A Logo Designer Should Provide You With…
Posted by Bucsko Design in Blog Tips, Branding, Design Tips, Graphic Design, Identity, Logo Design, Product Display, Tutorial on August 8, 2012
A Consumers Guide to the Correct Designer Files…
I have noticed recently that when I start on a clients project and ask for their original files to re-create, print or design product packaging; that more and more lately have been finished products of crap.
This isn’t to say that it’s always the designers fault by producing the wrong file formats for clients, but can be said the same for clients not understanding which formats they are entitled to let alone being educated enough to which formats will be used in which instances.
I’ve listed below some formats you should be receiving from your designer and what your designer is expected to give you based on the industry standards and what the majority of most creative’s often follow for a guideline to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.
File Formats | Deliverable’s
The more files you’re provided by a designer the easier it will be down the road to encounter less problematic headaches, not to mention any creative that has to work with your files later will be appreciative of the effort put forth from the beginning by your graphic designer.
Whether you’re printing high quality, integrating a logo into a website, or inserting your company logo onto merchandising material; there’s always various file formats that should be used over other deliverables.
I always provide my clients with a full colored, CMYK file for the printed file formats (.EPS | .TIFF) and RGB for the web formats (.JPG | .PNG | .GIF). I also include a Hexadecimal Code and Pantone Color Code as these are becoming more common today with variations in printers, designers and software programs using multiple platforms to accomplish several tasks.
.EPS | .AI Files
An EPS or .AI file, are versatile vector formats of your logo. These can be resized as big or small as you want without compromising the quality of the logo.
EPS is compatible in a large number of programs and is great for use with printed elements due to its high quality. The same can be said for .AI files which are produced by Adobe Illustrator Software and is highly used throughout the industry.
These files are used for the following:
Business cards
Brochures
Tri-Folds Pamphlets
Advertisements
Product Printing
Product Label Printing
Printed Merchandising Material
High Quality Printing
.JPG | .GIF | .PNG Files
Although these files cannot be resized like that of an .EPS or .AI format, the image formats are still preferred for online web use. Being smaller file sizes, they load much faster on the Internet and look crystal clear to the eye when viewed on a monitor/screen. Bucsko Design & Logo creates our image files larger than most so clients are able to downsize as needed yet still keep the clarity that is desired.
These files are used for the following:
Website’s
Online Ads and Banners
Email marketing and signatures
Web | Internet | Online Deliverables
eBlast Campaigns
Social Media Sites
Blog’s
Online Profiles
.TIFF | .BMP Files
A .TIFF or .BMP is widely used by graphic artists and is common in most software programs today. These formats are higher in quality than .JPG, .PNG or .GIF, but not vector-formatted like an .EPS or .AI file format would be.
When my company, Bucsko Design sends either the .TIFF or .BMP files to a client… I create them in a larger size so the client can resize later or keep the larger size for more versatility in production. Many printers will call me and ask if I can produce these formats in 300DPI (dots per inch) and are implemented well into Higher Quality Printing Projects.
These files are used for the following:
Word Document | PDF Software Programs
Invoices
Letterheads
Flyers
Promotional Mailings
Full Color Printing
I always provide my clients with a full colored, CMYK file for the printed file formats (.EPS | .TIFF) and RGB for the web formats (.JPG | .PNG | .GIF). I also include a Hexadecimal Code and Pantone Color Code as these are becoming more common today with variations in printers, designers and software programs using multiple platforms to accomplish several tasks.
Big Media Inc Logo Version in Black & White
Black & White Logo Versions
I’m not sure why more of the Black & White logo versions are not presented to clients when they receive the final files but most designers always produce, or (were taught in Design 101) to start their design in Black & White then once completed, convert to the desired color palettes requested by their clients… none-the-less, these B&W files are more often than not left out of the mix.
Favicons | Icons
A miniature logo that appears in the top left corner of the web address bar in your browser or better known as a “Favicon” spreads the brand identity further across all platforms for better exposure. This is especially true with the overwhelming use of Mobile Marketing and Sales via iPhones, smartphones, tablets and iPads to name just a few that are inundating our market. My software that I use at BD&L, automatically kicks me a favicon sized logo when I complete a full size version of the design. Trust me, you will be elated as a customer, to get this little gem of a graphic from your designer and the usage is never ending plus multi-faceted.
