Updating Your Logo: A Critical Positive Change

Old Logo

New Logo

Like with decor in a home or restaurant....often a small business or even a corporate business needs an update or face lift with their logo, especially if the logo never really worked in the first place. 


Alot of people are hesitant to change their logo because its SCARY and I totally get it. But there are ways to do this without losing the identity the original logo had. But how do you know you really need a change?


Here are some questions you should be asking yourself:


1) Was the original logo created by a professional?
2) Is the logo outdated?
3) Does it properly represent your business?
4) Has there been a major change in your business or location?
5) Has there been a rise in recent competition?


All these questions are pretty important. The change in logo can be scary because you feel you might lose your current logo recognition with something new. Big companies have done this logo change and failed miserably. Tropicana is a prime example. They changed their logo and the negative effect was immediate!!! Same thing with Gatorade!! 


I think the best way to change your logo is to update it without losing your original identity. The images above show how I took the old logo and gave it a face lift!!


The Client and viewers were agreeing that the new logo is much better.


“By changing nothing, nothing changes.” -Tony Robbins


Check out my other logo designs at www.robertcipolla.com

When building a website...CHECK BROWSER COMPATIBILITY!!

I can not tell you enough that the hardest part of building websites for my clients is to make sure all the functions  work properly in all browsers....especially on older browsers. It's extremely hard when what you design looks good on your end and other computers you might check....then you get a call from your client saying "The page looks out of wack and nothing is aligned properly".........GRRRRR!!


These things can happen! I mean the main browsers are Internet Explorer, Chrome, Fire Fox, Safari, Opera and Netscape Navigator. But wait....each browser has several old versions to also contend with! 


The main problem is every browser acts differently and has its own quirks! Certain java scripts, html code and php might work well on one browser and not work at all on another!!


The good news is as browsers keep updating their versions....the bugs become less and less! But what happens if the viewer is using an older version? This becomes one of those pick your battle situations....you have to decide what features are extremely important and necessary and will work on most browsers!! The one's that might look great but not function well across the board....you might have to deep six it!


In war you have to pick your battles!!

Check out my follow up post on how to check your website on multiple browsers!


Check out my website at  www.robertcipolla.com

Wisestamp: A Great Email Signature Tool!!

This is a follow up to my last post about email signatures. I use an application by Wisestamp.com. This basically lets you kick up your email signature a notch!! Basically this application lets you incorporate RSS feeds into your email, ebay auctions into your email, twitter posts into your email, famous quotes into your email signature....and so on and so on!! 

Below is their about us info:
"WiseStamp’s vision is to build an Email Apps Platform that enables users to utilize their emails with social, productive and engaging Email Apps. There’s a huge gap between email and the social and dynamic web of today. Our passion is to bridge this gap by building a strong platform with a variety of Email Аpps that on one hand lets users make a better use of their daily emails – adding a whole new level of functionality and interaction – and on the other hand enables publishers (social services and brands) to distribute their content and engage users in one of the biggest online markets – email."

They have several different options as far as pricing goes. I would recommend trying the free version to start and see if you need to upgrade.

I am currently using the free version and I so far think its great.


Check out their website at:   www.wisestamp.com


Also check out my website at www.robertcipolla.com

Business 101: Email Signatures are Important!!

This one is something that most small business's including myself have been guilty of....and that is forgetting to put a "professional" email signature embedded into your email setup. 


I know...why is this such a big deal? A few reasons!!


1) If your client/prospect has to go back to your website to remember your phone number or basic contact information....then you are at risk of losing them as a client. A big NO NO is to have your client get distracted from your email or website and not come back!! Keep them in the loop at all times!!


2) Adds professionalism to all your outgoing emails. Perception is extremely important today and its the small things that can make you lose a client or prospect. Something so small as you not having an email signature but your competitor does could be the ultimate deal breaker!!


3) Adding social media buttons and rss feeds into your email signature is a way to keep your client in the loop of your blog, current promotions and more importantly spread your name out there even more!!


Check out my blog later for some good email signature tools.


“Paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich.”  - Henry Ford


Check out my website at www.robertcipolla.com

The Double Opt-in List...a SAFER way to opt-in!!

When developing opt-in lists you have to be careful on how you actually develop the list. Your biggest fear is that you develop a bad list that can be blacklisted by google.....then you have a nightmare on your hand. 

This is why you need to develop an actual list and not buy one!! If you develop the list yourself with a DOUBLE opt-in box, you know that your list is legitimate and don't have to worry about this.

Below is some information on how the double opt-in works courtesy of mailchimp.com.  Mailchimp.com lets you do bulk emails with your list, send newsletters with your list, mobile emails...etc etc. Check out later posts on how to use Mail Chimp.

Here's how double opt-in works:

Generally, double opt-in requires that someone sign up, and then click a link to confirm that they want to be subscribed to your list before actually being added. When using the MailChimp signup forms, double opt-in looks like this:

1. Someone wants to join your email list so she fills out a signup form on your website.
2. A message is displayed telling her to check her email to confirm.
3. She checks her email, and finds a message with a link she must click in order to be added to the list. If the link isn't clicked, she's never added to the list.
4. She clicks the link and is taken to a thank you message so she knows she's been added.
5. Behind the scenes, our system collects her IP address and the date and time she confirmed as proof that she indeed opted in to your list
6. A Final Welcome Email is sent with the information she submitted, for her records, and information about how she can unsubscribe.

You can customize each step in the confirmation process, too, if you'd like.

Advantages of the double opt-in method over opt-out, single opt-in, and confirmed opt-in methods:

1. Friends, foes, grandmas, co-workers, etc. won't be able to sign up other people (who never gave you permission) to your list. This means fewer spam complaints, and a cleaner list.
2. If a person (or malicious bot) enters an email address with a typo, you won't be sending campaigns to some poor recipient who never opted in or to an email address that will bounce. Here's a real life example of this.
3. Your competitors can't sign up to your list, then maliciously report it as spam (yes, people actually do stuff like this). Since we collect IP addresses when using our forms, you'll have proof that someone confirmed their interest in your list.
4. People won't be able to sign up with fake, non-existent, or dead email addresses. They must have a valid email account to opt in.
5. Only people who truly want to hear from you will click to confirm. So your list will be more engaged and responsive (we've seen differences of up to 20%!) and you'll waste less money sending emails to people who don't care to hear from you.

Your losing money if your website does not have an OPT-IN Box!!

Its great if you have a pretty website and it promotes your business well but alot of websites are really missing the boat by not having an OPT-IN box. An Opt-in box really is a Call to Action marketing tool. Its designed to collect your viewers information that you can eventually use to help your business. 


Lets use a restaurant for example....your website should have an Opt-In Box that gives the viewer and chance to win a $25 gift certificate each month. All the viewer has to do is enter their name, email and maybe a shipping address....and in return they get put into a drawing for this gift certficate. So basically your giving in order to get their information. 


Now once you collect that information....you put it in a database or spreadsheet and eventually do a mass menu mailing to these customers. You can also email your customers from this opt in list your weekly specials and so on and so on.


Many companies pay big bucks just to collect information as information is very vital today! So you should kill two birds with one stone by doing this. Check my next blog on how to exactly use this information!!


Information is the most valuable tool when it comes to marketing!!

Check out my portfolio for more opt-in boxes at www.robertcipolla.com

Print Advertising....Try to Think OUTSIDE the box!!

Ok...this is kinda a funny one. I can't say this was completely my idea with the ad but it really came from a joke that my buddy sent me. I put two of my business cards on his work truck a few days ago at lunch. He sent me this picture back saying "I know what to do with your two cards" !!


At first I thought it was pretty funny but then a light bulb went off!! I thought of a good ad concept for my next month of advertising.  I wanted something a little different and that might get branded in a consumers head. Now to be honest, I don't know what type of response I'm gonna get but its always worth it to take a creative shot at something....especially if your current ads are getting stale. 


To see more of my work check out www.robertcipolla.com


Below is the actual ad concept that I derived from my friends funny text. ...the verbage might need tweaking but I'm gonna go for the hail mary on this one!!

Thanks DAN!!! LOL

Don't Believe the HYPE!! No Company can "Really" Guarantee you on Google's First Page!!

Once again  I am gonna use it "Erroneous" (Wedding Crashers)!! I hear alot from my clients that they get sales pitches from marketing and web companies saying...."We can guarantee you First Page Results on Google within 2 months". I will tell you right now that is completely BOGUS!!


Only way you can get on  first page in that time frame is if you work for google and they owe you a really big favor!! Next time someone tells you this.....RUN!!!!!!!!


The truth is they can get you at the top of the search engines but for only certain keywords and most likely keywords they will be so vague or not applicable that it wont really help you and it proves to be a waste of time.


