Experiment: Desk Daisy

A while back I had written a post about some office feng-shui one can do to help bring prosperity to their career/business. The subject fascinates me and while I try to place my desktop plant in the right corner of the desk, I haven't done much else to push the "feng shui energy" along. Some people swear up and down by it and some people snicker. I thought, I'd conduct a little year-end experiment.

One of the easiest ways to feng-shui your desk is to simply cut out pieces of colored construction paper and to place them on the underside of your desk. Using the colored grid, or bagua, cut out petal shapes for each color. The center gua, or yellow square, should be cut into a circular circle. When finished, you'll have a yellow center with 8 flower petals around it. Each flower petal is a specific color, representing a square of the bagua.

It is said that by taping this to the underside of your desk, and by placing this daisy pattern so the black petal is pointing to you, the red away from you, the white pointing to the right, the green to the left, etc., feng shui will help to enhance your career.

Knowing the status that my business is in now, I thought I would publish my experience. Does this feng shui daisy help or is it just a bit of hidden clutter under my desk? Time will tell. Stay tuned for updates.

Stumbling

My aunt Chris, also an artist - oh yeah, check out her link on my links section - is really into blogging. She's very good at it and has lots of tips and tricks. Just a few days ago, she published the following post about using Stumble Upon to promote your blog. I thought about writing my own on the subject, but why fix something that's not broken? Her amazing advice is as follows:

How To Drive More Traffic To Your Blog By Using StumbleUpon

Hello Million Friends,

This is the first article in a series of blog traffic building tips.

Why do you want more traffic to your blog? If you're an artist or anyone who wants more blog traffic, you want to increase the people who come to your blog to see your art, which is hopefully at your blog or a link on your blog that take people to your art. The more people who come to your blog, the more exposure you have and potential of selling your art.

If you're not an artist and would like to become part of an online social community you can do this as well.

In this article I'll be talking about the Social Bookmarking site StumbleUpon. You can use StumbleUpon to drive more traffic to your blog.

StumbleUpon is a Social Bookmarking site that allows a person to surf the web randomly.

You create an account at StumbleUpon and use the StumbleUpon toolbar buttons to randomly surf the web. While you are surfing the web using the Stumble! button, you can bookmark websites or blog articles you like by clicking on a thumbs up button or what you dislike by clicking on a thumbs down button. See image below.


If you notice at the end of each article at my blog, I have some action items for readers to take that include "Stumble It!". If you like an article here at my blog, and you have a StumbleUpon account, you would then click on the "Stumble It!" link.

After you click on the "Stumble It!" link, you will be taken to the StumbleUpon webpage that allows you to bookmark the article and provide a bit of information about the article.

So how does this help build blog traffic? As everyone bookmarks their favorite blog articles at StumbleUpon, the more StumbleUpon community members will see the articles, and that will bring more traffic to your blog. Sometimes a lot of traffic can pass by in a short period of time depending on who's stumbling your blog articles.

Stumbling is an activity I'll remind people to do through out 2008. Email me at chris@chrisbolmeier.com and I'll put you on my mailing list so you can receive those reminders by email.

Also, there are more ways to use StumbleUpon that I'll talk about in future articles.

Here's what I'd like everyone to do now:

1. Open a StumbleUpon account.

2. Install the StumbleUpon buttons (optional).

3. Stumble one of my articles here at my blog.

4. Tell me an article from your blog you'd like me to Stumble and I will. Leave a link to the article here in the comments so everyone else can Stumble it as well.

5. Finally, leave your StumbleUpon profile like this - http://christerical.stumbleupon.com so I can add you as a friend at StumbleUpon. If or when you have a StumbleUpon account, you can click on my profile http://christerical.stumpleupon.com and add me as a friend. Then everyone reading this blog post should follow suit. When you arrive here at this article, stumble everyone's articles that are mentioned in this blog post's comments and add them as a friend at StumbleUpon. We're Building a Community Folks!! :)

There are other social bookmarking sites I'll share with you in future posts where we can do the same kind of activity to drive more traffic to our blogs.

So come on!! Let's start stumbling. :)

Thanks,
Chris

This blog post was inspired by Danial Scocco's blog DailyBlogTips and Yaro Starak's blog Entrepreneurs-Journey. Check 'em out.

A Blogging No-No

I use my blog to promote my business, my passion as a designer and to give the occasional "go green" plug. I think blogs are an awesome opportunity to give clients and colleagues a more personal vibe and to throw a few educational tips out there.

There are a lot of business owners out there that have two or more blogs - one for business, one for personal use, etc. While I'm in favor of blogging to your heart's content, for whomever your audience may be, a business owner still has to be very careful of what they blog about and where.

I came across a designer's blog today that I totally love and respect. Their ideas are great, their posts very educational and their style of writing is really fun to read. I saw a link to their personal blog and couldn't believe what I was reading. Let's just say bust-size measurements are a major no-no! Being that people who view you professionally are reading your blog, why would you link to your personal one given the totally different change in tone? Why not think about editing your personal one further in order to avoid faux-pas such as this?

Obviously we all have freedom of speech and can say whatever we think wherever we want to. But as a business owner, I can't help but feel professional standards have to be met in almost everything that we do. Tsk, tsk...

Keeping It Real

Isn't weird how the saying, "When it rains, it pours" is so accurate? Client work seems to pick up or slow down at the same time, referrals roll in all at once or not at all, and compliments from caring clients come in bundles. Strange.

Yesterday was a good day - it was one of those few client appreciation days, meaning, I received many kudos and thanks all at random. Of course it makes me feel good, but I think more than anything else, I learned something.

One of the repeated phrases was along the lines of, "You're very honest and real. You don't try to be a salesman." At first I thought, "Uh oh. I need to start selling a little more." But then I realized, why would I change something that seems to be working? I've thought back to several experiences with said clients and I guess I can see where I was honest and open, while your typical salesman-type would be pushy and give you the old spiel.

For example, if a client asks me to post a video on their website, I'm honest. "I don't know how and I've never done it before. That said, I have a lot of resources at my disposal. I can talk with my network of web developers that I sometimes farm out work to, or there are loads of articles, blogs and references online. I'm sure I can get it done. There will be a learning curve, but of course that won't be on your dime."

Another instance is selling. A client once asked me, "Should I do search engine submission? Do you think this really helps and is this something I can pay you to do?" Dollars for 13thirtyone are always a good thing, but I can't lead my clients astray. In my opinion, you can only do so much to attract traffic and gain exposure for your website. There's a line where you're just wasting dollars that can be spent elsewhere. I happen to believe SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a great thing. But SES (Search Engine Submission) is a bit over the top for me, personally.

A final example is the art of snatching clients. While I would love to bring a new client on board with me and to help them out, I can't persuade them if they're not interested. I can explain my process, my services and what I'm all about as a designer. I can show them my work and the solutions I've created for clients in the past. But if that's not enough, it's okay. I don't beg clients to join me.

All of these scenarios have brought a lot of positive feedback. I'm not trying to toot my own horn in this post. I'm simply trying to share what seems to be working as far as client relations go for myself. Maybe it'll help you out too.

A little scary

In chatting with a friend yesterday we were talking about my business. And during the conversation she said, "That has to be scary. You're solely responsible for your own income. So if there's no work, there's no money."

Sure I just nodded in agreement and offered up a flimsy, "Yeah." But my eyes definitely widened a bit. Of course I already know this and force myself not to think about it too much because it is a scary thought. Obviously, the idea of starting your own business revolves around taking care of yourself and your clients. But every now and then, especially when your best friend reinforces it, the idea can creep one out a bit.

Naturally, a self-employed person needs to worry about these things. So how do you keep money coming in when work isn't? The answer is difficult to put into action but simple to learn. Saving. When work is great and the big bucks are rolling in, that money needs to roll directly into the bank. Big paydays don't mean bigger paychecks. It means more security and a few more months of income added to the old savings account.

While a dry spell could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, it's so important to continue marketing and networking. Those project dollars will start rolling in again. You just have to learn to keep yourself afloat until they do.

