Happy New Year!

I have been remiss in my posting here. I think I take for granted that you can see this via my Facebook and Twitter posts…
Please let me know what kind of content would interest you in 2014.
The design world is changing, but I'm hanging in there.
Thank you for your support!
:-)
- Marianne

Check out my Facebook page and my web site

I'm afraid I don't keep this up as much since it's sooo easy to SHARE on my Lins Graphics Facebook page and update my web site with new samples on occasion... which do YOU prefer?

I pay for services requested

You have my word as a professional: if I ask you to perform a service, and you do as requested, I will pay you for that service, whether I ended up using it or not. Your time is valuable, and I respect that.

Free fonts are for amateur designers (most of the time)

I needed a font that a client used and it happened to be free. When I went to download it, I was invited to sign up for a newsletter where I receive free fonts weekly. So, I signed up.
I've received about 6-7 free font download offers. Not one of them has been downloaded to my computer -- and then I realized something. The reason we see so many badly designed marketing materials out there, is that everyone is trying to save a buck. Some of them are bad because they use their nephew, or someone who knows photoshop and calls themselves a designer. Others are bad because they are using fonts that are out of date, or not right for the message, just because they are free. Most of these free fonts lacked any kind of sophistication, elegance or contemporary style. They are fonts that no experienced designer would have ever purchased. Now, I'm not saying you can't find good free fonts -- to the contrary, you can -- but a professional would know how and where to find just the right ones.

How to choose the right logo design

Of course, if you hire me, I'll help you with this, but this is a brief, yet interesting, article.

Developing your brand...

This is an interesting article I found. I think we all struggle with brand strategies. I hope you find this as useful as I did: The 12 Principles of Brand Strategy

So far, it's a great new year!

I love new years. Time to reflect and make new decisions, take new actions, and create abundance in all areas of our life. I'm ready to explore fresh ideas and do things a little differently. How about you? What are you doing to make this the best year yet?

Happy New Year and New Web Site!

Check it out!

New and improved web site!

Linsgraphics.com updated!

Check it out: linsgraphics.com.
Please send me your feedback. Thank you!

New Web Site

I'm currently working on updating my regular web site. Stay tuned!

Good site, Bad site

Just a good reminder.
Don't scare people away from your site because it's so painful to look at. Here are some beautiful, classic black and white sites and here are some examples of what NOT to do...
Some websites can actually induce seizures! Don't let yours be one of them!

How much does a logo cost? I'm often asked this question. It can vary... a lot!
Check out this blog post from stock logos
http://stocklogos.com/topic/famous-logo-designs-and-how-much-did-they-cost

Don't Be Late!

There are few good excuses for being late, and sometimes the best thing to do is to cancel if you can call with enough advance notice. But being late shows your guest, client, friend, potential customer, that you don't respect their time, or that you are very disorganized. Be early if you need to be.
I recently went to support a business acquaintance by attending an event she put on. She was an hour late. That meant, by the time she was ready to begin her product presentation (after an initial introductory portion of her event), I had to leave. Someone else did to. So she lost two potential customers because we had prior commitments planned for after her function.
Remember to consider that other people are busy too, and let them know when your presentation begins and BE THERE. Also, let them know when it will end, so they too can tend to other obligations.

Lose any Data Lately?

I love these tips from Manta, and this is a good one!

Check your data!

There are two types of people: those who have lost their data, and those who will!

I'm not just saying this because I'm a designer and it's my livelihood... but if you need to promote your business, use a professional - whether you hire a designer or find a professional template online for a flyer, brochure or business card - whatever it is, you want to present your business professionally and with style, class and a clear message. I am seeing so many people trying to 'do it themselves' with Publisher or Word and these are not professional layout programs. They don't give you the control to design something that really works, even if you do have an eye for design. The type and image controls are limited. Plus, your fonts may be limited and instead of looking contemporary, your piece may just be "fine" like the materials a school teacher hands out to students.
Do you want to introduce people to your business like that?
There are plenty of student designers, or people who will work with you on price, as well as online resources for templates with design elements and fonts to make your business stand out and your information to be picked up by a potential customer.
Don't hurt yourself because you don't want to spend a few bucks.
First impressions are very important when it comes to a printed piece.
Good luck!

I really enjoy these Manta tips, and I agree with this one strongly. I haven't missed a deadline in years (in 15 years, I missed 2 - ask me about those situations), and I have NEVER come in over budget.
Deliver on your commitments

Have you checked out my Facebook page, and "Liked" me?

Please do! Facebook.com/linsgraphics

Thank you!

I'll return the favor.

I'm glad I didn't charge for the Facebook Fan Page Banners I designed...

Since, they are making mandatory changes...

Here is a good article about how the changes affect us, and may benefit us too. I like how she lists PROS and CONS of the new changes...

I want to grow my business - and I'm ready!

How do I go about finding a good sales person? All advice welcome! Thank you!

Do unto others... you know the rest...

When someone does a job quickly for me, I try to pay them quickly. It just makes sense to me...

So, if I'm asked to create something for someone because they need it 'now' (so, usually within hours, or at most, a day or two, depending on the size of the project), the least I ask is that they pay within the 15-30 days of receiving my invoice.

Am I asking for too much? I'm serious - this is not a rhetorical question...