Rose's Blog

How paper stock can critically affect the color of your printed product

2011-05-25T10:41:00.001-07:00

Why isn't the color turning out like I expected?

The first reaction might be to point the finger in the direction of the designer.

In one instance they’re absolutely correct to place blame upon the designer, because chances are they haven’t been educated how different paper stocks produce different tones from exactly the same color of ink. Graphic designers, amongst many other professions, take on the role of teacher to give their client an understanding of critical factors such as this one.

Color control is important even when color ink isn’t used. A black ink can appear to contain color when printed on a color stock.

Remember, the grade, grain and color of paper used affects the color of the ink.

Also, the light source under which you’re looking at the printed product can dramatically affect the color tone. It reminds me of how great I can look in an outfit in a store's specially lighted mirrors and then when I get it home, it appears I've bought something hideous.

If you select a color from a color swatch book and ask 100 printers to print it, you could well get 100 different tones.

I always recommend a printed proof before signing-off on your print job. Make it a hard copy, which should usually be included in the price of the project. A PDF proof will not show you the results of how your color prints.

Have you always been happy with the color of your print material?

Color Misconceptions

2011-05-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Why does the color on my screen look different?"

A client might ask for a specific Pantone color (The Pantone Color Matching System [PMS] is a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.)

The designer uses the color in the file exactly as required, yet when the client sees an example on their computer monitor they are disappointed that the color isn’t the same. Why is that?

Brightness, contrast, color settings… all monitors have them. Unless two monitors are calibrating to the exact same settings then the colors will always appear different. The best way to color-match is using printed proofs, and even then, your choice of paper can critically affect the color of your printed product.

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about color use.

Latest Branding/Website Project _ Thrive Professionals Network

2011-01-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Check out the website:
http://thriveprofessionals.com/index.html

Die-Cutting and Odd Sizes Can Make You Stand Out from the Crowd

2011-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Sodexo needed an eye catching easy to understand internal mailing piece. Once the tag-line was determined "Putting the Pieces Together"... a die cut puzzle brochure was born. They wanted an off size to make it stand out from all other collateral pieces so we made it an 8" x 8" square brochure with a die cut cover and fold in panels. The envelope used was an 8.5" x 8.5" and the cover letter was 8" x 8" square like the brochure. The client is so pleased they want to submit it for some awards. Gotta love that!

Check it out:

Final Fontanel Pix

2010-06-07T12:05:00.001-07:00

Fontanel Tour Buses

2010-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for pictures of the actual tour buses. There will be 4 of them all together.

If you're not familiar with Fontanel, here's a link: http://www.fontanelmansion.com/

"Be a Life Saver" Organ Donation Brochure

2010-01-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

Beacon Point Magazine

2010-01-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Seeds & Weeds Logo

2010-01-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

RBG&D's latest rebranding project

2009-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

My new client, a doctor at Middle Tennessee Nephrology, was not satisfied with his present logo.

See below:

He felt it was too harsh and a little generic. So I took a lighter more soothing approach with warmer colors and a softened overall feel. Below is the final revised logo.

If you're not happy with your present logo, give me a call and I'll create the logo you should have had in the first place!

Rose Bruce
615-230-9598
rose@rosebrucegraphics.com
http://www.rosebrucegraphics.com

Logo Adaptation

2009-09-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

My client needed a new logo to highlight the very special niche their company served. However, they did not want to lose connection with the logo they were currently using. As a pediatric group under the umbrella of another company; their request was simple... they wanted modern and child like. Those two terms don't usually go hand in hand, so I had a challenge (and I love challenges).

Here is the original logo:

The solution was to incorporate a childlike drawing with a classic (or modern) looking font similar to the one used in the original logo.

And tada! The final logo unveiled.

Stay tuned for more on this branding journey.

How To Pick A Designer That’s Right For You

2009-07-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

Choosing the right designer is imperative. There are a lot of good designers out there, but they all may not be right for you or your company. Sensibility, empathy, and common business sense is as important as artistic talent and technical skill. A designer who does not understand or relate to you or your customers might create a great work of art but, in the end, never generate the results you need to move your business forward.

So, just how do you pick a designer who’ll become a valued member of your team? Paying attention to the following 10 items will help you make the right choice.

1. A Strong Portfolio

Previous projects speak volumes about what you can expect from any designer. Is the designer’s portfolio full of a wide range of styles and subject matter or is there a disturbing similarity between the pieces. ‘Cookie-cutter’ designs are fast and easy but may reveal a designer’s limitations. You may not be getting the level of creativity you’re paying for.

2. Excellent Communication And Interpersonal Skills

In both written and verbal communications, does the designer express themselves and their concepts clearly and in such a way that is easily grasped? You should have a pretty good idea of what the designer has in mind to create before you pay for the hours necessary to create it.

Does he/she pay attention to details? Really, there’s no excuse for glaring typos in e-mails, let alone in the project itself.

Does the designer dress and act appropriately during a group meeting or conference call? Bohemians may make great art but do they mesh with your corporate culture? Conversely, can your management accept a radically different lifestyle in exchange for that great art? If choosing the right designer for your company is your responsibility, it’s your reputation on the line if he/she cannot fit in.