Email Manners

We're all busy and we all suffer from making spelling and grammar mistakes from time to time. But recently, I've found that poorly written emails can slow projects way down, cause for major editing, and what's worse, possible printing errors. I hope I don't sound like a major crab here. In fact, most of the time I find myself giggling at the new words that have been introduced to the English language as a result of poor spelling. But when the same client is writing me over and over with words so jumbled they don't form a full sentence, I think we might have a slight problem.

I won't go as far to say that they should introduce college courses regarding email etiquette. However, I do think that the same manners a business person uses to conduct a conversation or formulate a nicely written letter on their corporate stationery, should carry over into the digital world. So here are my tips for a smoother email conversation so that both parties can walk away on the same page without wasting much time.

1. Run a spellcheck. That little button only adds about 60 seconds longer to the time you put into your email. It can make a world of a difference.

2. Read it over. So this may be more difficult and time consuming the longer the emails get. But really, this is the least we can do to help the receiver of the message know what we're talking about. If you read it over (and aloud, which helps a lot) and it's not flowing, fix it.

3. Be professional. It's true that we're more friendly with some clients than others. We develop special relationships with some of our colleagues that allow us to relax a little and not be so on edge. Even if this is the case, save the YouTube video clips and chain mail forwards for a separate email. Anything regarding business should stay business.

4. Watch your tone. One of the worst things about email conversations is the issue of tone. You may think you sound friendly and easygoing. On the other end, the reader could interpret you as being stern and angry. Be sure to state your emotions clearly. If you're disappointed, angry, upset, spell it out. There's a lot of room for interpretation in emails. If you begin the pattern of truly voicing yourself to your client, they'll understand when you're happy and when you're not, as it's clearly stated.

5. Confrontations. Some discrepancies can be handled quickly and easily over email. But if there's a real issue at hand, it's best to pick up the phone. Email takes longer to solve a problem. Waiting for the person to read and then respond can take days. Furthermore, if you and your client respect each other enough, no one should be hiding behind their email program.

6. Be yourself. Don't try to use words to sound smart when you're not sure what they really mean. That can just get you into trouble. Make sure you always explain your points clearly and thoroughly. And also, don't be afraid to use a little color in your email. Using blue, pink or a different font type creates a memorable impression.

My Thoughts On Newspaper Advertising

One of the most common ways for companies to advertise is in the newspaper. Ad space isn't too pricey (depending on your choice for placement) and you're putting yourself in front of a wide audience. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this advertising outlet is lessening.

Many clients ask me if they should spend their marketing budget on direct mail campaigns or newspaper advertising. That's a tricky one. But, in truth, I usually advise against the newspaper. While I read my local area newspaper daily, and while for smaller towns a newspaper ad can still be very effective, the number of subscribers is rapidly decreasing, thus, readers as well. It's unfortunate, but true.

Because of this decrease in newspaper readers, ad space can be more affordable to buy at times. And that's great, but there's no point in buying ad space that's hidden between the pages of the business section when few people are cracking it open in the first place.

While direct mail can be tricky, rest assured that no one has to pay for it to read it. Furthermore, the advertisement is right out in front of them, instead of being nestled in a page layout amongst several other ads.

Referral Program

Want to see my latest gimmick? Here it is:
"'Tis the season for giving. You give 13thirtyone a referral, 13thirtyone will give you $150.00 off!"

Having a "sale" on graphic design is kind of weird. But I've heard it's a big deal and a good way to bring a few referrals in the door. Of course, it can't pay just because. The catch is, the client's referral has to actually call and sign a contract. They have to become a working client. We'll see...

Here's a Thought

I'm really into finding ways to promote myself and my clients that's a little different than what most people would do. In earlier posts I've blogged about sending unique holiday cards, different self-promotional ideas, etc.

Today, I'm working on an ad for myself. It's a full-color, half-page horizontal for a bridal magazine. Because advertising is so insanely expensive, I want to make sure that I put my dollars to good use and create something that's sure to get some attention. While working on my brown and pink piece of art, I was going through the motions and placing a snapshot of a previous invitation design that I had done in the ad. But then I stopped.

Every wedding invitation designer and their brother include a photo of their work. Make sense - give the prospective customer something to look at so they can decide if they're interested or not before they call. But what if, and this may be a little crazy, I don't show a photo? What happens if there's no sample of my work in the ad? What if my ad purely arouses interest and curiosity and drives the reader to call or go online that much more? Hmm...

While I hate to experiment while my advertising on the line, I have a good feeling about this. I'll let you know how it works out.

Times Are Slow? Give Back.

We all run into it. The phone stops ringing, incoming emails are only from those pesky retail stores having a sale, and the communication with clients is slim to none. There's no work coming in, which sadly, means fewer pay checks.

I often find it humorous that as designers and business owners, our knee-jerk reaction is to spend some cash on advertising when things are less than steady. But when you think about it, why would we drop at least a couple hundred dollars on a print ad when we know that times are tight? I have a tried-and-true solution (well, for me anyways) that not only brings in business, but makes me feel good.

When there's little to do, I hunt for a pro-bono client. Whether it be a non-profit that I support or a small start-up business, I try to find someone who is need of design services. This allows me to give back to my community while giving me exposure, creative control, and a new portfolio piece. Furthermore, I'd much rather spend my slow time designing instead of checking out the afternoon's latest headlines on CNN.com.

In finding this candidate, I do a little research. Where is there a client located that could give my work a lot of visibility? Is there a non-profit organization that I feel truly honored to help and would love to support their cause? Is a friend trying to start up a business, but just doesn't have the funds to promote themselves? These are all good finalists. I can't stress enough how important it is to feel good about the work you're going to donate - it's the one thing you'll be receiving for your time.

While this idea may not have the phone jingling off the hook within a few weeks, it may have a lasting effect. For as long as your client's business or non-profit is up and running, your work will be on display. Treat the client right, and you should see some referrals as well.

Market That Blog

In a recent post I noted that I've been a little addicted to blogging lately - more so than ever. I read blogs, link to blogs, write my own blog, and most importantly, market my blog. With all of these things combined, however, blogging can be a very time consuming thing. But what's the point of dedicating all this time if no one can find your blog to read it?

While the sole concept of blogging could be therapeutic for some, I find it to be an online networking and self-promotional tool more than anything else. Therefore, it's important that I stay on top of the different ways to make my blog noticed online. So with that said, how do I not only get new traffic to my blog, but keep the old traffic returning?

New Posts
No one wants to pull up a blog that hasn't been updated since January of 2006. What's the point? Unless the topic is immune to being outdated, the info is old and probably not worth anything anymore.

By posting regularly, you're doing multiple things. One, is that you're giving your current readers something to come back for. Keep your current subscribers interested and if they're into what you're saying, chances are they'll pass your blog info on to someone else.

Another plus is that by writing often, you're consistently keeping your blog refreshed. And by keeping it refreshed, you're keeping your name at the top of the blog search engines. With the thousands... no, let me revise... millions of blogs that there are out there, you can't afford to be at the bottom of the list. Keep your blog updated and you'll be sure to be updated on search engines.

Blog Stats
Keeping an eye on your blog's stats is a great way to know how well you're really doing. You may think just because you have a published blog, you'll have readers, but that's not true at all. There are several programs that I use to keep an eye on my blog traffic. A few of them being Feedburner, StatCounter Pro and MyBlogLog. I can get a wide range of info from each of the different programs. Best of all, these programs are free.

Subscriber Links
So, they're not the prettiest things in the whole world. But by adding a few link buttons to your blog, you can gain a lot of traffic. By adding an RSS feed link, or placing a couple of buttons to link to major blog portals such as Technorati and such, you can give your visitor a one-stop sign-up spot to receive your news and recent blog posts. This a great way for people to tag your page, should they like it, so they won't lose it. They'll be sure to return. Furthermore, add a few links for them to forward your blog posting to a friend. Referrals are great!

Participation
There's a lot to be said for actively participating in the online community. What does that mean? Go to a favorite website and see if they have a discussion board. Find a topic you're interested or well-versed in and speak up! By showing that you know your stuff, and by being sure to sign your posts with your blog address in your signature, you're getting free advertising. And not only are you putting your online info in front of people, you're showing that you're a smarty pants as well.

