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Vector vs Raster Files

10/30/2018

 
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With all of the image options and file formats out there, it can be a little overwhelming when you are choosing what file type to use. Compatibility is always a concern when you are working with different file types, but when it comes to graphics and images the type of computer graphic format you use is essential to how the image renders.
There are two types of digital graphics files – vector and raster. Vector images are made of lines and curves (or paths) to create an image. Raster images are composed of pixels. But how do you know what format is best?

VECTOR FILES:
Vector images, which are made of thin lines and curves known as paths, are rooted in mathematical theory. You may be able to identify a vector image by looking at its edges — a vector image will always appear smooth no matter how large you make it or how close you zoom in. Text is one of the most common types of vector image. No matter how much you increase a font’s size, for example, its look never changes.

The most common problem with using vector images is compatibility. Vector images are often saved as native files from the program used to create the image (such as Adobe Illustrator), which may not be available to you to open the file. As designers, we prefer this file type when we are creating signage, logos, business cards + more.

File types include: .Ai (Adobe Illustrator), .eps (Encapsulated PostScript), .svf (Simple Vector Format).

RASTER FILES:
Raster images are often called bitmap images because they are made of millions of tiny squares, called pixels. You can identify a raster or bitmap image by looking at it very closely. If you zoom in enough, you will be able to see the square outlines of each pixel (especially around edges where there are dramatic colour contrasts).

Almost all of the images you find on websites are raster images, even those that may have originally been created with paths. Raster images are typically acceptable for digital publication but may not work well in printed projects. Often these files are saved as low resolution and are not suitable for print reproduction.

File types include: .jpg (JPEG raster format), .gif (GIF transparent file), .png (Portanble Network Graphic Transparent file), .tiff or .tif (Tag Interleave Format)

If you are confused to what file type to use, feel free to send them through to us and we will be able to tell you which file will be best suited for your requirements. 

Are business cards dead?

9/13/2018

 
Back before the days of LinkedIn and smartphones, business cards were the only way to exchange information at a networking event. While business cards can still serve these functions, there are now countless digital alternatives to keeping track of contacts and displaying your brand... is this old-fashioned physical card still relevant, or simply a waste of paper?
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Handing out a traditional business card is just like advertising. You want a positive outcome and we know that often comes from being engaging. The key at a networking event is to be memorable! Are business cards as useful as they once were? No. But they still have a place in this world. You can meet someone face to face and connect on social media, but odds are, you are instantly lost amongst the thousands of other "friends" or "followers." A business card is a physical reminder of who you are. It can also spark a memory of the time and place you met, separating you from others.

When we create business cards for our clients we think about the end result and what purpose it will be serving the end customer. Is the card thin and flimsy? Is it thick card stock? Was it printed? Was it embossed? Is it a traditional business card size? Here at Seeka Creative we create high-end business cards while staying true to the clients budget. We strive to give our clients the best quality business card to help equate to having a successful business.

Remember a business card alone isn’t enough – there should always be a follow up via email or social media. However, for the initial connection, a business card is still the easiest and best way to exchange contact information.

Contact us to find out more about our business card printing.

Learning from the big guns

9/4/2018

 
Big brands get all the limelight, have the biggest budgets, and crush little brands every day. That’s probably what you tell yourself anyways. The truth is, the little guy isn’t always so little! Sure, you may not be on the international playing level. Heck, you may not even ship out of your region, but that doesn’t mean you’re just the little kid on the block. 
As a smaller player, you can learn a lot about your business, strategy, brand, and customer service simply by observing what the big brands are doing. And we don't mean you should steal everything they do and try it out yourself. Sometimes it means taking what they do and making it work for you. But, it also means seeing what they aren’t doing or doing wrong and then doing that yourself. The bigger guys are more than likely alienating key demographics. You have the opportunity to swoop in, get their attention, and gain new customers.
Here are a few take aways you can learn from big guys:

  1. Innovation is key to growing your business
    When you’re selling products or services, if you aren’t constantly trying to create something new, then your products or services will start to feel stale and boring. Not only that, you can lose passion over time for the things you sell. Try new things... whether it be a fail or success! 
  2. Own your brand
    The major brands around the world know who they are and they own it. Even if you work from home on your dining room table... doesn't mean you can’t own your brand. Share your story with those that will listen and show off your logo and designs. Your marketing collateral wasn’t created to sit in a closet somewhere. Own who you are and what you represent!
  3. Follow your target market
    To connect with your target market remember that majority of them are using their phones and computers all day, every day. For some small businesses that means jumping on Youtube and creating funny videos or placing ads for them to see. For others, it means sharing photos of your products being used on Instagram and Facebook. Your presence is key.
  4. Know your audience
    You can’t go to where your target market is or start creating content for them until you actually know them and what they’re looking for. Figuring out where your audience likes to hang out is a great first step. But, from there you need to discover what problems they're facing and what solutions they’re looking for. When you’ve got that nailed down, even a small business can stand up to a giant!

