11 Mar 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Even before I began designing professionally, I was always very offended when someone criticized my work. Whether it was a wallpaper design I put up on DeviantArt, a sketch in my A3 sketchpad or a painting on my wall, I took it personally when it was suggested that I could have done something better.
When I started getting paid for my work, it got much harder. Us designers pour our heart and soul into our designs, wouldn’t you agree? We spend hours researching, even more hours sketching, and once the design is finished, we spend just as much time working on the way we’re going to present it to the client. So it’s no wonder it’s hard to hear, “It’s just not what we’re looking for.”
Unfortunately this is just part of the job.
8 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Ahh, the Internet. It’s a massive jungle of web sites that are crammed tight with links, navigation bars, images, tables, animations and forms. In fact, if we have a good think about it, web forms are really one of the most important elements to a web page as they start a conversation between the site visitor and the site owner – which is the goal of most websites. If they’re so damn important, then why don’t we spend more time focusing on them and getting them right?
5 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Hi folks! I’d like to introduce you to DesignLuv – a blog about design, development and being your own boss.
It’s our absolute pleasure to finally unveil this fabulous new project of ours to the design community. We’ve been planning this little gem for a few months now and we’re really beaming with excitement to watch it finally get off the ground. Now we just have to give it some time to really stretch its wings and find its place within the blogosphere.
3 Mar 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Co-existing… too good to be true? Not in marketing. Integrating the online and offline worlds could be one of the best decisions you make in terms of getting the word out about your business. They’re powerful in different ways when apart, but by combining online and offline techniques, you really will benefit from the best of both worlds.
Exposing your business to as many people as possible is absolutely crucial. Even though we live in a highly technological society, we can’t necessarily assume that everyone uses the Internet for his or her main source of information. That’s why it’s so important to cover all your bases.
The following is a guide in how to get offline marketing to work with and promote your online efforts. Yes, you really can teach old dogs new tricks!
3 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
I was reading an article written by Brian Hoff of The Design Cubicle titled Marketing Calendar for Beginner Freelance Designers and it got me thinking. Inspired designers are always popping on to the scene starting their own freelance business or creative design firm, but how many of them actually succeed? How many of these great individuals make one too many mistakes and are forced to close up shop before they’ve even had a chance to show the world what they’re capable of?
It is widely known that a huge percentage of start up businesses end up closing permanently within the first two to five years of operation, however I am a firm believer that if you have a high quality product/service, a nice dose of perseverance and some good old fashioned elbow grease, just about any idea can flourish into a successful and thriving organisation.
1 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Forget about magazines, flyers and brochures for a minute and consider what life would be like if you could touch base with each and every one of your prospective and current clients for next to nothing. I’m referring to eNewsletters.
eNnewsletters are quickly shaping the way businesses market themselves in the online arena. Having a funky looking eNewsletter that is branded to your business is one thing, but it takes a well structured newsletter which communicates at a level appropriate for your readership to really be effective. With this in mind, it goes without saying that slacking on such a simple task can be the sole reason that your newsletter isn’t working for you.
26 Feb 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
As I was crawling over the many blog sites that I read on a regular basis, I came across an article by Jacob Cass titled Fake Logo Designs and it got me thinking about the same issues us web designers face on a regular basis. That is, the use of website templates in a professional business environment and whether this is actually fair on the client.
Okay, so website templates have their place and if you’re a small business owner and you go online and buy one for twenty bucks, you’re not really out of pocket. You can add your logo and set up a website for next to nothing if you’re willing to invest some time and patience. But if you approach an established design firm and they’re charging you hundreds or thousands of dollars for a website, would you expect to have your design completed using a template? It’s amazing but take note that this actually does happen!
25 Feb 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
When it comes to logo design, I’m a big advocate for simple designs. I don’t believe that elaborate designs with swishes and swirls and huge illustrations are anywhere near as effective as a logo that has is simple and carefully designed. Think: Nokia, Google, Citroen, FedEx, Disney, Coca-Cola.
Logos such as these are successful because they are simple enough to be memorable. Simplicity is the key to a winning logo. Unnecessary flamboyance appears ’showy’ and can have a negative impact on your image. Again, think of the big names. Their logos have an air of confidence about them – they didn’t go over the top to get their brand noticed. These logos are extremely simple, yet command power and respect.
When it comes to logos, you just know the K.I.S.S. is best followed when one of the world’s most recognisable logos is nothing but a simple swoosh.
23 Feb 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
For many new freelancers and even many existing design firms, it seems to be the norm to simply plod along designing logos, websites and other works without spending all that much time focusing on their actual business. To me, this is ridiculous. After all, there is a huge difference between simply designing logos and getting paid for it to running a successful business and one of the biggest differences is actually taking notice of what you’re doing and how well you’re performing.
The best way to keep track such information is to conduct some data tracking. This essentially involves the tracking of numbers (whether it be hits to your website or hours spent on a project) to determine how well both you and your business are performing. This practice can often be neglected by many business owners due to the large amount of time that must be invested into it or simply due to the change of workflow for most designers. It is important to note though that this simple task can play a huge role in your business by determining key areas that need improvement.
21 Feb 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Common Design Mistakes, Part 2
In Part 1 of my Common Design Mistakes series I talked about some basic mistakes amateur designers and small business owners sometimes make when designing their own flyers and promotional items. In Part 2, I’m going to talk about some common design mistakes made in that place that is either loved or feared: the world wide web.
I mentioned that small business owners can’t always afford to hire a professional to design their flyers, letters, posters, etc. It’s no wonder then that a website would be seen as even less affordable. They cost more, take longer and it can be hard to find the right designer to get the job done.
I would urge anyone thinking about doing their own website to stop and consider the benefits of having it done professionally, but for those who simply can’t or don’t want to pay a professional, here are a few tips to get you going and some pitfalls to avoid.
