Tradeshow Exhibit Design and Graphics

Cleveland graphic designer and marketing expert, Rick Shaffer helps an array of customers with their marketing initiatives. Tradeshow planning, marketing and design is an area that Shaffer Design Works excels in and always produces exceptional advertising vehicles, regardless of the customers demands. To help with planning and execution of your next tradeshow I have outlined a few tips below.

Tradeshow Tips:

– When planning and researching a tradeshow, be sure you can gain or have a chance at gaining at least enough customers to make the event worth while.

– Be sure to have enough business cards printed before hand to handout. This may seem trivial to some people, however you would be surprised at the number of professionals who run out of business cards during or before an event commences.

– When producing tradeshow literature and collateral, be sure to keep it simple and eye catching. Professionals that often visit a show often don't read the literature that is handed out right away, this is why it is increasing important that your literature deliver a quick, clear and concise message to any potential prospect that may visit your organizations display booth.

– When managing or occupying a booth, don't underestimate the power of professional attire. The type of clothing you and your associates choose to wear when managing and attending a booth depicts how serious your organization is. So make sure you and your associates look the part.

Recently Shaffer Design Works, engaged in a project to assist with producing a tradeshow backdrop. An example of an 8' exhibit is shown below.


When considering your next trade event or if your company or organization is looking for great ideas when it comes to large or small tradeshow events and exhibits contact Shaffer Design Works at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/philosophy.php

Identity Standards

Cleveland based graphic design firm specializing in Advertising, Internet and Marketing brand applications is assisting a large manufacturer with the authoring of an identity standards guide. Brand identity standards guides should include everything that touches the marketing and advertising platforms.

Below is an outline that provides a brief best practices approach to writing and developing a brand standards guide:

a.) Corporate Level applications: business card, (all) stationery applications as well as PowerPoint and Website brand attributes.

b.) Advertising guidelines (layout, font, colors, style)

c.) Signs (lobby signs as well facility signs (also known as environmental graphics) at a corporate and retail level, Point of Purchase should be included in this section as well (however applicable).

d.) A standards manual should also contain catalogs, (print and electronic versions) manuals and any internal document layouts (before and after – if there was recent rewrite, this can help ensure workforce notification and participation).

Finally it is important to have key personnel within the general marketing department help follow-up and be available to answer any questions about brand guidelines. This will help see through continued execution of a re-brand or updated corporate identity standards manual.

Obviously the points above have been summarized and entire pages can be written about each section and subject. However, it is important to remain focused on driving consistency and uniform brand guidelines where applicable within a company or organization.

Shaffer Design Works brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in this category to all of our branding and re-branding projects we engage in. For more information about brand guidelines and standards contact: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Invitations Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Invitation design is usually something that is thought of as a smaller design application. Recently, Shaffer Design Works Cleveland design firm offering creative services for advertising and marketing applications was asked to create a fairly large invitation for an upcoming corporate event held in Baltimore, Maryland.

There were a few reasons for the large format chosen to house the invitation:

1.) Easy recognition via US Mail

2.) Quantity of information that needed to appear within the layout

3.) Multiple options for response (i.e. Phone, Email and Direct Response US Postal Service perforated card)



Some of the challenges we face at Shaffer Design Works range from time sensitivity to finessing the amount of content a finished piece requires. We always find creative ways to accommodate our customers.

The large direct mail/invitation was a success and was met with high praise.

For more great ideas in creative marketing see: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Color

Familiarity with color psychology, use and theory helps achieve a total color effect. Shaffer Design Works retains experts on the subject of color theory and specification. The psychological effects of color on people has always been a heavily debated subject, color is no different than any other subjective subject. I have outlined a some basic color reference tips below:


Light and Cool Colors Recede
Light and cool colors can make a space seem bigger.

Dark and Warm Colors Advance
Dark and warm colors can be used in large rooms to keep the space from feeling vast.

Bold, Primary Colors = Speed
Appropriate for encouraging fast food turnover and children's areas.

Subtle Colors are Restful
Pastels can make a room feel bigger and often have a calming, peaceful effect.

Color Can Convey a Theme or Style
Green for nature, pastels for Post – Modernism, red, black & white or gray & pink combinations for a 1950's look.

Colors Should Relate to Climate
Warm colors feel right in colder climates cool colors feel right in warmer climates.

Consider the feelings colors can convey and what colors can do and say

Think about the feelings colors convey and what colors can do and say.

RED
Red suggests aggression, hostility, heat, stop, error, warning, danger, error, fire, lushness and passion. Red & black is a classic combination. Some say red enhances the appetite.

GREEN
Associated with nature the pastoral and general well-being. Green also suggests envy and jealousy. Green should not be overused. Too much can affect skin tones and the appearance of some foods.

YELLOW
Yellow suggests the sun, expansiveness, happiness and high spirits. Yellow commands attention and suggests caution. It can be used successfully as a highlight color.

BLUE
Blue suggests the peaceful, the sad and water. Blue is often associated with the male.

Blue is a cool color and can visually expand a room. It does not compliment most foods. Blue goes well with warm colors and materials.

BLACK
Black can have negative sociological connotations like evil, mourning, ghostly, night, death and fear. However, black can be very stylish and and modern. Black works well as an accent with other colors.

WHITE
White suggests the virginal, the innocent, the cold and the clean.

White walls can encourage turnover and are in keeping with the bright, clean atmosphere of a fast food environment. Too much white can contribute to glare.

NEUTRALS
Dark browns suggest masculinity, lighter browns warmth and femininity. A neutral background allows for flexibility.

When developing marketing materials, Websites, and/or just picking a new color for the walls in your living room take the above guidelines into consideration. Remember the subject of color can be very subjective. For questions about color selection or just how to achieve a better color advantage over your customers contact Cleveland creative services firm Shaffer Design Works at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Logo Design Process

This blog entry is for anyone who might be involved in the process of purchasing creative services from any type of creative agency, graphic design house, Web house, marketing firm or design studio. I have taken the time roughly outline a basic logo creation and design from concept to final approved art for the corporate identity and corporate identity standards manual stages.

The first part (Creative Process #1) of this process begins with conceptual ideas about the logo and what the logo will ultimately stand for or symbolize. In the example below, the logo was for an individual that was starting a company comprised of several advisory and/or networking boards. The design concept that was pursued was an idea that helped to depict a group (RPF) surrounded by the G (Group) to help demonstrate a closeness that would be experienced in an advisory board environment.

The creative design folks at Shaffer Design Works begin (Creative Process #2) formulating their ideas around their discoveries from Creative Process #1 with black and white layouts. An artist will begin selecting typography or a type face for what will be deemed appropriate for our client's general audience. We begin with rough thumbnail sketches and/or B&W layouts to help us develop the general form of the logo or company symbol. In the example below we showcase a type ligature to help demonstrate the idea.


Once a few designs are completed (one shown here) we then take the creation into the color selection process (Creative Process #3). In the example provided below, the customer requested very vibrant color combinations. The client wanted their potential partners to get excited about conducting business with RPF Group thus the reason for the bright color suggestions. The leader of the company chose the first color option (shown below).


Final Approved Logo Design

For more great corporate identity and branding strategies contact world reknowned graphic design firm and creative design boutique at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Photography Retouching for the Fashion Industry

Expert Photo Retouching is a creative service that Shaffer Design Works has always offered to all industries (i.e. manufacturing, aviation, retail, human resources, construction, financial, medical ETC.). An example of photography retouching can be found below. These photos were shot on a Saturday and appeared in The Cleveland Plain Dealer the following Wednesday. While all of the photo retouching that Shaffer Design Works creatively executes for various advertising mediums is expertly color corrected the assignments sometimes come with tight deadlines. Shaffer Design prides itself on serving all of clients regardless of the deadline or ultimate goal of the marketing piece.

