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Graphic design

Tips & Tricks No. 21

2024-08-09T07:30:45+02:0026 June 2024|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

9 arguments in favour of classic business cards

Business cards have been an essential part of business life for centuries. Despite the digital age, they have maintained their place.

In a world where digital communication is becoming increasingly important, the classic business card remains a valuable tool for personal and professional communication. It combines tradition with functionality and offers numerous advantages that are often lost in the digital space. In this blog article, I highlight the advantages of classic business cards and also discuss the modern version with a scannable QR code.

  1. Personal contact
    Business cards enable a direct and personal exchange. Handing over a card creates a moment of connection that is often not achieved by digital means.
  2. First impression
    A well-designed business card can make a lasting first impression. It reflects professionalism and care and can impress potential customers or partners.
  3. Tangibility
    Physical business cards are tangible and can be easily stored or passed on. They serve as a constant reminder of an encounter or a business transaction.
  4. Creative design options
    The design options for physical business cards are diverse. Different types of paper, printing techniques and finishes such as embossing or varnishing offer creative freedom.
  5. Eye-catching design
    Special design elements such as a colour cut (on the edges of the business card) or special materials make your business card a real eye-catcher and make you stand out from the crowd.
  6. Immediate access to information
    Business cards offer a quick way to pass on contact details and important information without the need for technical devices.
  7. Extended information
    A QR code on the business card makes it possible to provide more information than would fit on a conventional card. By scanning the code, contact details, websites, social media profiles and more can be stored directly on the smartphone.
  8. Timeliness and flexibility
    QR codes allow the digital content to which they refer to be updated at any time. This means that changes to contact details or additional information can be easily adapted without having to print new cards.
  9. Combination of physical and digital
    Business cards with a QR code combine the advantages of the physical and digital worlds. They offer the feel and personal touch of a classic business card, while at the same time providing access to more comprehensive and up-to-date digital information.

The modern business card with QR code

Imagine you receive a business card from a business partner. At first glance, it looks like a classic business card: high-quality paper, attractive design. But there is a QR code on the back. You pull out your smartphone, scan the code and a mobile website opens with all the relevant information - from contact information and social media links to a link to a current project or portfolio. The data is always up to date and you can save it directly in your address book.

As a professional graphic designer, I offer you the design of classic business cards that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effectively communicate your brand and personality. Whether traditional or with an integrated QR code - I design business cards that optimally fulfil your needs and leave a lasting impression. Utilise the advantages of classic business cards to impress in personal contact and at the same time build a bridge to the digital world with modern elements such as QR codes. Let's design your perfect business card together!

The classics: expressive adverts

2024-05-09T10:51:11+02:0007 May 2024|

In today's digital world, print advertising may seem old-fashioned to some. But for companies that operate regionally and sell products or services directly to customers in their area, print is still a powerful and effective advertising medium.

Why print advertising works for your local business:

  • Quick attention and response: Print media such as newspapers, advertising journals and trade journals are read by many people in your region every day. With a well-placed advert you can attract attention quickly and stimulate spontaneous purchases.
  • Perfect for seasonal offers and events: Print advertising is ideal for advertise current offers, promotions and events. Whether Mother's Day, Easter or the next city festival - with a print advert you will be present at the right time and reach exactly the right customers.
  • Targeted approach: Local print media offer the opportunity to place your advertising regionally limited to switch. How to reach exactly the target groupthat is relevant for your offer.
  • Serious and trustworthy appearance: Print media continue to enjoy a high degree of popularity. Seriousness and credibility. By placing your advert in a respected medium, you strengthen the trust of potential customers in your company.
  • Individual design and recognition value: With my experience and creativity I design for you unique print advertsthat are tailored to your target group and have a high recognition value. This will help you stand out from the competition and remain in the memory of your customers.

Print advertising is dead? Not at all!

Especially in combination with online marketing, print advertising for local companies can a strong and profitable strategy be.

Let me advise you and together we will develop a print campaign that will inspire your customers and increase your sales.

Would you like more information on this topic?
Discover my portfolio!

