Business Cards : The good, the bad, and the ugly

I’ve attended many local trade show for homeowners. I enjoy collecting business cards when I’m there – not necessarily because I’m going to use these companies for their services, but because they can make great inspiration as to what works and what doesn’t with a business card.  I think i’ve got over 2000 that i’ve collected over the years that stood out to me, and have used them in presentations and seminars to show some real life examples of what makes a successful card.  Looking through them, I notice that the majority of them weren’t the greatest cards. So many people have a hard time selling their products or their services to people. Why on earth would you short change yourself by having poorly made or outdated cards to hand out? Give yourself the added confidence when representing your business by making sure that you don’t commit any business card design
[keep reading »] faux pas.

1. you’re at the end of a stack and you’ve changed your phone number or address… so you cross out the old information and write over the top. (see bottom left)… no no no…. bad idea. I know it’s quick and simple for you… but later, this comes across as sloppy, unprepared and unprofessional. If something changes, so should your card. Period.

2. Overfilling your card(see top left)… ok yea, name, address, phone, website, email address… those are certainly important. But stick with ONE logo and make sure you don’t overfill your card with either information or graphics that are unnecessary. The point of a card is to give information in a clear, clean, short but sweet message.

3. Colors (see top right) – colors are great, but be careful. Not only will you up the printing costs, but if you clash as well as these guys, you’re not doing yourself or your profits any favors. Stick to two, maybe 3 colors when printing… unless you include a well thought out photo (do not stretch, do not pixelate). Also keep in mind that by adding color, you’re giving your card a better chance at being noticed.

4. Cost – going for the cheapest you can find. Yea when you’re starting a business, you try to keep costs down. But this is something you’re giving to a client. It is a direct extension of who you are and what you’re business can do for them. If you give out a flimsy card with a poor design, what are you saying about your business? Paper quality, gloss, even specialty cuts are the added things that will cost money, but are definitely worth it. They help your card stick out among the others.

A business card is your business’s identity… if it’s bland, boring, or poorly designed you end up losing the appeal and therefore losing a sale. A business has a personality, a feel to it, and your identity should reflect that.

Now does that mean to go and make the snazziest best design EVER?!  no – not exactly – you can certainly overdo it.  And an overly designed card can backfire just as bad as a poorly designed one.  Keep your audience in mind – what will attract THEM?

How does a whole month slip by so fast?

Been busy this month.  I’ve completed a new booth design for the company I work for full time now.  Along with a complete set of new collateral and brochures.  I’ve done some work with HR to “decorate” the offices a bit more than your typical standard office posters and artwork.  Going to have to grab the camera and take some pictures when it’s all done.  I’ve built about 6 microsites and designed about 12 others that haven’t launched yet for some pretty big name clients which is always a bit of an honor.  Still waiting for the new machine at work – hoping end of the week that I’ll get it from the IT guys.  Also currently studying up on some new techniques for building some really complex flash demos.  It’s exciting work actually – ground breaking in that I’m trying to do something a bit different than your standard demo.

On a personal note – i also managed to get a bit further in a comic i’m working on – which in my book is ALWAYS a good thing.  Progress!

Things i’ve learned in the last month:  Corporations never really change.  Why I thought 5 years would improve things is beyond me.  But at least i know i’m strong enough to handle that world.  If only I could get through to these people that I’m not a button pusher, i’m an artist with valuable marketing and business experience and valid ideas.   They’re slowly coming around, so we’ll see.

Oh.. and I’m expecting my second child.    I’ve also learned that i’m not one of those women who enjoy being pregnant.  Instead of that beautiful rosy glow that some pregnant women get – i’ve discovered my glow is mostly pea green.  We’re due on November 20th and the hubby is just beside himself he’s so giddy.  It’s quite funny.

Well must get back to work.  But wanted to check in with everyone and see how life was going.

Talk to you all later!

-Jen

www.jwdesigncenter.com

Possible Design Trend for 2009?

My Building in Seattle

So I’m on my way into work this morning.  My commute consists of about an hour and 45 minutes of driving at the butt crack of dawn to get to downtown  Seattle by 7:15 am.  But honestly, I love it.  it gives me a chance to wake up, to listen to the radio and hear what’s goin on in the world, and to look at all the ads and billboards and things you see as you get into the big city.  As a designer, I can’t help but look at what forms of communication other designers are making public.  But this morning, was a bit unusual.  Seems just about everybody changed their ads this weekend.  And I’m seeing things up for the Seattle Home Show, for insurance agencies etc etc.  One common theme ?? You bet ya.  Old school.  A bit retro.  And definitely “Homey”.

