A Designer's Perspective: Covid-19 Business Impact by the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce

This morning I attended a webinar called Covid-19 Business Impact, organized by the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce.

As a branding designer, this year I've worked with many companies who were either looking to use their downtime to do a face-lift and others who needed to do a pivot to move their business online - fast.

And I've personally thrived on the challenge of working with creative small business owners who are energetic to take this opportunity to go online and engage with their first digital Zoom conference or make their first online sale from their own e-commerce website. Solving solvable challenges is fun.

But, I've been curious about the other side of the coin. The ones that aren't reaching out. The ones that don't see the opportunity and just see the cost. Or the limits. Where does this leave them? So I signed up for this webinar to see what I would learn.

ClientsLauren BuisNovember 24, 2020

Misconceptions about Brand Consistency for Small Business

It is a common misconception that branding services are only for big companies. Many people believe small businesses either would be wasting their money hiring a design agency to support their branding or there just isn't enough money to have these luxuries.

While there are agencies that do exclusively work with companies paying large retainers which are way outside the possibilities for most small businesses, there are many of us who exclusively work with small companies - and prefer to do so!

Branding, ClientsLauren BuisAugust 3, 2020

To conform or not to conform? Is that the DESIGN question?

I actively work to be knowledgable regarding which design styles are trending. On Instagram, I follow accounts sharing design inspiration for logos, print collateral, and websites. And, I also watch youtube videos of other designers talking about predictions for what will be most popular next.

This morning I came across a video about the most popular trends for 2019 in graphic design littered with belittling comments about how they'll be staying away from these ideas JUST because they are trending. Other commenters lament with disdain that these will be what their clients force them to create. Is all this sputtering necessary? Come on guys really?...

Branding, Resources, ClientsLauren BuisApril 22, 2019

The Power of Changing your Scenery: Networking at Panera

I enjoy working in my office, sitting directly in front of a window with ample sunlight, plants to my left, and whatever music I'm craving playing in the background. I am what is now referred to with pride (or loathing/contempt/curiosity depending who you are) as a digital nomad. My work is based solely on my computer, meeting with clients through a screen, connecting across time zones, states, and sometimes countries. I also travel to various areas in the United States and the World as I meet new clients and continue to work with existing clients.

And although I set-up a cozy office environment - sometimes I crave a change of scenery and a good cup of coffee that didn't come from my Keurig. I have found that although I LOVE checking out small coffee shops where ever I go, if I'm going to hunker down for 3-5 hours of work; my best option is Panera Bread. Now I'm not saying there aren't other options but I have found their combination of fast WIFI, cushy seating, ample plugs, and free coffee refills do it for me. But this isn't an ad for Panera - I promise.

Clients, ResourcesLauren BuisApril 8, 2019

Designing a Logo for a Pub

Designing a logo involves a process of deep listening and creativity. It takes a balance of strong design principles and an understanding of a business' ethos. During my first conversation with a new logo client, there is often a mix of curiosity for the process and some apprehension. If I could read their thoughts I'd guess there is a mix of... "Even if they've designed some nice stuff... how can they be sure their logo won't be regurgitated?" or "What if I don't like what they create.. Will I pay for something awful?"

My goal is take my clients through a careful step by step process, learning more about them and their business along the way, and of course, finishing with a fabulous logo.

Branding, ClientsLauren BuisMarch 20, 2019

Part Renegade, Part Professional: Creating a Logo for a Pirate

A logo derives meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around. - Paul Rand

Meet Andrew Pierce of The Gourmet Agent.

Andrew Pierce is a technologically savvy Realtor who works digitally, saving you time and money. Oh, and he cooks. He’s actually a professional chef too. As you get to know Andrew, you can see how interconnected his businesses are with his life. He works with real estate clients who use him for catering and catering clients who use him to sell their homes. And his clients LOVE him. He uses Virtual Reality to show them homes or to sell their homes and digital marketing to promote, so he’s effective and efficient. He has an incredible business model and he stays busy- really busy.

I met Andrew at a networking event, which by the way, he puts together every month with the support of Rockstar connect. (If you are in Wilmington, NC check them out on Facebook here.) He expressed that he has had a logo for sometime that just didn’t represent him anymore.

Clients, BrandingLauren BuisJuly 18, 2018

Relentless Drive; Success in Business

Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek. - Mario Andretti

I met Kevin Lane the very first month I moved to our temporary home in North Carolina. We both attended a community networking event at a local bar, put together by the WIN (Women in Networking) chapter in Leland, NC. We had a great conversation but to be quite frank, I never thought I’d see or hear from Kevin again. This is the story of Kevin, and how CXL Transport came to be.

ClientsLauren BuisJuly 4, 2018