Linking
Ever been to a blog and seen a huge list of links to other sites and blogs? They weren't put there by the author just to be nice. They're there for publicity. Seems a little backwards, yes, but here's how it works. You're bored at work and find a cool blog. It's got great info and you're really impressed by the author. You quickly type a message to the blogger and say, "Great blog. I'd like to link to you from mine. Would that be okay?" Of course, they'll say yes. But chances are, they'll be curious about who's checking out their site. They'll realize that you're a nifty blogger yourself and probably add your link. Now, you're getting their readers. And they're getting yours. Traffic for everybody.

While the list is pretty much endless, these are a few points that I've learned work well. It can be daunting to seek out a forum and type your thoughts, to keep track of your stats, and to post regularly. But, what I've found, is that it becomes routine. And eventually a likable activity.

Peaceful Living Site Up and Running

Yesterday, a site I did for one of my clients, Peaceful Living went live. Already, the client has received feedback from her contact form! Check it out at PeacefulLivingCare.com.

Creative Blocks

We all get them and they're inevitable from time to time. As creatives, our brains are constantly being stretched and pulled for the next great idea. So when we hit a roadblock and just can't seem to make it through the remaining 4 hours of the workday, what's a girl to do? This may be the opposite of what some say, but my advice is to succumb to it.

While pushing through and forcing yourself to be creative may be appropriate for tight deadline situations, let's face it. The work you're going to come up with isn't going to be all that great. The layouts will be slightly off here and there, words will possibly need a major spellcheck and furthermore, you're probably just not caring enough to notice details. So why do it?

Do yourself some good and do something inspiring. Take a walk, flip through a design magazine, type on your blog, listen to some music, grab a Jamba Juice or read a book. Burning out on work only happens to best of us. Give your brain a little break, maybe even some food for thought, and then you'll be as good as new.

Client Gifts - Ideas?

While many think an appropriate gift for your client is a good old box of chocolates or a gift certificate to your local Applebee's, think again! Chocolates are coming in by the dozen and why tell your client to spend their dollars at another business? The secret to holiday giving is to promote yourself and your company while showing the client you really care.

In my recent blog readings, I've come across many holiday card and gift giving ideas. Being that we're so close to the holidays, I thought I'd share a little of my knowledge with you.

Open House
One of the easiest things to do for your clients over the holidays is to have an open house. Work up some one-of-a-kind invitations and invite your guests to stop by your nicely decorated office for some nog and some laughs. Include a few gingerbread men and you've just given your client a good experience and possibly some new business ideas, if the networking opportunities are there. Plus, it's bank-account friendly.

Wine
Nothing says happy holidays like a bottle of wine or liquor. However, this one can be a little tricky. I would shy away from this option unless you and your client have a more familiar relationship. Make it easy on yourself and avoid asking, "Red or White? Brandy or Rum?" Instead, I'd stick with a bottle of Champagne if you're unsure, after all, New Year's is just around the corner. With this gift, your client is sure to think of you as a classy colleague.

Gift Certificates
If you're lucky enough to have connections for some cool sports tickets or a great concert, feel free to pass these along. However, this can be a great networking opportunity. Gift certificates for your service (i.e. a free logo evaluation, a free month's of website maintenance, or whatever comes to mind) are a great way to give your client something they can really use. Furthermore, it can up your sales. If the client doesn't have a need for it, chances are they'll pass it along to someone who does. Referrals, referrals!

Custom Made Gifts
One trend a lot of creatives have been shelling out at Christmas is their very own, custom made wrapping paper. Gift wrap is a great creative outlet and everyone can benefit from it. Furthermore, it's an opportunity to show off your skills and have it passed from person to person! What's better than having your client wrap a gift for their boyfriend's-sister's-friend's-uncle and then, what do you know, you've got your work in front of them. A few more creative options are calenders, greeting card kits, stationery systems, notepads, etc. Put on those creative caps!

Music
Ahhh, the gift of music. Such a good one. What's a cooler gift than you customizing your very own mix CD - and it doesn't have to be cheap either. Compile a disc of holiday music, jazz, whatever, and add a cool CD cover. Customize it to reflect your service or creativity and slap your contact info on there. BAM! You've got a holiday disc that's so good, they'll pull it out for a listen every year. Furthermore, you've got a business card in the form of a cool CD right in front of them.

Green Option
I am crazy about the eco-friendly gifts. Love them! The coolest thing I think I've seen this year is grow-a-note greeting cards. You send out the cards and the receiver can plant them. In the spring, they'll have a beautiful flower garden right before their eyes! You also get to look like the hero who's out to save the environment in a cool and trendy fashion. For some other awesome gift ideas, check out greengiftguide.com.

Blogger Etiquette 101

I've been into reading blogs as of late. So into it, that I think I've read more blog entries in the past week than I have in my whole life. It's not boredom really, just pure curiosity. There are so many bloggers out there writing both personal and topical entries (those are actually blog terms... I learned that on a blog today). Among those, each blog is very specific to the individual writing it. They have their own style, their own lingo and their own way of expressing themselves.

I personally love the more laid-back, personal format. It's a little more friendly and serves the idea of a blog a little better, I think. But then there are some that happen to take the friendly banter way overboard. For example, I was reading a blog today (which for the purpose of this conversation, we'll call blog x) and it was cute. The design was pink and trendy, very girly and written in a fun and friendly fashion. Being the curious cat that I am, I think, "Hmmm. This is a good writer. Who is she?" I click on Blog X's bio, or whatever she happened to name it. I get to the pop-up page and I suddenly realize this is a long one. No biggie though; this blogger is so good I'm sure her bio is interesting, right?

Ten minutes later, I give up. I literally now know the name of the town the girl was born in and that she prefers to sit with her feet propped to having them on the floor. She hates roller coasters but loves airplanes. Hmmm. So, in fear of sounding like my blogger friend here, what's my point? Simply put, whatever your style, don't ramble! Sure a blog is meant to be a personal diary and such; a place where you can simply enter whatever comes to mind and not really care if all your friends read it or not. But if your profile alone takes ten minutes to read, that's just plain silly. People have zilch for time at this day in age. Better make those stories short and sweet.

Googling Oneself

A blog that I really enjoy is The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking. While the blog is filled with info and tips on promoting oneself online, it's also wonderfully written. Highly recommended.

Regardless, one of the tips I read recently was about subscribing to alerts by any major search engine. When someone publishes something about your company or your name online, you receive an email alert. It's a great way to monitor your company's image, and to know what your name is being posted on. Taking this advice, I signed up for Google alerts right away.

I'm thrilled about this major time saver as I've actually spent a lot of time Googling "13thirtyone" previously just to review what appears. The strangest things pop up! Wedding vendor sites from Denver and Texas that I didn't ask to be on, all kinds of weird design directories with my company info and loads more. Somehow my name is just copied ten times over! I guess it gets my name out there, right?

In any case, try Googling yourself or your company, on the off-chance that you haven't already, and see what shows. Furthermore, I suggest subscribing to these alerts, especially if you're a start-up like myself. We can't afford to look bad on anything.

LinkedIn

So today I joined LinkedIn. After my post yesterday, I did a little research. I asked some friends if they knew of it, what they thought, etc. Surprisingly, they had some really good feedback about the site. As of about an hour ago, I'm all set up and I've invited my buddies to join. We'll see how it goes.

In the meantime, feel free to take a look at my profile. Look for the little LinkedIn icon on the right-hand side of my blog. Feel free to link with me!

Online Networking

Lately the trend seems to be online networking. Businesses are not just using blogs and websites, but utilizing Facebook and even mySpace. I can't help but wonder if these resources for keeping in touch actually work.

In reading one of my favorite blogs by designer Dani Nordin of the Zen Kitchen, a recent post states that Facebook is beneficial to her. So much, that she's addicted to it! While I'm glad to hear things are going well, I have to say I'm a bit hesitant about joining myself. Could it be the negative connotations that go along with Facebook and mySpace? Are there really that many business owners out there that take the time to network on these sites? While finding a new audience to communicate with is always a plus, I feel that my style tends to be a little different.

When it comes to networking, I'm a firm believer in showing your face and giving a person the opportunity to truly remember who you are. Dani's feelings about networking, in itself, seem to be the same. In reference to networking, she states,"Turns out, now I'm addicted. There are many reasons why, but the primary reason is that it adds a more personal level to professional networking - I can get to know people on a deeper level than just their work history or immediate needs. And this, to me, is what real "networking" is all about - creating a network of mutually supportive people."