Kindest Regards,
RJ Bucsko | Bucsko Design & Logo | http://bucsko.com
- LinkedInLinkedIn
How To Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Posted by Bucsko Design in Blog Tips, Branding, Identity, Marketing, Optimization, Sales, Social Media on April 16, 2012
In 2011, LinkedIn’s 150 million members conducted more than 4 billion professional searches. The network boasts executive profiles from all Fortune 500 companies, and adds new members at a rate of more than 2 per second. What’s more, if you’ve ever faced an executive gatekeeper, social networks like LinkedIn bypass them directly, since connection requests and direct messages go right to the member. Clearly, LinkedIn is a platform that cannot be ignored.
To get the most out of LinkedIn, optimize the following key sections of your profile:
Basic Information
Your basic information includes your name, photograph, location, industry, and most importantly, your professional headline. This section shows at the top of your profile page. The headline is your first chance to make an impression, in under 140 characters. You have an opportunity to include more than just your “official” title — so carefully craft a headline with keywords that are important to your industry.
For example, your headline could read “Helping homeowners in the tri-county region market their home online,” instead of “real estate salesperson.” Big difference.
Summary And Specialties
After Basic Information are the Summary and Specialties sections. The Summary is like an expanded personal biography, so again, use keywords and keyphrases that would help me get to know your background better. Below this section are your Specialties, another area to list your keywords and keyphrases.
Job Titles And Descriptions
Moving down the profile are your Job Titles and Descriptions. Consider listing all positions you’ve had — you never know how a connection could be made. Include relevant keywords and keyphrases for each.
Add Connections
We’re doing all this profile prework so we have the most complete information possible when networking with other professionals.
To find new connections, use the advanced search function, in the top right hand section, and search by job titles, companies and geographic locations. You can also search for groups to join.
LinkedIn also gives you an option to import your email contacts, which will send everyone a default connection request. However, if you send them individually, and customize your message, you’ll get a better response (and more connections). So find common ground, such as a shared company or group, or as alumni of a school or college.
Don’t forget to your 1st level connections for their connections. With LinkedIn, you truly are only a step or two away from connecting with potential clients, recruiters, and the link. But always ask for an introduction!
Finally, update your status message often — daily if possible. Remember, LinkedIn regularly sends out network summary emails with activity (yet another chance to pick up more connections).
If you follow these simple LinkedIn optimization steps, you’ll be well on your way to fruitful connections, new clients and more influence over your personal brand.
Other Social Optimization Guides:
• 7 Easy Steps To Turn Your Twitter Account Into A SEO Magnet
• A Simple Guide To Getting Started On Google+
• Facebook Timeline For Brands & Businesses Factsheet
Source: http://press.linkedin.com/about
Post from: Search Engine People SEO Blog
How To Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
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>Written by Brian Farrell, social selling | http://bfarrell.com/
Blaine High School Borderite Gridiron Golf Classic 2012
Posted by Bucsko Design in Branding, Graphic Design, Logo Design, Product Display on March 25, 2012
Blaine High School Borderite Gridiron Golf Classic
Blaine Borderite Gridiron Golf Classic – Branding By: RJ Bucsko Design & Logo
Most graphic designers take on projects just like any others that they put their heart and souls into the planning, design and overall presence of the creation… but every once in awhile we get one that is near and dear to our hearts.
This was the case with Blaine High School, a little town in Washington State just north of the city of Bellingham and sits directly on the border of Canada, just south of Vancouver British Columbia.
Now, one might ask what is so special about the small Class 1A school in Northwestern Washington and why the big deal over a branding design?
The big deal is that this High School was my alma mater from 1986-1989. My dad, Bob Bucsko had just been hired by Blaine HS in the summer of 1986 as our family made the transition from Central Washington where dad had taught & coached for 4 years previously at Highland High School in Cowiche Washington.
We were immediately welcomed and the community had sorrounded our family with love and praise… it was always a tight knit community with a strong backing in sports and academics. I played for 3 years at BHS while Dad coached. Our team sports programs were very successful and I participated in Football, Basketball, Baseball and I even brought home a State Championship Title in Track & Field in the spring of 1989.
