The Comcast Experience

A couple of months ago we were in Philly visiting a friend. So we stopped by the new Comcast building that changed the Philadelphia Skyline. Our friend mentioned a giant LCD screen that they wanted to see. That didn't really perk my interest. However, when we waled in to the room we were blown away. When we first came into the center, we didn't know what we were supposed to look at. It was a nice reception area and it had a nice image of outer space on the wall. But then the entire wall changed. The wall was a huge screen! There were men climbing up the wall, windows opening on the wall, acrobatics and much more. If you are in the area, it's certainly worth a look. It's the most entertaining corporate office reception room I've ever been in. This is a great new way to incorporate art and entertainment into these buildings.

Do I Need Permission?

This is a great article written by Dianne Brinson, a copyright attorney. It fully explains what rights you have as an artist or photographer. It explains what you need permission to photograph and what you don't need permission for. It's nice to have a clear explanation about the federal laws on photographing landscapes, buildings and people. Just remember... Anyone can still sue your for anything, but it doesn't mean they will win.
http://www.photosecrets.com/tips.law.html

This is a bit of an important subject for me as I paint lots of architecture.
www.paulkieschefineart.com

Designers, have a chuckle at this

www.yourlogomakesmebarf.com

If you are serious about design, this may in fact make you hurl.

AIGA on Speculative Work

AIGA is one of the leading associations for design. They recently reviewed their position on speculative work. Take a look.
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/what-is-aigas-position-on-spec-work-and-ethical-standards

Learn from My Mistakes

I got an email from one of our freelancers/friend. I found the email to be very true, so I'm sharing with you. I think this is very good advice.

Written by Conrad Winter
Backpocket Copywriter (backpocketcopywriter.com)

Learn from My Mistakes - Don't do it yourself.

I know how it is to have a little project that seems so small and simple that it would just be easier to do it yourself than involve an outside contractor. Especially with what's going on today, we're all looking for ways to cut costs. But it's a subtle trap. I've fallen for it; I've made my own business cards and designed self-promotion brochures. I figured I'd save some money and it would look fine. Yeah, right. When I think about all the time I invested in these projects and remember the end product, I just have to shake my head. Who knows how much business I lost because my materials looked like Elmo made them. Who knows how many opportunities I missed while I spent days doing things a professional designer could have done on a single cup of coffee. If I'd kept it up, it surely would have been the death of my business. Luckily, I learned my lesson, and now I always hire a designer. This is my advice for marketers caught in a do-it-yourself vs. do-it-for-me quandary:

Never compromise on professionalism. One convoluted flyer or disjointed landing page can make prospects think you don't have it together.

Don't rely on favors. I pay designers to do my stuff. Why? Free work is worth exactly what you pay for it. Deadlines aren't hard and fast and you "get what you get."

If you're going to do it yourself, run it by at least one critic who will be brutally honest.

And if you're still going to do it yourself, never assume your prospects will think that the imperfections of your do-it-yourself creation are charming. Fix them.

And if you're seriously committed to doing it yourself, set a cap for the amount of time you'll spend. Know when to get help from someone who will design it professionally or write it professionally (like me).

And if there's no way I can convince you not to do it yourself, promise me you'll treat it like a real project with a stated objective and real expectations.

Hope this made you think. And remember I'm here to help no matter what the size of your writing project. Together we'll give it the professional and creative edge it needs.

A Walk Through ArtExpo

I spent Sunday at ArtExpo in New York City. It was a very nice experience. Supposively it was 1/6 it's size, but that is hard to believe. The show was massive. It took me quite a long time to go through it. My neck still hurts from looking all over at all the artwork. Most every style was represented, but there was only one artist that I found in my painting style. There was some very good work that was original and high quality and probably more bad work that was unoriginal and unskilled.

I was amused by the gimmicks people used to attract consumers to their booths. Like any other business, the more people you get to see your work, the better the chances of sales. Some of it was a bit cheezy. For instance... There was a booth with blasting rap music and two blonde models. There was lots of pushy sales people spitting up all sorts of fluff about how amazing there artists were. Some interesting gimmicks were booths with musicians, unique lighting, interesting backdrops, etc.

I have not decided if I'm going to show at next year's Expo, but I'm leaning towards yes.

Check out the photos I took of the event. Enjoy.





This was weird... I looked up and saw my name at the show, or did I?... That threw me off for a bit.

Superbowl Sales or Bust

One of the reasons I watch the Superbowl is the commercials. It's not the only reason, but it's fun for a marketing professional to witness the commercials that are paying the big bucks. I think it's great that the Superbowl can demand such high prices for the ads, but I always wonder if it really is worth it. I'd have to say that some good commercials during the Superbowl have influenced some purchases. Last year was a bit of a bust, but I'm hoping this year will be good.