My only question is, how personal can it really be behind a computer? Is networking on these sites looked down upon by other business owners? Any thoughts to help me out?

For the full post by Dani, visit her post, What I'm loving about Facebook."

Cool Sites

Not having much to blog about today, I thought I would credit some sites I find are very worthy of a visit. The following are a list of sites that include fonts, downloadable images, etc. They're fun to look at if nothing else. If you have any you'd like to forward my way, I love to see them!

Fenderskirts Vintage Artwork
Such cool photography and clip art. I love this site. Also serves for great inspiration in itself.

Havana Street
An awesome portal for retro clipart sites. Good time saver.

Monkey In A Dryer
An awesome screen and apparel printer in Richfield, Mn. Cool site.


Misprinted Type
Nice retro style site with lots of freeware.


GirlsWhoWearGlasses.com
Website that offers fonts, photos and example pieces by the artist.

The Proposal

One of the most overrated pieces of design work, I feel, is the coveted proposal. Sure it's helpful for clients in selecting a designer and their proposed design solution. But how much sense does it make, really?

I have found that the proposal walks a fine line between suggestions and spec work. Let's be frank, a client puts out an RFP because they want to see what a designer envisions for them. Great. But being the visual creatures that designers are, how do we tend to best communicate our visions? Through example graphics, diagrams, sketches, etc. So what's the difference between providing a client with a proposal filled with mini-graphic samples and mock-ups and providing a full-size mock-up piece in itself? Aren't they both versions of spec work in one way or another?

There have been a few clients recently who have come my way and asked for a proposal. While I'm happy to compile my thoughts and professional suggestions for them, I try my best to avoid using designs in the document. Furthermore, it only creates the possibility of plagiarism. There are the few bad apples that would think, "I have your ideas, and how it's supposed to look exactly! What do I need you for now?" Sounds paranoid, I know, but I have to watch out for my business. This can make things tricky.

When I do have to put a proposal together, I choose to include photos of the current client's materials, store, etc. I simply create an editorial out of them, compiling my thoughts on how to improve each scene in the corresponding photo. I don't provide sample design work - the work that I would actually execute had I been handed the job. The format goes something like this:
1. Intro (a brief summary of the problem)
2. Problem(s)
3. My Suggestions
4. Notes/Appendix

Many people suggest including a budget and/or a timeline in this document. But for me, I prefer to be a little more realistic. The client should have told me both of those things before I was requested to submit my proposal. And if they haven't, I know that my ideas better be pretty adaptable, or if insanely necessary, I ask. So that's that. The proposal in a nutshell. :)

Customize Those Christmas Cards

The holidays are rapidly approaching and now is the time that most businesses start passing around those cards for signing. But before you purchase just another card from those online bulk vendors, or pick up a 100-pack at your nearest Sam's Club, try creating something a little unique first. If you intend to make an impression with your holiday greetings, be sure to do it right. The following article by Fred Showker couldn't say it any better.

Successful Holiday Postcards
By Fred Showker

It doesn't take a lot of time, money or effort to create, print and mail a postcard. But when done right, a postcard can be enormously effective. So, it's the perfect vehicle to use in place of a holiday greeting card for your business. Around the holiday season, everyone is busy, and many times your postcard will be seen and enjoyed before the envelopes with traditional cards get opened... if they get opened at all. While you could apply these rules to any postcard promo, we'll assume this will apply to commercial greetings rather than personal.

1. Make your list, and check it twice
Select those people from your client list who bought from you most recently, most often, and who spent the most money. In trade lingo, this is called RFM: Recency, Frequency and Monetary Value. Don't overlook those who may have been out of touch for a while. Everyone likes a greeting.

2. Make it bright
When you look at a well-designed card, there is usually one dominant feature to catch your eye. It could be the headline or the picture, but not both. Something has to dominate. And while it might be tempting to throw in a little starburst that says "look", be careful how you use it. When you emphasize everything, you emphasize nothing. Your image should have a holiday image, but that's not imperative. Just make it fun and eye-catching.

3. Invite them in
You should want to give the recipient a reason to think about you and possibly visit you. That means some incentive. Discounts and sales are among the most common offers because they steer business your way that might otherwise go to competitors. But anyone can have a sale. Make it a private sale only for people on your mailing list and you gain loyalty and sales. If your business thrives on repeat customers, a well-timed reminder is as much customer service as it is a traffic builder. If you want to stay away from commercialism, just decide on a day, and have an open house. Time it for a couple of hours spanning across the end of the business day and invite folks to drop by after work. Have a bowl of holiday punch, and an assortment of cookies, candies, fruits cheeses and breads. It doesn't have to be lavish -- it's the offer that counts.

4. Highlight the Season and the Event
To professional mailers this is the oldest trick in the book: a discount, free gift, rebate, or your holiday open house. So powerful is a good offer that very often it appears in the headline of the letter. Make sure the the date, time and address is included. Time and again, its been proven that more people respond to an offer when there is a specific time involved.

5. Give'em a Push, and a Way Out
You got the readers attention and guided them through enough information. You aroused their interest and desire. Now you have to let your readers know the important details. Make it easy on the eye, but hard to ignore. Tell people what you want them to do. If they can't make it, be sure to offer a counter-invitation. "If you can't make it, feel free to call or stop by any time, we'd love to see you. Make sure your contact information is clear.

6. Follow the Trail, Follow Up
A postcard can also be a method of response. It can take the form of a coupon, a gift certificate, or a ticket to an event. Ask people to present the coupon to take advantage of an offer or "special gift". Counting coupons helps you measure the effectiveness of your promotions. That way you can better understand what worked, and who came. Don't forget their address will be on the card, making it easy to follow up after the holidays with a "thanks for coming" reply. A nice way to extend the promotion over into January.

7. Give Guests and Printers Time
The old saying, speed-quality-price, pick any two, is equally true in the printing business. If you re working with a printing company, give the finished piece to your printer well before you plan to mail it. This will give the printer time to do the job right and may save you money on rush charges. You want the post card to be in the recipients hands at least two weeks from your event. So start with that target date and work backwards with your printer for a press date.

8. Change the size and shape to stand out
If you've always sent the same 4" x 6" postcard and its always gotten respectable results -- why not try something different? Test a 6" x 9," and see if it catches people off guard and sticks out from the bunch. You can also try custom shapes. A real estate agent might try a postcard in the shape of a house. A moving company could try a postcard in the shape of a truck. The USPS is now allowing this new form of postcard marketing.

9. Make it Picture Perfect
Proof and Proofread before printing -- when everything is together and are ready to print, proofread it again. Then ask someone else to go over it. Don't forget to proofread those things you see all the time, like your name, address and phone number. After all, you don't want to go to the expense of printing something that you cant use because of a mistake.

10. Make it Memorable
Scour your stock photography archives, or other clip services you may subscribe to. It may even be worth purchasing a stock photo CD to find just the right picture to go with your message. If you've got the knack, make a digital photo of something your target audience will be familiar with. Or, photograph you and your staff, then modify the image in Photoshop... put your staff's faces on 8 tiny reign deer; put your face on the Grinch; put everyone's faces on a row of snow men! There are lots of great ideas that will be wonderful attention getters, and perhaps even a card the customer will want to keep. Above all, make it fun, inviting, and cordial. Your client will think kindly of it, and you'll have the opportunity to make that all-important client contact once again.

Business Card Etiquette

I truly believe that there are etiquette rules to be followed when one passes out their business card. After all, the point of this exchange is to provoke action on the prospect's part. If I had out my card in an obnoxious manner, who's going to call me?

Unfortunately, I think today I was borderline obnoxious. Who knows if this will generate any business for me. But, I thought to myself, I'll regret it more if I don't speak up about what I do than if I say something. So, here's the story. I was at this cute little gift shop in downtown Hudson. It's very kitschy and retro and they're such a unique store. I love it. I was grabbing a few early Christmas gifts and saw their logo on the window and thought, "That's not bad. I wonder who does their design work."

