Creative Blog.
Get Sticky!
What’s the mystery behind stickers? Well, they’re pretty basic. They’re stickers. But there are a wide variety of sticker types that all have their purpose and using the right ones are really important.
What’s the mystery behind stickers? Well, they’re pretty basic. They’re stickers. But there are a wide variety of sticker types that all have their purpose and using the right ones are really important.
Key questions:
What are they for, how will they be used?
Rolls or individual stickers or labels?
How many might you need?
Investment or value—are they important or is cheap ok?
On one end—a simply-shaped sticker plopped right down on a piece of paper. On the other end, a huge window label in a department store (actually a window cling). There are for example permanent stickers (also called labels) that are more durable and won’t peel off easily. There are removable labels that easily come off (although depends on the material they are on). There are roll labels that come in certain quantities (starting usually at around 250 labels), and there are individual peel and stick labels.
So it really comes down to usage—how you will use these, and what they are for. On products, will they be outdoor or exposed to water? Are they food products that might be frozen? Will they be on a tool that you want clear edges on so there are no white colors detracting from the look and feel? There are labels so large you can literally wrap an entire vehicle with them.
Pricing: Stickers and label costs will all vary depending on the usage, type, quantity, and size. They might be as little as $20 for a handful on many online sites if quality is unimportant, and $250-$1000 plus for larger, more of, and better quality labels.
Clear, white, and zero backgrounds
Depending on your label or sticker, you may or may not want or require a background. For example, if it’s a letter character logo, you need something to hold the letters together so they all stick down together. So that may be on a white, colored, or clear background—such as like Scotch Tape material. Logos or graphics that ARE one solid shape, require no background, so can be “die cut” to that shape.
Imagine the clear background (top) holding the lettering together. Otherwise, blown apart, nothing to hold them.
As opposed to a graphic with a solid edge and colored insides—you can now die-cut this as this unique shape.
Sticker vs. Label
Stickers are usually digitally printed. Printed on machinery quickly and affordably. Resilient in most cases, but not always and good for simplicity. LABELS are often high end machinery-printed, and more resilient, and good with wet, cold, hot conditions.
Rolls of labels can be set up for your label machines or convenience in pulling and placing…
Variety
Here are an assortment of sticker and label types to show you the variety and possibilities to start with. Content here can also be found at StickerGiant website, StickerYou website, and many other sticker printers…
DIE CUT STICKERS
Individual stickers with the back liners cut to the size and shape of the sticker. No die cut fees for custom shapes. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with outdoor durable laminate, in your choice of Glossy or Matte finish.
KISS CUT STICKERS
Digitally printed with free custom shapes with the backing material a little larger than the sticker itself. Can be used indoor or outdoor. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with an outdoor durable laminate in your choice of a Glossy or Matte finish.
GLOSSY WHITE LABELS
These custom glossy labels are perfect for product labeling and will resist water and oils. Digitally printed in full color on white polypropylene with indoor use laminate, and finished on a roll.
CLEAR LABELS
These custom labels are printed in full color on a clear polypropylene and work great for products. They resist water and oils and are finished on a roll, with an indoor use glossy laminate.
MATTE LABELS
These custom labels have a satin-like look, and are finished on a roll. They give products a high end appearance and are easy to write on. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with indoor use matte laminate.
CLEAR STICKERS
Digitally printed using full color on clear polypropylene with UV laminate for outdoor durability. Choose either face or back adhesive. These are available with free custom shapes and finished with the backing material a little larger than the sticker itself.
SILKSCREEN STICKERS
Spot color stickers, printed on a white vinyl with UV inks for outdoor use. Individual stickers with the back liners cut to the size and shape of the sticker.
STATIC CLINGS
A flexible vinyl that has a smooth, coated finish and will stick to clean glass surfaces utilizing the moisture in the air and on the glass to adhere to the surface. These do not use a sticky adhesive like our other sticker and label options.
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Creative pricing— what will it cost?
When it comes to pricing creative projects it helps to keep three primary things in mind: Value (worth), caliber (oomph level!), and investment (what can or should be spent). And while there is a wide range for each of these, the ideal cost is what’s most appropriate for that project. No matter what, think of it as a range—from basic and simple, to advanced and higher level.
When it comes to pricing creative projects it helps to keep three primary things in mind: Value (worth), caliber (oomph level!), and investment (what can or should be spent). And while there is a wide range for each of these, the ideal cost is what’s most appropriate for that project. No matter what, think of it as a range—from basic and simple, to advanced and higher level.
