Category: Blog

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Tips for Using Photographs as Your Company Graphics

March 2, 2018

One of the most significant parts of starting a business is choosing a brand. To go along with that brand, you want to select the right photographs or graphics to make the brand stick out. It is what will draw customers and consumers to your store, website, or other endeavors.

Here are some suggestions to help you utilize photos as graphics for your business. To provide an example: add dynamic energy to your images by choosing a slow shutter speed to capture motion and produce more exciting photos. Of course, some photographers are more curious, attentive, efficient or responsive than others, but anything that relates to photography will work to make your business graphics stand out.

Remember, a camera provides flexibility and a variety of useful features. By being alert and not ignoring potential subjects, you will find extraordinary opportunities for hidden photos in everyday life. To provide an example, maybe you need to do a session based around photography for a backpack. Therefore, remember that a motion blur can add energy to an otherwise static and ordinary image.

DSLR Cameras

Too many people think that to make beautiful pictures, you need the newest camera. In our eagerness to capture the “perfect” photo, we are continually finding excuses to justify the purchase of new, more expensive, higher-performance cameras. On the other hand, expensive DSLR cameras have many features, but they are too difficult to use for most beginners.

You can quickly solve the most common color problems (photos that are too yellow indoors, for example) by using the internal software of the camera. If the RAW format and more generally the post-treatment scares you, you can proceed step by step and start by photographing simultaneously in RAW + JPEG. In concrete terms, this saves a bunch of images that would otherwise have been underexposed or overexposed and will help you to get the best possible version of the photo.

JPEG Files

On the other hand, this is not a panacea, but it’s better than nothing. It’s as if you’re developing a film camera yourself, in your dark room. After applying these corrections, the camera compresses the data to produce a JPEG file.

Many photographers take themselves too seriously and seek to capture the right moment. However, if you add humor to your photo sessions, you may just find some beautiful photos for your business. I recognize that many of you (people who have been working in photography for a while) may have used most of the tips I mentioned before, but it does not hurt to have them reiterated.

Current cameras have an arsenal of automatic adjustments to assist the photographer at the time of the shooting. Many devices offer these adjustments, and it would be a shame to deprive yourself of the advanced functionality this provides. On the other hand, do not be fooled by brands who want to suck you into the trap of programmed obsolescence.

 

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Unbelievable Brands That Have Taken Over Public Consciousness

January 29, 2018
Brand Building Concepts

When it comes to modern business, it can be tempting to simply look for the lowest price or most convenient option. And that’s what most companies try to compete with. However, you may want to look closer at what the companies you choose are doing that transcends the business world. The power of a company isn’t necessarily in having the lowest price or even in having the best product! It’s all about branding power. After all, there are some unbelievable brands that have taken over public consciousness in recent years:

 

The Honest Company

Founded by the actress and philanthropist Jessica Alba, this company offers some products for new moms. You can get diapers, safe cleaning products, and more without using harsh chemicals. Because of this, the brand has seen rapid growth.

 

Fabletics

If you have ever bought a pair of running shoes or leggings just to wish you could return them later, then you will understand the power behind Fabletics. They offer subscriptions for their fashionable sports clothing. That means you can wear something once, twice, or as many times as you want. When you’re done with it, they allow you to return it for something else.

 

Warby Parker

This brand has become famous for their “buy one give one” model. This means that when you purchase a pair of their sunglasses, they donate a pair of prescription glasses to people in need. This has cemented them as the leader in eyeware fashion in a sustainable way.

 

doTERRA

doTERRA is based out of Utah – the networking capital of the western hemisphere. This company is a multi-level marketing success that focuses on sharing its unique products with people all over the world so they can have an integrated approach to healthcare and better living. The company has team members all over the globe thanks to their rapid growth and great opportunities. Also, the company gives back to the community, such as women’s’ shelters and indigenous groups in Nepal – earning them a powerful brand wherever they have a presence.

