Three16 Design

I know this has been around the block a bit, but for those who have never seen it, take a few minutes and see if you can spot the logo in each of the letters!

Thinking that your business needs a website? Here is a list of 10 very good reasons why we agree.

1. Client Referral – Current clients can very easily refer new potential clients to your business. If it’s easy, people will do it.
2. Reduce Spending – A basic website costs about the same as some printed brochures, or a large printed ad in a local newspaper. However, a website doesn’t get thrown out and has a MUCH higher “shelf life”.
3. Cost Effective – Websites are much more cost effective to update/maintain than printed literature.
4. Communication – Websites can keep you connected to your clients with newsletters, blogs, and mailing lists, to let them know of promotions and specials.
5. Beat the Competition – Chances are, your competition already has a website, and could potentially be taking some of your could-be clients.
6. More Time – By having a website, your clients/customers can go online and very easily find out information about your company without having to bother you with phone calls for the easy stuff.
7. Track Your Stats – It is really hard to track printed literature and how much good it is really doing for your business. With statistic packages, your website can track who visits, how long they stayed, what they looked at, etc.
8. Available 24/7 – At any time of any day, people can find out information about you through your website. Much more effective than waiting until 9am the following day to call.
9. It’s Expected – In current times, not having a website is like not having a telephone.
10. Customizable – Websites can be easily customized. As your business changes and grows, so can your website.

Have further questions, or ready to have a custom website build for you? Visit the connect page and we can help.

Let’s face it — Companies, whether big or small, need help in the design world. They need to be represented on the web, as well as with printed material. To compete in current times, a website is a MUST, and everyone likes business cards, letterhead, brochures, etc. But where to start? Should they go to a big shot firm? Or should they go to a smaller design company? There are many pros and cons for each, but here are a few key points to look at:

1. Small design companies whether starting off, or established, have something to prove. They take great pride in the quality of each and every piece they do. They need all the positive feedback they can get. Not saying that larger design firms do not take pride in the work they do, I just think smaller companies can’t afford to have even one bad review.

2. Larger design firms have more employees. This could be good or bad. More employees means chances are, there is someone that specializes in your specific need. However, with any good design company, big or small, they should have a wide variety of talent and knowledge.

3. Small design companies are very energetic and want to work. Since they typically do not have nearly the client list, it is (or should be) their goal to not only do quality work the first time, but each and every time after. Larger companies on the other hand, need to do their best all the time as well because if that one “mistake” happens to be a large corporation who has lots of contacts, word might spread and projects lost.

4. When it comes to flexibility, small design companies usually have the upper hand. They do not typically have the list of rules and procedures they have to follow with a client. More than likely, one of the designers at the smaller company is also the owner. They can do what they want, when they want, to please the client.

5. Small design companies are usually more open and available during all times of the day. Some even weekends. Larger companies typically follow the “9-5″ rule.

6. Large design firms will typically have more of a background and history to follow. They will more than likely have larger clients and bigger projects. Smaller design companies will specialize more in the local or family owned clients.

7. Large design firms will typically have different departments for different things. I.e. billing, support, project managers, etc. Smaller design companies will have a small handful at max of people. Usually one person has many “hats” to wear.

So which is the best for you? In my opinion, BIG corporations would work better with large design firms, and small to mid-size companies work better with smaller design companies. Both have pros and cons, and it’s really up to you to determine which is the right fit for you and your business. One of the major questions to always ask yourself is, “can this design company, (big or small), do exactly what I am looking for, in the time frame I need it in?”

I know a lot of issues have not been covered in this posting, this is just suppose to be general information. Those seeking design work should research and see which is the best fit for their needs. Look at portfolio work. Get references. Meet face to face and see how they do business. It’s all up to you!

It’s a tough world out there. The competitiveness in the design market is no different. There are lots of good designers in the field, whether they be print/layout designers, web designers/developers, software developers, etc. and they all want the same thing you want… a good job that pays well.

Since graduating college years ago, I have been through a lot of different experiences and found out different things the hard way. So, to help those out there, I have put together a little list of recommendations for you “soon to graduate” or “fresh out of school” people:

1. INTERNSHIP -  Even if it isn’t a paid internship. They can teach you a lot in school, but no one can teach you what the “real world” is like out of a book. You have to experience it for yourself because it is different than school.

2. BUILD YOUR RESUME – I know what you are thinking. “How do I get experience if no one will give me experience?” See #1. Internships are a GREAT way to get that professional experience. Like I said before… even if it isn’t paid, suck it up and do it anyway. It will look a lot better on your resume than not having one.

3. PLAY THE ODDS – Take any interview you can get. Even if it doesn’t 100% pertain to what you want to do with your life/career. Everyone needs experience in real life interviews. What to say, what not to say, what to bring, how to act, etc.

4. BE HONEST – Be honest with potential employers. If they ask you a question and you do not know the answer, be honest and tell them. Do NOT make something up because if you get caught, you’re out the door. Why would they want to hire a dishonest person?

5. LEARN – Our brains never stop learning. In school they teach you certain specifics about design. After college, there is no one there to “make you take a test”. Read books on design. Do online tutorials. Keep your brain sharp as a tack and up to date with the latest and greatest trends in the field. Do not be afraid to tell potential employers that as well. They like to see someone who is passionate about what they love to do.

6. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED – Sorry to burst your bubble, but odds are you will not get the first job you apply for. (See #3). It sometimes takes many many interviews to land a job. Trust me, I know…

7. JACK OF ALL TRADES, MASTER OF ONE – Have a broad knowledge of everything design related. Print, web, programming, color theory, etc. Employers love it when they have someone that can do lots of different things. However, you need to specialize in one. If your thing is website design, fine. Learn it inside and out. If you think you know everything there is about it, wait till tomorrow. Something will change. There will be a new version of something out that will change things. You will need to learn that as well.

8. BUSINESS CARDS – Make yourself some business cards. You can design them and have them printed professionally for not much money. Always keep them on you because you never know who you will meet that asks for one.

9. WEBSITE PORTFOLIO – Most importantly, make sure you have a website portfolio. If you do not know how to code one up, ask a friend who does, or there are lots of free website builders out there on the web. Just browse.

10. BE CONFIDENT – That does not mean be cocky. Have reasons for your designs and why you made something a certain way. If someone asks why you chose a certain shape, color, or font, you need to be able to explain why.

“Art is not what you see, it’s what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas