The Importance of Graphic Design

Figure 1

Graphic design is more than making something look pretty. One of the important aspects of Graphic Design is making sure your message is being portrayed clearly to your target audience. Below is an example of how I helped a client redesign a brochure. I purposely took off the copy to make a point—by looking at Figure 1, can you tell what the business is trying to sell?

By changing the graphics and making improvements on the overall layout on Figure 2, you are now able to tell what the business is all about—clean, reliable water for generations to come.

Figure 2

Another important aspect of graphic design is using a font that will be clean and easy to read. In this project I decided to use Myriad Pro, which has a warmth and readability that worked well in the overall design. The wide variety of weights and widths in this font family also provides a generous creative palette. 

Headlines should also clearly communicate to your audiences. An overly clever headline often falls flat because only the writer understands the inside joke. Headlines should also stand out from the body copy in size and weight, choosing a bold font over the regular style, and the layout should flow smoothly from left to right.

With the fast paced world that we live in every second counts, especially when you are dealing with marketing your business. It’s important to be sure your marketing materials have a positive impact and stand out from your competitors when viewed by potential clients. 

               

Establishing a Networking Presence

When I first started my business, in March 2008, it was a total leap of faith. This brought up a lot of emotions including being excited, scared, and overwhelmed—all at the same time! Now as I approach my 5th year in business, I like to look back at my journey and see what I have learned. One of the biggest lessons I have learned so far is, it is OK to ask for help. You cannot do it all and succeed. This is the case with every aspect of life; personal, family, and business.

I am blessed to have a wonderful, loving husband of 12 years, a beautiful, sweet, eight year old daughter, and a supportive, extended family.  In the start-up phase of Douglas Design I did a lot of research on starting a graphic design business. I also benefited from speaking to one of the business counselors at the Maine Small Business Development Center. They gave me valuable advice on best practices. On a personal note, my faith has been my rock and foundation in my life and I ask God to help me everyday in all that I do.

But enough about me—one of the main reasons I started my business is to help others. Through my business I have been able to help many types of people:  a friend who needs a custom invitation, a small business who needs a logo and printed marketing materials, a large business who needs print production support, and a commercial printer who is looking for printing projects and a graphic design resource—I love it all. I have also helped connect business professionals by participation and membership in local networking groups.

Networking has become a very important part of growing my business. I always knew that I wouldn't get new clients and grow my business simply by sitting in front of my computer. I have been very involved with my local chamber, the Gorham Business Exchange, of which I am a board member.  I also currently co-chair the Gorham Marketplace annual trade show event. It is a pleasure to be involved in my community. I have also been involved in BNI (Business Networking International), since the start of my business, where I am currently the Vice President of the Midcoast Business Exchange- Freeport chapter. This group has been a huge help in the growth of my business where more than 50% of my referrals are generated. I recently joined AIGA (Association of Graphic Arts) and look forward to networking with fellow creatives.

As a continued part of my networking, I will be establishing an online networking presence which I hope will be a benefit to my friends, business colleagues and clients. I welcome your feedback and suggestions.