​It doesn’t matter if you’re a one-man-band kind of business or have 500 employees working for you, there’s always something to learn from the competition. And, if you don’t think of the huge brands as your competition, then you’re going to end up missing out on sales opportunities.

Are brand guidelines are important?

8/1/2018

 
You can spent a lot of time crafting the perfect message, logo, website, and marketing materials for your brand with your designer... But, none of this will stay consistent over time if you don’t have brand guidelines. 
So the answer is YES... We believe brand guidelines are essential for any business.
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"What are brand guidelines?" I hear you say... 

Brand guidelines are a set of tools and rules on how to use your branding elements. These guidelines are used by yourself, designers, writers, staff and anyone else using your brand’s elements like your logo to create marketing materials or social media content. Here at Seeka Creative our brand guidelines are usually created on a one-page document (depending on scale of business). The guidelines covers how your brand works and how the different elements of your brand work together to form your brand identity.

As no two brands are exactly the same, the elements included in your brand guidelines may not look the same as another companies brand’s guidelines. However, there are three common elements included in every brand identity guideline document: 
  1. The different versions (if applicable) of your logo.
  2. The colour palette that your brand uses.
  3. The different typography/fonts associated with your brand including the various typefaces and families.

While those three elements are included in almost every set of brand guidelines, there are other elements that can also be included:
  • Graphic elements that can be used separately from a logo (e.g. illustrations or patterns). 
  • Symbols may be included, if your brand contains any.
  • Wordmarks are included when appropriate.
  • Brand tone is also included, if your brand has an established tone of voice for messages and content.

Brand guidelines should really be used as a tool to keep your brand consistent. Whether your business is large or small, brand guidelines are critical to helping your brand to work effectively. Without these guidelines, your brand’s message can change at any point just because a logo was used improperly or because someone didn’t know to use blue instead of hot pink (uh oh!).

Brand guidelines are created after establishing a colour palette, logo, brand voice, and all of your other brand elements. If you are starting to build your business and brand, then it’s a perfect time to have your branding by Seeka Creative done and your guidelines created.

Email us for more information on how we can help your business!

3 Things destroying your brand

7/12/2018

 
Branding is important. That’s logical. But did you know certain things could be losing you potential business? Here are 3 things that could be destroying your brand and what you can do to resolve the problem:

  1. Problem: Your branding is inconsistent.
    Do you have a few different logo versions, tag lines, etc.? Maybe you decided to update your logo, but you still have 1,000 business cards with your old logo. Inconsistency can hurt your brand. If someone sees varying styles, colours, and messages they are likely to get confused. Inconsistency could be losing you business.
    Resolution: Talk to us about creating brand guidelines for your business.

  2. Problem: Your images and designs are low quality
    If your marketing pieces (both print and digital) contain low quality images or are designed poorly, a potential client may be turned away. A potential customer wants to see that you are professional, established, trustworthy, and produce quality work. 
    Resolution: Talk to us about image sourcing and content creation.

  3. Problem: Your logo is outdated or was created in Word Document.
    We're silently screaming over here! Logos created in Word or Paint just won't cut it. Your potential clients want to see a brand who's invested in their own business so they know how they will be treated themselves. 
    Resolution: Adjusting your logo to fit with trends that can also be timeless and clean while reflecting your current business model is crucial to your brand. Allow us to take the stress away and create something for you. 

How is your branding? Do you need to make some changes? We’d love to help! We focus on your strengths and use our expertise to create something that will help your business grow and give you confidence in your brand.

Talk to us about our brand packages.

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    We're driven to help clients create messages that bring unique visibility and distinction to their brands and companies. Read our blog posts for helpful tips & tricks that you can use in your business.

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AMY KOUWENHOVEN
amy@seekacreative.co.nz
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