For quicker results...I would suggest Google Adwords but even that is a challenge because you really have to watch your budget as well as what keywords you really push!! I would suggest if you do this yourself you should really do your research first. Checkout blogs and articles how google adwords for beginners. 


See the problem I have with these companies pushing SEO (Seach Engine Optimization) on you is that Google is constantly changing its algorithms!! An Algorithms is a numerical formula that is the key to google's search engine criteria. Its what develops the all important Page Rank!! So if these companies are using SEO techniques according to current algorithms and then google alters the algorithms....then everything you just did basically was for nothing and put you back at the bottom.


My best advice is DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE and do your research first. Ask for hard evidence from SEO companies as well as written guarantee's!! Once you ask for these items, then you will REALLY know where you stand. 


Check out the video below on Google Adwords:


Also checkout my website for more designs at www.robertcipolla.com

Why flash websites are a NO NO!!

One of the first things my clients usually ask me when building a website is....can you do it in Flash? When I get this question...I want to take off my shoe and hit myself in the head with it (not them because then they would probally not hire me if I hit them with my shoe...just a thought).


I'll admit that flash sites are really pretty and fancy....but they are becoming the dinosaur of technology. I mean think about it....the manufacturer ADOBE doesn't even have their website done in flash?? Right there that should be a HUGE red flag!!


But there are more reasons why!!


1) Limited Mobile Viewing:  Mobile Devices, Ipads and Iphones do not have flash support. So basically if you build all or most of your website in flash....it can't be seen on these applications.


2) Bad for SEO:  If you want your website to appear in the search engines....flash is a BAD idea! Search engines don't index flash pages....so it will be tough to find you!!


3) Slow Content Loading: Standard websites have content that show up instantly...with a flash website it has to load...kinda like a video game....this is because flash does not have streaming capabilities. 


4) 3rd Party Dependancy:  You need Adobe's Free Flash Player plugin in order to even view flash....so really that's another step needed to just see your flash website. If you don't have it, then you have to download and install it. By that time, your prospective viewer is long and gone baby!!


5) Bookmarking Issues:  Basically a flash website has one url link for all the pages....so you can't bookmark a certain page you like in your browser. Seems like not a big deal but it could cost you a returning viewer. 


If a flash website can't be seen.....then what good is it for your business? There are other alternatives that I will post on another blog.


I hope someone gets the humor in the picture above (especially my little alteration...sorry but its 5am and I'm feeling silly)


Check out my NON flash websites at www.robertcipolla.com

Vector Graphic Converter Software: A Great Tool!!

If you read my last "thrilling" post about vector graphics vs raster graphics....well this is a riveting follow up!! LOL. If you have a logo or graphic already that is a bitmap (raster) graphic and you love it but need it enlarged to an unlimited size.....I would suggest purchasing a vector conversion software!


What a vector conversion software does is takes bitmap files like JPEG's, TIFF's, and PNG files and scans them and then converts them to vector line art. Now I'm gonna warn you that the more detailed the bitmap graphic is the harder it will be to convert 100% but it does come close. 


The image above was done with vector magic which can be found at  vectormagic.com. There are others out there but used this one as a trial and it worked well. 


You will see from the image above that I converted a portion of my bitmap logo into vector. 


Notice if you take the raster image and enlarge it....that it becomes distorted and fuzzy (Like silly puddy). But if you take the vector version of that logo....its crystal clear!!


The right tools makes the job alot easier!!


Check out my website for more of your graphic and website needs at www.robertcipolla.com

What is a vector graphic??

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Often when I tell my clients they need to use a vector graphic for large signs....they say "Huh?". Let me explain. There are two types of graphics....a vector graphic and a raster(bitmap) graphic. A raster graphic is an image that is consisted of pixels....like a photograph or an image that might have airbrushing or shadow effects...basically it has texture to it. A vector graphic is a line image that can really be scaled to any size without losing its clarity.


Vector art is ideal for printing. Since the art is made from a series of mathematical curves it will print very crisply even when resized. A low-resolution raster graphic would blur or pixelate excessively if it were enlarged from business card size to billboard size. 


A raster graphic when resized is like silly puddy....it blurs when made bigger!!


So I know what you are saying.....why in the world are you telling me this nonsense!! Well if you are having someone design your logo and you know that you want to put this on a billboard or large vehicle wrap....you might want to tell your designer up front that you want this to be a Vector Graphic and not a Raster!!