The “value”— is what it’s really worth. Think of gold vs. a sheet of paper. And when it comes to your project, is it valued high like gold or as a simple piece of paper. Is your project high profile, important, to get high exposure, and have a big impact on the audience? Or is it a simple, one-off, very basic project with little exposure?
The “caliber” is the “oomph level”—meaning how much oomph you want it to have. Putting more work into it affects the outcome. If you spend more time on designing it, using certain fonts, images, colors, etc… you will have more quality there. If you spend more time on the animation or website you will get more impact.
The “investment” is what it sounds like—how much you “should” invest. I emphasize that because mistake number 1 is that people think its about what they WANT to spend. If you want to spend $50 on a logo, you will get a lousy $50 logo. Whereas if you SHOULD invest in a real solid brand— spending the time, working a high caliber, and investing value behind it, the outcome will be tremendously different. And it’s not to say you should always spend more— in fact the opposite. Some projects SHOULD be a low cost. Some projects warrant simple, low cost solutions.
So consider these three pieces when pricing your creative projects. It will help you figure out the ideal and appropriate amount to spend.
Here are a few worksheets to help visualize the cost curves on certain projects.
If you are creative, create.
Too many people waste their time not living their true purpose. And if they’re creative, they often forgo their God given ability to truly create.
Too many people waste their time not living their true purpose. And if they’re creative, they often forgo their God given ability to truly create. That means letting go, and letting God as they say… Allowing your inner creativity sizzle and expand outward. It’s to be shared, exposed, and enjoyed by all.
Think of it as harnessed energy—if even only mental energy, it’s still energy. And if it’s not used or allowed to vent it will find a way to manifest itself. Often, repressed creativity leads one to a strange sense of feeling “off.” As if not connected, or not doing what you think you should be doing— or often a feeling of unhappiness.
When you are inspired (in-spirit) you are flowing. It feels right. Time passes by happily and often quickly. So imagine being a flower and “deciding” not to flower. Just a dead stalk. No beauty, no bees, no pollen, no sharing your nature with the universe. You are withholding and denying the purpose for which you were created. So if you are creative, CREATE.
Marketing ones creative Self
In addition to having talent and abilities, or drive and passion in the creative space, is marketing ones creative Self. If you do it for fun, sharing it to inspire others or letting your creative Self shine outward is a good idea.
In addition to having talent and abilities, or drive and passion in the creative space, is marketing ones creative Self. If you do it for fun, sharing it to inspire others or letting your creative Self shine outward is a good idea. The flower expresses its “Self” by nature— and so should you. And it’s not bragging or boasting—it’s being, expressing, and sharing. You know how you are drawn to others, impressed by works of art, or enamored by all the things in the world? By allowing your expression of creativity you align with and play and important part of that as well.
So how? Connect with or create a network. Social media is a great place to start. But friends, colleagues, associates, clubs, art shows, and other ways to get your “stuff” put there… Start with creating or sharing on social media though.
Professionally—you MUST market your Self. Your level of success, outcome and results are directly related to how much effort you put in to your marketing. And there are many, MANY ways of doing that today.
Start with social media. Create or work hard at using it regularly. Expand a useful, strategic, and meaningful list of contacts. People that will either help, support, help grow, or contribute to your growth, sales, and success. Create raving, exciting fans that want to be a part of your network. Create awesome, useful, meaningful content that they MUST have. Show your stuff, advertise and market your wares—regularly and consistently.
For beginners only…
Other ways to market your creative Self might be using social media advertising campaigns—connecting to qualified leads. People that need your services. You can also leverage modern day online clubs, such as Fivr (https://www.fiverr.com/start_selling), or InDeed (http://www.indeed.com)— two popular freelance sites that you can grow and expand your design business. There are downfalls there however, you share your money with their fees— and become reliant on their platforms instead of your own— which I personally think is best. But, starting out, sure— grab some freelance work on those sites. Work it, expand it, grow it. At least try these things and see what works… And there are others. Etsy is a great DIY site for master crafters and designers alike. Amazon, Google, and other big players have stores and sites that allow you to sell your wares as well. Even Craigs List (http://www.craigslist.org) has leads if you search or advertise your stuff on their help wanted section.
The bottom line?
You need to get your name out there. Advertise your stuff. Talk about it, develop strategic, aggressive, and meaningful game plans to get your name out there, advertise your business, services, or abilities. And remember you get out what you put in. BIG (well thought out, meaningful, and truly passionate) effort means big results. LITTLE and meaningless effort will equate to absolutely nothing. It’s that simple.
