So many people do not understand what graphic design is, or believe they do. For one, it is not art or decorative. Graphic design is a message that communicates to an audience. Of course, art communicates to an audience in its own way, by amusing or persuading people, explaining a complicated system, or to sell or demonstrate something. Point blank, graphic design is a creative process that communicates ideas. Some examples would be posters, business logos, magazine ads, even CD covers. Graphic designers mostly work with images and/or type to inform, persuade, stimulate, identify, organize, and attract attention. Graphic design is all around us from the clothing we wear to the billboards outside.

Why do you need a graphic designer to get your message across? For one, we are trained in getting messages across to an audience of all kinds, to think with ideas, and to create ideas for you. We have the resources, and we know how to use them. Now, there are always great ideas, and anyone can come up with them. But can you make your great idea a reality? Can you print your idea out and advertise it for the world to see. Does the world understand your idea, or what you are trying to convey? That is where a graphic designer comes in. We are the link to you and your audience, or customers. We take your idea, and make it real. We provide something that can be seen or touched, and understand a message behind that idea. The art of graphic design is very systemmatic, but also fun. We are creatives after all. Sometimes our designs are really ‘out-of-the-box’. We know how to balance your important message, contact information, and creative ideas into one big design. We are all about exposing you…getting your name and your ideas out for your audience to see.

Good design is intentional, not accidental. We do not randomly pick things out and throw them together until they look good. There is a meaning behind everything. For instance, when an author of a book will expand about another topic in a story, but is intentional for the story to make sense. We are trained to come up with great ideas and to execute them for a wide variety of audiences. We can take an idea, and mold it into something real and understandable.

I know it’s hard to find the time, money and energy to commit to all of the above activities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that at least 75% of them should be getting done. And… done well!

There’s all sorts of information you can research online to create effective campaigns that can and will bring desired results. Or, you can call us here at Full Moon Design Group to discuss. It’s important to thoughtfully research and develop your program to get the maximum results… from your logo design to the organizations you choose to volunteer. Taking the time to create a solid foundation will help your company flourish over time. And… you’ll find it will flourish at a faster rate.

“Vicky’s addition to the board has already been realized in a very short period of time,” said David Blackman, Chamber President.  “The Westlake Chamber of Commerce has a dramatic need to overhaul its marketing efforts and we have no doubt that Vicky will make an impact on how the business community views the Chamber.”

Gouge and her team at Full Moon Design Group, who have been Westlake Chamber members since 2006, will work to improve the Westlake Chamber’s image and presence in an effort to increase membership. Gouge’s plans include a new logo contest, updates to the Website, a new print brochure, and the implementation of social networking tools.

“Our goal is to help the Chamber look more professional,” Gouge commented of her new role, “which will in turn encourage a growth in membership.”

For more information on the Chamber’s meetings and membership, visit www.westlakechamber.com.

About Full Moon Design Group

Founded in 2004, Full Moon Design Group, Inc. is a fully custom graphic design firm specializing in the creation and production of competition-devouring marketing materials.  From logos to Websites, Full Moon Design Group creates and produces concepts that clearly state your message in a simple and concise manner.  Founders Katie Osborne and Vicky Gouge, and the rest of the Full Moon team, believes in maintaining a standard of quality with a steadfast commitment to customer service and satisfaction.

For more information about Full Moon Design Group, please visit them online at www.fullmoondesigngroup.com.

# # #

Armed with powerpoint slides designed by a friend, Carrie walked into a room of high school seniors and asked them to identify several plans and trees in their Brooklyn neighborhood … Silence.

Carrie then pus on a slide comprised almost entirely of corporate logos, and without fail, the group of students named them all.

I’d be willing to bet you can name each brand, too!

Branding:  Still Think It Doesn’t Affect You?

Crazy as it sounds, we are a branded culture. Not unlike the seared hides of cattle, our psyches have been indelibly marked by corporations and businesses salivating over our dollars. Even the youngest among us has no problem identifying those golden arches.

You’d think the sheer variety of brands would do us in, that the average consumer would have no way to keep this all straight. Our brains only have so much room!  But no, once branded, always branded. That’s why they call it branding.

So, what’s your brand? How are you leaving an indelible mark on your clients and prospects?