF, but it supports 16 million colors, not just 256. PNG is the only lossless format that web browsers support. (A lossless compression algorithm discards no information. All image information is restored when the file is decompressed during viewing. In contrast, lossy algorithms accept some degradation in the image in order to achieve smaller file size.)PNG’s are usually larger in file size than jpg and gif files but they allow people to save artwork to be layered on web pages or other artwork without any sharp or disruptive border. PNG’s are extremely versatile, but they usually result in larger files and longer download times.

.eps – "encapsulated post Script". EPS is used in vector-based images in Adobe Illustrator. An EPS file can contain text as well as graphics. Professional printers and printable advertising media, like a magazine, will typically ask that the artwork be saved as an EPS file but a TIF or PDF are also good choices.

.tif – The TIF is an image format file for high-quality graphics. TIF files are also called TIFF, which stands for “Tagged Image Format File .TIF files originally only supported black and white. However, the update in 1988 added a color palette. Now owned by Adobe, the .TIF format is used for high color-depth images. TIF files can be converted to JPEG, GIF or PDF format. Printers and advertisers will often permit final artwork to be designed in a TIF. TIF is not widely supported by web browsers, and should be avoided for web use.

.pdf – "portable document format", Adobe's native file format that is read by a program called Adobe Acrobat. Most computer users have Acrobat on their system, if they don't, they can download Acrobat Reader for free. The PDF has a wide range of uses, including a lot of usage on web, and they can even be used for printing when saved as a high resolution PDF.

.bmp – is an uncompressed proprietary format and there is really no reason to ever use this format.  BMP stands for “Bitmap”.

.psd, .psp – are proprietary formats used by graphics programs. Photoshop's files have the PSD extension, (PSD stands for Photoshop Document) while Paint Shop Pro files use PSP (PSP stands for Paint shop pro). These are the preferred working formats as you edit images in the software, because only the proprietary formats retain all the editing power of the programs. These packages use layers, for example, to build complex images, and layer information may be lost in the nonproprietary formats such as TIF and JPG. However, be sure to save your end result as a standard TIF or JPG, or you may not be able to view it in a few years when your software has changed.

.raw – The RAW file format is digital photograhpy’s equivalent of a negative in film photography: it contains untouched “raw” pixel information straight from the digital cameras sensor. Use RAW only for in-camera storage.  Copy or convert to TIFF, PNG, or JPG as soon as you transfer to your PC. You do not want your image archives to be in a proprietary format since you can’t be sure you will be able to read that format in 5, 10 or 20 years.  Most believe that JPG is the format most likely to be readable in 50 years. Thus, it is appropriate to use RAW to store images in the camera but be sure to create a TIFF, PNG or JPG, for archival storage.