If you want more advice, or help developing a game plan, or how to get massive results in your business, get a hold of me. Email todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, or call me at (508) 494-8182.
Simple, practical, and inspired creative. Free creative coaching. Free first project for qualifiers. The best creative solution.
Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.
© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC
eDocuments. The chameleon of design.
There’s no creative law that says “thou shall only create content the way it’s always been.” In the creative space, tapping into imagination and creativity means allowing exciting, fresh, and invigorating ideas to flow through and out. And that goes for everything— and in this case, ebooks and infographics.
I wanted to re-post a prior blog here by popular demand! To show you how one bit of content—one document can be conformed into MANY different types of eDocuments…
There’s no creative law that says “thou shall only create content the way it’s always been.” In the creative space, tapping into imagination and creativity means allowing exciting, fresh, and invigorating ideas to flow through and out. And that goes for everything— and in this case, ebooks and infographics.
An ebook (electronic book) is an on-screen document that can be as creatively intense— full of great content, awesome artwork, and exciting interactivity— or as simple as plain old text. An infographic is a ‘graphical representation’ of data or content, and can also be exciting, well-designed and fun, or as simple as can be. The goal should be to make the content easy to digest, fun to engage, and ultimately help throw your customers down the beautiful funnel directly to you!
The best part of imagination, at least for me, is that you can create anything. That is, after all, what creation is— right? And when it comes to ANY deliverable or creative project, there’s no reason to stick to the ‘norm.’ Imagine—create.
For ebooks, and infographics I make it a must that I always think creatively—making it sing, energize, and behave in a way that makes it super compelling and easy to understand. Fonts, color, graphics, layout, design, and then the myriad of options that allow us to add interactivity. We can create ePubs, embed video, other content, add pop-ups of data, sound, and much more!
So another great way to be creative is to pioneer and explore multiple options, which include ‘blending deliverables.’ In this case, introducing ebooks to infographics. And in many ways they really are the same. With an ebook, it’s content—usually longer text… but usually has some graphics throughout. With an infographic, its content—but more artistic, visually and graphically represented, and not so text heavy. So why not merge the two?
Check out the samples below. And remember, the options are almost infinite with creativity. And with the variety of unlimited design potential, art, and imagination—matched with technology… Anything is possible.
In the following examples, I started with an ebook— actually, an “InfoBrief” which is a variety of ebook—some text, some graphics. I created this InfoBrief for IDC originally with only that project in mind, and then using that as a model— converted it into several options to show you what “can” be done with any content. And illustrate the hybrid merging of ebook documents and infographics. How they can really work very nicely together.
InfoBrief
This example here below is of the original InfoBrief (ebook).
View InfoBrief, online as an “ePub” (electronic online view):
This ePub option allows more interactivity, embedding, social sharing, analytics, pdf download option, animation, and more… Same original InfoBrief, just in ePub format.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/18874d9b-7c72-4c19-8516-32e81d9abd40
Mobile Doc
The same InfoBrief, converted and created as a “mobile document.” A version that can be downloaded and viewed nicely on a mobile device.
View Mobile Doc as a pdf on browser (ideal to view on a mobile device):
Direct download Mobile Doc as an “ePub”— viewed on device ePub viewer (ideal to view on a mobile device):
InfoDoc (or eDoc)—
A much more graphical representation of an ebook or InfoBrief. Treating pages with more graphical “oomph”—color, art, layout. AND blending in the infographic components. I took pages of content and created “infographics” on a page, rather than flowing all the text.
The InfoDoc (or eDoc) is a hybrid ebook/infographic. Filling the gap between the two. As shown particularly on page 7— it combines prior ebook pages of content and merges that content into an info-graphical page…
Download and view “pdf” on your device:
Filling the eBook - InfoGraphic “gap”
Download and view “ePub” on your device:
Filling the eBook - InfoGraphic “gap”
Simple, practical, and inspired creative. Free creative coaching. Free first project for qualifiers. The best creative solution. 3.2.1. Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.
© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC
eBook vs. InfoGraphics— filling the “gap”
There’s no creative law that says “thou shall only create content the way it’s always been.” In the creative space, tapping into imagination and creativity means allowing exciting, fresh, and invigorating ideas to flow through and out. And that goes for everything— and in this case, ebooks and infographics.
There’s no creative law that says “thou shall only create content the way it’s always been.” In the creative space, tapping into imagination and creativity means allowing exciting, fresh, and invigorating ideas to flow through and out. And that goes for everything— and in this case, ebooks and infographics.
