admin – Beezink

Branding with a Logo

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:15:58 +0000

When marketing a product there are three major elements to carefully consider. Your brand, identity, and logo. With equal attention to these three elements, your marketing efforts should produce great returns.

Brand
Your brand is your company’s perceived corporate image as a whole. This is not how you see your company, but how customers see it. It is the overall picture of your company, to include the identity and logo. Your brand is your company’s personality, reputation, and image. A successful brand is well thought out and triggers positive feelings towards your product or service.

Identity
Your identity is a visual representation of your company, not to be confused with the logo. It is consistent with color schemes or fonts that are recognizable to your brand. Think of Coca Cola’s font and color, or the script Disney is written in. With my information typed out using their colors and scripts, you will still identify with their brand.

Logo
Your Logo identifies your company in its simplest form using a mark or Icon. Many people get carried away with elaborate and complicated designs attempting to describe every aspect of their company and what it offers. This is not always a good idea, and not necessarily a logo’s purpose. Busy designs may not be recognizable from a distance, or in a single color format. The Logo should be a recognizable flag to your brand, and serve as a mental bookmark to your company. It is functional and identifiable after a customer is familiar with your company. Some of the most recognizable logos are very simple icons that do not illustrate their companies products. Would the Nike logo be stronger if it somehow depicted sports apparel? What does an apple have to do with computers? Does the face-book “F” illustrate any sort of network? There are of course exceptions to every design rule. The recycle logo creates an immediate visual representation of its service. A combination of simplicity, function, and design is key.

Why do you need a logo? Lets face it, people do judge a book by its cover. A professional look indicates an established credible company, and can help round up return customers, create brand loyalty, and help separate you from the competition. A great logo will give potential customers confidence in your company, and help it grow.

Get the right logo! Make sure it is timeless, memorable, and effective. It should always be created as a vector image so it can be easily re-sized and manipulated down the road without loosing image quality. Most printers will require vector files, and may charge a large fee to convert them. Your designer should supply a few file types of the final image to cover all print and web formats.

Do you need a logo? I would be honored to help brand your company with a great logo and Corporate Identity package. Please do not hesitate to contact me with details on your project. At BeezInk.com, we offer quality work, affordable rates, and fast turnarounds.

Shane Burke, BeezInk.com

Welcome to the new look

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:10:38 +0000

I am delighted to officially launch the new site for Beez Ink, re-designed to make it easier to find the information you need, and stay in contact through my new blog format and social media sites. I have made simple improvements to the design and navigation of the website and invite you to browse through and see them for yourself.

Many new features are still in the design process and will soon be added to enhance a more user friendly project management system, and a search-able gallery. I am extremely excited about our blog capability, which allows me to communicate directly with you, the customer and/or art lover, on a regular basis, about the projects I work on. So please stay tuned, like, add, bookmark, and check in regularly!

-Shane Burke

Graphic Design File Formats

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

WHY DO I NEED A VECTOR FILE?

If you ever want to print your logo or any other marketing materials, you are going to need vector art. Vector images will save you time and money down the road, and most printers require it. So what is a vector image and why is it so important?

Vector files are normally AI, EPS, or SVG, file types. They can be re-sized as large or small as you want with out loosing any quality in the image, which makes them great for print. You can easily update colors, move elements, and edit fonts with just a few mouse clicks. This is because the image is based on paths and mathematical information, not pixels. Raster images are pixel based and loose image quality when re-sized. See the example.

AI files are Adobe Illustrator file. This format is used to represent vector based images in either PDF or EPS. Aside from Illustrator there area few other design programs that read this file type. Corel Draw, Freehand, Ghostscape, Drawplus and Inkscape are a few. AI vector files can be converted to just about any file type you will ever need.

EPS Encapsulated PostScript is a standard graphic file format for grouping text, images and other graphic elements into layouts. EPS-files are a bit like PDF files. They can be viewed and inserted in other documents but they are not normally meant to be edited. The EPS format is one of the most versatile file formats used by designers and printers all over the world and required by many professionals for quality printing and imaging. EPS files are made up of two main parts; the high resolution data and the preview. Ask your designer for EPS files when the project is complete. You will need them.

JPGs Joint Photographic Experts Group files are (or were) the standard digital image format, typically shot with a digital camera or basic flat pixel images. These types are great for photography and still imagery, especially archived image libraries or for transmitting across networks because of their small file size. They are great for photographers, web, and email. JPG’s or any raster file types are not great for print or resizing.

PNG Portable Network Graphics. The PNG file is a newer file format which has over taken the basic JPEG and GIF file formats. The PNG format uses a loss-less compression approach and supports 24-bit colors or 8-bit colors. The PNG format is also popular for being able to control transparency information, Adobe gamma corrections, and file defined background color. This file format compresses without losing image quality, but files are significantly larger than other image formats. PNG files are great for web design and user interface graphics, but they are still raster images and lousy for print and resizing.

Many debate what the best file format for print is. Beezink will provide every file type you will need. When you commission design work from Beezink, you will receive a JPG file to review your work, a PNG for web and user interface projects, and AI, or EPS files for your print needs. If there are any specific files types that are needed let your designer know.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Denver Freelance Graphic Design references

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

Are you having a hard time finding a reliable freelance graphic designer in Denver? Check out what customers have to say about Beezink.com

“I solicited Shane’s help to design my save the date announcements for my wedding. Shane designed impeccable caricatures of my husband and I that many of our guests are still talking about! I have already recommended Shane several times since then and will certainly recommend him again.” Shannon Bullock

“Shane is one of the best graphic designers I have had the pleasure of working with. He has done work for myself and several of my friends and the results were always amazing.” Jarrod Copeland

“Not only a talented artist but is incredibly professional and a pleasure to work with. Shane worked with me to achieve a design that was exactly what I wanted and he translated my concept into a finished product very quickly. Highly recommended and will work with him again in the future!” Angela Carini

“Shane presented drawn graphics of men that I needed. Many others presented photoshop/AI without true art. Shane quickly understood my need, he drew images that exceeded my concept, and added to my phrases in catchy ways that made the packaging more appealing to the target.” Robert Abramson

“I used Shane at BeezInk to help me design a new logo for my construction company. He was very helpful in providing multiple samples of items I requested so that I was able to compare and contrast ideas/themes for the new logo. Shane was easy to work with and created a final result that I am VERY happy with. I would recommend Shane for any of your future graphic needs!” Justin Sauceda

To read more from Beezink customers, add Shane Burke to you linkedin colleagues.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

A gift that will make her cry

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

You have been searching everywhere for that perfect gift, and are still a little unsure. Consider a hand drawn pencil portrait of your loved ones for that special occasion. For less than the price of bouquet of flowers, you can commission a custom pencil portrait that will last a lifetime, and bring tears to the eyes of your special someone. All you need is your favorite high resolution photograph, and Shane Burke at Beezink.com will have your drawing complete within 3 days, and ready to ship. Pencil Sketches make a great personalized gift and a unique gift to celebrate your special occasion.

If you would like to commission a portrait, please visit my site where you will find samples and my contact information. You can also fill out the contact form or just email the photograph and size you’d like and I’ll get back to you with all the details. Please allow 3-5 days shipping for ground orders.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Best Portrait Artists