 

Bombas

Have you ever wished that your socks were more stylish and unique? If so, it will be evident why Bombas has become a popular brand that everyone is talking about. The ability to get great looking socks that are fun and hip is a game changer for the footwear industry.

 

In today’s fast-moving digital world, the internet has brought people together more than ever. Technology is changing the way businesses innovate, grow, and give back. The companies above are known for their great products but also what they do to make the world a better place, and that’s something the world could use more of. A brand is more than just a logo – it’s a permanent presence in the brains of your audience. This begins with expert designers to match your message across all your marketing platforms.

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Mobilegeddon: What You Need to Know To Pass the Mobile Friendly Ranking Algorithm Update by Google

March 28, 2015
mobilegeddon google mobile friendly update

Utilize the Free Analyzer at the end of this article to see if your website if mobile ready.

By now, you’ve probably heard about Google’s plans to favor mobile-friendly websites in the near future. In fact, the deadline is April 21, 2015 – if your site isn’t optimized for mobile devices by this point, then you’re likely going to experience a drop in organic search results for the vast majority of your currently ranked search keywords. Some folks are up in arms about this harsh penalty, but Google’s decision to implement this new ranking factor is merely a reflection of a changing technology landscape – that is, the shift in Internet usage from desktop computers to mobile devices.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

If your website is already optimized for mobile devices via a responsive design or mobile-specific sub domain, then congratulations: You have nothing to worry about. If, however, your website is impossible to read or slow to load on a smartphone, then you’re definitely going to want to invest some time investing in a mobile website design. It may just make the difference in the coming weeks, and you’ll be giving all of your users – not just your desktop ones – a great experience, thereby leading to higher conversions and more revenue.

Be sure to receive your free website analysis to determine if it is mobile friendly. Just fill out the brief form at the end of this article.

Don’t Delay: The Mobilegeddon Is Almost Here!

The time has nearly come for Google to weight heavily those sites which take into account the mobile experience. If you need to convert your website to mobile or if you just want to make sure that what you’re currently doing will meet Google’s new guidelines, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We help businesses like yours to succeed on the web.

Let’s work together to navigate the coming mobile apocalypse. We look forward to helping your business succeed in this brave new world!

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What Type of Logo Design Are You Getting for Five Bucks on Fiverr?

February 27, 2015

 

Well, it goes without saying that sites like Elance, 99Designs, and Envato Studio have established themselves as the go to for contracted projects of any type and size. Now, a whole new, super-cheap, high-volume, not entirely ethical or legitimate site has arrived. Fiverr has broken the mold in economical contracted services of any type. Ranging from graphics & design and online marketing to audio/music and programming. But what are you actually getting for your starting price of $5 (plus $.50 processing fee)? Likely, an international funds transfer fee.

Let’s take a look at what one company, The Logo Factory, had to deal with. Read their full story.

No doubt Fiverr is heavily inundated with accounts from outside the US and for good reason. As far as I can tell they are not state side at all. No address, phone support, nothing. Any site that says ‘International Limited’ with no way to contact them is a huge red flag. At least in my book.

According to The Logo Factory post, violation of US Copyright Law is really no big deal to these sellers. I mean…why should it be? It only applies to the US anyways. Who has the money or time to chase down somebody across the other side of the world in India or Sri Lanka. Somebody that is probably using an internet cafe at that. Not to mention there’s no International Copyright Law, unless you are a mega billion dollar company like Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Pepsi or Coke that may be able to do something legally…and that’s a big MAYBE.Logo Design Fiverr image

Voicing my personal frustrations as well as concerns for wanting to protect my own design business is really the motive behind this post. I just want to bring attention to this sort of thing and the frustrating and potentially harmful experience The Logo Factory had to endure. So, with that being said…be careful about hiring someone you don’t know via a site that may not host entirely reputable people…many are, but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. Thinking you’re getting a cheap service may also come at the expense of others who have genuinely poured their time and effort into what some are exploiting (and possibly breaking federal law) to gain a quick buck.

