graphic design Archives

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How to…hire a graphic designer

Ah- graphic design. It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? I have a real thing about design. I’ve worked with graphic designers for years with clients. I’ve worked with in house graphic designers when I was a marketing manager. I have huge admiration for people who can master InDesign… a skill I tried to learn a long time ago… and something I was not good at. In addition to this, I have taken part in branding courses, read a whole load of books on, listened to podcasts on it… and I do also do a fair amount of graphic design myself. Why do I do this? Because if I want something for my own platforms, I usually have a really clear vision for what I want. But here’s the thing. The graphic design work I undertake myself is really, really basic. I put text over images I’ve cropped and resized. I use font families I know are on brand – I don’t stray. I use colours I know work but stick to a really tight colour palette. Because I know it works.

I really lack the confidence, experience and, let’s be honest, skill to make serious graphic design changes. I can use the assets developed by a professional really well. I can work with a professional to develop these assets and guides… I enjoy it to be honest. And I can see when something is on or off brand from 50 paces. And I know when something isn’t right. But when it comes to creating a fresh brand identity, making new templates, POS, etc etc… I need assistance. And you know what? That’s fine- because I am not a graphic designer. I also know enough to know what I don’t know.

Time for a brand tweak

It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I had a big brand refresh. This involved a new site and a new logo. And at the time I loved it. The fonts selected were fairly new (at the time!), the colour was on brand (and consistent with the colours I’ve always used), and the strapline described my business’s new direction, which was more towards coaching. All the boxes ticked.

Then I was in that awkward hovering phase. I flipping hate that stage. You know when you like it but you’re wondering if it could be better and that stops you doing anything? Yeah. That was happening. So I got it out there and was happy with it.

Then what happened?

Brands, in my opinion, should ALWAYS be looking at when they’re going to upgrade their look. Not if, when. Big brands do this all the time, but you might not be aware. There are many, many subtle tweaks that happen in big branding all the time. It helps keep a brand more current as fonts, styles and colour trends change. These changes are rarely dramatic, but maybe the colours get tweaked, the font gets ‘upgraded’ or an element is dropped. Fonts go through trends and styles… and the Lobster font that I used on my logo was a lot more ‘unusual’ when I started using it. I was actually looking for a handwritten font when I found it, but couldn’t find one I liked enough, that was still legible and felt right. It did a good job… but over the last few months I have started to see it everywhere. I ordered something online and the ‘next day delivery’ text on the side of the box was Lobster. Yep. Its days were numbered.

So how did you find a graphic designer?

A word of warning here. Not everyone who says they are a graphic designer actually is. Sounds cryptic, but it isn’t. I do graphic design (I use Canva a lot – I like Canva) so, therefore, I am a graphic designer? No, I don’t think so either. To me, graphic designers are not people who use ‘Clipart’ style graphics, who don’t understand how colours, fonts and layout styles work together. They’re just like me. I have nothing against these people – I do it, but when I am looking for graphic design work, I need someone who has a much higher knowledge level than I do.. and a much higher skill level too. Otherwise I would save my money and do it myself. Do you know what I mean?

I’m not saying this is everyone’s view… and I blame this view on being ‘spoilt’ by working with some really talented people now and historically. It does spoil you, because you appreciate the process and how amazingly creative true graphic designers are. They’re artists, but have a whole load of marketing and branding considerations too. It’s a real skill.

How did I find the graphic designer I’m working with?

Well, the answer was actually under my nose… which would have saved me a whole lot of time and stress if I’d realised! There’s one designer I have worked with for years whose work I have always loved. She really gets the brands she works with and creates stunning work for them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an email, piece of POS or graphic that has made me think ‘oh… not quite’ or ‘not on brand’, far from it. What’s more, she produces work with aspects that I would not have thought of because I am not a graphic designer. I know how she works, I have seen examples of her work, she’s super efficient… and she gets me… which makes explaining my brand a whole lot easier. I mean, I don’t have to, she already knows me!

I’ve just launched my new brands and I LOOVVVEEE it. The process was much faster than I anticipated (completely due to the designer’s efficiency!), so it’s out there in the world. And I’m so pleased and have already had some lovely comments.

