Blog moved
October 20, 2006
My graphic design blog has now moved.
You can view my graphic design portfolio.
Thanks for taking the time to visit.
How does colour work with e-commerce?
October 19, 2006
Regardless of how we define commerce, almost every web site is selling something. It may be a one person accounting business, it may be a site that sells only tanning products or a much larger department store. Even educational sites could be considered commercial if they must generate advertising income.
A successful “store” has a simple formula. Initially, it must be accessible to everyone. It must be attractive and inviting. Once inside, the customer must be able to move comfortably through the store and find what they need. They must be able to examine the merchandise (or service) and get information about it. Finally, they must be able to successfully complete a purchase or procure a service.
How does colour psychology work?
October 17, 2006
Colour is light, travelling to us in waves from the sun, on the same electro-magnetic spectrum as radio and television waves, microwaves, X-rays etc. Light is the only part of the spectrum that we can see, which perhaps explains why we take it less seriously than the invisible power of the other rays.
Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated that light travels in waves, when he shone white light through a triangular prism and the different wavelengths refracted at different angles, enabling him to see the colours of the rainbow (the spectrum).
This article looks at the psychological effects of the 11 basic colours in the English language and how they can make your company appear to its audiences.
How do I create my own corporate identity?
October 16, 2006
First impressions in print
Who are you? How do you look on paper? Despite the surge in email use, professionally designed printed stationery packages are crucial to making a good first impression. The purpose of a letterhead and related items is to express an identity, beyond the actual words used in the message.
A basic corporate identity system or stationery package consists of a letterhead, compliment slip, envelope and business card. In some cases, labels are also a basic component. If no logo exists and one is needed, logo design may also comprise part of the complete design package.
Whether designing for a client or for yourself, the first steps to developing a successful identity package is getting to know the business for which the package is intended.
What makes a good business card?
October 14, 2006
Today’s business card works as both a reference piece and, more importantly, as a marketing tool. Some cards are handed out in person, some are sent in a mailer, while others sit on cash counters waiting to catch a customer’s eye. Well designed cards are filed neatly or kept in a wallet, whereas most are unfortunately lost in untamed piles in desk drawers.
Each situation demands something different of a card, which leads to another key lesson; if a card can make a strong and positive first impression on its intended audience, it has a better chance of surviving a range of harsh conditions. Consider the following scoring system for judging a business card on it’s technical merit:
What should I consider about my first website?
October 11, 2006
Make sure the site has a fast load-time.
Slow sites frustrate customers. Avoid too many unnecessary graphics. Optimise graphics so they are as small as possible. Don’t skimp on web hosting. £3 per month web hosting services are not worth it in the long run. They are probably used by marginal sites and could have more than their fair share of banned IP addresses.
Make sure the site is available.
This is where a good host company will benefit your website’s ‘up-time’. If you’re unsure of your web host it is important to monitor your site. Your website could be down for days before you realise something is wrong. You don’t have to pay through the nose for a reputable host company so be sure to shop around.
Don’t use visible counters.
Especially if it reads “you are visitor 17”. You lose credibility if your website is obviously unpatronised.
What is spec?
October 10, 2006
This morning I went to the dentist. After she inspected my teeth she suggested some work to prevent further tooth decay. I asked her to please proceed; if the work was satisfactory then I would be glad to pay her for her time. She responded that she wouldn’t be able to do that because usually she provides service when terms of payment are agreed upon up front. I decided I would let her know after I checked in with other dentists in the neighbourhood.
Sure, this scenario is unlikely. When you visit the dentist an appropriate rate of pay is expected for professional services. Yet, everyday graphic design professionals are asked to provide free services in the hopes of being paid if the result is acceptable. It is called speculative work, or free pitching; spec for short, and is considered unethical among leading graphic design associations around the world.