The opportunity came 23 years later when facebook introduced me to the an old school classmate now working for the School District in Blaine. She, (Tricia Johnson) saw an immediate need for a branding project once she stumbled across my Designs at Bucsko Design & Logo… Tricia contacted me about a Golf Tournament the Blaine High School Football team put on annually and asked if I would be interested in designing a brand that would stand out yet still incorporate the Circled “B” from the decal on their football helmets…. and the project was born!
With great pride and honor I now release to the public, the 2012 Blaine Borderite Gridiron Golf Classic Branding & Logo Design.
It makes me feel all tingly inside, that I can pass on a piece of my history and tradition to a school and community that had given me so much in my three years there…. the freindships, the morals, strong work ethics and a sense of real community values that I will never forget.
Blaine High School Borderites Gridiron Golf Classic – 2012
By: RJ Bucsko Design & Logo – Lake Chelan, Washington
Naslund Motorsports | Logo & Branding Concept Design
Posted by Bucsko Design in Branding, Graphic Design, Identity, Logo Design on October 7, 2011
Kart Branding & Logo Design
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Naslund Motorsports | Sean Naslund out of Western Washington owner/operator of a team of karts occupying PGP Motorsports Park came to Bucsko Design for their branding needs. The team has sponsored many events and functions but most proudly back the Seattle Childrens Hospital Karting Challenge. To date almost $50,000 has been raised for the cause. They are a prominent group in the Greater Puget Sound Region and have backed many community events
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Bucsko Design was asked to brand the Naslund Racing Team and give an iconic feel to the racing aspect of the design… low and behold, a vision was born. While accomplishing the font and color scheme immediately, the idea of replacing the “A” with the Iconic Tachometer came days into the project after several failed attempts. The original design did not go as planned, while neither the feel of the tach with its rough, hard and straight-line edges nor the shadowing… just did not satisfy the client, thus leading to our final change of… “rounded corners.” The Smooth as a baby’s bottom feel emerged and our final concept and designs were born. With Naslund Motorsports excited to sport their new brand Bucsko Design & Logo released the final art board on May 23rd 2011.
Naslund Motorsports Logo & Branding Design
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Final Logo | Branding Design completed on May 23rd, 2011 | by: RJ Bucsko | Bucsko Design & Logo
Naslund Mens T-Shirt with arm branding and sleeve icon | bold and prominent logo on the chest
Naslund Motorsports Womens T-Shirt Design | Logo on chest
Naslund Motorsports Team Pit Crew Short Sleeve Button Front | Logo displayed on right arm sleeve | Iconic Tachometer
M&M’s… Not What You Think!
Posted by Bucsko Design in Marketing, Sales on October 2, 2011
Make More Sales
M&M’s are usually a color coated, sweet shelled, melt in your mouth not in your hands candy… but today they are the start of a 10 step series I have put together over the past 15 years while in various sales, manager and owner positions throughout my career.
M&M’s = Master More Sales | 10 Steps to help your business sale in lean times
Step #1 – “Know thy customer”
As we all know in the sales world we almost never make the sale in the first, nor in the second attempt (of course depending on the business such as: retail stores) but for the most part it has become essential to create, keep and maintain an open line of communication. In the old days it was 21 day files, follow-up sheets, cold calls and thank you letters. Today it is the High Speed Informational Highway of Facebook, twitter, google+, LinkedIn and the thousand others we could mention. If you aren’t connected socially with your clients… it’s your own darn fault, the tools are there, you just have to implement them and quit procrastinating the fact.
With so much information at your fingertips one should know the in’s and outs of their clients… if you don’t know how, partner up with an office veteran that does, watch a youtube video tutorial but do something. Understand what you’re selling. Does a car salesman not know what engine, features or safety facts each car on the lot has? Of course they do as it builds confidence and trust that you are looking out for the clients best interest in all aspects and not just their pocketbooks. Play through different scenario’s or watch how other sales people in the office handle their situations… you can only utilize experience if it’s actual gained knowledge no matter how it’s acquired. Don’t be afraid to roundtable and meet daily as a whole, group ideas through discussion can generate more possible marketing strategies in one day than one can accomplish in a month by themselves (that’s a 30:1 odds difference).