I can’t wait to share the detail behind the process, the branding, fonts and colours with you. I’m hoping it’ll inspire you to get excited about being on brand. I honestly feel it’s SO important, creates more cohesion and professionalism and is easy to implement when you get your eye in too…

If you saw the word Canva and wondered what on earth I was talking about, make sure you check out this blog here…

July 2, 2018/by Rhea Freeman

digital marketing, Facebook, General Blog Posts, Rural & Equestrian Social Media, Small business

How to use Canva

Canva. One of my favourite online places to be. I am a HUGE fan of Canva and regularly recommend it. I still find it amazing that not everyone knows about Canva, so I thought a blog that gives you the basics of how to use Canva would be a good call. Because it is such a game changer.

What is Canva?

Canva is a free – yes FREE – graphic design ‘tool’. It’s accessible online, it all works through the internet (you don’t need to download anything) and it is genuinely amazing. With loads of inspiration, design templates and even online tutorials about how to use Canva, it’s a really superb space. There are also paid for options (whether you want to buy an individual image or upgrade your package) but I’m not going to talk about them because I can honestly say I am yet to use them. I think as I have a lot of my own images, that helps a lot. Although the resize function would definitely be handy… so I’m not ruling it out. The reason I mention this is because there are so many platforms that are free to use, but if you want to do anything else, you have to pay. And when I mean anything else, I’m talking basic functionality here. I’m not having a pop at these kind of sites as everyone needs to make a living – I get that- but you can really create quality graphics, ads, posts and a LOT more for nothing through Canva.

How to use Canva

I am not saying that Canva should replace quality design – it shouldn’t. While I like to think I am OK-ish on the design spectrum, I am not a graphic designer. Graphic designers don’t just know how to use clever bits of software, then KNOW how to design. This can make the difference between an OK design and something that’s superb.

But, in my experience, Canva is incredible for making a graphic designer’s work go further. So if you want to add your beautifully designed logo to – I don’t know – a quote, Canva allows you to do this. So you’re using the graphic designer’s work with Canva. Equally, if you’ve taken an image you want to put onto social media, Canva allows you to do this. Ideally, you’d have a brand manual too, which would give you things like the hex colours, font families and other guidelines and how to use your marketing collateral so it stays on brand. But these guidelines can (and should) be integrated into anything you create through Canva.

I have also used Canva for bigger things – I have designed adverts through Canva. This is not something I like doing (but that’s because of my skillset, not Canva!), but it has that functionality as you can download your design as a print ready PDF, set the dimensions so it’s sized correctly, and even add bleed if needed. This means that Canva is more than just a tool for online graphics, memes, quotes and more, it’s also very, very capable of creating artwork for print too.

Canva templates

As I said, Canva has a huge range of templates available for you to use, for free. These will, usually, be to the correct size for what they say – like ‘Facebook Cover’ for example. However, if you have something specific in mind, you can just set your own dimensions – that’s the beauty of Canva – it lets you create what you actually need. When you’ve done your stunning piece of artwork, you can then download it in a range of formats, making it great for online as well as print.

Some of the template options are completely designed ready for you – you just change the words and the images as you like and they’re ready to go.

How to use Canva – what do I do?

I actually created a draft of my logo in Canva and then had a graphic designer refine and tweak it, but as I had the framework I could really show what I was thinking! Day to day, I use Canva for social media posts and blog images above everything else to be honest. It means I can quickly create the graphic I want with zero compromise, and I can use the elements I have had designed by a graphic designer in my designs too.

How do YOU use Canva?

If you haven’t used Canva yet, I would urge you to go and have a look on the Canva website here. There is also an app version that I have on my phone, but I have never really got on with that. I can do minor tweaks to designs and then screenshot them if I want to use them on Instagram, for example, but in my opinion the desktop version is head and shoulders above the app.

If you do you Canva, I’d love to know how you use it and why! Pop on over to Facebook to get involved!