Of course, the wheels won't stop turning. I'm then thinking, do they have good looking business cards? Who's doing their website? Do they even have a website? I grab my final items and go to the register to pay. The woman at the till seemed to have a little more authority than your average worker. So I asked, "Do you guys have a website? You know, so that people out of town can order your items online?" She says, "No, but it's a great idea. It's something we've wanted to do for a while but just haven't gotten around to. I have a friend who does websites though. Maybe after the holiday rush slows down."

I wasn't sure how to proceed. She said she has a friend who can build one. But what if her friend won't want to? Hmmm... My mind is reeling as I pay for my items, not knowing whether to throw her my card or not. Finally, I thought, go for it. "You know what?" I said. "I'm just going to give this to you. You can toss it if you're not interested, but I actually do websites. Give me a call if you want to move forward. Again, feel free to throw it out if you're not into it though." I said it. She looked at me and goes, "Hey, thanks!" Hmmm...

I'm usually a pretty good analyst when it comes to reading these types of reactions, but not this time. Bummer. I paid for my items, she was nice, and of course, I continued to try to stay light hearted. After something like that it's hard to keep the conversation at a light tone. I just solicited, didn't I?

So, that's about as obnoxious as I get... I think. If you want to make a good impression, the tone you create while handing out your card is so important. I think the way you give it to someone, not just them having it in the first place, is what could make or break the deal. We'll see what happens.

Art Field Trip

Yesterday was my birthday and I celebrated by taking the day off of work and visiting a few art museums around the Twin Cities. My day started at the University of Minnesota's museum, the Weisman. The building itself is beautiful. They have a piece by one of my favorite artists, Robert Motherwell, along with an enormous Roy Lichtenstein (sp?). But what I really enjoyed about this particular visit was their current installation piece. The artist had set up an old apartment building hallway - including dim lighting, spills on the walls, and even apartment building smells. The objective was to walk up to each of the six doors and lean in your ear to have a listen. If you got close enough, an audio recording would start of what was going on behind the door. Very interesting.

I then headed off to the Minneapolis Institue of Art. They're currently exhibiting some earlier works by Georgia O'Keeffe. Oddly, there weren't very many flower paintings at all. They were much more primitive pieces including her pelvic bone studies and even some abstractions. It was an entirely different O'Keeffe exhibit to me.

Finally, I visited the Walker Art Center. Also a wonderful building. The current showing was the Frida Kahlo exhibit which includes several breathtaking paintings along with a photographic display from her personal album. I knew of Kahlo before, but after seeing her showing, I am extremely intrigued by her work. Her emotions are clearly portrayed in every painting - so vividly, it's easy to pick up on what she's trying to communicate. I found all three museums very refreshing and a great way to spend my birthday.

Christmas Cards

Every year I try to make my own Christmas cards, both for 13thirtyone and for my personal use. In working to create something unique and special each year, the ideas don't seem to flow as easily as they use to. Obviously, a good Christmas card will have a sense of creativity and shows that I've put time into creating each individual card.

In recent posts, I've talked about promoting your business with something different, like a bottle of wine, etc. However, what about the cards that need to be sent to my printers, smaller clients and photographers? Surely, I can't supply a bottle of wine to everyone. So what's a special way to wish holiday cheer, in a card, without breaking the bank? What have other people done for a special looking greeting card?

Work Sample

Below is a Flash website that I just finished for a client, Platinum Dental Lab. They aren't a dentist, but a lab that creates the faux teeth for an individual's mouth. Very interesting.

The launch of their new website just took place and all of us are very excited about it. A portfolio of the ceramists' work is featured on the site along with testimonials and a lot of other great info. Check it out at www.platinumdentallab.com.

References

I think books are a great resource for guidance and inspiration. They allow designers to self-educate on current trends and issues, running a business and dealing with clients. I try to keep my library of design books close by and try to add to it regularly. My latest find is Beyond Logos, a book by Clare Dowdy.

The piece is interesting as it discusses corporate branding and it's importance beyond just logos and marks. It references the topic as an aesthetic, a service, a mission, etc. Very interesting. Case studies are reviewed on real companies and their corporate branding successes. A good read for anyone trying to educate themselves or their clients on the importance of corporate branding.

printing schminting

Every now and again I am reminded of the craziness that is the printing process. Color matching can be a headache, colors on computer screens vs. colors on the printed pieces can confuse clients, paper weights and textures need to be taken into account, etc. There's so much that goes into the final product that goes beyond the design itself.

Being that this part of the process can sometime trip people up (both designers and clients), I thought I'd share my mini checklist for sending works to the printer. Of course, varying steps may need to be taken for two color jobs vs. four color, but this is a general outline.

1. Photography: Make sure all of your photos are either embedded directly into the file or saved with items you're sending to the printer. A lost photo at the printer can delay time and create a few headaches. Also, make sure your photos are in the correct color mode - more often than not, CMYK. If your photo is RGB, it's more than likely that your picture will print out a little different than expected. Finally, ensure that your photos are at the correct resolution for the right job. Magazine and newspaper ads can usually go at 150 dpi. But for those gorgeous, high quality pieces, no less than 300.

2. Fonts: Just as with photography, "embed" your fonts into your file by turning them to outlines before sending to the printer. This ensures that a default font doesn't override yours at the print shop. If you need the text to be edited after it gets to the printer, for business card employee names, for example, send the font file along with your package. Having the fonts right there and ready for the printer is much appreciated.

3. Bleeds: If the printing on your document needs to run past the edges of the page, be sure to include a bleed. A 1/8" bleed is typical. Simply take the color you want to run to the edge of your document by dragging the shape over the document edge in your design program. Furthermore, if exporting your file to a pdf, be sure to include your bleed by selecting the "marks and bleeds" option. Set it to 1/8" unless specified otherwise by your printer.

4. Printer's Marks: Not only when using a bleed, but when sending any job, I'm always sure to include printer's marks. This is an option you can select when exporting your file for print as a pdf. These marks include trim marks, registration marks, and color swatches. Again, whether using a bleed or not, it's good to let your printer know where the item ends for trimming purposes.

5. Color Correction: If sending your file as CMYK, be sure those are the only four colors in the document. In other words, make sure all Pantone swatches that were used are now converted over. In reverse, be sure all Pantone swatches are clearly stated to the printer and are the only colors present in your document. If a large area of black is to be printed on your piece, I always set my CMYK settings to not just 100% black, but also 50% Cyan. This allows for a deeper, truer black. Strange, but true.

6. Paper: Be sure that you specify to the printer which type of paper your document needs to be printed on. If it's glossy, or coated paper, be sure to have your pantone swatches set for coated (usually reads PMS 123C). If you're printing on a matte surface, be sure swatches are set to uncoated (PMS 123U). Seems like a small detail, but colors will come out much different than expected if not set for the right paper texture.

For more details and thoughts, check this link: http://www.davidairey.com/12-money-saving-questions-on-commercial-printing/. And for a more specific rundown of the process, I'd go here: http://www.graphicdesignblog.co.uk/design-for-print-check-list/

Just Listen

One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is learning how to communicate effectively. This doesn't just means being able to ask clients questions regarding their design and printing. It means also listening when something is wrong.

Recently, a client of mine had some worries regarding the outcome of a project. While I had a solution I could offer right away, I chose to listen to my client and to let them vent first. Why?

Clients want to make sure they're being heard. I have found that if I can actively listen to a client's problem, then they feel that I've taken the time from my day to help them out. Do some clients call just to complain? Well, it not so many words. But yes, there are clients that can't be helped. However, it's important to make each client feel like they're getting the opportunity to express their concerns to me. It makes me feel respected (if a client can talk to me openly and honestly) and in return, I hope my client feels the same way.

So how do these difficult conversations usually go? First, I'll ask the client what's wrong and to explain their concerns to me in great detail. On the off chance the client gets heated, I simply interject and ask if there's a better time we should discuss seeing as how the person is quite upset. Usually, this brings the conversation back to a normal tone, if it wasn't already.

After the client has thoroughly vented, I tell them that I've already thought of a solution. But first, I make it clear that I empathize with them. That if I were in their position, I'd probably see it the same way. This usually puts everyone on an even surface and the conversation now becomes about working together to solve a problem; not just client vs. designer.

