Erin Ferree

Pages to Include in Your Website

Building a Website may appear to be very complex, but it's really an easy process. The best way to start is by developing a map of the pages and content that you want to include. This depends upon the type of business you have, and how informative you wan... Read >

Color Part 2: Formats and Systems

There are several color formats and systems available for mixing and specifying colors. Here, we explain three of the most common systems: RGB, CMYK, and Pantone colors. RGB color "RGB" refers to the colors of light that mix to create colors. There ... Read >

Starter Website Plan for a Service Business

or many small businesses, getting even a basic website up can be a daunting task! To simplify the process, we've created a basic site map for a starter website for a service business, which requires a minimum of work on your part. We suggest that you p... Read >

Color Part 1: Accuracy

Color is one of the most difficult parts of a design to show accurately to a client. Color perception can be affected by many factors, including: Human perception: ' The way each person sees color can vary, depending on the structure of the individual... Read >

9 Keys to Building a Stand-Out Brand Identity

Brand identity is the combined effect of visual elements in your marketing materials. A basic brand identity kit consists of a logo, business card, letterhead, and branded envelope. This basic set of materials can be extended to include a website, brochur... Read >

Planning Ahead For Visual Consistency: Information your designer should give you for future referenc

While we recommend that you contract with the same designer or design team while creating your brand identity materials as possible, we know that this scenario is not always possible. Whenever you work with a designer other than the original who create... Read >

Splitting a Brand Design Project Between Two Design Firms

I'm often asked if I could just do either the print side or the website side of a brand design project. And while that's certainly possible, I don't recommend it. Splitting a branding project typically results in a lack of consistency between pieces in... Read >

To Tag Or Not To Tag?

A tagline is a succinct phrase that communicates some of the basics of your brand. Ideally, your tagline is also memorable and helps your target audience relate to your business. If used correctly, a tagline can be a powerful part of your marketing str... Read >

Four Brand Identity Myths That Will Hurt A Small Business

Having a brand identity is extremely important to your business's success. However, many business owners have misconceptions about brand identities that can damage their businesses. "Brand identity" is the result of the combination of consistent visual... Read >

Choosing the Right Color Palette For Your Brand Identity

Color is a highly personal experience-everyone has favorite colors, and other colors that they absolutely don't like. So, how do you determine which colors that will work for your business identity, and that will send the right message to your potential c... Read >

Contact Information To Include On Your Business Card

The logo and graphic elements that you include on your business card are quite important, but having the right text and contact information on the card is equally important. Here are my tips about the elements to include: Your name - Consider whether y... Read >

Digital Printing vs. Press Printing—A Comparison Guide

When it comes time to print your brand identity materials, there's one overarching question for you to consider-whether to print the resulting materials on a digital printer or traditional press. There are many differences between the two processes, some ... Read >

A Logo Isn't A Tattoo! Why Your Personal Tastes Have Nothing To Do With Your Logo

As a business owner, one of the most important business decisions you'll make is choosing the design of your logo. Whether you design the logo yourself or hire a designer, you'll have to make some decisions during the design process. But you want to ma... Read >

Create Your Marketing Machine to Plan for Marketing Success

Do you ever feel like you're constantly running around, trying to get your marketing materials put together and out the door? Are you frazzled by the marketing process, and driving your writer, designer, or printer absolutely nuts? Is your "plan" to just ... Read >

What Is A Brand?

Creating a brand is one of the most important things that you'll do in the establishment of your small business. But defining what "brand" means can be a tricky task. There are so many different approaches to branding a business and so many elements of a ... Read >