Seattle Home Show Ad

Then on my radio station they were discussing how tame the superbowl has gotten.  Pregame shows, Half times, the commercials… Now let me add something – i didn’t watch any of it this year – was sicker than a dog.   So… based on my radio station, the superbowl has gone Disney.  They were saying it was a lack of general creativity. … but perhaps the graphic designers, and advertisers are on a different kick.  With the american economy doing what it’s doing, perhaps it’s trying to bring back a bit of nostalgia- the good ol days.  I will be paying close attention to whether this really becomes a trend.. I think it will be interesting

Corporate Graphic Design and Branding Inspiration

In this showcase, you’ll find a variety of unique and highly creative corporate designs. The aim here is to stimulate your creativity and inspire you to push your designs further and see the possibilities that lie within corporate branding.  It’s also to give some recognition to those graphic designers who aren’t in the lime light as much.

Business Card Designs by Rusadrianewald

Corporate Identity Package by Dr Devil

Corporate Branding Package by Majaero

Corporate Identity Package by f3rk3s

Corporate Identity Package by Majaero

Corporate Business Card Design

Film in the City Business Cards

Tutorials Everywhere….

C

Disco Ball Adobe Illustrator Tutorial

Learn how to create these awesome Heart Icons

Challenge yourself and your creativity with this Illustrator tutorial

grungy polaroid tutorial for Adobe Photoshop

Use this tutorial to learn how to create rain drops in Photoshop

Working summers…

Summers are always hard for those of us who work from home. Not just because the sunshine calls to us to leave our dreary desks, but also because we typically have a lot more going on. Vacations, kids activities (if you have children), gardening, etc etc. Last week I took 3 days off to teach an arts and crafts class to kids. I was nervous about it, but let me just say, as an artist, it was probably one of the best things I could have done. Kids have such vivid imaginations. They inspire you with just a thought or an idea. You give them something simple to do and they can make a
[keep reading »] million ideas that you hadn’t even considered. It was definitely a blessed little treat for me.

Gone Fishing!

Now that it’s finished, I’m busy getting into the grind. We seem to have many programming projects about to start and a few design projects underway. Which is always a good thing, especially with the economy being so unstable right now.

Creative Fusion Pro is under development now and I’m really looking forward to seeing it blossom and bloom before our eyes. The more we delve into it, the more we seem to realize that the software we’re developing for this business has the potential to completely change the industry as we know it. Very exciting to be apart of it, to say the least. And ultimately, I can’t wait to see what it does for the graphic design industry itself.

Well I better get back to work, but I just wanted to stop in and say a quick hi and hello to everyone. Hope you all are doing fine.

Jen Walter
Creative Director
www.jwdesigncenter.com

My favorite day…

There’s something about Thursdays. I tend to be very productive.. more than any other day on a thursday. I think part of it has to do with the fact that I know the week is almost over, tomorrow being Friday and all.

Today, so far i’ve managed to get quite a bit done. I finished a pretty large time consuming marketing campaign this morning, managed to keep up on all incoming mail. I’ve sent out 8 estimates so far today. Had a meeting with my programmer and all before 10:30.  And now i’m going to take a little break, grab some soda and a snack and then sit down and wrap up a site (well.. hopefully).

Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with someone about our economy. It being what it is, this person was surprised I was managing to not only stay in business but actually be fairly busy with incoming potential work. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised we haven’t felt the crunch too. But never look a gift horse in the mouth right? We HAVE slowed down a bit, but it’s been by choice. We are about 2 maybe 3 months out from releasing a new piece of software that has the potential to change the way our industry runs. It’s exciting, and frustrating (as we just want it to be done). I feel as if we’re in the middle of the eye of a great storm. Even if the idea itself doesn’t make a cent, I look forward to helping shape the industry and make it safer for new designers. I look forward to making a difference.

Well, i better get back to work, but i just wanted to drop in and say a quick hi and hello to everyone.

