"Color does not add a
pleasant quality to design - it reinforces it."  - Pierre Bonnard


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* inject more creativity into your business visuals that is both professional and credible * ways to maximize you authentic brand voice * visual/graphic communication design industry insights * practical and creative brand strategy * and more

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I believe designing a logo is a strategic process, it is full of thought, research, team work, feedback and strategy. It truly dives deeper than the physical creation creating visual beauty in visual mark. Here is what I mean. A logo is a personal reflection of your business. You care about your business. You want your business logo to look perfect, have impact, to tell a subtle story, to have longevity, avoid trends, be simple but sophisticated and more. 
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Is the Business Card Dead?











 




This is a good question, especially in today's world where with a smart phone and an "app" we can 'bump' our information to another person's smart phone eliminating the physical need for a printed card. Then there is all the social media networking site like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and so on. It does make one wonder how a business tool as ancient as King Louis XIV can remain relevant.

The business card is a high value piece of print real estate. Affordable and compact enough to travel with us wherever we go even when there is no cell phone service. Creating an engaging business card that makes a positive brand impression is not difficult to do but most cards, let's be honest, are pretty snooze worthy (boring). It is your opportunity to tell a visual story about yourself and your business by using color, graphics and typography to intrigue people to want to know more about the person represented by the "card."

In a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek,  How Business Cards Survive in the Age of LinkedIn Richard Moross said, "(Business cards) don't require batteries, experience no inter-compatibility problems, require no sign-up, and everyone in the world understands them."

You should also know that Moo.com reported printing over 50 million business cards in 2011. I say yes they are still an affordable legitimate business tool. Due to changes in the print industry you can also print smaller quantities allowing flexibility to create targeted messages for events or special promotions rather than one blanket card design that you use for everything.

6 Tips To Effective Business Cards
  • know thy audience (dig deep ask questions)
  • describe what you can do for them (what they get)
  • use a font that is clear and easy to read (blind association standard is 12 pt type)
  • show some personality and style (color, paper choice, print finishes)
  • tell them what to do next (website, connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
  • use marketing tactics when appropriate (QR codes, coupons, codes etc.)
Custom Girlies - based on a photo of you (Reg. $199)
NOW $147 (through the month of May) 
Custom Illustration for Melia Hord
Business Girlies Sale Starts May 1st, 2012

(BONUS purchase before May 1st and you will get a custom background for your facebook timeline page to match!)



Until next week...with grace, gumption & gratitude,