16Mar

Why It’s Cheaper to Hire A Third Party Design Company

Believe it or not, hiring a third party design company is usually cheaper than in-house designing. Every small business hits a point where they realize they can’t do it themselves anymore. Deciding which marketing materials you need then getting them designed and coordinating their production takes a lot of time and effort. Time = money. Effort = burnout. The obvious solution is to outsource this task.  But do you hire a designer and have it all done in-house, or do you...

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09Mar

The Difference Between Illustration and Graphic Design

Knowing the difference between illustration and graphic design is key for any business owner looking to hire help with their marketing needs. Many graphic illustrators on gig sites such as Fiverr market themselves as graphic designers, but actually lack the skills or education needed to be a true graphic designer. That being said, many educated graphic designers are bound by the rules of design and lack the creativity and freedom to act as an illustrator. So what’s the difference? What is an...

Marketing
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02Mar

The Great AI Graphic Design Debate

AI graphic design, and AI art in general, is a controversy that’s seemingly everywhere right now. The ethics of AI art are being questioned, and that collides with people (and business owners in particular), who want to simplify life. As a graphic design agency, we have been pulled into the AI controversy by proxy. AI Art and the Artists AI works by scraping the internet for images or text that match the request given to them. It then combines the elements of...

Marketing
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24Feb

SEG Fabric as a Marketing Tool

Fabric projects as a marketing tool are often overlooked - possibly because many people don’t know they exist! SEG (silicone edge graphics) fabric is a versatile way to market, promote, or even decorate your business.  SEG fabric is used by large companies like Old Navy in their retail locations, but isn't exclusive to large company budgets! It's one of our favorite projects due to their versatility and accessibility. A Frontlit SEG fabric display at an Old Navy retail location What is SEG Fabric SEG...

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16Feb

The Ins and Outs of Vinyl Projects

Vinyl projects can be an effective and inexpensive way to market your business. Whether you’re applying vinyl to a vehicle or your storefront, it’s a great way to incorporate signage that’s durable and low maintenance.  Vinyl projects can be window perf (a perforated vinyl covering), solid lettering, “posters,” or decals. They also happen to be one of our favorite (and most popular!) marketing tools.  Vinyl Project Considerations There are some considerations to take when ordering vinyl. Weather during installation, material you’re trying to...

Marketing
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09Feb

Trade Show Marketing

Trade show marketing is not rocket science! Trade shows are a great way to get exposure for your company and get your name out to a lot of people in a short amount of time.  Unfortunately, a pitfall many find at trade shows is blending into the crowd and being just one face in a sea of competing companies.  Aesthetics Are Everything Possibly even more unfortunately, aesthetics are everything in an environment like a trade show so your trade show marketing needs to...

Marketing
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02Feb

Effective, Affordable Marketing On A Budget

Marketing on a budget can feel daunting at best, and downright impossible at worst. There’s an old adage that says “you gotta’ spend money to make money.” We’re paraphrasing, but that’s the gist.  While there is some truth to this, you can market your business effectively when cash is an issue. In fact, some of these budget-friendly marketing strategies are our favorite go-tos, regardless of available cash. Budget-Friendly Marketing Is Important Even large companies with deep pockets allocate budgets for certain facets of...

Marketing
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25Jan

Is A Premade Logo Good Enough for Your Business?

Considering a premade logo is a checkpoint many new business owners pass through. We understand the appeal. Premade logo generators are fast, cheap, and easy. However, with over 30 years of combined marketing experience, we’re here to tell you that a premade logo isn’t good enough for your business.  Premade Logos Are Impersonal Logo generators often only go off of your business name. They don’t have any understanding of your niche, your actual business, your price point, or your vibe. It can...

Marketing
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19Jan

When Not to Delegate the Work

Delegating work is the only way successful companies are run. No one can do everything by themselves, and for their own wellbeing, they frankly shouldn’t try.  However, there are cases in which it is detrimental to delegate work.  The Problem with Delegating Work to Assistants In our own field, we struggle working with the decision-maker’s assistant. These assistant’s are always very nice. They’re smart, capable, and lovely to work with. However, they don’t get the final say in any given design. They’re trying...

Marketing
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12Jan

The Perfect Client-Designer Relationship

There are 4 key elements to the perfect client-designer relationship that leaves both parties happy with the project. As with any relationship, these items are a two-way street for a give-and-take built on trust and expertise. If both you and your designer are able to achieve these points (plus a bonus point!), your project will be done well, in a timely manner, and with the rosy glow of a satisfying interaction.  Client-Designer Relationship Goals When we talk about the perfect client-designer relationship, we’re...

Marketing
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