Visit our Homepage

The business of replying

2009-04-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

As a business owner, responding to emails and phone calls from my clients, colleagues and prospects is critical to my success. Not only is it important to let people know that I have received their message but to do this as soon as possible.
This relates to the saying "treat others as you would like to be treated". I always want to feel that my requests, questions and comments are valued and that doing business with me is important. I want my clients, colleagues and prospects to feel the same.
Although we're all inundated with emails (and still some phone calls too), it's important to respond – and in a timely fashion – to those who help make our business a success.

Green Office Punchlist

2009-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

I came across this punch list on the AIGA website. There are several valuable tips such as how to reduce paper use and/or using recycled paper, using remanufactured toner cartridges + more. The link to the complete green office punchlist is below.

http://www.sustainability.aiga.org/resources/content/2/9/8/7/documents/CFSD_green-office-punchlist.pdf

QUOTE OF THE DAY

2009-02-16T11:01:00.001-08:00

"Without aesthetic, design is either the humdrum repetition of familiar clichés or a wild scramble for novelty. Without the aesthetic, the computer is but a mindless speed machine, producing effects without substance. Form without relevant content, or content without meaningful form."
Paul Rand

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

2009-01-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

I recently read Malcolm Gladwell's book, Blink, which from my understanding is about the rapid cognitive process that happens to give us on the spot conclusions when seeing something for the first time.

Those initial introductory seconds can be the best and most efficient in revealing one's true feelings about something...it certainly has its place in a designer's world. We can look at something and sense what is out of place or not working, if color is expressing the proper mood, or if even the slightest 2 pixel movement is needed to achieve an element's best position. Sometimes it takes stepping away from a design for a little while so we can return with a fresher look and get a chance for that "blink" reaction.

When we talk about gut reactions, they are often less favorable compared to thoughtful, rational, well-timed decisions. So the question is, when is it valuable to rely on our guts and when is it not? According to Gladwell, extensive market testing is not always accurate. He fills the book with examples from history, such as the failed attempt of New Coke in the 80s and the against all odds success of Herman Miller's famous Aeron Chair.

It's inspiring to know that sometimes, simply going with your gut can lead to greatness.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

2008-12-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Every year, it seems more challenging to find creative holiday gifts, whether for clients, colleagues, friends or family. The websites listed below provide some interesting, unique ideas for giftgiving.
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.uncommongoods.com/
http://www.pennydellpuzzles.com/
http://sfmoma.stores.yahoo.net/

FINE ART, MURALS, COLOR CONSULTING

2008-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

If you are considering purchasing a new piece of art, having a mural painted or looking for an color consultant for your business or your home, I had the pleasure of recently meeting an expert in this field by the name of Angela Tirrell. In addition to her extensive experience, she is extremely passionate about what she does and loves all aspects of creating custom-tailored artwork for your home or business and managing a project from start to finish. If you would like to learn more about her services, please contact our office at 415.558.9085 or andrea@andreadesigngroup.com

BRAND IDENTITY

2008-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS YOURS?

This term has been around for awhile now and it's no longer the "term of the day." However, we find that it is still not a clearly understood concept. Many varations of the definition of brand identity exist and it ultimately comes down to this: Your brand identity is the distinct personality of your business, it's how you're perceived by your customer and it's delivering on your promises.

How does this relate to graphic design?

Your logo, color scheme, printed materials, website, etc. are key in adding to your image and company brand. Do you visually communicate that you are a professional business that will take care of your customers' needs? If anything is mismatched, out of date, or of poor quality, think about what this says about your image. Everything you say and do is a reflection upon your business. That is "branding."
Do you need help defining your brand identity? Contact us anytime to help you tackle the challenge.

GET YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN CAREER STARTED

2008-11-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

As a member of the Graphic Design group on LinkedIn, I frequently see newly graduated designers asking how they can get started without any real-world work experience. When I was in the same situation, I sent a letter to several ad agencies, design studios, etc. to offer my services as a design intern at no cost to them for a limited period of time. All it takes is one company to take you up on your offer! One agency, did take me up on mine. I worked part-time, while also working at another part-time paying job, and after a few months, they recognized that I was truly an asset to the company and started paying me as an employee. Once I had been with the company at least 6 months, I added them to my resume and after a brief search, I was able find a full-time graphic design job with another firm.

QUOTE OF THE DAY!

2008-11-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."
-George Bernard Shaw

MAKING YOURSELF PRICELESS IN A CROWDED MARKET

2008-11-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

I participated in a webinar titled the same as above last week. It was presented by Jeni Herberger of Design Your Reality. The information presented focused on how the strategic use of design can help designers and their clients achieve business goals. Because clients are very savvy about design and it's ability to affect positive business goals, it is critical for designers who want to be successful, to think strategically!

DESIGN MATTERS

2008-10-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
Keys: Set clear goals, be open-minded and let your organization's needs and audience be your guide
Think of design as content. Design is much more than decorating. A publication or website's design is a visual representation of your organization's style, mission, and products and services. It should serve your target audience and support your organization's goals.
Create clear project goals. Know who your audience is, the image you want to present, what messages you want to convey, and what you want the project to achieve. Make sure everyone who will approve the design agrees on these specifications. A lack of clear goals is a main reason projects jump off track and can cause increases in cost and hamper a designer's ability to do their best work.
Be open to new ideas. It's often helpful to show a designer examples of what you think is successful or to describe your ideas about possible solutions. Make sure not to limit the design options to your own concepts...you'll end up wasting money and it probably won't produce the best design.
Check personal preferences at the door. Do what's best for the company and its target audience. You may not like the color orange but if your target audience is young and hip, orange may be the way to go. Key considerations are: Will the design appeal to the audience? Does it reflect an image your organization wants to cultivate? Does it enhance your content and present it clearly?
Look at your publications as a set. Explain to designers the thinking behind previous projects - and make sure they see your other publications. It's important that the designer be able to get some background so they're not going to undo something that you've been trying to achieve. Even if it's a small project, it has to fit among all the other investments you've made to date.

Excerpts taken from an article written by Carolyn McMaster and Sandra Stewart of Real Edit

THINK POSITIVE!

2008-10-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

In this depressed business climate, I continue to remind myself to think positive, stay focused and remember that the poor state of our economy is not permanent.
I continue to enjoy the areas of my life outside of work and cherish the people that surround me.
Until next week...