Speaking of last minute color correcting in Adobe Photoshop, The color correction specialists at the Shaffer Design Works studios in Streetsboro, Ohio worked there magic on removing a yellowish cast of light that was unavoidable when the photography was captured. By removing the yellowish cast the dress was brought back to its original true Lavender color. This photo alteration allowed the dress to showcase exceptionally well in the newspaper magazine advertisement.

Original Photography

Retouched Photography

Newspaper Ad Showcasing Retouched Fashion Photography

Contact Shaffer Design Works for exceptional photo retouching, creative advertising layouts and ideas. We also help out with the occasional copy writing assignment as well. Visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Client Testimonial

Recently, I received a compliment from Sheila Miklos a colleague of mine. We have worked together on several projects and with several different kinds of customers and business types.

Recently, I designed, created and executed a string of print ads for the Cleveland newspaper "The Plain Dealer". These ads were directly related to a clothing boutique/store located in the Beechwood, Ohio area. Sheila was very happy with all of the services that Shaffer Design Works provided. Sheila's testimonial is written below.

Rick,

"Thanks for all of your good work, you are a pleasure to work with! Prompt, professional and insightful, I have come to rely on you for your creative input."

– Sheila Miklos
Foxcroft Consulting, LLC

Forest Stewardship Council's Chain-of-Custody Certification

Shaffer Design Works Cleveland/Akron advertising and marketing firm specializing in creative graphic design ideas for small to large businesses is proud to be associated with recipients of the Forest Stewardship Council Certification program. Recently our printer was authorized to use the "checkmark tree" logo on certain paper in order to assure our customers that the wood content of that material came from responsibly managed forests. Shaffer Design Works has always been a huge supporter of any organization that participates in the preservation or green movement activities. To learn more about the Forest Stewardship Council United States visit: http://fscus.org/

Rick Shaffer states,"We continue to evolve our thinking when it comes to producing marketing and advertising pieces for our clients. Following environmental trends and movements makes us proud and helps our customers tap into environmentally friendly methods of commerce. Whether the marketing challenge entails an online publication, logo design, branding project, newsletter publication or a printed brochure we are proud to offer the best solution lending itself to the green movement."

Before starting your next design, marketing or advertising project contact Shaffer Design Works with offices located in the Streetsboro, Ohio area, we have the creative solutions that you have been looking for. See: http://www.shafferdesign.com/services.php

Direct Mail for Advertising and Marketing

Below is a link to the United States Postal Service Website. This link has some useful tips on direct mail.

See: http://www.usps.com/directmail/research.htm

For great ideas in creative marketing and advertising visit:
http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Swatch Booklets for a Large Cabinet Manufacturer

Shaffer Design Works in the Cleveland, Ohio area creates high-end marketing solutions for manufacturing companies and small start-up businesses. Rick Shaffer says, "Producing great work involves getting to know your customers business, personality and long-term goals. At Shaffer Design Works, we have a philosophy that includes a series of brief questions to assist in the marketing and creative success of our clients creative advertising objectives. This process also helps bring added benefit to our efficiency both on the production and budgetary sides of the business."

Below is an example of a series of swatch books that were designed by the team at Shaffer Design Works. One of the challenges with this project was the swatch books had to look cutting edge along with being able to withstand the elements of a typical construction site. This example demonstrates what the swatch booklets looked like before redesign and also demonstrates the approved layouts.

Cabinet Swatch Booklet Covers BEFORE




Cabinet Swatch Booklet Covers AFTER



Additional Cabinet Swatch Booklet Covers to Further Demonstrate Continuity and Brand Conformity

Birch Cabinet Swatch Book


Cherry Cabinet Swatch Book


Maple Cabinet Swatch Book


Oak Cabinet Swatch Book

For great service and marketing ideas contact Shaffer Design Works at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/services.php

For more information about Rick Shaffer, Principal and Creative Director at Shaffer Design Works visit: http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=9416953

Corporate Identity Development

Graphic design firm located in Cleveland, Ohio develops logos and helps company's further define their corporate identity standards and specifications. When Shaffer Design Works develops a corporate identity for a business or large organization we always propose consideration for anything the logo and colors will touch or come in contact with. Examples of these items are everything from the obvious to the not so obvious like: business cards, stationery, lobby signage, exterior signs, PowerPoint presentations, Corporate website, internal web site, uniforms, media, print ads, electronic ads, capabilities brochures, catalogs, vehicle signs and/or anything else that might carry the company logo and equity colors.

