Saturday, July 16, 2016

Graphic Design and Minimalism

I want to open the discussion on graphic design and minimalism because, unfortunately, I've seen  some designs that are boring in what seems to be an attempt at a minimalistic style. This matter  is particularly important to the marketing and advertising industry where anything boring can be death to an advertising campaign. At best, an uninteresting uncreative marketing campaign raises the cost per conversion (the cost to acquire a lead, sale or other goal).
When minimalism is taken to the point of looking impoverished, especially in graphic design, it will not acquire the most elegant look, but rather will look cheap and poorly thought out. The goal of graphic designs for business use is usually to capture and hold interest and be memorable enough to accomplish what the design set out to do.

I think the key issue when taking a minimalistic approach in graphic design is to think about the design thoroughly, be creative and original.
If you are looking for freelance graphic designer services for hire, and want a minimalist style be sure the designer understands the goals of the advertising campaign and allow for creative freedom.

Monday, March 28, 2016

How Graphic Design Benefits Your Business

Graphic design benefits business in more than just the obvious of just looking nice. Unfortunately, many small businesses don't realize the full benefits of great design and fall short of building their business and broadening their customer base.
One manner in which graphic design benefits business is assisting customers with making better decisions quickly.  People today are as inpatient as ever. They want information fast and if they aren't able to make a decision quickly on whether the service or product is right for them, they are likelier to dismiss it. For this reason, it is vital that businesses use design to assist in communicating quickly with the use of graphics, pictures, and icons.  Succinct and minimal text can be used to spur curiosity and allow a person to dive deeper if s/he wants more information. Of course, for some services or products, that are simpler and already well known, the less complexity is required in communication.
Graphic design can also assist in branding a business and making it memorable. The more creative and the more the design fits the personality of the business and target market, the more successful the design is likely to make that business. Personally, I think this is where a lot of small businesses fail. They fail to realize the importance of brand building and how graphic design fits within that framework.
Great graphic design sells! Design is not form but also a function of use. It should not be surprising that better design sells more; and that can apply to any industry or medium. This is pretty obvious in the car industry. Better designed cars sell more, not just the outside design of the car but the way the inside is designed as well, in the use and the way it looks.
A graphic designer in Los Angeles, Linda has worked in the marketing and advertising industry for over 10 years and knows how important design is, because it does get better results when done well.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Graphic Design for Corporations & Small Biz

In Los Angeles, graphic design for corporate communications usually has a distinct style from designs made for small business. I speak for LA because I live here, but it's probably safe to assume that this trend occurs in other areas, as well. If it doesn't, please voice your opinion in the comments section! I would love to know your thoughts on design trends in other areas for businesses of different sizes.

This blog is focused on comparing and critiquing  corporate designs to small business designs because sometimes it's just easier to point out what's wrong than what's good.

My experience has been that the larger the company, the simpler the graphic design. Unfortunately, sometimes to the point of being boring and overly simplistic. I've seen corporate designs go overboard with minimalism which can give off a look that's  very cold, unapproachable, and lack in passion for the service or product offered.

On the other hand and extreme, I've seen small business graphic designs go overboard by including many different or mismatched design elements and features that result in a look that's either too busy, confusing, or unpleasant to look at.

I understand why corporations and small businesses prefer particular design styles or perhaps attract different types of graphic designers. However,  whether it's a corporation or small business, great design should never be underestimated. Great design will result in greater performance of marketing and advertising efforts.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Designing Icons

Designing icons are useful in today's society because they can communicate much faster than words or images when well made. Icons can be found on signs, appliances, phones, websites, product packaging and so much more.

Designing Icons


When designing an icon, there are many considerations a graphic artist must consider, such as making it understandable across cultures. Graphic designers in Los Angeles and other big cities, with a melting pot of people from around the world, must be meticulous about making icons comprehensible to everyone.

For optimal performance, elegance and simplicity is usually the desired outcome of an icon design.

There are 4 Icon design categories:
  • Similar - Used most often for communicating simple concepts or actions. A curved road ahead is often represented by a curved line. ⌇
  • Example - Useful for representing complex matters. For instance, an airport sign may contain an icon that is the simplified design of an airplane. ✈
  • Symbolic - This is common among objects, concepts or actions that are well-known, common, or established.  Everyone knows that a circle with short lines extending outward is symbolic of the sun; even children know that as evidenced in their drawings. ☼
  • Arbitrary - These types of icons usually have no resemblance of what they represent but rather have been learned. The biohazard sign is a great example.
If you are looking to hire a graphic designer to create icons, be sure to think carefully about the purpose and to who you are communicating.

Monday, February 1, 2016

How Graphic Design Helps

Graphic design helps society in numerous ways. One of the most important is the ability to communicate information, ideas, or concepts quickly and efficiently.

For as far back as we know, humans have used symbols and graphics to communicate stories and more. Ancient cave drawings are, in a very rudimentary sense, graphic design. Today, we use digital software to create graphic designs.

Graphic design has become so enmeshed in modern day living that we are hardly aware of it. Whether good or bad, designs are seen everywhere: on street signs, cellphones, computer screens, product packaging, etc. As a graphic designer in Los Angeles, I see it everywhere I turn, literally.

Graphic Design in Los Angeles

Great design communicates effectively and with purpose, yet it is aesthetically pleasing. It captures our attention.

Companies use it to streamline processes and strengthen their position in the marketplace and with employees and business partners. It's vital for a business to incorporate graphic design into their strategy.

Every business is communicating a brand. Part of the "story" of your brand is made up of images and graphics, wherever they are placed. A bad logo design may seem innocuous, until you've had it redesigned and your company and pride is elevated with a new image and sense of worth.

logo design is one of the most powerful marketing tools. It's important for it to reflect the unique "personality" (brand) of the business, it's values and principles.

High-quality graphic design adds credibility to a business. It will evoke the right image and thoughts in people and have great retention in their memory.