This got me thinking. Although I’ve not noticed some online printers referencing Pantone colors (sometimes referred to as "spot colors") for most small printing jobs, are the latest printing techniques, inks and machines making Pantone’s color reference system a thing of the past?

I hear from clients all the time that they want help setting up a website but they will update it themselves. I love this and encourage this. I don't do web maintenance (except on my sites) and if you have a website you should know how to update basic things. It's faster and more affordable than sending changes to someone else. Save the money for bigger changes and functionality and 3rd-party integration help.

Spotted in Rockefeller Center in the Fall of 2023 giant numbers as an installation of works by Robert Indiana, ONE Through ZERO (The Ten Numbers), ten 8-foot-tall Cor-Ten steel number sculptures.

Do you want to know more about the thought process that goes into building a visual brand?

Meridith is a public speaking coach and as a solopreneur and puts in the time - a lot of it - to make it look easy. Securing the Amazon work, I believe, is a key moment in her career timeline. I am glad I was there to document a significant moment that could easily be forgotten as her success grows.

How personal should I get in business?

This is the question I ask a lot of myself as well as when working with smaller businesses. Visually branding your business takes a lot of thought. It can make you question how much of 'me' I should put out there.

It all begins with an idea.

This book about the creative process is like a friendly hug! I’m not new to designing or owning my own business but we can always learn from others' stories and their process. His words are definitely helping me to refine and define where I am now as a creative and a business owner.

When I collaborate with small business owners, I understand they juggle many tasks, including print marketing for self-promotion. I emphasize education to empower them. Investing in brand development offers more than just a logo; it provides the freedom to create marketing materials without relying on a designer for every variation.

Let's look at the redesign of Sweet Home Farm's pecan maple granola, which is delicious! 😋 In the images below the box on the left is the new design. There are a lot of FDA packaging rules, marketing and human psychology, color theory, client management, design skills, software, computer skills, file and printing management expertise, and let's hope there is a brand guide to follow or they have to make a lot more decisions on the fly.

How are you grabbing the attention of your potential clients?