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This is an on-growing page of resources, links and stuff in general. When I find someone who provides exceptional service, I like to pass on their names to others. Likewise, when I discover useful information relating to marketing communications, I’ll post it here. Hope you find it useful.
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Because I like to share what I know.
Moo Cards
My No. 1 choice is always support the local printers that I love working with, however as an option for artists to showcase their work, Moo Cards are fabulous! The beauty of Moo Cards is you can have any number of different card design fronts so for artists, photographers, designers wanting to show off their work, Moo Cards make for a mini walking gallery on the go. Back side of cards remain the same, so reserve that space for contact information. Here’s an example of a Moo Card series I designed for a social media consultant.
Creative Briefs
A creative brief is a blueprint for your project and is especially useful for new branding development. It’s a collaboration between designer and client and includes a project overview, goals, messages, audience description, budget, schedule and anything else that’s relevant to the project. By writing it down and sharing the creative brief with your client to sign off on, you’ll both be off to a great start because you’ll be on the same page. I’m supplying a sample creative brief you can download. It was prepared for SocialNicole, LLC — the project was to create her new business identity. To learn more, please contact me at info@grandciel.com.
Eco-Friendly Print Services
Fresh Color Press (fabulous digital printing capabilities, ask for Jackie Johnson)
BIG INK Display Graphics (they use recycled material for signage projects)
Sexton Printing (they’ve worked hard to gain a FSC Chain of Custody Certification,
not to mention a great print company to work with)
Marketing and PR (of the Future)
Kane Consulting (Jennifer Kane is definitely your go-to-gal when you want to
get things done and then some) and her versatile partner, Kary Delaria: KD Public Relations
Digital Strategy and Social Media Consultant
SocialNicole Nicole Harrison knows her stuff and then some. She can take the mystery out of social media and strategize plans that help non-profits with their efforts and small businesses to effectively (and profitably) connect with their target audiences.
Public Relations
Peg Roessler Public Relations (a dynamo — her website says it all)
Writers
I’ve worked with and know more than a few writers — far more than I can post here. If you’re looking for a specific style or type of writing, give me a call or e-mail, we may be able to shorten your time hunting for the right talent.
Inspiration for marketing creative types who hate to do their own marketing.
Communicatrix Focus: A monthy newsletter that is short, sweet and usually very relevant to what’s going on with your business, how to pick yourself out a slump, professional or otherwise. Plus it features a great tip of the month, book of the month and podcast of the month. Sign up >
MarketingMixBlog: Join in a dialog with other marketing types for ideas and inspiration, get answers to your burning business questions.
Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications: If you’re a communicator, no matter what stage your career is in, whether you are a young professional or a seasoned pro, this organization can help you and your career excel.
Resources for clients.
I’m always recommending to clients about the importance of a well-phrased tagline to build their brand recognition and state their point of difference. I feel writers are best qualified for the task, however, for those of you who insist on tackling this on your own, here are some guidelines.
Another thing we recommend for professional services websites, (especially if you are the one and only running the show), is a well written bio. Usually, I have writers on this, but if you’re up for it, here are some tips to get you going in the right direction.
Now for some fun...
For all you designers, illustrators, artists and doodle-doers, Illustration Friday offers a creative outlet in your in-box. Sign up and receive the theme of the day each Friday morning. Draw, paint, use what ever medium that makes you happy to visually describe the day’s theme. Then post your creation on the IF website and view what other creatives came up with — you’d be amazed by this online community.
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