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

Every reliable source on the best portrait artists in the history of European art includes the 17th Century Dutch painter, Rembrandt; Flemish painter of the 17th Century, Frans Hals; and 19th Century French Realist painter, Gustave Courbet. Each was an outstanding artist and innovator during his lifetime as well as a powerful and lasting influence on art and world cultures to follow.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606 – 1669) was born in Leiden, the Netherlands. Although his father was a miller of modest means, he encouraged his son to pursue his amazing talents in art. Rembrandt entered the University of Leiden at the age of 14, but left soon after to study art in Amsterdam. As an adult, his personal life took a tragic turn, and all four of his children, his first wife, and later on, his second wife died during his lifetime. Despite his misfortunes, Rembrandt was a prolific master artist. He produced an extensive body of 2,300 works, including many celebrated paintings, drawings and etchings. Among his most famous portrait paintings are his: (1) Self Portrait as a Young Man (1628); (2) Head of Christ (1648); and (3) Portrait of Nicolaes Ruts (1631).
Rembrandt used “chiaroscuro,” an Italian term describing the technique of highlighting or encompassing a painting’s subject in light against a dark background. The Italian artist Caravaggio (1573 – 1610) used this technique, and Rembrandt made it world-famous. He used layering of colors and painted with either muted tones or bright hues, depending on his subject. Rembrandt and other Dutch painters in the 17th Century (Dutch Golden Age painters), often applied thick layers of paint (“impasto”) over thinly glazed under-coatings. Beneath the glazing was the original sketch for the painting, often traced or transferred to the wooden panel painting surface using a grid. Rembrandt was actually the first painter of his time to paint primarily on canvas. He had the strong desire to reveal the underlying mysteries of nature in his works, and his portraits are known for their strong, genuine facial expressions and character.

Flemish painter Frans Hals (1582 – 1666) was born in Antwerp, the son of a cloth merchant. He began his career as an art restorer and first gained recognition for his life-size group portrait, The Banquet of the Officers of the St. George Militia Company, in 1611. His most famous portrait was probably his painting of Rene Descartes in 1649. His style has been described as intimate realism with a dramatically free approach.
Hals popularized the technique of “alla prima” (Italian for “at first”), using a ‘wet on wet’ painting method. These paintings were usually completed in one sitting without waiting for one layer to dry before applying the next. Alla prima became the favored oil painting method of the Impressionist movement in painting. Colors were quickly combined and mixed on a palette and applied to small areas of canvas, using a flat, fan shaped brush for smoothing. Hals also often used a badger brush, much like the wide brushes used today for house and outdoor painting.

Gustave Courbet (1819 – 1877) was born into a prosperous farming family in Omans. Leader of the Realist art movement in France in the 19th Century, he initiated the vital bridge which Realism became between the Romantic painters (Géricault and Delacroix) and the Impressionists. Courbet was a bold innovator who often incorporated strong tones of social commentary in his art. He often declared that the only regime he belonged to was the regime of liberty. He was admired as a hero of the French avant-garde, and he became a great inspiration to the younger Impressionist generation of painters such as Manet.

The modern-day Denver, CO, graphic designer, illustrator and artist, Shane Burke, produces high quality works of art in many diverse media. He uses the media of oil and acrylic paints, water colors, charcoal, pen and ink, and many more. In addition, he is an excellent graphic artist and quite proficient in the use of digital graphics and computer programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Final Cut, Dream Weaver, Flash, Premiere and Toon Boom. He has completed numerous professional assignments in the fields of film and entertainment, video production, motion graphics, book illustration, and Web development and design.
Shane’s fine art pieces appear in many collections, and among his most admired works are his portraits in diverse media.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Design Firm or Freelance Graphic Designer?

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

Branding a business is a series of critical steps a new business takes on a path to success. One of the most important business decisions that a new business makes as part of their overall branding plan, is to decide upon a logo that makes clear the direction the company will be taking.
A logo is a statement that conveys the values of the business by using design, color and possibly the company name. A logo can be as simple as an apple or as complex as a script that defines a soft drink, but the one thing these two have in common is the consumer’s ability to recognize the product with a slight glance.
Visual recognition is the goal of a well-executed design that makes the public instantly aware of the product within milliseconds.
The designs that are capable of doing that make the brand building of a company seem effortless. However, a lot of work, preparation, consultation and planning go into the creation of a logo and the marketing presentation packages.
Graphic designers are those individuals who have a strong intuition for what catches the eye and they have been well trained in the graphic arts. These individuals are outstanding in their ability to grasp a company’s purpose and bring it to fruition in a cosmetically appealing and exciting visual experience.