None of this works though if you do not create a daily repetition that assures consistent, successful and directed contact towards the main priority… “The Sale”
There is nothing wrong with the old ways and must be integrated into daily use with new technology to be effective… 21 days files should now be a desktop organizer/calendar, follow-up sheets should be done via blogs, eBlast, email marketing, re-tweets and Facebook interaction to name a few. Your cold calls should not be cold at all… with as much information and interaction you can do with your clients online, this should make calling them a breeze (you can always find something helpful to offer to generate a call to a client, just be personable), and lastly… keeping this M&M’s performance tool sheet by Bucsko Design & Logo close by to utilize future sales building prowess and knowledge to Master More Sales.
What to expect in the next 9 Blogs of M&M’s:
#2: 10 Guidelines for Success
#3: 10 Codes of Sales
#4: How to spot the Buyer
#5: 7 steps to successful follow-up
#6: Utilizing Social Media to Boost Sales
#7: My 3 most Potent Sales/Marketing Strategies
#8: Do they trust you? Probably not, but I can show you how in 24hrs
#9: All that work… now make them feel obligated, you’re worth it!
#10: No more talk… Master More Sales
Connecting your WordPress Blog with Windows Live
Posted by Bucsko Design in Tutorial on July 31, 2011
Written by: RJ Bucsko – Bucsko Design & Logo
Have you tried to share all your Blog updates and posting information all in one spot, only to be disappointed in the end result? Now you can easily share that information, posts, updates from your blog and keep your readers posted with a click of the button all in one spot.
Download your Free version of Windows Live 2011 and make sure to download the extra features which include Windows Live Writer… with Live Writer you can not only coordinate your connections through your Windows Account but also your social media accounts, online photo gallery plus type your Blog write from your email account (heck the Live Writer also looks like your Blog page so you can see “live” the update you’re creating and how it will actually look) see the image below.
For a small business that doesn’t have a lot of time this is a key element to not only save you time, but allows you as a business owner to spend more time on the important aspects of your business and not the mundane re-post from several different media sites. For example, when I am done typing, editing, reviewing and then post this single blog from my Windows Live Account… it will go to the following places with one click of the button.
Get all your social updates in one place. Select from services that let you share what you’ve been doing on other websites, see your friends and their updates from other services in Windows Live, or share your Windows Live activity on other websites. Hope this quick and verbal tutorial helps ease and satisfy the workload we small business owners face each and everyday. Visit my website at Bucsko Design & Logo for more tips and tricks of the trade to help your small business succeed. (This post was made from Windows Live Writer on Split Screen with WordPress for tutorial purposes and was shared with linked social media accounts).
WordPress
Express yourself with a blog.
Blog Effective
Posted by Bucsko Design in Uncategorized on July 9, 2011
Blog Effective by: Bucsko Design & Logo
Funny to start a new blog about the effectiveness of blogging when I have actually never done it myself. My father use to tell me… “before you ever marry a woman, you should live with her first to make sure she is the one” and that analogy rings true here as well. I have watched, read, researched and compiled many studies of various blogs for years now. I feel, I have lived with the blog idea long enough… to now turn it into a reality.
1) Be yourself: Followers do not want to read something they have seen a hundred times before, make it your own, make it unique and make it your experience.
2) Blog short: Keep your post simple, short and clean so a user-friendly aspect can take affect on your readers and future followers.
3) Remember why: What is the purpose of your blog, what is the meaning of your morals and always keep the focus towards the original platform (do not stray)
4) Networking: Constantly keep your readers close and personalize yourself with the followers you have. This is the most simple form of networking made easy, plus this adds to the worth of your work as a source of information in a certain field or on a particular subject.
5) Credibility: Gaining credibility will be the hardest part as you need to spend much time on your research and writing to make a solid backing to who you are and what you stand for as far as beliefs and opinions matter. This can take years for someone not as persistent as others, but must be built over time no matter what background, credentials or educational knowledge one may have. If your readers do not agree with you, you will have no “credibility” what-so-ever.
Author: RJ Bucsko | Bucsko Design | info@bucsko.com | Lake Chelan, Washington | web design | logo design | packaging graphics | identity branding | print graphics | stationary
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