Standing on a cliff… sink or swim time

What a week… there’s been the discussion of a LOT of changes. Our “beloved Christopher” the director of operations for JW is joining the military. And while i won’t get into all those details here, let’s just say this means a lot of change for me and JW. It’s all good change tho, and i’m looking forward to once again holding the reins so to speak. I got a nice break and I’m getting myself ramped up to take business to the next plateau. While doing that however, I’m also going to be busting through a new door. I’ve been offered a couple of commission comic jobs for a couple of different fun projects. And my debate ended a couple of days ago when I accepted them. I’m not entirely sure how i’ll juggle it all, but i’m looking forward to giving it my all. I suppose one thing that is keeping me from stressing about it is that i’ll finally be able to act the way my title describes. I’m the creative director, and for a long time, i’ve also been the sole designer behind the designs for my firm. We’ve used other designers here and there, where i’ve directed as needed. But I’m looking forward to being able to direct the creativity, and letting someone else create it. LOL. Maybe that makes me sound odd.. i don’t know.

I remember when i first started JW. It felt like I was standing on a cliff and I could either dive in or turn away. And once I got in.. it was sink or swim. Now essentially all business is that way all the time, but the newness behind it was scary and intimidating. That’s how I feel right now with the comic industry. Graphic design, web design, heck business… I’m cool and confident. But this industry is a whole new world for me.

I’m also looking forward to finally having the chance to work on Creative Fusion Pro. My baby project that has grown over the last 3 years into something ENORMOUS. And due to it’s size, it’s been on the back burner long enough. It’s exciting.

Well that’s enough from me, i need to go back to work before I go home.. but to all of you who are in the position where you feel like you’re standing on a cliff… i’ve been there, and i’m looking forward to leaping you should too.

J.
www.jwdesigncenter.com

It’s not personal… it’s Business.

  There is not another line out there that is more bullshit than that. And i’ve heard it more times than I can count. My business IS personal… i don’t care what anyone says. And it darn well should be! Where, as entrepeneurs do we pour our hearts, souls, sweat, blood, tears, TIME? Into our business. Our businesses become our babies. We become instinctively protective over them. We become proud of them… they are like children. So WHY would we say something like business is NOT personal?

Wednesday Inspiration

Well… it’s the middle of the week. Time to get out some inspiration to get through what’s left of the week…

Some not as well known artists here.. thought they deserved some recognition…So put on some good tunes, rock out for a few minutes and be inspired!…

Why can’t all days be like this?

Why does it seem that there are days that I get nothing done and there are days when I fly through my to do list like it’s nothing? This morning I had a to-do list a mile long and here it is, not even 2 o’clock yet and i’m just about finished with it. That’s so great! We’re just slammed right now. So unusual for february. I’ve heard other designers commenting how they are booked solid too so I’m glad to know it’s not just me Not that i’m complaining in the least, i’d much rather be busy than slow.

Wahooooo… she’s gone LIVE!!

The JW Redesign is officially LIVE today!! I can’t wait to hear what you all think! She still has a few little updates and I still have a few more pages to add for backend stuff, but she’s there and working beautifully! www.jwdesigncenter.com

Yipeee… today is such a great day!!

J.

Slight Delay in our redesign…

I have got to be one of the most impatient people.  I know it.  And I apologize for it.  But I HATE waiting for things.  For those who are interested, our redesign will launch this week.. we had a little issue with hosts and we’re getting it sorted out before we can post our site live.

How is everyone?  Can you believe January is almost over already?  Where did it go?

Well i have to keep this short, as I’ve got a busy day ahead of me still.  But I just wanted to pop in and give you all an update.

J.

New site about to be launched…

Today or tomorrow if i can manage it, we will be launching the all new and improved JW website. It still has a few features we need to add (will have an ecommerce section eventually). But it is so fantastic. It’s built on a CMS system so that we can easily and quickly make changes from any location, whether we’re at home or at the office. And it (I think) effectively shows what we are truly capable as far as both design and programming. I’m so excited! So keep an eye out today and over the weekend… I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of the new design and the new features!

www.jwdesigncenter.com

Here’s a screen shot (click to enlarge)  for those of you who visit and find it’s not up yet It will be VERY VERY soon i promise!!

J.

