Archive for May 2010

New Marketing and Design Testimonial

I love working with acupuncturist and healer, Michelle Turley. Michelle came to me, wanting to stand out and get a new look for her business that embodied all the things she is trying to do. Based on her likes and dislikes, we brainstormed about symbols and ideas. From there, I hand-painted her a logo and used hand-drawn science illustrations on herbs on her marketing materials, including business cards, flyers, Vertical Response newsletter, and website. We had a fun time working through the steps and I am very happy with how everything turned out. Michelle recently provided me with a wonderful testimonial. Thanks Michelle! You rock!

"I highly recommend working with Sara. She far exceeded my expectations and opened my mind to multiple opportunities. Every time I leave a meeting with Sara I feel so very grateful she is leading the way and so very excited and inspired about the future of my business. Sara always gets the job done in a professional, timely matter and with an artistic touch that WILL get you noticed!!!!" ~ Michelle Turley, L.Ac, michelleturleylac.com

What's your business vision?

One of the first things I ask my new design clients is what is their vision for their business? This often stifles folks. Most people think that getting a logo and some marketing materials is the first and main thing needed to promote a successful small business. But how do you know who to appeal to or where to put your efforts if you don't know where you want to go/grow? In my half hour free consultations, I often ask question after question, trying to find the correct design style and direction that will match my clients' needs. If you don't have a clear vision of what you want for your business, how can you effectively appropriate money and time into marketing and advertising? If you have a plan but fail to convey it to your designer, how will they create something that appeals to your target market as well as create something that can grow with you? If you don't know where to start, then start by asking for clarity. Second, talk to a marketing firm. Third, seek help from small business development centers or business life coaches. Or, if you haven't the time or money for those and need to hire a designer anyways, find a designer that has a marketing background so you can formulate a direction and plan that works for you.

New illustrative designs for tees

I'm working on some fun illustrations lately with the thought to expand my tee line. Getting out of winter and back into climbing shape has inspired many of my new designs as well as has resurrected some older ones. If you haven't seen any of these hand-drawn surface designs for tee shirts, you can view them in my illustrations' gallery slideshow and even purchase some through my shop. Here's one of my newest called "Crack Climber."

Colors inspired by the Bishop Buttermilks

Wow, wow, and more wow! The Buttermilks climbing area on the East Side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range near Bishop, CA is so incredibly beautiful. Nestled right below snowline are the most picturesque boulders littering the sage and sparsely-pined hillsides. The boulders themselves are pure gems for climbing and considered some of the best in the world. The view, however, can be appreciated by those beyond the climbing folk. Here's a quick shot I grabbed facing the west (opposite of the stellar boulders) after sunrise. Though the colors are muted, there is still a lot to be seen. Here is a palette I created based on inspiration from this tremendous place.

Collectible Earth Day t shirts available

I had such a wonderful time working with the Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Foundation in creating their tee illustration, website, and all of their marketing materials. The event was a huge success with hundreds of attendees, fabulous weather and fun to be had by all. If you weren't able to make this epic celebration at the Village at Squaw and want your own collectible t-shirt, I am selling both men's and women's shirts through my store. 75% of the proceeds goes to the wonderful Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Foundation.