Remember that each application has its uses....and both file formats are useful when used correctly!!


**There is a way to convert a Raster (Bitmap ) Graphic to vector....check out a later post!


Check out my website for more information at www.robertcipolla.com

Unlimited Logo Concepts: A Horrible Idea!!

Custom Logo Design

I see this alot on websites that offer you that $199 logo design package with unlimited concepts....and all I can say is "Erroneous" (That's for your wedding crashers fans!!) This unlimited offers idea is really bad...for a few reasons!!


1) Unlimited "poor" designs really gets you nowhere. Id rather have one really GREAT design that works than 20 bad ones. How can they really design something suitable without meeting with you and getting an idea of your tastes and preferences?


2) Outsourced Designs!! They usually have the designs outsourced in pakistan, india, phillipines etc...so their "designers" are banging out hundreds of these a day! How can your logo be personalized if they are doing these in bulk...more than likely most of the designs will look similar across the board!


3) TOO many designs confuses the client: This is probably the most important factor. Too many options often causes confusion and will get your project going backwards instead of forwards!!

When true quality is given, price is often forgotten!!

Check out some of my logos at www.robertcipolla.com

Direct Mail Marketing....Postcards are a Great ROI

Often my clients forget about the most basic but effective forms of advertising....Direct Mail Marketing!! Its a great way of getting one on one personal contact with a prospective client. Its putting your postcard and your card ONLY in their hands. Its a way to separate yourself from your competition.

Some of the advantages are:


Targeted Audience: Another advantage is that your mailing can be targeted to a specific audience by location, average income, or from a specialized mailing list. It takes out the guess work of standard print advertising like you do in magazines or newspapers.


Affordable Printing:  With the recent surge of online printing....you can print 1000 business cards as low as $35!! Not bad considering local printers will be 4-5 times that amount. 


Quick Response:  Because they only have your information in front of them, they are most likely to contact you pretty fast. 


Postal Facts: According to the United States Postal Service, 98 percent of consumers bring in their mail the day it’s delivered, and 77 percent sort through it immediately. These are pretty strong numbers and their is safety in numbers!!


Forgetting traditional methods of advertising can hurt your business!!


Check out some of my postcard designs at my website..... www.robertcipolla.com

Mobile Business Card Holders: Great Item to add to your Marketing Plan!!

Now that we have gone over in my last post regarding vehicle advertising such as vinyl wraps and magnets, there is another item that is a GREAT addition. Its a mobile business card holder that sticks to any part of your car. It could go on your rear window, rear door, side windows and or side quarter panels.


Think about it....its great to have the info wrapped on your car but how many people are actually gonna take a pen and write down your information....unfortunately people in nature can be lazy. BUT if you have this card holder on your car...they just take your card right from the holder. 


The great thing is its enclosed, so you don't have to worry about weather being an issue. This pict shows a sample of this.


Thinking outside the box is what can help your business improve!!


For more marketing ideas, please check out my website at: www.robertcipolla.com

Vehicle Advertising: A Great Way to Market Your Business!!

A great way to promote your business is by vehicle advertising! There are several different options you can take with vehicle advertising. You can do the most bold option which is a full vehicle wrap from bumper to bumper. I'm not gonna lie...this is the most effective but also the most expensive. Other options can be do partial signage like maybe a magnet with your logo and basic contact info. The magnet limits because of its size. 


A real nice alternative would be just to do a vinyl wrap on your back window if you are looking to be in a certain budget. Its nice because it doesn't dominate your vehicle's appearance but still gets your business out there. Usually a window wrap runs roughly $250. 


Above is an example of a window wrap I designed. I also use one myself. Check out my blog later for an additional post related to this one.


Dollar for Dollar....Vehicle Advertising can be the best ROI!!

Check out my portfolio at  www.robertcipolla.com

Snagit...A great tool for any graphic and web designer!!

In order for any website or design project to go smoothly you need the right tools. There is a great tool that alot of designers may not know.....its called Snagit by a company called Techsmith. What snag it does is let you capture anything you see on your monitor, desktop, software or video and captures it into an image...like taking a photograph of your screen. Far more advanced then your print screen option. It also lets you capture portions of video. Its a pretty powerful tool and its only $49.99.


Check it out at http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.html


The image above is an actual image I captured through snagit!!


Check out some of my designs at  www.robertcipolla.com

Tips to becoming a Freelance Web and Graphic Designer!!