3. Attention To Detail

Is the designer only a ‘big picture’ guy or gal? Sometimes the smallest detail greatly alters the impact of a design. Your designer should be comfortable working at this level instead of always insisting on a compete redo. This is particularly true, for example, during a logo refresh as opposed to starting from scratch. Take a look at these 10 successful logo refinements for an appreciation of how the smallest details can make a big difference. 10 successful logo refinements

4. Great Customer Service

Is the designer responsive to your questions? With e-mails, you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 24 hours during the week, unless the designer’s given prior notice that it may be longer. Also, You should be able to reach your designer by phone or receive a call back the same day during normal working hours.

A designer who’s a good team player respects their clients and values their input in the design process. You may not be an artist but you do know your products and your customers as well as your own preferences. If the designs are too far afield from what you expect, then perhaps your designer isn’t listening well enough.

After the design is completed and finished files delivered, does your designer disappear into the void or do they remain available, easy to reach and eager to help with any printing or file issues that may arise? Professional designers are keen to help ensure their artwork generates the highest quality finished product possible. Be aware that this may involve additional compensation, depending upon the type and amount of assistance needed. Press checks, for example, would normally incur an additional fee. Such possibilities should be clearly understood between both of you prior to commencing the project.

5. Trustworthiness

What’s the designer reputation? It’s important to do your homework before hiring any designer. Ask for and actually check references. Does the designer have a successful track record? Do they follow through? Do they do what they say they’re going to do 100% of the time? Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, it may save you a headache in the long run.

6. Good Time Management

Deadlines are a critical part of every design process. If you find yourself constantly delaying campaign launches or the installation of that new office sign because production files are late, your may not have the right designer on your team.

Ask your designer:

• When can the designer begin the project?
• When will initial concepts be presented?
• How much time is needed between proofing rounds?
• How long will it take to generate production files after final approvals?

A professional will outline this kind of information in their proposals beforehand.

7. Positive References

Client testimonials offer invaluable insight into all aspects of the designer’s work. If other clients have been satisfied then, chances are, you will be too. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and be sure to follow them up.

8. Flexibility

No matter how detailed the initial design brief, there should always be room for flexibility. Things change during each stage of the process, often unexpectedly. Major changes may require a wholly different approach from what was first anticipated. The designer should accommodate such interruptions easily and with a sense of humor. Of course, if the changes add hours to the project, the cost goes up, too.

9. An Informative Website

You should expect to learn quite a bit about the designer from their online presence. More and more designers are adding blogs to their websites wherein they discuss the specifics of particular projects as well as expound upon their particular design philosophy. In my case, my blog is my portfolio and each new design is showcased with an accompanying feature which examines the design brief and includes client comments as the project proceeded.

Informative websites help on a number of counts.

* Trust is built through communication in blog comments
* Attention to detail can be seen according to the initial design brief
* Positive references might accompany portfolio entries
* Communication skills are evident through proper grammar

10. Common Courtesy

Does the designer’s personality match your own? Being nice doesn’t cost a thing. Pleasant, upbeat and courteous people are just easier to work with and you may be working very closely with your designer if the projects are substantial. Be sure you can get along personally.

To reiterate: 10 important criteria for selecting the right designer include:

1. A strong portfolio
2. Excellent communication skills
3. Attention to detail
4. Great customer service
5. Trustworthiness
6. Good time management
7. Positive references
8. Flexibility
9. An informative website
10. Common courtesy

Your thoughts

Obviously, these are not the only criteria to use. Are there any others you’d like to add to the list? Designers, do you have any additional pointers on what clients can expect from us? Let’s get a conversation going. I welcome your thoughts. Please post your comments below if you would like to weigh in.

Ugly Business Cards

2009-06-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

When you're out networking, what's the first thing you do when you meet someone new? Chances are you hand over the business card you've held clutched in your sweaty palm. But, have you ever stopped and considered whether your card actually represents what your company or organization is really about, the way you want it to? Does it create the memorable first impression it should? In short, does your business card work as hard as you do?

Recently, a client called and said he wanted a business card that would cost him $10 a piece. Okay, I'm exaggerating. He actually said, “$8 a piece.” The point is, what he really wanted was a card that people would actually want to keep instead of discarding as soon as he was out of sight. He wanted people to think, “Wow. That’s impressive. I’ll remember this guy.”

This savvy client realized the importance of the impression his business card made. He understood that his business card is usually his first leave-behind and how its look says as much about him as a new suit and tie. He wanted his business card to be darned good looking and to make a superior impression that set him apart from the competition. In short, he wanted a business card that worked.

And I agree.

All too often you see cards that have been badly designed and poorly printed on flimsy paper stock with a home computer. Is that really the first impression you’d like to make on a prospective new customer? Probably not. Certainly my client didn’t. He knew that a professional, well-designed business card is key to his networking success. So, we sat down together and began to create a business card that would work as hard as he does.

In my next installment, I’ll share our thought process and how, eventually, a really memorable business card came forth from some unorthodox thinking.

If you’d like to avoid lazy-business-card syndrome, contact me at: rose@rosebrucegraphics.com, call 615.230.9598, or visit my website: www.rosebrucegraphics.com.

Tired of the same old, same old? Check out these cool business card designs.
http://creativebits.org/cool_business_card_designs