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/