Over the last 15 years,  I have received many emails from students and newbies just starting out in web design and graphic design. They always ask me "what is your best advice for starting out and staying in the business?" Its a real tough question with several ways to answer it. 


The only real way to learn is to make mistakes. Oh boy have I made them and still do!! But you try to learn from those mistakes. The graphics and design end of it is not really the battle. Its the business end that is the real war!! You can be a great designer but bad with people and money. If that's the case, you are better off working for someone full time. Here are some 5 basic rules/start up tips to go by:


1) Start off working cheap!! If you start off working a lower rates you will be able to build a client base and more importantly create a nice portfolio of design work. More clients, more referrals. Don't do this too long or get into the habit of this because you will learn it will become a problem. 


2) Network!! Let as many people as you know that you are designer...especially a web designer. I can't tell you now many times I have had landed jobs based on meeting people in social situations. Someone may ask you at a dinner party what you do for a living? You tell them you are a web designer....they say" Oh my god, I've been looking for someone to build a website! It can be that simple! 


3) Go get what you are worth!  If you have some experience under your belt and your work has value...you should get the proper rates. Working too cheap is a recipe for disaster. You will find yourself spinning your wheels, getting frustrated and then not producing a quality product!!


4) Produce self-marketing material: Sounds like common sense but it can be overlooked. A well designed business card, brochure, WEBSITE, t-shirt, vehicle wrap etc etc! I can't tell you how many contacts I have made on a Sunday morning..getting a bagel...wearing my t-shirt with logo...half asleep and still getting a contact and client!!


5) Barter Baby!! Since you are a greenhorn....you might not have the bucks to do whats needed! Have no fear..barter is here! You should barter with printers, sign companies, advertising companies and anything else that you might need. I myself have barter everything from from printing to materials to a fence for my home. Bartering is such a powerful tool that is often not thought of! Save your cash for when you really need it. I often barter when I know the client is not going to move forward because their funds are tight. But if you tell them how about we barter services...they usually go that route with you. 


Hey we all have to start off somewhere!!

Check out my portfolio at www.robertcipolla.com

The Importance of a Good Brochure for your business!!

Often overlooked when coming up with a marketing plan is the traditional Tri-Fold Brochure. Creating a brochure for your company can be extremely helpful to your business, your customers, your potential customers, and you. However, you need to make sure that you are creating a great brochure in order to have good results. Below are some aspects that are important!


1) Proper Representation: Make sure that your brochure sends out the right message for your business. Your brochure represents your business, so you need to make sure that you are representing your business in the best way. 


2) Its gotta look MONEY!!: What I mean is it has to look professional! It can't look like it was produced and printed in house on MS word!


3) Pro Printing: It should be printed on at least 80lb gloss stock with a full bleed. By full bleed I mean it prints all the way to the edge of the paper. If you print something in house, it won't print full bleed and you will have a border on all sides.  A matte finish is ok also but I would recommend that on a heavier stock. But most people like gloss uv coating.


4) Brag! :  A brochure really should be all about your company and its best features. Best features to stand out...maybe in bullet point. Nothing wrong with bragging when it comes to getting more business.


5) Know your audience!: If it is a brochure for say a kids product or service...right off the bat you know that you should be going with bright kid friendly colors. If its a brochure for an accounting firm, it has to be more dialed down. 


6) Include all your contact info!: Sounds simple right....but I have so many clients forget to put their website on the brochure or just the basic contact info. So important....a brochure wont work well if you can't get them to further contact you!!


Remember a great brochure can be the difference between a potential client and an ACTUAL client!!


Check out some of my brochure designs at www.robertcipolla.com

Hey Contractors...."Yes, you really do need a website!"

Thumbnail Gallery

In order for small business to really evolve...the first step really is to start doing things differently. The traditional methods of business are great but without working with current technology...you will be steps behind your competitors that are!


With this economy, every little thing helps. I meet alot of building contractors and they often say...."I don't need a website...I haven't had one for 20 years!" If you don't have one now, your next 20 years will be much harder than needed to be!

Thumbnails turn into a Lightbox

Your potential clients which is most likely homeowners, love to see a portfolio of your finished worked. Its CRUCIAL that you have a photo gallery on your website showing your completed work. It shows your craftsmanship as well as that you are reputable! This is so important because contractors are often perceived as fly by night operations. You can be a contractor that does outstanding work but lose a bid to another contractor that does mediocre work but has a website!!


If you are not thinking forward....you are going backwards!!