Finally, after exploring solution options, it's time to be proactive. I don't like to get off the phone or leave a face to face conversation with a client if they're still unhappy. I find it's best to completely talk out any emotions there may be before moving on. In the end, I think everyone walks away feeling productive and knowing what the next step is. It's never a good idea to become combative with a client, as difficult as it may be at times. It's also never a wise choice to conduct correspondence of this type over email, as tones can easily be mistaken.

Clients are the life of a business. Make sure they're happy and that they feel you care. Finding the balance between working together to fix a problem and just listening to someone complain, however, is a trick that takes time to master.

helpful issue for entrepreneurs

Just a quick note - I was flipping through the current issue of HOW Design magazine over the weekend and I strongly suggest picking up a copy if you're considering going into business for yourself. Even you aren't ready now, grab it and hang on to it. It covers everything from marketing, testimonials from other designers, and finance mangament. Very helpful.

Check it out online here at: http://www.howdesign.com/

publishing your client list?

As I acquire more projects and more portfolio pieces, I continuously try to keep my website updated. It offers viewers the chance to always see some new work and it allows me to exhibit a wide variety of projects.

In my industry, it seems to be standard to publish your client list along with your portfolio. While I feel this is a little redundant, I can't help but wonder if this is a good idea. Is it fair to the client to have their design source advertised? Is it unfair to a prospective client who wants to know if you're working for their competition? Do some design firms simply use it as a bragging tool? Thoughts?

Keeping Busy

Lately, things have been going really well for 13thirtyone. I've gained a lot of exposure in my community, am maintaining great relationships with my current clients and have had several new clients come through the door. Needless to say, all of the above mixed with networking, marketing, billing, designing and having a personal life is quite a challenge.

Sometimes I worry that the quality of good client relations/customer service will go down due to busy schedules and deadlines. So my question is this; is it worth slowing down and requiring longer amounts of time to complete a design job in order to provide each client with the face/phone/email time they deserve? Are clients still happy with a job well done and good customer relations if the work takes longer to receive?

Thoughts?

work sample: wedding

*©2007, 13thirtyone Design LLP. All rights reserved.

One of the services I like to provide to clients is the design of wedding invitations. I really like working on these projects as they're so personal and I'm honored to be apart of someone's big day.

I've been working with a bride who just got married this past Saturday. She really wanted to play up autumn colors in her designs. This is the final product which I'm pretty happy with.

check this out

Even though it's not on newsstands until next month, HOW Design already put our business cards up on their website. Be sure to take a look: http://www.howdesign.com/dc/features/bizcards.asp

Blog for Business

Blogging For Your Business
A trend that's become a major marketing tool for businesses recently is blogging. We've all heard of it and, unfortunately, some of us directly relate it to the horror stories we've heard about My Space. However, blogging is actually a very powerful method of promoting a business. They allow a more personal relationship to develop with your current and prospective clients... and they also allow you to finally find a place for all of that "stuff" you've been meaning to upload to your company's website. For a peek at how I set up my blog visit http://13thirtyone.blogspot.com/.


What is a Blog? First things first, let's talk about the concept of a blog. A blog is simply an online journal or diary. You can add entries as often as you like - ten times a day, if you have the time. You can share photos, excerpts from articles, post links to other websites, etc. All you have to do is go to www.blogger.com to get started.



What do I Write About? I think of blogs as being an informal website. For me, I can offer my current and prospective clients tricks and tips to help them promote themselves. I can also share exciting news about my own company. Also, I've created a "random" category. If I'm feeling like writing about something not-so-pertinent to business that day, I can do that. Your blog can be whatever you want it to be. Just remember that while it's less formal, it's still a direct reflection of you and your business.


How Often Should I Post? The more you post, the more your blog is "refreshed." When your blog is "refreshed," it jumps to the top of the blog search engines. People can find your blog easier if you write more. I try to write in my blog about three to four times during the week. Of course, if you have lots to say, write twice a day!


What Should My Blog Look Like? I think Blogger.com is great because it offers a lot of templates in a lot of color variations. It's great for an individual who doesn't know a lot of HTML code and doesn't want to spend the time custom designing their blog, or paying a professional to do so.

However, I think it's important to incorporate your company's branding into everything you do as much as possible. Try to find a template (should you choose to go that route) that reflects the ideas of your business. Choose colors that match your company's collateral.


Why Shouldn't I Just Post All of This on my Website?
The first advantage to keeping your site clean and simple is that viewers can easily navigate around it. You don't want to put too much information up there because the audience won't know where to start reading, they'll get lost, or they'll get confused and just leave. Let your website work just enough to "hook" the viewer. Let them take action to contact you further.

Also, if you're paying a web developer or designer to update your site for you, constantly changing photos, uploading newsletters and adding publicity announcements can add up to a lot of money. By doing a blog, you're in complete control. You can add and edit content as much and as often as you like. Best of all, it's free!

Finally, your website should reflect your business in as professional of a tone as possible. Let it. Keep your advice and stories on a more personal level and let your viewers feel they've made a personal connection with you or your company. Post those items on a blog.

email campaigns

As a marketing tool, I send out email newsletters. These emails are often filled with news about 13thirtyone or tips and tricks for the business owner when it comes to self-promotion. So many people are using this method of marketing now that it's difficult to continuously invent interesting topics - epsecially topics that people will want to open during their busy workday. But another trick of the trade is knowing how often to send them.

I have found that sending my email campaigns once a month is plenty. However, I read an excellent online article at BlueHornet.com recently called Email Marketing Best Practices. It not only answers this question, but offers helpful reminders about what makes a valuable email marketing campaign. See tips below.

Do what you say you will do
When someone opts-in to your email list, send a welcome letter soon after a customer subscribes. Don't wait too long or they may forget about you. In the letter, remind them why they opted in (to get news, specials, resources). If you know you'll be sending a monthly or daily email, include that information in your letter and on your sign-up page and deliver on that promise - no more, no less. Also, set a pattern to send emails consistently (example: the first Tuesday afternoon of each month). Meeting expectations will help establish credibility with your subscribers.

Strike a balance
Even if you've had a great return on an email campaign, resist the urge to send another campaign the next day or week. Send too often and you risk annoying or losing credibility. At BlueHornet, we suggest sending less rather than more. Unless you're promising daily communication, once every two weeks or once a month may be appropriate. The most important thing is to have something good to say, which brings up the next topic...

Give them something valuable
Delivering a compelling, valuable message to your subscribers is absolutely crucial to a good email campaign. Subscribers are sure to opt out if you send them irrelevant, boring content. The amount of good, interesting information you have is a smart way to determine how frequently you should send. Great information sent monthly is much better than mediocre information sent bi-monthly.

Study your data
One of the greatest things about email is the ability to test. Use statistics features to track click-through rates, opt-ins and outs and new subscriptions over time. Study the data to determine your future strategy for frequency. Good click-through and new subscriber rates indicate good frequency. Excessive opt outs suggest your frequency may need a rethink.

Survey
Most subscribers are willing to answer a few (under five) quick questions without protest. Ask them how often they want to hear from you.

For more information on this company or topic, visit http://www.bluehornet.com/site/press_release/article_014.htm

what's with all the portfolio sites?

When I first started trying to promote my services, I signed up with Portfolios.com. It's a well-known portfolio site which is part of the Create Network - hence, where Create Magazine comes from. While I've gotten a few inquiries and a few jobs from posting my portfolio on this site, I've also received a wonderful invitation to join an Advisory Board for an up and coming design software. Very cool.

The crazy thing is, I signed up for that gig last February and never heard of these portfolio portals before. Now, they're everywhere! I receive generic messages about once or twice a month saying, "Hey, I saw your portfolio and think you'd be a good fit for our online portfolio tool. If you're interested, visit www..." I found CarbonMade.com recently this way and signed up because the site looked pretty cool and it was free. But what about all the other ones in between?

What is it about this particular portfolio sharing system that makes their creators think we need more and more of them? Are there really that many people out there using the sites? Furthermore, is anyone really benefitting from them all that much? In other words, are designers really generating a solid clientele this way?

The thing that worries me a little is that the work is unprotected. Being that my subscriptions to both of these sites are about to run out, I'll deal with it in the mean time. But, isn't there a pretty good chance that someone can just right click, download your portfolio swatch and go from there? Am I being paranoid?

