Business Partnerships/Networking

Business Partnerships/Networking

Developing key business partnerships to lighten your load is so important in today’s fast paced corporate world.  Here is an article from ABGI |Advanced Business Graphics, Inc. CONSULT*SOURCE*DISTRIBUTE called Intelligent Partnering for Efficiency and Cost Control.

I agree 100% that there are times when you need to connect and build contracts with another companies to make your own company stronger. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses and we need partnerships to build on those areas when it counts. I can not stress enough the importance of partnerships, networking, relationship building, etc. to stay up to date on the very best tools for success. People need people and companies need each other too.

As an independent designer and owner of my own LLC, I saw this need for myself last fall. I  have a partnership with SuperGraphics in Seattle, WA  to strengthen my home-based graphic design and marketing business.

We work together with key clients, such as Nordstrom, Inc. by providing a friendly team approach.

It’s a great big corporate world out there – it’s a good idea to build as many business relationships and partnerships as possible. Those partnerships will open new doors and lead you down new paths you never thought possible.

It’s worth it to do your research and make those connections. Even if you’re independent like me, a partnership is a very good thing. Remember to submit a contract before beginning any new business adventures.

Nancy

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Fonts to Love in 2012 | FONTS 2012

FONTS are a key element in graphic design. It’s the way we emphasize words to communicate a message. They need to stay fresh, current and they also need to spark a mood in your audience. Below is a great link to some excellent fonts. If you are connected to paypal, you just name your price (say $5.00) and make your donation. Just like that your font will download and you can start designing.

FONTS 2012Thank you to SMASHING MAGAZINE for providing designers with the fonts they need. Take a look!

 

Nancy

 

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Graphic Design Blog

Graphic Design Blog

I found a really great graphic design blog. Actually, my husband found it. He has a good eye for design. Fox in the Pine

Graphic Design Blog

Here is the reason why I like it. It’s an eclectic blend of design inspiration in all categories. The photography is amazing and so is the writing. All things I love. I am entertained by the articles and artists she writes about.
Every. Single. One.

Take a look. You will be hooked.

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Blog Writer | Janel McFeat

Do you need a blog writer ? Janel McFeat is lead creative writer for Nancy Archer Design,  and blogs regularly for SuperGraphics in Seattle, WA. Below are some of her recent articles:

Social Media

Barricade Graphics

Historical Collage

Spice Up Your Office Walls

Blissberri Window Graphics

Learn more about the SuperGraphics partnership.

If you need a blog writer or you are you interested in working with SuperGraphics, contact Janel for a quote!

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Color Trends for 2012 | Small Business Branding and Design

COLOR TRENDS

Color Trends that Stand Out for Small Business Branding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you like researching color trends? You have come to the right place. If you are a designer, you need to know and understand color trends. If you need some help  from color experts, we have the resources and tips for your business or non-profit! When setting up your branding and identity, it’s important to research the color of the year, fashion color trends, business color trends, interior design trends, wedding color trends, street fashion, crafts, branding, etc. to stay on top of the latest color combinations. Palettes, patterns, prints, fabric, it’s all important in the world of marketing and design.

What do people notice? What do they want to see? What is trending now? What is the psychology of color? Discover the latest color trends for 2012 on the COLOURlovers site. It’s for anyone who’s inspired to build the best possible brand for their business.

So what is the color of the year? TANGERINE ORANGE!  Read more on www.colourlovers.com with Leatrice Eisman, “the international color guru.” Her color expertise is recognized worldwide, especially as a prime consultant to Pantone®. Read Leatrice Eisman’s full bio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above image is from www.COLOURlovers.com

Business color trends for 2012 are bright, bold, blocks of color. Bold blues and greens, citrus hues, accents of gray, overall colors that make people happy and promote feelings of joy. The look for branding is simple, not overly complicated. I’ve seen a lot of grays mixed with citrus colors lately. It’s a nice combination.

Below are a few more fun links from COLOURlovers:

Website Color Trends | 2012

Business Color Trends | Branding Palettes | 2012

Typography, An Info graphic

Creative Market is by COLOURlovers. It’s trending in 2012. Coming Soon! Patterns, Brushes, etc. Sign up and check it out!

 

 

 

 

On their website, I also found our own YELLOW BIRD PRESS palette while browsing. They call it:

InternetAstronauts by COLOURlover

 

When Janel and I picked yellow and gray, it just worked for our business. Our branding items are simple with just the right amount of color “pop”. I can’t wait to pass out our new business cards – hot off the press!

Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more tips and resources to shine on the web with graphics and creative writing for social media! Learn how to stand out through social media advertising! If you subscribe or keep checking back with us by bookmarking our site, we will do our best to provide the best design trends, creative writing that inspires, great tips, resources, people, small business happenings, and ways that you can improve your game when going through the maze of social media out there on the web. We know it can be intimidating to understand color trends for your business. With a little encouragement, we know you’ll get there. It is a lot of fun writing and designing for a new business or refreshing an existing business that needs a re-brand. Sometimes, it does not even feel like work. I could do this stuff all day. Color trends are just one small piece of the puzzle in that great big world of social media. So relax. We understand the process. Please come back and visit us often!

 

 

Enjoy your quest for color trends and all other fun, creative things,

Nancy

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FONT SQUIRREL

There is nothing better than a website with really great fonts for free! I just happened to find Font Squirrel this morning and I had to share! Seriously? What a great resource for your creative tool kit. Enhance your WordPress site, design a logo, you can do it. Get to know your fonts. There’s a great big world out there.

Have fun!
Nancy

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Inspiring Business Owner: Lil Blue Boo

This month, we selected Lil Blue Boo as the most inspiring small business website.

Ashley is an amazing artist, writer, fashion designer, girl next door, wife and crafty mom of Boo. As a mom of three myself, I adore her one-of-a-kind outfits for little girls. The photography and writing are so well done, that my husband complains about how much I visit her blog. Ashley makes her business personal by letting you into her life. She chooses joy every day, despite her battle with cancer, which she journals into her daily blog. She inspires me to be creative, joyful and grateful for what I have. Thousands of followers are her friends. They are loyal.

The reason why I admire her work is not only because she sells amazing, custom designed clothes, she lets you in on the creative process. She tells you the details of how she got there and how you can do the same thing. She is a star blogger, and can write with her eyes closed.

We should all be inspired to choose joy after learning a few things from her. Visit her site and follow her inspiring story. Lil Blue Boo.

Nancy

Watch video

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Event Graphics for the Inspired Individual

It’s true that business owners have all the fun when it comes to graphic design, creative writing and social media sites. They work with creative teams to come up with a brand that is consistent and original, with unique colors, imagery, fonts, etc.

Who says you have to own a business to have fabulous graphic design?

See our PORTFOLIO page, and you will find samples of event graphics that can also be useful to the everyday person. From Wedding invitations to 90th Birthday Celebrations, there are endless opportunities to create an impact for your closest family and friends. Anyone can do this. Celebrate community events, church or school events, benefit auctions, etc. Invitations, graphics, slideshows and blogs are not just for business owners but all inspired individuals planning an event! Be bold and make your event amazing.

We offer creative writing + graphic design for social media promotion + so much more! Business owners, non-profits, and inspired individuals are welcome to think outside the box. Expand your creativity. Have a party. Get custom graphics. Be inspired!

Until next time,
Nancy

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Improve your Tweets

Who wants stale, boring news? Not me! Learn how to be a better tweeter and get a positive response from your audience.

• Be spontaneous, it’s part of the charm!
• Be aware of what you’re saying. Stay away from useless information.
• Present fresh, valued content in real time.
• Keep it brief & to-the-point.
• Avoid personal details, such as: “I’m tired of cleaning.”
• Create a buzz. Hook your audience with a link to learn more.
• Ask questions!
• Promote yourself!

A few of my tweet samples:

Nancy Archer YellowBirdPress Nancy Archer
Social Media Tool Kit for you!

Nancy Archer YellowBirdPress Nancy Archer
Need creative small biz resources? Look no further…

 

Happy Tweeting!
Nancy

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All-In-One SEO for WordPress

I love WordPress. This is my first time building a website and I’ve been a graphic designer for 10 years. It is so easy to use. I am having fun using all of the different plugins that are offered. Semper Plugins just launched all-in-one SEO pack – pro-version.

These are premium WordPress plugins! Use them again and again. Control what appears in the search engine results on your site. You don’t even have to be an expert at code. I purchased a subscription so I could get professional support and updates for both of my WordPress sites.  Why not? I am always looking for ways to improve my websites.

I am having so much fun with this stuff.

We’ll chat soon!
Nancy

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