My favorite so far is Miller's ad campaign. Miller is advertising the fact that they will be advertising during the Superbowl. The catch is... it's only a one second commercial. What would you do in a second that cost $100K? Will it be remembered, or will the commercials leading up to it really be remembered? Will anyone truely buy that beer over another because they saw the ad? You tell me.

Miller's Commercial for Miller's One Second Commercial

Bigger Isn't Always Better

In the graphic design industry, companies always seem to think the same. I've worked in a ton of design studios and all of them targeted the same fortune 500 companies within the drivable region of them. What happens when 20 companies go to grab the same big client? Chances are one if none of them will get the client. But, who is going after all the other not so big clients? Chances are, if you target a lesser known and slightly smaller client, no one else is pitching to them. Very often, no one has ever approached them before. There's a good chance there is the same amount of work to be had with this mid size company. The best thing is, there is no bidding war or price comparison. Also, that client is most likely going to stay with you longer since less companies are approaching them. I find that the proposal process is shorter, but they need a bit more education on how the process works.

Chamber of Sales

Going back three years ago or so, I joined the local Chamber of Commerce in Roxbury, New Jersey. I didn't expect much, but it has honestly been a very good thing for me. As anticipated the chamber is full of small businesses, banks, financial professionals and other companies that I thought would be very little help to my sales efforts. However, since joining the Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce I have unexpectedly gained several very good clients and many good vendors. The chamber is not about going to one meeting and trying to get a sale. The sales are made by building relationships with these other business owners. Trust and reliability are two of the most important things in sales. Show that you care, that your on time and that your a friend. After that, the sale will come easy. Now I participate as a board member and act as Marketing chair. Paul Kiesche Design has since redesigned the RACC stationary, membership form, website and more. Networking is always a terrific way to get business and with the current economy it can't be ignored.

Cold Calling? Ugh...

I have had great success so far with cold calling. I don't like it any more than the rest of you, but it seems to work for me.

We do very very targeted mailers to only a very select few people at a time. We do our research so we are prepared to talk to them. We always send an introduction mailer that is very interesting to look at. It's hand written and has a big impact. When I call, I always start with a big smile, so helps the mood. I start by asking if they got the letter I sent and they usually say no until I describe it and they always remember. Many of them have been waiting to talk to me or had it on their list to call me. It's all about multiple hits to a very targeted audience that has a need for your service. And don't spend any time on people that are trying to blow you off, there are too many people who want to work with you. Also, appeal to their egos, everyone loves talking about their companies. I'm a very digital/print person, but you can't beat in person or phone, so I use them together. In our latest campaign I made 30 calls and have had many good conversations which lead to 15 or so meetings which lead to 3 new clients so far. We found a whole untapped market as well. I think that is a great success.

Design Business Interview

A college student recently interviewed me for her class and I thought I'd share with all of you.

1. How did this / your design firm or agency get started? What did it take and when did it begin?

The company started as a freelance business while I worked a full time job. 3 ½ years ago I quit my full–time job to commit to the company. It took everything I had. Lots of time, experience and trial and error.

2. What should a designer know (skills and technology) to get a freelance position in the field?

You must have the Basics of design and art along with good knowledge of all the leading design programs such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Dreamweaver. It's best to get an internship, so it shows you have some experience. There is too much risk hiring someone with no experience.

3. As a business manager or owner, what qualities do you look for in a freelance designer or production artist?

Experience so I can trust them to do a good job. Quality work that is not just repeating what has already been done. Being local is a little important so we can meet up or work internally if needed. Personality is always important as you are working side by side in a small company.

4. When dealing with clients, what are some ways the agency helps the client understand what was designed and what costs are involved?

Everything is written in a clear proposal before work is initiated so there is no missed expectations.

5. How many people does it take to run the agency or design firm?

One. But you need to know a whole lot.

6. What does the agency do to market or sell its services?

Some mailings, a website, enewsletter, networking, and more random things.

7. What size company did you start out as?

Originally, just me

8. Do you have any advice to someone wanting to start to their own design business?

Save at least 6 months salary before. Plan, Plan, Plan. And gain a lot of experience first.

9. What has been your greatest challenge in business?

Changing from a Designer to a business owner. They are very different from each other and it’s easy to underestimate what it takes to be a business owner.

Finding Freelance

Many designers and companies choose to turn to sites like Guru.com, elance.com, and others to find freelance work. Although these sites are a good concept, they don't work. Before posting a job or looking for work there, check out this post on Linkedin. http://www.linkedin.com/answers/marketing-sales/graphic-design/MAR_GRD/304560-5528626

These sites are overrun with undervaluing, underbidding designers which do not create quality answers to marketing problems. It's also overrun with offshore designers who don't understand local marketing and get a lot lost in translation.