An ebook (electronic book) is an on-screen document that can be as creatively intense— full of great content, awesome artwork, and exciting interactivity— or as simple as plain old text. An infographic is a ‘graphical representation’ of data or content, and can also be exciting, well-designed and fun, or as simple as can be. The goal should be to make the content easy to digest, fun to engage, and ultimately help throw your customers down the beautiful funnel directly to you!
The best part of imagination, at least for me, is that you can create anything. That is, after all, what creation is— right? And when it comes to ANY deliverable or creative project, there’s no reason to stick to the ‘norm.’ Imagine—create.
For ebooks, and infographics I make it a must that I always think creatively—making it sing, energize, and behave in a way that makes it super compelling and easy to understand. Fonts, color, graphics, layout, design, and then the myriad of options that allow us to add interactivity. We can create ePubs, embed video, other content, add pop-ups of data, sound, and much more!
So another great way to be creative is to pioneer and explore multiple options, which include ‘blending deliverables.’ In this case, introducing ebooks to infographics. And in many ways they really are the same. With an ebook, it’s content—usually longer text… but usually has some graphics throughout. With an infographic, its content—but more artistic, visually and graphically represented, and not so text heavy. So why not merge the two?
Check out the samples below. And remember, the options are almost infinite with creativity. And with the variety of unlimited design potential, art, and imagination—matched with technology… Anything is possible.
In the following examples, I started with an ebook— actually, an “InfoBrief” which is a variety of ebook—some text, some graphics. I created this InfoBrief for IDC originally with only that project in mind, and then using that as a model— converted it into several options to show you what “can” be done with any content. And illustrate the hybrid merging of ebook documents and infographics. How they can really work very nicely together.
InfoBrief
This example here below is of the original InfoBrief (ebook).
View InfoBrief, online as an “ePub” (electronic online view):
This ePub option allows more interactivity, embedding, social sharing, analytics, pdf download option, animation, and more… Same original InfoBrief, just in ePub format.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/18874d9b-7c72-4c19-8516-32e81d9abd40
Mobile Doc
The same InfoBrief, converted and created as a “mobile document.” A version that can be downloaded and viewed nicely on a mobile device.
View Mobile Doc as a pdf on browser (ideal to view on a mobile device):
Direct download Mobile Doc as an “ePub”— viewed on device ePub viewer (ideal to view on a mobile device):
InfoDoc (or eDoc)—
A much more graphical representation of an ebook or InfoBrief. Treating pages with more graphical “oomph”—color, art, layout. AND blending in the infographic components. I took pages of content and created “infographics” on a page, rather than flowing all the text.
The InfoDoc (or eDoc) is a hybrid ebook/infographic. Filling the gap between the two. As shown particularly on page 7— it combines prior ebook pages of content and merges that content into an info-graphical page…
Download and view “pdf” on your device:
Filling the eBook - InfoGraphic “gap”
Download and view “ePub” on your device:
Filling the eBook - InfoGraphic “gap”
Simple, practical, and inspired creative. Free creative coaching. Free first project for qualifiers. The best creative solution. 3.2.1. Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.
© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC
Infographic Content Checklist
The most important part of an infographic is the content. It’s a good idea to work with someone that understands writing, editing, or publishing. Infographic content is a unique style and if done incorrectly can be costly, and very confusing to the reader.
The most important part of an infographic is the content. It’s a good idea to work with someone that understands writing, editing, or publishing. Infographic content is a unique style and if done incorrectly can be costly, and very confusing to the reader.
Here is a checklist to help you create the ideal infographic content...
1. Create an interesting, meaningful, and compelling theme and title, making sure it makes sense with your message and story you want to tell.
2. Decide on the right type of graphic deliverable. It depends on whether you have more text, or want more simplicity. Create content FOR that type of graphic. For example, tall, wide, full page, interactive, etc…
3. Create an ordered story line so the information you tell has an interesting story flow to it. Section by section, or page by page. You want the info to flow nicely and your audience to actually read it and understand it!
4. Be sure you have an introduction if it needs explaining. Many people don’t understand your complex tech stuff. Make it easy to understand.
5. Have a methodology page or section if it requires it so the audience knows where the content came from.
6. Have a closing section with a call to action. Where to go now? Where can I learn more?
7. Have a skilled and experienced writer help you create content.
8. Have ALL internal team people review the content BEFORE going into graphic creation. Also be sure the client signs off on the concept theme and content first.
9. Keep data simple, clean, minimal, direct, to the point, interesting, and engaging.
10. Simplify any complex Powerpoint charts and extract the key message of that graphic? What’s most important to call out here?