Take a look at some of my contractors sites at  www.robertcipolla.com

Attention Restaurant Owners: SHOW YOUR FOOD on your website!!

I have delt with alot of restaurants over the years! Some really good and some just ok. But how can you really tell if the restaurant produces a good product based on their website. I mean yes the website can look appealing but is that it?


Consumers often think with their eyes first...especially restaurant consumers. So if your building a website, why not feature pictures of your food? If a new customer goes to your website and sees a beautiful dish shot CORRECTLY....that's the best drawer...even better than a coupon. They are gonna say...."WOW, that looks good....I gotta try that!"

The pictures featured show two dishes I shot for 2 different local restaurants and you can see how appealing this is visually. This has to be done with the right lighting, camera, and photo editing software. Be creative with the shots...do some staging if possible and feature the best shots for the website. Definitely make a photo gallery of both the food and decor!!


A really good photo can go a long way to help your business!!


Check out some of my other photos at  www.robertcipolla.com

People still need to use business cards!!

With today's world of twitter, facebook, email, gmail, google plus, skype....its easy to forget about the little old 3.5 by 2 business card. But with any business, the best and most important contacts are often face to face!! Its more personal and tells more about who you are. 


Building new relationships face to face is just as, if not more important than building relationships through the internet and other outlets. One of the best ways to secure a face to face connection is by exchanging business cards with new contacts.


A business card is often the first impression that a new acquaintance will have of your company. So it really has to be either visually sharp or at least relate to the service or product you are promoting. So when designing a card, I try to think about how it will really help my client when used. Its really a mistake to just slop one together for the sake of having one.


I would even recommend as far as going with upgraded options likes rounded corners, double sided, high gloss uv coating, spot uv coating, fold-able business cards or my favorite...the plastic business card. It looks like a credit card. Its sleek and people will less likely throw it away. 




Remember....old school forms of communication often stand the test of time!!


Check out some of my business card designs at www.robertcipolla.com

The Importance of Color in Advertising and Design

One of the most important questions I ask my clients is what color scheme are you looking to work with. The most common answer usually is...."Ahh it doesn't really matter!" That's mistake #1....because it does matter...ALOT!


People..especially consumers, are visual thinkers. The Human brain commonly receives signals faster through eyes rather than ears. Visual appearance is supposed to be more attractive compared to the other senses!


The colors are known to influence the behavior of a person. Like the color blue is said to have a relaxing effect. Red represents the passion and love. Black represents elegance, seduction, sophistication and mystery. White represents peace, pure, clean, smooth and youthful. The gold stands for luxury, prestige and elite. Silver stands for prestige, Scientific and cold. Yellow represents warmth, happiness and joy. Orange represents warmth, joy and vibrant.


Advertising to children should have bright, vibrant colors. Yellow, blue, red and green, which are the primary colors are the colors that appeal to children, so parents buy those colors for their children. These colors represent trust, warmth, sweetness, joy, confidence and security.


There is alot of thought put into color when marketing and packaging material is made...and its not by accident that most companies stick to the same design and color formula with their products. If you notice children's cereals are always bright colors...flashy design while more healthy adult choices usually have white or cream color schemes....more dialed down in design? Not an accident...but an advertising formula!!


When I design I take color scheme very important. I like to pull colors out of the logo and incorporate them into the website as well as other marketing material. 


Ok, I have rambled on long enough....take a look at my website
to see how I use different color schemes specifically for each client!!


www.robertcipolla.com 

How to Create Branding with a New Logo!!!

Pro Technologies New Logo

Often I get asked by my clients and prospects where do we start? Its simple...your logo design. With any successful business, everything really stems around your logo design. Your website, print material, signage, promotional material, uniforms...the list goes on and on. 

The goal in designing your logo is if it first relates to the product or service offered? Will it be recognizable instantly? Will it work well on all mediums....especially signage? Does the color scheme make sense? Does it convert well? These all are important questions and are very important with the final product. 

When I design logos for clients...I try to think 3-4 moves ahead! As I am designing, I'm thinking about the brochure design, business card design and how this will look on the web. Im not just designing a logo but creating branding for my client. 

What I do is try to listen and take notes on the clients tastes, product or service, clients competition...and then try to put my spin on it. If you click on the logo above, you will see how I designed the website around the logo I created for my client...www.prorocracing.com

So basically LOOK, LISTEN AND PLAN ahead when creating branding for your clients!! 


Check out some other logos I created at www.robertcipolla.com