Portfolio

Signs - more than just signposts

2024-04-06T15:11:05+02:0006 April 2024|

Signs are omnipresent. They inform us, guide us and characterise the appearance of cities, companies and buildings. However, they are often perceived as purely functional elements to which little attention is paid. Yet a well-designed sign can be much more than just a signpost. It can be an eye-catcher that attracts attention, conveys a message and reflects the identity of a company or institution.

Why good design is important

A professionally designed sign offers many advantages:

  • It is eye-catching and memorable: an appealing design stands out from the crowd and sticks in the viewer's mind.
  • It communicates effectively: a sign should convey its message clearly so that it can be understood at a glance.
  • It adds value: A high-quality sign can significantly improve the image of a company or institution.
  • It is durable: a well-made sign can withstand wind and weather and retain its appearance for years.

Design options

There are virtually no limits to the design of signs. From classic information signs to large-format advertising spaces, there are a multitude of ways to attract the attention of the target group.

Materials

The choice of material plays an important role in the durability and appearance of a sign. Depending on the area of application, various materials can be considered, such as aluminium, PVC, Dibond or acrylic glass.

Signs for every need

Whether company signs, construction site signs, information signs, advertising signs or guidance systems - the possible uses of signs are many and varied. Well-designed signs are more than just signposts. They are business cards, image carriers and ambassadors. With a professional design, you can attract the attention of your target group, communicate your message effectively and present your company or institution in a positive light.

I would be happy to advise you without obligation on all questions relating to the design and realisation of signs.

Would you like more information on this topic?
Discover my portfolio!

Attract attention: roll-ups and banners for your marketing campaigns

2024-08-08T15:44:09+02:0015 March 2024|

As a graphic and web designer, I offer customised solutions for your marketing campaigns, with a particular focus on the design of roll-ups and banners. These promotional tools are not only popular, but also extremely effective for showcasing your brand at various events and functions.

Here are some reasons why roll-ups and banners are an excellent choice for your business:

  1. Professional designThanks to my expertise in graphic design, I create high-quality roll-ups that represent your brand in the best possible way. From the choice of colours to the placement of your logo and message, every detail is carefully considered to ensure an impressive visual presence.
  2. Consistent brand presentationA strong brand identity is the key to success. I can help you develop a consistent visual language that flows seamlessly across all your marketing materials - be it on a roll-up banner, your website or social media.
  3. Effective communicationRoll-ups and banners are not only eye-catchers, but also effective communication tools. I work closely with you to ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and convincingly, whether it's product information, special offers or company values.
  4. Target group orientated strategiesEvery marketing campaign should be tailored to your target group. With my experience in analysing target groups, I develop targeted strategies to place your roll-ups and banners in the right places and attract the attention of your potential customers.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of roll-up banners depends on factors such as design, placement and target group relevance. I am happy to help you maximise the marketing benefits of these advertising tools for your company with a clear message and an appealing design. With my many years of experience and the latest techniques in roll-up design, we can ensure that your message is communicated effectively and that your company receives the desired attention.

Would you like more information on this topic?
Discover my portfolio!

Creative design project for the University of Trier: Teaching materials for learning about Europe

2024-02-25T12:23:45+01:0024 February 2024|

I once again had the pleasure of working for the Didactics of Social Sciences department at the University of Trier, specifically on a project to create a handout for teachers on the subject of "European learning in the Greater Region". This material for the research project Edu.GR (European Education in the Greater Region) was conceived in the form of a folder - and I had the freedom to adapt the corporate design accordingly.

My tasks included the creation of a print template for the external appearance of the folder, including the title, logo and other elements. I was also responsible for designing 12 tabbed pages for the different lessons. It was satisfying to see how my work helped to present the information in an appealing and clear way.

Tips & Tricks No. 19

2024-08-09T07:31:29+02:0014 February 2024|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

Interactive design: 9 questions on the integration of animations, hover effects and scroll animations

  1. Why is interactive design important for the user experience (UX) of a website?
    Interactive design improves user interaction and increases engagement by allowing visitors to actively interact with the website. This improves the overall user experience and increases the likelihood that visitors will stay on the website and return.
  2. Which interactive elements can be integrated into the design of a website?
    Interactive elements include animations, hover effects, scroll animations, interactive forms, clickable elements, drag-and-drop functions and much more. The choice depends on the objectives of the website and the needs of the users.
Volker Heupel | vh-crossmedia: Interactive design - interactive elements in web design
  1. How can animations improve the user experience?
    Animations can improve user guidance, attract attention, visualise information, provide feedback and create a fluid and engaging user experience.
  2. What role do hover effects play in interactive design?
    Hover effects allow users to see additional information when they interact with an element, for example by moving the mouse pointer over it. They can be used to emphasise navigation elements, display additional information or add visual effects.
Volker Heupel | vh-crossmedia: Interactive design - interactive elements in web designVolker Heupel | vh-crossmedia: Interactive design - interactive elements in web design
  1. How can scroll animations improve website interaction?
    Scroll animations can help to present content on a website in an appealing way by bringing elements into view when scrolling, triggering animations or smoothing transitions between sections. This makes the user experience more dynamic and interesting.
  2. Which best practices should be observed during integration?
    Interactive elements should be subtle and not overwhelming, not affect the loading time of the website, be accessible and provide consistent feedback. They should also complement the overall design of the website and not distract from it.
Volker Heupel | vh-crossmedia: Interactive design - interactive elements in web design
  1. How can you ensure that interactive elements work well on different devices and screen sizes?
    It is important to design interactive elements responsively so that they work well on different devices and screen sizes. This requires thorough testing and adapting the elements to different resolutions and input methods.
  2. How can interactive design help to strengthen the brand identity of a website?
    By communicating brand values and characteristics in innovative ways, interactive elements can help to strengthen brand identity and improve the brand experience for users.
Volker Heupel | vh-crossmedia: Interactive design - interactive elements in web design
  1. How does your website benefit from the integration of interactive elements?
    Your website could benefit from interactive elements in that they can increase user engagement, strengthen brand awareness and improve conversion rates. By creating a dynamic and engaging user experience, you can communicate your message more effectively and achieve your goals. It is important to use interactive elements in a targeted way to meet the specific needs and objectives of the website.

Fancy applying these tips to YOUR project?
I look forward to hearing from you!

Matomo: comprehensive web analytics for optimal performance

2024-02-10T17:25:21+01:0010 February 2024|

As a website operator, the use of web analytics software is crucial. It provides insights into user behaviour, helps with performance optimisation, enables target tracking and conversion optimisation, supports keyword analysis for better SEO and allows competitive analyses.

Matomo is my favourite open source web analytics platform. It provides website owners with detailed reports on website traffic, including visitor behaviour, referrers, conversions and more. Matomo offers similar features to Google Analytics, but is self-hosted, giving users full control over their data.

The main features of Matomo are

  1. Data protectionMatomo emphasises data protection and data sovereignty. In contrast to Google Analytics, users can host the analysis data on their own servers and thus have full control over how data is collected, stored and used.
  2. CustomisationUsers can customise Matomo to track specific metrics and events relevant to their websites or applications. This flexibility enables customised analytics reports to meet specific business needs.
  3. Real-time reportingMatomo provides real-time reports that allow users to monitor website traffic in real time.
  4. Open SourceAs open source software, Matomo allows users to inspect and modify the source code according to their requirements, which promotes transparency and security.
  5. Data sovereigntyMatomo ensures that users have full ownership of their data, unlike some other analytics platforms where data ownership may be more ambiguous.
  6. GDPR complianceMatomo offers features that help users comply with data protection regulations, such as anonymising IP addresses and providing options for users to opt out of tracking.
  7. Plugins and extensionsMatomo has a thriving ecosystem of plugins and extensions that extend its functionality and allow users to integrate additional features or further customise their analytics configuration.

Web analytics software: with data to success

As a web designer, I not only offer the creation of appealing and functional websites, but also a comprehensive service that includes web analytics using Matomo. With Matomo, we can create customised analyses to help you continuously improve your website and increase the success of your online strategy. You retain full control over your data, and I offer you a long-term partnership to make your website successful.

With Matomo as part of our comprehensive web design solution, you can be sure that your website not only looks good, but is also effective and helps you achieve your goals. Let's work together to take your online presence to the next level!

