The paper newsletter remains an effective and popular tool for communicating information. With e-newsletters filling our inboxes, some of us have to do a brutal unsubscribe to reduce the number that reach us. One click makes it easy to subscribe to e-newsletters, but it is much more difficult to find the time to read them all. But we all know that a brief printed newsletter can be read in one “sitting” (and we all know the favorite reading spot in the house!)
The printed newsletter has some advantages over electronic newsletters. Our neighborhood civic club still prints a newsletter six times a year. The homes in our neighborhood were built in the 1960s, and there are still many original owners living here. Many of those folks prefer to receive their neighborhood information in a printed newsletter. But an electronic PDF posted to the club’s website satisfies those who prefer getting their information online. My point is that there are still segments of the population who benefit from receiving printed materials, including newsletters.
Newsletters are often 8-12 pages with brief articles and photos. They are a good vehicle for distributing information to customers, employees, your membership or club. Take a fresh look at your communication efforts and you might find that an old favorite (the printed newsletter) can be a great way to stay in touch.
https://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.png00Anne Swansonhttps://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.pngAnne Swanson2012-08-24 14:27:122014-02-24 14:38:00When Paper Works Better than Pixels
Design Objective: The client requested an updated colorful logo for their computer consulting business. Clerc Computer Consulting, LLC provides cost-effective computer solutions.
The first little pig decided to design his brochure using Microsoft Word, since he already knew how to use it. He would save money by doing it himself. Maybe it didn’t matter that when you folded it, the margins were a little off. And everyone loves Comic Sans. No one would care that he had used multipurpose paper and printed it on his little desktop printer. People really don’t notice those things anyway, do they?
The second little pig had a nephew who agreed to design his brochure for free. It doesn’t get any cheaper than that! So the second little pig sent him the copy and he waited, and he waited, and he waited. But the nephew, who was SO artistic, had better things to do than design a brochure for his demanding uncle. He had sows to meet and fields to rut. He never got around to doing that brochure.
Now, the third little pig, who was quite the entrepreneur, knew that he needed help promoting his brick business. So he contacted the town’s graphic designer. With years of experience in graphic design, she was well suited to handle his project. He supplied her with the text, they picked out some eye-catching images, and in no time at all, the brochure was designed and printed. His brick sales sky-rocketed!
With all the new business that poured in, he needed extra help. Since Pig #1 and Pig #2 never got their businesses off the ground, he hired them to run the store while he played golf at the Pork Links Golf Club.
If you want to make a great impression, invest in design. Brick by brick, you will build a strong business that can weather the storms…and even an occasional huffing, puffing wolf.
If you have a project that could use a designer’s touch, please send me an email or call 713-398-1912.
https://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.png00Anne Swansonhttps://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.pngAnne Swanson2011-07-26 07:29:112014-06-10 16:18:00The Three Little Pigs—A Graphic Tail
1. You would like to get a business card/brochure/postcard printed.
Yes, you have a lovely desktop printer. Yes, Kinko’s is right across the street. But you might consider stepping up your game with quality printing. A graphic designer can take your piece from concept to design to printing. You might just need help in selecting a reliable printer. Your designer can help you navigate the many paper and finishing choices that are out there. They can help you get estimates and save you from costly printing mistakes.
A graphic designer can also help you determine the best method for conveying your message. For instance, a postcard might suit your needs. Or maybe you have more to say and need a monthly newsletter (printed or electronic). This is where a designer can advise you on the steps that you will need to take to complete your project.
2. You don’t know a .jpg from an .eps from a .tif from a hole in the ground.
Your graphic designer can help you create files that are suitable for print and web use. We can help you crop, re-color, or select a memorable image that will improve your message with a strong visual element. Your logo may benefit from having several versions that can be used in print or web. A designer can help you create an arsenal of appropriately formatted designs.
3. You try to design your own materials in Microsoft Word or Publisher, but you just aren’t getting the polished look you were hoping for.
Your graphic designer has years of design experience and access to page layout software (usually Quark or Adobe InDesign). These programs allow for greater flexibility, consistency, and typographic control. Designers also have a multitude of fabulous fonts to choose from. Maybe you’re ready to make a change from Arial! The time you save by not doing the layout yourself can be spent building your core product or service. If you have specific ideas about how the piece should look, your designer will be happy to work with you (and your ideas)!
4. There are not enough hours in the day for you to run your business and design your own collateral materials.
You get professional help with your accounting, staffing, and technical support. Why not consider working with a graphic design professional who can help you create a strong identity for your business or freshen your existing branding?
5. Your business deserves to look good, as well as succeed.
That first impression, whether in print or on the web, can engage the viewer and make them interested in learning more about your business. Don’t underestimate the visual impressions you leave with your prospects and clients. The expression “you never get a second change to make a first impression” is well placed. Make sure that first impression makes them come back for a second look!
If you have a project that could use a designer’s touch, please send me an email or call 713-398-1912.
https://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.png00Anne Swansonhttps://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.pngAnne Swanson2011-07-13 09:20:232014-06-10 16:34:03Top 5 Reasons Your Small Business Needs a Graphic Designer
Format: Logo and design of #10 envelope printed in full color
Design Objective: The client requested an updated colorful logo for his bookkeeping business. The logo reinforces Bookkeeping-Results’ branding by symbolizing the organization that comes from good bookkeeping practices. Dwayne Briscoe is a Certified ProAdvisor in QuickBooks® and helps other small businesses keep their financial records in order.
https://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.png00Anne Swansonhttps://anneswansondesign.com/wp3/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/as_banner1-300x111.pngAnne Swanson2011-06-28 11:28:272011-11-17 14:37:12Colorful Logo and Envelope Reinforce Branding
The paper newsletter remains an effective and popular tool for communicating information. With e-newsletters filling our inboxes, some of us have to do a brutal unsubscribe to reduce the number that reach us. One click makes it easy to subscribe to e-newsletters, but it is much more difficult to find the time to read them all. But we all know that a brief printed newsletter can be read in one “sitting” (and we all know the favorite reading spot in the house!)