June 13, 2018/0 Comments/by Rhea Freeman

Business, General Blog Posts

Seven ways to get the best out of your graphic designer – new logo

A logo isn’t what makes your business. It’s a really nice thing to have, and being a bit of a design junkie, I do like a nice logo, but have a look at this blog ‘how to create a logo’ if you’re having an ‘arrrgggghh’ moment. Then have a read of the below, it’ll help you get the best logo you can when working with a graphic designer…

I do have a genuine interest in graphic design. I’m not a designer- I don’t own any of the really clever software- but I do create graphics for people and have worked with a number of really, really good graphic designers in my time. So I feel I’m ok to talk about this. Here are my top tips for working with a graphic designer to design you new logo, to get the best logo for you.

Seven ways to get the best out of your graphic designer, to get the best logo for you

Work out what’s important. Your company’s name, any imagery you must have- get a list of non-negotiables

Colours. If you have preferences on colour and colours you hate- tell him or her. It’ll save him or her time and stress and you money.

Get vision. In the board sense. This doesn’t need to look like Sherlock’s ‘mind palace’, but collect examples of logos/fonts/colours/ideas/shapes you like.

Think. How are you using your logo? Is it on business stationery and nothing else or are you using it in/on products? How’s it going look?

Fonts. Fonts can make something really simple work on a whole new level without costing a fortune, so have a good old look at fonts and get some ideas.

Sketch. You read that right. If you had an idea, sketch it out. You don’t have to be Picasso, but it gives your designer an idea of what you want them to achieve for you.

Get a price sorted. Prices can change depending on the number of revisions, but be clear on what you’re expecting to pay before you start and ask to be kept informed if the price is likely to increase.

The options you get back might not be like the logo in your head. Why? Because your designer can’t see in there. Follow the steps above and you should be pretty close, but be kind when you get your designs back as s/he’s put time and effort in. Be aware of this. Has this helped you? I’d love to hear from you in you have any additional tips.

February 19, 2017/0 Comments/by Rhea Freeman

Equestrian & Rural Business Branding, General Blog Posts

How to create a logo

I’ll let you in on a secret. My current logo isn’t the one I had at the start of my rebranding process. Far from it. And it’s not the first logo I ever had. I think it’s version four- maybe five? So when I tell you how to create a logo- keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be forever. Things change, and that’s fine too.

My first logo

My first logo was simply my name in Arial font. Was it flashy? Nope. But I was starting a new business and it didn’t need to be flashy. It just needed to be something I could build my business around and told people what I did (hence the PR bit afterwards). I wanted a flashy logo, I really did, but I couldn’t decide on what to do and in the end it was actually holding me and my business back. How stupid is that? Not having a logo shouldn’t hold you back. But it did for me. So I settled for Arial and that was fine.

Logo inspiration comes from the strangest places

Then I was having lunch in a pub and I remember seeing a really nice font on the menu. I can’t remember whether I photographed the font or ‘borrowed’ a bit of the menu, but if was the beginning of logo v2. We added more layers this time (I say we because I worked with a designer). We added different colours to the mix that complemented the original aubergine and green I’d used, which was inspired by a design on moo.com and formed my first ever business card. It was nice. It was ‘proper’ I liked it.

A new website (and a revised logo)

I then had a new website- v3, and the logo, although it stayed largely the same, did evolve slightly as the green was dropped and we focussed on aubergine as the leading colour. Different shades to add interest, but we stuck with aubergine. The funky font stayed as that had become part of the brand and there was nothing I liked better.

The last change (for now)

Then came a change. I had taken the first steps into coaching people, with a big focus on social media, video, content marketing and working with collaborators. A kind of digital coach. Or a social media coach. Or even a marketing coach. Having run my own successful PR, marketing and social media agency for a number of years, it was hard to define exactly what I could do as I have a kind of all round knowledge. But definitely a specialism in all things social. So we decided to knock out the PR from the logo. And put ‘Social. Media. Marketing’ underneath my name. To give people an idea of how I can help them. Will this change in the future? More than likely, but that’s ok too. The first version of this logo was designed by yours truly. I’d managed to match the colour by eye and created a really formal logo. There were just two things wrong with it. The colour wasn’t the same (noted when my business stationery arrived and I really hated it!) and I’m not formal. I’m professional and I know my stuff, and I can and do help businesses achieve great things each day (honestly- I know it sounds arrogant but I have a really high success rate as the right kind of people seem drawn to me- but that’s another story!). But I’m not formal. Hell no. I swear. I’m usually covered in mud as I live in the back of beyond. There’s so much more I could tell you but I won’t. So, anyway, the formal logo didn’t work. And the colour was wayyy too girly. So I spoke to my designer and we had a chat.

