Save the Date Postcard

Posted in: Brochures & Literature, Flash & Print Ads, Graphic Design, Projects by Jennifer Slagle on April 1, 2010 | No Comments

This save the date postcard is targeting two events for my client in one mailing!  We are going to follow up with three additional postcards over the next couple months giving them more information regarding the two events.  This postcard was designed to just “Save the Date!”

Front

Back

Marketing Materials – Pilates for Golf flyer

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog by Jennifer Slagle on | No Comments

In trying to attract more business, my client was interested in creating an ad that she could place at the local golf facilities.  The catch here is trying to get men to understand that they too can gain benefits from doing Pilates.  Here is what we came up with.

Creating a “fresh new” brand identity

Posted in: Featured Project, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog, Logo Design and Illustration, Projects by Jennifer Slagle on | No Comments

As promised, here is the new logo I created for a local Pilates studio in Johnston, Iowa.  It was one of the more fun logo’s I have created in awhile since it involved something I love so dearly!  If you haven’t tried Pilates, wait no more!  It is a great form of exercise.

I have also included a few other options that I gave her to choose from.

The winner!

Other options…

Flash Ads

Posted in: Flash & Print Ads, Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog, Projects by Jennifer Slagle on March 31, 2010 | No Comments

Examples of Flash Ads I have created for Meredith Corp.

Flash CS3 – remember me?

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog by Jennifer Slagle on | No Comments

I have done some flash ads in the past and found them to be a great challenge!  Now, I have been asked to create a few more.  Only small problem is that it has been a few years.  So time to pull out the books and brush up on the skills.  Let’s hope I remember these like riding my bike!  Wish me luck!

See below a flash ad I created a few years ago for Meredith Corp.

Double-duty business cards

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog by Jennifer Slagle on February 19, 2010 | No Comments

A double-duty business card can be a good thing or a not-so-good thing.  Below are two very specific examples of this.

• The good double-duty business card - Using your business card for more than just telling who you are and what you do.  Print a coupon or special offer on the backs of your cards.  Include them with invoices to current customers.  If you offer a referral incentive, print it on the card.
• The not-so-good double-duty business card – Use your business card to focus on one business, not multiple. Someone whose card indicates they ‘do it all’ might be perceived as the infamous “Jack-of-all- Trades, Master of None.”  This is especially true if you use the same business card for two or more different businesses (such as your part-time real estate business and your part-time computer repair business).

If you are trying to break into a specific specialty within the same business (such as newsletter design or Web design), design a separate business card to give to your target market. Depending on your business, you might want to have a fun card and a serious card.

Business Card Tips

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog by Jennifer Slagle on February 18, 2010 | No Comments

Minimum Information for a Business Card

Other information is optional but as a minimum the business card should usually contain:

• Individual’s Name and/or Business Name
• Individual’s Title or some other descriptive text to indicate what the person does if it’s not obvious from the business name
• A way (preferrably multiple ways) to contact the person — could be phone, fax, email, web page, mailing address, street address, etc.

It is not necessary to but a complete listing of services or products on the business card.  Keep it to the essentials.  Use brochures and personal interviews to disclose the full range of services or products offered.

• Orientation – Horizontal layouts are the most typical, most widely used format for business cards.
• Name – Whether using a horizontal or vertical arrangement, the person’s name or the business name are usually the most prominent text item on the card.  It is usually placed in the center or upper half of the card and emphasized with a larger or bolder font.
• Contact – Contact information is usually placed in the lower half of the card (left, right, or centered). The preferred method of contact (such as phone number or email) is often emphasized with a larger size, bolder font, or more prominent placement.

Business Cards for Des Moines IA client

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog, Logo Design and Illustration, Projects by Jennifer Slagle on February 12, 2010 | No Comments

Here is a look at a business card I did for a client in Clive (suburb of Des Moines) Iowa.  The client already had his card created by another vendor but I gave it a little update and then sent it on to my printer.  We were both extremely satisfied with the final product and are now printing cards for the rest of the employees.

Creating marketing materials – what to do…

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog by Jennifer Slagle on February 11, 2010 | No Comments

Because of my own business needs, this topic has been on my mind a lot lately.  I have been researching the best way to effectively communicate what my business has to offer to the optimal client base.  Does that include a tri-fold brochure?  Should I make some rack cards and put them out for everyone to see and take if they choose?  Should I make postcards that act as a “teaser” to entice that person to look into my company and see what I can offer.  Should I create some type of printed portfolio showcasing a range of my work?

My husband works with sales for a major bank in the US and he keeps telling me that research shows many people will through a tri-fold brochure in the garbage before they even look at it.  Being that I create those for clients frequently, I don’t like hearing that.  That is what I was getting ready to create for myself!  Only problem is that  I just couldn’t bring myself to do this without adding a creative twist making the brochure a different size or adding some type of embellishment… but, that is when the price went up too…  I can’t win.

So I thought some more…  With social media changing so much I find myself spending so much time on perfecting my website as that is my  main reference for my business when potential clients want to see my work.  In my field, it is key.  So with that knowledge and thought process behind me AND my website finally starting to take final shape, it is time for me to create some postcard “teasers” for my business.  For me and my business, that is the best bang for my buck I believe!  Stay tuned, I will post it when I am done.

Midwife Care Partners – Brand Indentity

Posted in: Graphic Design, Graphic Design Blog, Logo Design and Illustration, Projects by Jennifer Slagle on February 6, 2010 | No Comments

This logo was created for a new midwifery care business here in the Des Moines area.  Their goal was to make sure women understood that they offered services for all ages.  This logo was designed with that vision in mind.  Showing how women of all ages (and sizes were used to represent that) are their target market.