Watch out.. rant coming…

Ok, as a graphic designer, no.. as a creative professional, we in the industry know that there are MANY people out there who undervalue our profession. It’s something we get used to. But does that mean we stop correcting, we stop saying “Hey, wait a minute, you’re wrong”. By not speaking up and telling somewhere that they’re misinformed (you don’t have to be rude about it) aren’t we being apart of the solution? By keeping our mouths shut we in fact become another peg to the overall problem. I got into a little tiff this morning with a marketer. It made me pretty upset. So many people out there who are looking to hire a designer are doing so for the first time. There’s no published rules or regulations.. so these people are winging it. They have no concept that what we’re trying to run is a real, professional, bill paying business. And that’s ok. They just don’t know yet.. so isn’t it OUR job to guide and TEACH our clients and prospectives we come across? Who else is going to do it if not us? By teaching these people and guiding them, aren’t we then saving ourselves time and effort later down the road? I don’t know.. maybe i’m wrong. This guy I argued with this morning didn’t want to spend the extra time to handle it.. even if it meant an extra click of the mouse. In some ways, I understand… we come across this so often that we finally just start to ignore it. But therein lies the problem… in my opinion.

Would LOVE other people’s thoughts on this!!! Am I out in left field with this one?

J.

A Legion of Gamers and a world of art…

Ok, I know.. this is a little out of topic for me, but it’s caught my interest and I wanted to blog about it.  Gamers.  The whole gaming industry is huge.  Many designers hope to brave that world and have the opportunity to work on something.  And yea, we get to know the games, but how often do we really get to know the gamers themselves?  I’ve taken on a pro-bono case at work, my first probono case ever let me add and it’s been a lot of fun so far.  The site.. www.legiongamers.net (still under construction so be careful).  It’s a group of guys and gals who are getting together to build a playground for gamers.  It’s a forum for all games where people are there to help eachother.  They cover new games like Hellgate London to console games and even some of the older games.  They hope to become a team.  A legion.  I’m sure it’s been done before, but the heart and soul that streams from these folks is really evident when you talk with them.  I feel for them too … as starting a forum can be tough!  You have to not only bring in traffic but you also have to get people talking!  It’s only been up for a day and a half (http://www.legiongamers.net/phpBB3/index.php) but the forum already has a bunch of members.  I’m excited for this group of gamers… I hope very much that their site succeeds and that they share that heart and soul with the rest of the world as they grow.  They really made my day.

I’m their designer.  The site is a work in progress… so keep that in mind if you do decide to visit   I’d love suggestions add on’s and thoughts too!

J.

People are weird…

So, I belong to a forum, i’m a moderator over there actually. My plan to secretly take over the world is working brilliantly! I’m kidding of course. But today a new member posted a question that caused a little stir. He wanted to know if his business was on target, whether or not his salary for the year was “normal” or above. Not a bad thing to ask in my opinion, but for some reason, whenever people start talking about money in this industry they get their panties in a bunch. WHY?! We’re business owners! We’re all on the same side of the fence here folks. I realize that a lot of things come into play when discussing profits. Location, talent, credit, the ability to market, salesmanship, even luck! But lets take that out of the equation and answer the question. Where is the defining point for success in this industry? Where’s the bar? If your firm brings over 100K is it considered big potatoes? Or is it 200K? or 500K? When do you go from being someone who’s a small business? If we’re not allowed to ask these questions how will we learn? Wouldn’t THEY like to know too? Or maybe they don’t think like that? I just don’t know … lol.

There’s my rant for the day… I hope all of you are well.

J.

It’s 2008

I hope you all had wonderful new year celebrations!

Well, it’s back to the grind. I’ve got more work than i know what to do with right now lol. I’m so glad it’s a new year.. it’s a great time to make some resolutions and start fresh.

What goals do you have for the new year?

Mine are:
1. get the JW redesign LIVE (finally) lol
2. last year we tripled our business, i’d like to stay on a nice steady path of growth this year too…although i plan on tightening up the ship a little.
3. Attend a comicon – this would be a first for me, but i’m really fascinated by this industry.
4. Produce JW’s FIRST commercial – yes that will happen this year, although it’s not a commercial for JW, it’s a commercial for one of our clients, but the script we’ve done is FANTASTIC and I just can’t wait to see it all come together.
5. Finally secure a nice office space.

There’s mine!… Your turn!

J.

www.jwdesigncenter.com