And then the current version you see was born. I have a thing about branding and design and fonts. I drink them in. I love them. So when I speak to my lovely designer I’m able to tell her that kind of thing I want. And so we chatted fonts and colours and we arrived here. And that’s how to create a logo.

How has this helped?

‘But you haven’t told me anything?’. But I have. See, creating your logo is a process. Font change, styles change. Find me an established brand who has had exactly the same logo since they launched and I’ll be amazed. And that’s completely fine. The best thing to do is simply begin. If you can afford a designer, brilliant, and if you can’t, there are some excellent bits of software available for free and things like Fiverr and Peopleperhour that can help. A logo doesn’t make your business. And while it may feel like it is the thing you’re waiting for, set a time limit, move on and then revisit it whenever you like. This is just my take on how to create a logo, based on my experiences and how I created my logo. You might have a very different take on it. I’d love you to comment on the blog below with your take on how to create a logo.

February 13, 2017/0 Comments/by Rhea Freeman

Business, Equestrian & Rural Business Branding, General Blog Posts, Small business

Should you use a designer to help you with your website?

Should you use a designer to help you with your website? The depends on a number of factors. I had a designer help me with mine (and I’ll tell you why!), but it’s also perfectly possible to produce a really good website yourself, especially if you use a nice template.

When I decided I was going to redo my website, I got on good old Google and started looking at Should you get a designer to help you with your website? templates. WordPress templates to be exact. Now, I usually have a designer, well, my lovely designer Amy, help me with my websites. Why? Because she’s better at it than I am. Simple as that. Can I tweak a template? Yes I can. But it would take me eight times as long, it wouldn’t look as good, I’d get frustrated as hell when something went wrong, and I’d always be concerned I was about to break it in a way that meant there was no going back. Although, for the record, I think the latter is quite challenging to do.

So why bother with a template? Because it will save you a fortune. If you have a site built from the ground up by a designer it can be really expensive. It’s just a simple case of time, and creating a completely bespoke website will take your designer a lot of time. For some people, this is the only option – they don’t want something ‘off the peg’, they want something bespoke. And that’s fine. But you’ll have to pay. The other option is the template.

You can get free templates on WordPress. And some of these are nice. Or you can buy a template (I think this one was about $50 ish?). When you buy a template (in my experience!), you get a lot more options and everything is, well, it’s just better. I’m not a designer, but I like nice design, and it doesn’t take a lot to imagine my colours and branding on a nice template, but on a more basic one, I know there’s going to be more design work involved to get it to look like how I want it to. With the features I want. I did discuss the template selection with my designer before I purchased it too, so she made sure that she was happy with the backend and could make the changes easily. Again, this step will save you time and money in the future.

I work with Amy, my website designer, because I really like her work and I have worked with her for years. She understands my quirks. And she’s got a really good eye for design and detail. And I like that. More to the point, I can send her a list of things I want fixing and she’ll do them, while I carry on with the work I do that earns me the money to pay her. I do enjoy a bit of web design, and I love writing the copy, but I know there’s a trade off – should I spend four hours learning to do something that I will probably never need again, or do I ask Amy and pay her for the 30 mins it will take her. Well, probably more like 15 minutes actually. See, it’s that simple. Not only is Amy better at it than I am, it’s cheaper for me to use her…because my time, just like yours, has a value.

Now, there are exceptions to my thoughts above. If I was time rich, I’d have done more myself, because I would have been able to enjoy the process and the learning aspect of it. Because I wouldn’t be thinking ‘my to do list is getting longer and the phone keeps ringing’, I’d be immersed in it. Equally, if I wanted to offer a web development service, I’d put the time in and be Youtubing like a mad thing to learn how it all works.

So, do you need a web designer to create or help you with your site? It’s completely up to you – are you time poor, or time rich? Do you want to learn a new skill? Are you looking to improve your web development skills for your business or is your website just a platform rather than a showcase of your web design skills?

February 12, 2017/0 Comments/by Rhea Freeman