In conclusion, it seems Fiverr has a lot of good to offer, but there are also wolves in sheep’s clothing looking to make a profit no matter what it takes, and perhaps at your expense. Beware of the otherwise known scam/con-artists, hustler’s, hackers, swindlers, cheats, etc. that may be offering services you know “too good to be true”. Do your background research and remember to be a savvy shopper. If you think it’s a great deal, you may want to think again!

Thank you Graphic Artist’s Guild for this sharing this post.

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Ecommerce Website Design for an Eclectic Artist with an Inspiring Journey: Lost Cottage Art

February 21, 2015
graphic design website design of Lost Cottage Art pic

CG Design, a graphic design company in Greenville, NC just completed it’s newest graphic design website for LostCottageArt.com. If you aren’t familiar with Lost Cottage Art, then you’ll want to know more of their story.

The website design project is about a Greenville, NC eclectic artist, Billy Stinson, and his historic 1903 family cottage on the Outer Banks of NC. The cottage was a second getaway home for their family and friends. Then 2011 everything changed as the cottage was destroyed by a hurricane. It was tragic for his family, but also turned into an inspiration to rebuild their cottage. Thus, a journey was embarked upon by Billy’s family to become creative in raising funds to establish their home once again. This is how the website, lostcottageart.com came about. The images above are screenshots from his website.

CG Design was instrumental in having Billy Stinson’s art displayed online. CG Design customized a professional looking ecommerce website design with utilization of a user-friendly CMS and plugins that allow for SEO, analytics, social media, and others options to increase site traffic and track Return On Investment with real-time numbers.

If you don’t have a place on the web, then you are getting left behind. We are in a digital age where potential consumers are looking for your business or organization on the web as their first go-to source.

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School Fundraiser Yielded 999% ROI from Graphic Design Marketing Campaign

January 16, 2015
graphic design marketing campaign school fundraiser 999 percent ROI pic

This simple print media marketing campaign designed by CG Design was instrumental in helping to generate a 999% return on investment (ROI). A local private Christian school, Christ Covenant in Winterville, NC initiated a fundraiser for it’s athletic program. This campaign was to kick start funding for the new sports complex that is a part of their plans for expanding grades K-12.

Their philosophy to sports follows the example established through the life of Jesus in the Bible.  Just as Jesus was a disciple-maker of those around him, coaches strive to train students and encourage them have a closer relationship with Christ. The goal of their sports program is to help students develop their athletic skills while building character and sportsmanship with Christian principles and self-discipline during practices as well as competitions. CG Design was honored to play a role in their marketing efforts.

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Print Media Marketing Campaign Aimed to Save Lives from Drug Overdose

December 15, 2014

Print Media Marketing Graphic Design - Save a Life

CG Design produced PORT Human Service’s print media marketing material to reach the local community of Greenville, NC.  During the month of November 2014, PORT distributed free Naxalone kits to save the lives of those who overdose on heroin and pain pills. With narcotic overdoses on the rise, these kits reverse the effect of opiates and adds precious time while emergency responders are dispatched. One community study showed a 40 percent reduction in overdose mortality when they provide overdose prevention education and naloxone access. The image of the flyers shown above was put in the hands of local community professionals who have access to individuals who may benefit from such a life saving kit.

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Today is the Day – NEW Site!

March 17, 2013

Welcome everyone to my new and improved site!  This has been a long time in the making….well at least in my head.  I wanted to create a site that has a very simple and affective feel to show off my portfolio and some of the services I offer.  I have uploaded quite a few of my designs from past and current clients.  There has also been a desire to create a Blog to post current projects as well as Tips & Tricks for utilizing design and marketing techniques.  I hope that this will be the beginning of bringing new and potential clients to my site.  If there is ever a question or something you may like to see as part of my Blog, please email me through my contact form.  If you see any area for improvement on the site, I am open to hearing your suggestions. Thank You!