Four Graphic Design Myths Busted
Welcome to a short four-part series of advice tidbits that
can help guide you through the graphic design process. The last three months we
covered three different myths, “More is More,” “It’s Too Expansive to Hire a
Graphic Designer,” and “Web Site Horror Stories,” which you can see in the
media tab on my web site http://www.kristalcleargraphics.com. Whether
you’re a small repair business with a marketing plan or the VP of an amateur
golf league with an annual membership booklet to design, there are some basic
art, business and communication principles, that everyone should understand. It
might be easier than you think to believe these myths because in the short run
it appears to be the cheaper, quicker and overall, easier decision. However,
make yourself aware of these pitfalls and trust me, you’ll be better off and
more likely to avoid these mistakes.
Graphic Design Myths: #4. One
Size Fits All “If it’s good for one company it should work for me too.
One idea of thought when starting up a new business is to
have your logo on everything that your client's hand touches. While there is
nothing wrong with this strategy, it might not be necessary for everyone.
Sometimes beginning entrepreneurs get caught up in the staging process of their
new business; they get their logo designed, they need a business card,
letterhead, brochure, flyers, post cards, e-mail blasts, web site, company pens
and hats ... oh, and don't forget those fun stress balls with the logo on it.
While there is nothing wrong with getting your name out in
the market in a professional manner, you want to be careful on where you spend
your marketing dollars. Just because ABC company orders 10,000 sheets of
letterhead at a time, doesn't mean you have to do the same. Maybe it makes more
sense for you to promote your "green" side and have a letterhead
designed that you can print out for yourself on an as needed basis. Help the
environment, show your caring side to your clients and customers and save some
money all at the same time. Freeing up some cash could also allow you to try
some guerilla marketing ideas to really set your business apart from the
competition.
Overall, not EVERY company needs EVERY type of marketing piece
despite what some agencies may want you to believe. If you look at your
marketing plan from an "a la carte" view point, you might be
surprised how many items you truly don't need. But how do you know which to
invest in and what to pass on? You guessed it. The answer is unique to every
company so do your homework. Find an experienced individual in the marketing
world you can trust and ask for their opinion. I'd be more than happy to share
my design/marketing experience with you. Plus, for more specialized needs like
overall marketing help, writing, photography, etc, I have my pockets filled
with other trusted professionals that I've worked with on past projects. Just
tell me how Kristal Clear Graphics can help you find the solution that fits
your company best.
Kristal Young, owner and graphic designer of Kristal Clear
Graphics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers creative services in print, web and
beyond. Now specializing in social media design for business identity, you can
visit online at http://www.kristalcleargraphics.com or like
Kristal Clear Graphics on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kristalcleargraphicsllc.