While a graphic designer alone may not be enough for a company to rely upon when building a brand, there are many award winning graphic designers who are also freelance designers with design firm experience. These talented individuals will not only work with a company to build a logo, but have studied marketing and brand building as part of their skill sets. Some of these independent designers have previous experience in the print and web industry and can help a company with their promotional materials.

A freelance designer will have less overhead than a design firm does, so they may be less expensive than hiring an entire firm that has many employees that are part of the design process.

A design firm goes beyond the logo and creates multimedia marketing programs for their customers. This package may include print, mailers, television, web design and many other areas that a customer needs to utilize to become a household name with instant recognition from a logo.

Trained professional freelance graphic designers will have access to the same training as those who are employed by a larger firm. Since some designers do come from a publishing background, they have already assisted customers in developing their media packages.

Some publishers, like smaller newspapers and magazines, will allow their designers to work with the advertising partners in developing their print ads. By working directly with the customers, the freelance designer has an advantage over the larger design firms that hire sales staff to work with the customers and relay the information to the graphic designer. This one-on-one consultation affords the designer with insight directly from the customer rather than having it relayed to them through a sales staff member.

The independent graphic designer has access to the same training, software and other tools that a design firm provides for their graphic designers. The freelance graphic designer invests money in the software, the education and the purchase of tools to publish the results in an equally professional manner.

A Denver graphic designprofessional will be able to work directly with the customer to achieve professional results with a lower cost to the customer. The freelance designer makes it easier to work closely in order to develop the brand, the marketing strategy and even a web presence. This type of close communication ensures customer satisfaction and puts the customer on the road to a successful marketing campaign.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Startup Businesses Boom with Failing Economy

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:27:53 +0000

The current economic situation in the United States has created a boom in entrepreneurial startup companies. As more and more people get laid off, fewer of them are actively seeking traditional avenues of employment. Many people decide to start their own companies, bringing their skills and products directly to potential clients.

The illusion of job security has forced many people to take their business skills into their own hands. People are fed up with corporate employment. Big industries have no problem firing loyal employees to increase profits. With unemployment rates soaring, many people are opting to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. In typical American fashion, hardworking entrepreneurs are hitting the pavement to become successful.

New startup companies often have very little barrier to entry. They already have business skills from previous jobs. Getting a startup business off of the ground begins with graphic design. Businesses need websites, business cards, logos and brochures. New entrepreneurs in Denver can find freelance graphic design services customized for their individual needs. Working with a freelance graphic designer means getting the exact services a new startup needs.

Building a website is one of the most important parts of starting a business. Graphic art and illustrations should look professional and flawless. Potential customers will see the website as a representation of the business. Professional websites will get the most attention and also the most business. The importance of professional and well built websites is often overlooked by new entrepreneurs in attempts to save money. Investing in graphic design services on the front end will lead to higher potential earnings in the long run.

Keeping business local with a Denver freelance graphic designer is a great way to put money back into the community. Keeping an open line of communication with a graphic designer is important to making sure both parties are on the same page. Many graphic designers offer all-inclusive design packages to new startups. Hiring locally is also a really great way to network. Networking remains the backbone of any small business.

A graphic designer can make sure a company’s logo is creative and professional. Standing out from the crowd is important for new startups. Through social media, websites and print campaigns the business logo will be what people see first. Branding the new company is an important aspect to startup success. Having a professional graphic designer create a logo is vital to branding and marketing campaigns for years to come.

Having confidence in one’s literature is important to attaining and keeping clients. When new entrepreneurs have professional brochures, business cards and websites they can be confident in doing what they do. Having the best possible brochures and business cards designed ensures that entrepreneurs can focus on satisfying customers.
With the current economy in such poor shape, many people have opened up small businesses. New entrepreneurs should consider hiring graphic designers as their top priority. Logos and websites become the face of the business. Having professionally designed literature puts many small startups ahead of the pack.

Design is not just a job, its my passion. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com