Below is a recent logo that was developed for an IT/computer technology company. The two options were initially presented to the client. The staff at Schaffer Design Works has been known to present several options so the client is able to make the best possible selection for his or her organization. When SDW designers develop a logo they feel that it is important for the logo to have meaning and a direct correlation to the company's mission or core services. In the example below, Proneva's logo is depicting a mountain to help signify putting technology and service first or on top. The colors were chosen to help support the idea of cutting edge technology and computer services.


Contact Shaffer Design Works today to find how we might help with your next branding strategy. Visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Brand Consistency between the world of print material and the world wide Web

Shaffer Design Works serves a multitude of clients from different business categories and markets, this helps keep our work and projects diversified. For example, one minute we are working on an e-mailable newsletter and the next we might be helping a large organization re-write their corporate identity standards manual. At any rate, good brand should compliment your business or organizations overall message, look and business type. Most importantly a well designed brand should be able to cross both print and internet advertising and marketing mediums along with staying consistent and true to the corporate colors the company brand employs.

An example of a recent re-brand that Shaffer Design Works has helped to implement is a newsletter for a procurement company specializing in saving their customers both time and money. Shaffer Design Works was tasked with redesigning the company newsletter along with the electronic version of the newsletter. This example demonstrates how a well thought out brand can bridge both traditional marketing mediums along with helping to stream line new, less expensive and exciting mediums.

Printed Newsletter Cover Layout


Printed Newsletter Inside Layout


Keeping in mind the newsletter and company brand attributes currently in place, Shaffer Design Works successfully developed a version for the internet and Email applications.

Electronic – Email Ready Newsletter Cover and Supporting Page Layout



Contact Shaffer Design Works at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Bring in the New Year with a Re-Brand

A food distributer and vending machine company engaged Shaffer Design Works as a guide for the company's new logo and corporate identity. Below is an example of the original business card and then the re-branded calling card showcasing the newly designed logo, style, colors and layout.

Original Business Card


New Logo and Creative Corporate Identity



When developing and laying out business cards for your company or organization it is important to consider using the backside of the business card as a marketing tool to help tell your corporation's story. An example of this creative process is demonstrated above with the National Fun Foods business card.

Shaffer Design Works is also helping National Fun Foods with various other brand attributes throughout their organization. When developing a brand, consider anything else that potential prospects and current customers might see that is connected to your business. For example, this vending machine company will have their new logo placed on coffee boxes, aprons for trade shows, invoices, delivery trucks, wending machine covers, signs and any other items to help solidify the new brand.

When introducing a new logo consider contacting local newspapers and magazines, as editors and reporters are always up for a new story. The is a great way to help bolster your PR campaign. Make a marketing splash when executing a creative re-brand, this can help your marketing investment bring in new business to assist in offsetting any marketing costs associated with your upgrade in branding.

For more great branding stories and ideas please contact Cleveland area design studio Shaffer Design Works at: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Website Design

Marketing and advertising design firm located near Cleveland, Ohio has a growing niche within the financial business community. Rick Shaffer, Principal and Creative Director states, "Earlier this year in 2007 we were approached to assist with the design and re-organization of the NCS Website. A seemingly growing trend within the Web marketing and Internet design segment of advertising, clients are seeking out small design firms with an emphasis on design to assist their technical counter parts as well as experts in programming execute their company's Website and Internet projects."


To see the completed Website project see: http://www.ncscredit.com/

To find out how Shaffer Design Works can help with your next Website project visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Holiday Retail Pre-print Design and Production

Shaffer Design Works Cleveland graphic design firm specializing in print, Web and Internet based design for advertising and marketing.