Dealing With Competition

Competition, in my mind, is always a good thing. It pushes us along and keeps us on our toes. Being in a suburb of the Twin Cities, the market I live in is currently saturated with graphic/website design firms, agencies, and freelancers. So how does a person make their mark while so many others are trying to do the same thing?

In my experience, there are a few tricks that I've found to be helpful. First and foremost is style. The way that I design and the look of my product is very unique. My love for vintage-style work and retro graphics sets me apart right away from other designers. While this look may appeal to some prospective clients, it could also turn a few away. The nice thing is that people who approach my business have usually already checked out my site. They know the type of work that I do and they tend to already have a sense of who I am as a designer. My work samples and promotional materials attract a certain audience, and I appreciate this because I know I won't be forced to design in a style that doesn't fit my personality or my business.

The second thing is exposure. By creating brochures and keeping them sprinkled throughout my town, entering contests for design, and by often attending networking groups, people can put a visual to my business name. When they hear or see "13thirtyone Design," I want them to be able to know myself or know my work. This way, I won't blend in with the "yellow page" designers.


Finally, and unfortunately, is the daunting task of researching the market. As said before, the area in which I live is completely congested with designers. While I am a member of my local area Chamber of Commerce and Professional Women's Network, I also try my best to pick up clients in other cities. Lately, I've been working with some new clients from La Crosse, Wisconsin. This is great for me because the area is looking for a new designer's style. Furthermore, I know my competition isn't really looking for work there.

Co-existing with the competition can be a little tricky. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing. It only pushes me, personally and professionally, to grow in different directions, ones that aren't as obvious at first glance.

DIY Identities?

I came across a website today and I'm feeling very troubled about it. The web address is http://h30393.www3.hp.com/printing/paula.html.

We've all heard of Paula Scher. Award-winning designer who some call the new Milton Glaser. However, HP and Paula have come together to create a website fully based on do-it-yourself design. As a designer, I'm having a hard time understanding why Paula would create a tool that not only provides second-rate design to the client, but takes jobs away from the designer.

The purpose of the tool is to have any business be able to visit the site, choose between two template designs and enter their info. BAM - the work is done. I tested it, and within a matter of about 2 minutes I had an entire corporate identity system with labels and a fax cover sheet to match. For free.

While this will certainly take business away from designers, I'm hoping that it only weeds out the few clients who don't take design as an investment seriously. The clients who want a truly unique look and a high quality product will, hopefully, still turn to designers for their help. The others, who'd like to save a buck or two, will end up looking like everyone else. What do you think?

You can find a sample of my Paula Scher letterhead below - freshly made about two seconds ago.

13thirtyone is in Create Magazine!

I have very exciting news today... 13thirytone is in the September/October 2007 issue (currently on newsstands) of Create Magazine twice! You can find me on page 25 under the Midwest news section. This blurb is simply about news and events. 13thirtyone received a mention for being featured in next month's HOW Design Magazine. Very exciting.

Even more thrilling (and jumping to page 37), the 13thirtyone website is one of only five featured websites for excellence in design and usability! They even have a screenshot of the site! Find blurb below:

13thirtyone is a design firm out of Hudson, WI. The site provides an excellent example of the company's Web design capabilities. A fast-loading Flash site that transitions well and quickly displays sample design work, 13thirtyone.com does not get bogged down by the typical lags that make visitors want to click away from a Flash site seconds after entering it. Simple navigation and well-highlighted hot points help visitors find what they're looking for and keep the interest of those with short attention spans. Designed by 13thirtyone Design.

Now, when I saw the call for businesses to enter their websites for recognition, it was purely for design. Little did I know that they'd be commenting on the efficiency of the site loading. With that said, 13thirtyone is solely responsible for the design and navigational structure of the site. However, credit must be given to a dear friend of mine, Gabe Morton-Cook who helped me to finish building my site as a wedding gift. You can visit Gabe's website at http://www.morton-cook.com/. Thank you so much for your help, Gabe!

payment woes

While searching a few of HOW's designer forums over the weekend, I came across a very common designer woe - the challenge of getting paid. Some clients are fantastic at making their payments. They accept the terms of the estimate easily and make payment on time. However, there will always be a few who challenge every charge and avoid meeting their billing due dates.

Being that most designers have run into this issue, I was personally able to offer some advice to a fellow designer. In a nutshell, I had worked on several projects for a client. While they were beneficial to my business, in that I developed a lot of projects and revenue from them, they often argued my rationale on concepts and project costs. This, overtime, became increasingly worse.

Towards the end of our working relationship, the client had a bill that was due very shortly. While I was notified that the payment would be arriving late, I still had to follow policy and enforce my late fee. Even though this charge was VERY minimal, the principle of it enraged my client. So much, that my client became very unprofessional and began name calling. I had to enforce my contract. I simply stated that if the payment wasn't received in full, including the late fee, the work would not be distributed for the client's use.

While the working relationship ended with the client very quickly thereafter, I still, to this day, feel that I handled the problem correctly. I stuck to my policies and beliefs and upheld the terms of my contract. However, I never recommend flaunting the rules of a contract to a client unless absolutely necessary - as tensions will arise.

So my advice is this... if you're having trouble getting paid, first learn from it. If you didn't use a contract, make one right away and use it for your next project. Check out my most previous post for contract-making info.

Secondly, use the contract for protection. You, as the designer, agree to hold up your end of the bargain and to create outstanding work for your client. Your client should only be expected to uphold their end of the deal and make payment in exchange. If discrepancies are arising, review the contract with the client, but be prepared for a few heated emotions.

Finally, remember that if your client doesn't respect you enough to make your payments and do business with you as professionals do, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. Obviously, a good client with a few past-due payments (which include your late fee) aren't a huge deal. But combative clients are not worth any amount of money. Design should be a truly fun and fascinating experience for both parties.

the contract

I can't even begin to stress how important it is to have a contract when working on a project with a client. Time and time again I've heard stories from designers regarding not getting paid, clients not finishing a project or designer exclusivity issues. Seldom, for me, do I have to enforce points in my contract. However, when a rare situation does arise (and they have) I'm so greatful that I have it.

So where does one get a contract and how do you know what to put in it? Luckily, AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists) supplies a free contract template. This is actually the contract I use today with all my clients. It covers everything from copyright issues to expenses. Furthermore, I know that if it's pusblished by AIGA, it's probably pretty secure in terms of protecting the designer. You can visit http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/standard-agreement for the Standard From of Agreement for Design Services. There's also other paperwork and guides that may be useful.

creative block

Everyone gets creative blocks every once in a while. As a designer, I custom design everything I do for my clients - no templates. It can be difficult at times to think of new ideas and to never recycle the old.

I have written posts before about ways to find inpsiration. But recently, I came across a book called Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued by Susan O'Doherty. It looks very interesting and provides ideas for not just designers, but writers and other creative professsionals.

I haven't yet had the chance to open it, but I thought this could be an interesting point for discussion. How do you suggest finding inspiration when ideas are running a little dry?

Self-Promotion Sample

In a recent posting (The Art of Self-Promotion from earlier this month), I discussed some ideas on how to promote yourself or your company in a unique manner. With October days away, I've decided that I should get a start on my client Christmas gifts this year. I needed to create something that was sure to grab attention and, if at all possible, utilize the skill set that my business is all about.

I know in The Art of Self-Promotion I had suggested the idea of celebrating another holiday and showing client appreciation. But for me personally, this is my favorite time of year and I can't help but join in the season's festivities. Each year, I'm sure to send out cards or a postcard of some sort. This year, I wanted to show my most dedicated and frequent clients just how much I appreciate their business with a little something extra. So, I decided I'd have some custom wine bottle labels created and send those special clients the gift of wine. If they're not big on the alcohol, it's still a great self-promotional piece. You can find both my Christmas wine label below.

a little light reading

I'm not sure how many people reading this are thinking of one day starting their own business. Such a task can seem daunting, intimidating and consuming. When I was ready to leave my full-time job at an advertising agency to start my own thing, I wasn't really sure how to go about it. I couldn't afford not to have a dependable income and the thought of having almost no clients to start with wasn't too appealing either. However, I knew more than anything that I wanted to run my own design business; it was just a matter of getting there.

