Non-Profit Archives • Typebird Creative

Thinking Outside The Box

admin 20.09.2018 Branding, Non-Profit, Tips and Tools 0

Clients often come to me with challenges daily. They range from budget restrictions on printing to logos that are no longer working for them. With a background in the nonprofit sector, I come equipt with a variety of solutions!

Recently I posted on social media a bit about business cards. Here are some creative alternatives to that mindset!

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Business cards also easily work as:

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Care Cards

Excellent size for jewelry or other small merchandise.

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Hang tags

Can’t afford a die cut hang tag? Use a business card with an artistic flair then use a small hole punch and some ribbon, you are set!

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Appointment Cards

Yes, they are small, but if you set it up right with the fill in the blanks, you will be good to go.

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Daily Inspiration Cards

I am fond of this idea, a little reminder to stop and smell the roses if you will and a little gift from that potential customer. It’s all in the details indeed.

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Discount Cards

Loyal supporters? Slip them a little treat in their bag or mail order for next time.

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Another printed piece I like is the 5×7 postcard. A great place to order these is Moo. They offer great, quality printing and you can do small batches when needed. Plus, the ideas are limitless but here are a few of my favorites.

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Postcards are also easily used as:

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Recipe Cards

Are you a chef? What a perfect gift to give a client with a bill after their private dinner.

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Menu

Small dinner party? Make it fancy with a printed menu for your guests, weddings are not the only place to use these.

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Feedback Cards

Want to know what you could do better? Ask your customers. They will often happily give you feedback, and you could use one of those discount cards on a business card to return the favor!

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Instruction Cards

Need to explain how to construct something or make something? Why not use a card to do it!

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Thank You Notes

You can have these done in a variety of ways, designed front only with a place for notes on the back. You can even do a monogrammed front or an image on one size. No matter have it’s designed it’s a perfect thing to send clients if you offer a service.

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Last but certainly not least I want to talk about stickers. There are a variety of sticker sizes that can be used in an endless amount of ways. One of my favorite companies is Sticker Mule.

You can use stickers on jars for labeling the goods inside, the back of pottery, so folks know your work, car stickers to advertise your business, and even just for fun to hand out at your next event. Everyone loves a sticker so consider this when you can score a great sale.

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So as you can see, there are so many options when thinking about continuing your brand through printed items. Next time you have a dilemma, step back and think outside the box!

What Do Graphic Designers Do?

admin 04.10.2016 Art, Branding, Business, Design, Home Work Life, Non-Profit, Social Media, Tips and Tools 0

Many people have said to me lately “I don’t know exactly what you do.” When I hear that I get worried. I think to myself am I not doing something right to communicate to my clients what I actually do? What can I do better? Have they not been paying attention to my posts on social media? But then it dawned on me, I truly don’t think people understand all that graphic designers do.

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If you Google this question here is your answer: “Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.” But what do graphic designers, freelancers like myself actually do? There is a long list so get a cup of coffee, sit back and be ready to be amazed! Ok, we don’t have to go that far but here is the list.

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Logos. Branding. Business Cards. Packaging. Menus. Brochures. Rack Cards. Promotional Items. Consultation for Non-Creatives. Invitations. Blog & Website Concept Design. Digital Banners & Ads. Letterhead. Custom Stationary. Billboards. Appointment Cards. Post Cards. Surface Pattern Design. Signage. Folders. Mailers. Stamps. Stickers. Posters. Printables. Thank You Notes. Tote Bags. Wrapping Paper. Gift Boxes. The Label on Your Favorite Salsa. Your Favorite Dress. Umbrellas. T-Shirts. Get Where I Am Going With This? We Are Literally Everywhere.

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My, my where do I start. There are truly so many things we are capable of. However, many of us have a strong point. Something we love in this crazy design world more than anything else. For me, it’s a logo. But it doesn’t just stop with a logo, I love all the things need for creating an entire brand such as business cards, letterhead, I love to make it all work together. Many times before people ask why I enjoy it so much and the truth is, I can’t stop it. I drive by businesses every day and think to myself, “How would I have done it differently.” I know that sounds crazy but I do believe there are some things you are just really good at in life. This is mine. Now, with this being said, this does not mean I won’t do anything else. Of course, I will! I have the skills needed to design and have printed many items on paper or digital or any surface really. We are the folks who set up the things you need for your life with programs you have no idea how to use. Like a plumber who comes to fix a leak in your house that you also would not attempt to do yourself. Hire a designer, be proud of your results. Hire a designer who is an actual person you can talk to and not someone somewhere who you will probably never meet or know their name. Hire someone who wants to make you and your business better, who invests in you equally as much as you invest in them.

Graphic designers have a skill set of style cultivated through many years of education, along with many aches and pains…kidding. Critiques are rough y’all! But we are flexible, we want to help you with various projects, not just your logo but also that menu that has the logo we helped you create on top of it. We know a lot about printing and could probably give you some money saving advice without compromising the vibe of your business. I highly encourage you to create a relationship with a designer you know. You just might find a sensible friend at the other end of the line.

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