An example of a retail pre-print that appeared in newspapers across the country is just another example of how Shaffer Design Works exceeds our clients expectations. The retail marketing application is an advertising vehicle for a nationwide office supply company.



Please contact Shaffer Design Works today to find out more about the creative services that we offer and how they can improve your bottom line. See: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

ASMP (Ohio North Coast Chapter) Photography Contest

Cleveland graphic designer and marketing maven Rick Shaffer was invited to the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) annual meeting by Hal Stata to judge a photography contest Thursday night.

Hal's studio is located in Ohio City and makes for a great atmosphere to host such an event. To find out more about Stata Productions visit: http://www.stataproductions.com/ (Shaffer Design Works also designed the Stata Productions Website and created the flash animation montage of Hal's exceptional photography).

Top three winners:

1st Place: Don Bensman



2nd Place: Alex Lippisch



3rd Place: Leslie Glowacki


Judging was based on creativity, composition and style. Ann K. Warmuth an Art Director from a.i. Design Group, Inc. also provided assistance with judging the photography. Shaffer Design Works is always glad to provide camaraderie within the Cleveland, Ohio creative advertising and marketing community. To find out more about Shaffer Design Works visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

To find out more on ASMP | Ohio North Coast Chapter visit: http://www.asmponc.org/

Also see: http://www.asmponc.org/blog/

Polar Illustration – Inspired by "March of the Penguins"


Rick Shaffer experienced creative director and seasoned illustrator excels at producing high quality marketing and advertising for the many diverse customers of Shaffer Design Works, LLC.

A sample of a recent illustration with a polar theme was rendered for a company that distributes lids and customizable cups to the restaurant industry Nationwide. When the illustration was requested, There were a few elements that had to be included in the finished art. This particular electronic illustration had to appear friendly for all children between the ages of 2 to 8 years of age. Shaffer Design Works finds working hard for our clients very enjoyable.

For great ideas in any medium visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Peanuts

I received Schulz and Peanuts A biography by David Michaelis as a birthday gift. The book is outstanding and would suggest anyone that enjoys biographies about artists, entrepreneurs or just people with a dream to check it out. This is very detailed book and offers explanations and lineage to all of the Peanuts characters.

To purchase the book check out:
http://www.amazon.com/Schulz-Peanuts-Biography-David-Michaelis/dp/0066213932/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196319088&sr=8-1

E-commerce Website Creation with all of the trimmings

Cleveland, Ohio area Creative design firm Shaffer Design Works has become well-known for its work in the aviation industry. Rick Shaffer states, "After helping another successful aviation company develop their logo, corporate identity, packaging and e-commerce website Shaffer Design Works is fast becoming well-known for solid brand strategies and brilliant advertising ideas that work hard for our customers investments."

Review a screen capture below of the recently launched aviation e-commerce Website.


To learn more about Website and print marketing visit: http://www.shafferdesign.com/

Holiday Messages can Help Raise Awareness

Shaffer Design Works assists many different companies with their marketing strategies and overall advertising and marketing messaging. A sample of the work that the team at Shaffer Design Works produces can be found here. A financial institution located in Akron, Ohio needed our help when faced with a quick holiday newsletter.


Marketing Tips:
When considering the execution of newsletters, direct mail or any correspondence that will be sent around or during the holiday season be sure to allow enough time for fulfillment as holiday time is the busiest time of the year for the United States Postal Service.

Also, when writing and designing marketing pieces it is always a good time to let your customers, users and associates know what your business is up to and how they can participate in any holiday activities.

For downloadable USPS holiday shipping calendars see (the Web page includes: guidelines for U.S., Military, Holiday and International mailing): http://www.usps.com/holiday/mailing-holiday-deadlines.htm?from=holidayhome&page=mailingdeadlines

For more great trend setting ideas contact: http://www.shafferdesign.com/workspace.php