AIDA in web design: proven strategy for more success

2024-07-22T12:01:49+02:0026 January 2024|

As a graphic and web designer, I am passionate about not only creating aesthetically pleasing websites, but also ensuring that they effectively engage my clients' target audience and motivate them to take action. With this in mind, I'd like to share a proven strategy that can help achieve just that: the AIDA principle.

A for Attention

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successThe first step in designing a new website for you and your business is to grab the attention of visitors. Through thoughtful design with appealing graphics, clear typography and an inviting colour scheme, I want to ensure that visitors are immediately drawn to your website. Remember that first impressions are crucial - a well-designed homepage or an impressive hero banner can make all the difference.

I for Interest

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successOnce you have captured the attention of your visitors, it is important to arouse their interest. We offer relevant content that addresses the needs and problems of your target group. Using engaging text and supporting images or videos to present your offer in an attractive way means that the better you understand and address your visitors' needs, the more likely they are to stay on your website and want to learn more.

D for Desire

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successOnce we have aroused their interest, you want to increase their desire for your offer. Let's work together to show how your product or service can solve their problems or fulfil their needs. Let's use customer reviews, success stories or other forms of social proof to build trust and increase your visitors' desire. Let's convince them that your offer is exactly what they are looking for.

A for Action

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successThe final step is the call to action. We place clear calls-to-action at strategic points on your website that encourage visitors to take the desired action - be it a purchase, filling out a contact form or subscribing to a newsletter. I design these CTAs for you to be eye-catching but not intrusive, making it easy for your visitors to take action.

By incorporating the AIDA principle into your web design, we can ensure that your website not only looks beautiful, but is also effective at attracting visitors, piquing their interest, increasing their desire and ultimately getting them to take the desired action. If you need further assistance in implementing this principle for your website, I would be happy to help.

Visual magic: the fascinating world of halftone images

2024-02-15T09:39:34+01:0002 January 2024|

Interesting insights into the creation of visual elements, especially in relation to halftone images and their application in graphic design and printing technology: this colourful video provides a better understanding of the technical aspects and creative evolution of halftone images.

Tips & Tricks No. 18

2024-08-09T07:31:37+02:0008 December 2023|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

9 terms that have made it from typography & printing technology into everyday language

  1. CopyIn classical letterpress printing, an impression was a first proof or a simple test print (the material to be printed was placed on the inked printing plate and usually tapped with a brush, whereby the printing ink clapped off onto the sheet). Today, the word is used to describe an inferior copy or imitation.
  2. ClichéCliché: Originally, it was a printing term for a printing plate that was used to create identical copies of an original. This is why "cliché" is also used today in a figurative sense to describe stereotypical ideas or entrenched opinions.
  3. LapidaryOriginally a simple font, also known as "lapidary script" (from the Latin "lapis" for "stone"). In everyday language, "lapidary" is used to express something succinctly and with little embellishment.
  4. Waste paperIn the printing industry, "waste" refers to unusable or faulty printed copies (from the Latin word maculatura: "the stained"). In the vernacular, it is used to refer to something superfluous or scrap material.
  5. MarginaliaIn typography, a marginalia refers to a note in the margin or a marginal note (marginalis: "concerning the margin"). In everyday language, the term is used for a triviality or an unimportant note.
  6. Matrix: A stamp used for casting fonts. Today it is often used as a synonym for "foundation" or "base".
  7. CategoryThe term rubric comes from the red (Latin: rubrum) colour that was used in religious books to mark instructions for the liturgy and was also used for headings and other structural elements, i.e. it denotes a heading or keyword that identifies a specific area of content. In everyday language, the term "rubric" is used for a category or section.
  8. StereotypeStereotyping refers to the process of moulding and reproducing typesetting or printing blocks. In common parlance, the term, like cliché, has come to epitomise entrenched ideas, which in the case of stereotype primarily stand for simplifications and prejudices.
  9. Type caseIn typography, a type case refers to a tool used to set type - the many lead letters lay sorted in the small compartments of wooden boxes. Today, the term is used for a decorative collection of objects in small wooden compartments.

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