11. Keep length of graphic project as short and direct as possible. Cut out anything remotely unnecessary.
When it comes to infographics, the best ones get results. I’ll create one for free if that’s what’s needed to get started! Let’s get moving! please go to http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, or call Todd@ (508)494-8182
Creating interest in a mailings SHOULD be fun!
We turned this number one ranking in exposure to oncologists and hematologists into a fun, large, colorful “game show” themed mailer.
When a client like the New England Journal of Medicine is rightly proud of their new number one ranking, we need to let people know! Especially key marketers with budgets—they need to place ads in the BEST advertising stage possible for maximum exposure!
We turned this number one ranking in exposure to oncologists and hematologists into a fun, large, colorful “game show” themed mailer.
Partnering with the expert and highly-valued long time partner at Shawmut Printing we leveraged soft-touch aqueous coated special paper, super bright inks, custom die cut window doors, and a clear envelope for safe travel in the mail!
Event websites made easy.
It doesn’t take much to get people to your event. Email your list, promote it on your own business website, and let people know on your social media channels. You can even mail out simple promo cards to build awareness. And all of that can and should be real simple to do.
Event websites made easy.
It doesn’t take much to get people to your event. Email your list, promote it on your own business website, and let people know on your social media channels. You can even mail out simple promo cards to build awareness. And all of that can and should be real simple to do.
But you can also create a simple custom web page for your event where you can track traffic, get analytic data, promote speakers, sponsors or venue information. It’s a “hub” you can now share that folks go to FROM all your other communication channels. Promote it and lead them to a custom event site.
You can then make all updated on the site, and have it become the goto site for the agenda, events, and more. It can also hyperlink to your own registration pages, or we can help you create that.
Cost and time are minimal here. We can get you a custom url, and set it up in under a week, and within a very reasonable budget (average $2K-$5K). Depends on size and budget.
Let’s get creative.
Branding and Identity—Some key questions.
A brand, is an experience. It’s a meaningful, and passionately created existence. It can be a product, a service, or business. It can even be a person, a team, or a volunteer organization. And while some of the strongest brands are organically grown and naturally attractive, powerful and compelling some may take more work to craft.
Branding and Identity
Key questions to get started.
A brand, is an experience. It’s a meaningful, and passionately created existence. It can be a product, a service, or business. It can even be a person, a team, or a volunteer organization. And while some of the strongest brands are organically grown and naturally attractive, powerful and compelling some may take more work to craft. But in the end, the strongest brands in the world are effective and draw in a tremendous following. They get results and in some cases create a very powerful ever lasting “institution” with profound effects on the whole world. Think of a company like Nike that can turn $2 of fabric into a $35 t-shirt. THAT is what branding can do. Here are a few key takeaways to consider in developing your brand:
The name
If you have one—Name of your product, service, company, or business:
What does your name mean— where does it come from?
If you do NOT have one, what are some ideas you have? Name 5-10 ideas for a business name:
What business are you in?
List a series of “keywords” people might use to find you online (as many as you can):
The brand
If you have a logo— what does it represent?
If you do NOT have a logo, what symbols, icons, or graphics come to mind with your business?
Name three brands you are impressed with:
Do you have any websites you are impressed with?
When someone sees your brand (logo) what should it represent? What should it mean?
What bothers you most about your brand identity right now?
Do you own any copyrights, patents or trademarks currently?
Do you see your brand as a single company brand, or possibly a group of brands under one name (divisions)?
The mission
Your primary mission or purpose—your “elevator pitch”— a sentence that summarizes your business:
What values are important to you?
Why should people call you? What makes you the best?
What technologies or capital will you need to invest in to complete in the future?
What’s your top money-maker now?
What value do you bring to the marketplace?
The customer
Who is your typical, current customers— who will engage with you, and conduct business?
(Be specific here, age, location, business types, etc…)
Who SHOULD be your customers? (target customers)
What are your customers needs?
What different needs will they have in the future?
Who is NOT your ideal customer? Who we steer away from:
What social media platform might your audience be on?
The reach
How you GET business customers— how do they find you currently?
How do you connect with or communicate with your customers?
Do you use, or engage with social media? Which ones?
What events might you consider going to or having a presence at?
Where do most people find out about your type of business?
Do you own or have access to a web domain name currently?
Do you own or have access to a web hosting account currently?
The competition
Who is your top competition?
How are you different than your main competition?
The future
Where do you see your business in a year?
Where do your see your business in 5 years?
Where do you see your business in 10 years?
Get creative. todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com