I started reading up on how other people made the leap. I figured that I could do some learning from their mistakes. One of the best pieces of inspiration and guidance was The Anti 9 to 5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube. This book is filled with not just motivational tips, but actual step-by-step suggestions for even a person who's indecisive about what type of business they'd like to start.

I found it to be incredibly helpful and, in all actuality, a real page turner. Suggestions for networking organizations and websites are also inserted throughout. I strongly suggest to any gal looking to go out on her own!

Good Manners Equals Good Business

The century-old rule of "treat people how you want to be treated" has time and time again proven its truth to me. In an earlier post, I once talked about how showing people that you're thinking of them and dropping a client a nice note is a better way to market than to send out mass postcards or emails (see post title "That Fuzzy Feeling" from August). In truth, I started writing these little "thinking of you" notes because I received one personally from someone I was doing business with. And it made me feel reassurred that I had chosen right company.

Recently, I ran into a client situation where good manners and courtesy came through for me again. I had been working on an account with a client and was sure to treat them as I do all my other accounts: with prompt responses, efficient work paces and thorough communication. Without much warning, another designer had offered a proposal for the project I had already been hired for, and had been working on for about 8 weeks. Confused about the new possible direction, versus the current one I was working on, the client wanted to think about which designer they'd like to continue to work with.

While some designers may have become frustrated and impatient, I told myself to empathize with my client. To let them know that I was surely there for them if they wanted my help and that I would continue to do my best to offer them prompt communication and quality work, should they choose to stay with me. Being a graphic designer, we are often critisized for having egos and thinkig our work is always the better than the next artist's. I wanted to avoid this stereotype as best as possible and continued to tell my client that while I offered them a solution that I thought worked best for their current objectives, we could definitely work together and discuss a new approach to take. I wanted them to be happy and satisfied with not only the design they were choosing, but with the designer as well. Sure enough, my empathy for the client helped me out. The client chose to stay with me, I was sure to say thank you for their continued busienss, and we've moved on to the next phase of the project.

By no means is this post to display the client in a poor light. It is simply one of many examples when good manners, courtesy, and understanding can get you through a rough patch with an account. In all truthfulness, and not to sound corny, I truly feel that the client relationship is stronger and healtheir for having communicated to openly and effectively.

Research, Research

Currently, I'm working on several identity projects for new clients. In beginning the process, it's important that the client give me as much information about their business as possible - their exact services or products, what their client demographic looks like, future business goals, etc. Without this info, it's nearly impossible to create a logo that reflects the true personality of the business.

But these general questions are only the tip of the iceberg. When working on an identity for a new client, I often ask for details so minute that I have people emailing photos of what their furntiure is going to look like. Sound needy? It is, but is has to be.

The logo is one of the most important parts of a company's image; I consider it the business's "wrapping paper." It's what people see and it's definitely part of what makes people want to interact with a company, or not. I feel that asking a client about what their mission statement says is just as important as figuring out what the building itself will look like, or if clients will receive any sort of unique goods or services.

In having all of this information, I feel that as an "outsider" to the client's business, I can fairly assess what type of image it is they're looking for. Furthermore, if a first logo proposal doesn't work out, it creates an even more solid foundation for discussions and revisions.

Keeping Clients Motivated

In my experience, it's not often that graphic designers feel their clients are moving too slow, in terms of project pace. Clients are typically very excited about seeing design revisions and send routine emails to keep the designer informed of thoughts and opinions. The client is very enthusiastic and almost always wants the work to be finished yesterday. But what happens when this pattern isn't taking place - when the client seems to be moving too slowly and appears almost uninterested in the project?

Everyone is busy and our days are filled with tasks and random events that we can't escape from. But how does one keep a client motivated enough to finish a project, if need be? I feel that it's the designer's job to keep a client excited about the design - afterall, we're the ones that love it enough to do it everyday. So if the client becomes disinterested, is the designer to blame?

I've been doing a little research on this topic lately and most other designers seem to make it an issue of money. For example, instead of using a down payment system, charge for every two weeks of work. That way, only two weeks of work can turn into 4 months - thus the proportionate charge is not a huge remaining balance. But I can't help to feel as though this creates a negative process. No one likes making payments - let alone six of them. Doesn't that just create more billing time? Futhermore, doesn't it make the designer appear to be a little money-hungry? Getting paid at every opportunity possible.... maybe it's just a from of protection for the designer that most feel is the right move.

Slow projects take much more time (obviously) and more effort. More emails are sent checking in, more phone calls are made to ask for updates and more time is available for the client to change their mind about the project's direction. All in all, a slow project is a dangerous one.

My suggestion is to simply be a pest - but a good one. Weekly emails and check-ups can turn into twice-a-week reminders. Stating things like, "This is coming along very nicely. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and am really excited to get this finished up." Creating a positive tone may likely inpsire the client to keep going. If a designer comes across an article or a point of interest that pertains to the client, forward it on with a little note: "Hey, I saw this and thought we could apply this to another project. What do you think?" The biggest motivator is excitement and if the client's not feeling it, make them.

work sample

A while back I was asked to design a logo for a small business out in California - The Modern Woman's Divorce Guide. The company strives to help women who are recently divorced - how to move on, legal issues, etc. I was really excited about working with this client as I'm all about being an independent woman. Unfortunately, the client didn't feel the logos were working for them, but I truly feel proud of the work. In any case, if you know anyone looking for a little direction when it comes to divorce, have them check out www.themodernwomansdivorceguide.com.

The logos are a bit modern in feeling, as the title of the business suggests. One is more whimsical and hopeful while the others (at the request of the client) include an illustration of a "modern" gal.

Season's Greetings?

I've already seen advertisements for business-to-client Christmas cards. Are people really ordering their Christmas cards already?! This got me thinking...

In regards to my most recent post, "The Art of Self-Promotion," I talked about being different and trying to seperate yourself or your business from the crowd. What better opportunity than to not send a Christmas Card? Why not a Happy New Year's card? Or even some cheesy play off of Valentine's Day like, "we love our clients?"

How great would it be if your company's card was not only opened, but actually read? With the masses of cards we all get in the mail from the middle to the end of December, it makes sense that we would want to do something different. Afterall, the whole reason these cards are sent in the first place is to remind our clients about us and to wish them well. Why not wish them well when no one else is?

The Art of Self Promotion

"It's not what you know, it's who you know." We've all heard this little phrase time and time again. But in the business world, how will those people know us enough to remember us if we don't stand apart from the crowd?

Whether we're trying to communicate to current or prospective clients, constant self-promotion is a must. This doesn't mean Xeroxing 500 fliers at your local copy shop and then slapping them up around town on billboards. It means taking your individuality and reinforcing your brand's image on postcards, ads and in newspapers. By creating promotional materials that are consistent with your brand identity, your repeated efforts will surely gain clients' attention.

Everyday our mailboxes are packed full (at work and at home) with direct mail pieces. Sadly, many go straight to the trash and marketing dollars have gone to waste. So how can we promote our business while staying unique enough to be noticed? Here a few ideas:

Idea Box: We all have old ideas for promoting ourselves that we didn't have time to put into motion before. These are marketing opportunities waiting to happen!

Creative and Unique Postcards: Think about sending a strangely shaped piece of direct mail. Or what about a 3-dimensional object? Anything different and unusual is good because you'll surely be seen amongst the junk mail.

Photography: People are visual creatures and they need stuff to look at. If your brochures and communication materials are filled with sentence after sentence, consider investing in some stock photography to liven things up a bit.

Logo Consistency: If your company has five different logos, drop four of them. It takes 3-4 times of staring at your business before a person will remember it. No reason to throw extra logos at them!

Thank You Stationery: I, too, feel that often I don't have time to jot down a hand-written thank you. But imagine a colleague or client's surprise at receiving a nicely, custom designed note card. The handwritten address on the envelope is enough alone to get a person's attention. Plus, people always appreciate the five minutes you're willing to dedicate to them.

Be Yourself: The great thing about people watching is that everyone looks completely different! Businesses are the same way. Bring this individuality out in your company. Don't be afraid to look different and use graphics out of the ordinary - people will remember you more for it!