News from vh-crossmedia
Completed projects and news from my work
The QR code revival
The QR code (which stands for "Quick Response") was invented in Japan back in 1994 and led a shadowy existence for a long time until the coronavirus pandemic turned it into a currency for health and safety - from vaccination cards to digital menus.
In the meantime, scanning QR codes has become as natural as taking a selfie. The new way of displaying information has become a learned behaviour that consumers have become comfortable with. And so the square pixel box will still be with us when the pandemic is finally over.
And the code can do even more: it can contain links and thus becomes a kind of portal between the analogue and digital worlds. QR codes can not only store more information than normal barcodes, but also offer consumers a quick and effective way to get in touch with your company.
You can use a customised QR code with your contact information and have your data automatically entered into the address book after scanning. Or you can use the scan to link directly to your WhatsApp account! In this way, a QR code can create a seamless user experience and efficiently guide customers directly to the desired destination.
Consider adding a QR code to signage in your shop or to your business cards, flyers, posters or vehicle livery to help customers find out more about you. Perhaps you can link the code to a promotion or encourage your customers to contact you directly via WhatsApp about a specific offer.
If you need support in creating QR codes for your company, I will be happy to help!
New logo for KiTa
The "Brücke" daycare centre in Neersen was recently given a new location with a bungalow and extension as well as a modern annex, designed by local architect Stefanie Käding - barrier-free, spacious and flooded with light. And of course, the completed annex also includes a new logo, which I was able to contribute to the launch of the daycare centre on Mutschenweg.
Flyer campaign for Chaco
The company "Chaco" from the Westerwald - the versatile specialist retailer for tools, fastening technology, industrial supplies, industrial safety & bicycles - received support from me for current advertising campaigns. Also planned: a major relaunch of the company's own catalogue and much more ...
Green is everywhere ...
Despite my departure from the Voreifel region, my clients and I remain loyal to each other, including the local BÜNDNIS90/DIE GRÜNEN Zülpich association. I was able to help with the production of a series of information brochures that address green issues in the former Roman town and its surroundings. And even though the second version of the "GRÜNE BLÄTTCHEN" had already blossomed into "GRÜN IM GESPRÄCH", I am looking forward to many more editions!
Data protection and SSL obligation
The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018 to ensure uniform data protection throughout the EU. The GDPR affects all websites that request personal data, i.e. email addresses (e.g. via newsletters or downloads), login data entered by users in the browser, contact or order forms and all online shops.
Is SSL encryption of my website important or even mandatory?
The use of an SSL certificate for websites has been recommended for some time and is also categorised positively by Google for search engine rankings. Google penalises websites that do not have an SSL certificate
If your website does not have a valid SSL certificate, visitors will receive a warning - in the worst case even an error message. Many visitors will then close the page.
When using a website, personal data of the visitor can be collected via various input fields and processed for the respective request. Unsecured input can be tapped and even changed by third parties without being noticed. Without SSL encryption, you enable an attack on sensitive data!
In addition to these aspects, it should also be mentioned that an SSL certificate is mandatory under the GDPR if you offer a contact form on your website, for example. An infringement can be penalised with a fine of up to €50,000.
What is "SSL" anyway?
SSL certificates are an all-encompassing measure to protect personal data and create trust. A small lock symbol in the browser bar indicates when we are using SSL encryption. But what is SSL?
SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer". It is a network protocol for the secure transmission of data. Websites can be equipped with the SSL certificate. Put simply, all data traffic from a website to the visitor and vice versa is encrypted so that the transmitted data cannot be viewed or intercepted by anyone else. This is often important for companies in order to be seen as trustworthy by their customers. The encrypted access to a website always takes place via https before the entered URL.
If you need support for the encryption of your website, please feel free to contact me!
Dancing to cool beats ...
Ideenschmiede Puderbacher Land is a volunteer project organised by the Puderbach Association of Municipalities. With the idea of a free "hip-hop workshop" with two-time German champions Gabriel Hermes and Miah Bein from Tanzfabrik Mittelrhein, more than 60 children (tested) were able to escape from everyday life and simply dance under almost normal conditions in four workshops over two days.
A great project that I was able to accompany with the appropriate advertising measures.
vh-crossmedia zieht um
Liebe Kunden und Geschäftspartner,
in Kürze sage ich der Voreifel Adieu und ich setze meinen Weg künftig im schönen Ahrtal fort. So bin ich ab dem 20.12. unter der folgenden Adresse erreichbar:
Kirchstrasse 5
53518 Adenau
Bis die Telefonverbindungen sich alle daran gewöhnt haben und die neue Festnetznummer eintrudelt, bin ich am besten mobil erreichbar:
0 151 - 25 28 38 81
Und um alles adrett und komplett zu machen, gönne ich mir eine kurze Auszeit:
Umzugsferien von Mo., 20.12 bis Fr., 24.12.2021
Ich wünsche allen eine erholsame Adventszeit und ein frohes Weihnachtsfest!
Fresh on the net: Centre - Assisted living
Mittelpunkt offers assisted living in the districts of Düren, Aachen, Erfkreis, Euskirchen and Heinsberg for people who, in addition to the experience and skills they have acquired over the course of their lives, have special needs due to a mental illness and/or physical illness and/or mental disability.
I am delighted to be able to support this helpful company with a website relaunch.
Fresh on the net: Way out - Assisted living
Assisted living Ausweg offers outpatient assisted living as part of integration assistance and educational support for young adults. The aim of the support is to break loneliness and the vicious circle, improve the living situation of affected people and make it easier for them to participate in life in the community.
I am pleased to be able to help with this sensible offer by relaunching the website.
More than a club ... JSG Puderbach
Demographic change is also causing problems for amateur clubs in rural areas. Many teams have difficulties filling their starting eleven, especially in the upper age groups. This is where the formation of a youth football association (JSG) can help.
The Puderbach youth football association is made up of four regional clubs. And in order to promote the youth leagues, a little PR was needed, with a new layout for articles in the club magazine and suitable social media posts. I wish the teams the best of luck!
Beer mat fundraiser with raffle
For some time now FREYwillig & with heart under the motto "Regional. Social. From the heart." in the name of a good cause. The enterprising Westerwald natives Christian Frey and Ingo Bein are present on all channels and skilfully use print, web and social media for their projects.
The current idea of a "beer mat donation campaign" encourages local restaurants to turn beer mats into a donation in favour of social projects with the help of sponsors. The additional "joker lids" will also enable participation in a raffle with prizes totalling 5,000 euros!
As with every "FREYwillig & mit Herz" project, I am happy to be able to contribute to its success with my graphic design services when the motto is "Your donation for our region".
Calendar variety 2021
In your customers' focus 365 days a year: Make an impact all year round with personalised advertising calendars! These classic promotional items are still popular and successful advertising media.
Tips & Tricks No. 8
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Graphic design basics: Space
Here is 9 x expertise on the topic of "space" in graphic design:
- Negative space or white space: The use of empty space or white space around visual elements to draw focus to certain areas or achieve a desired effect.
- Proportions and proportions: The use of proportions and proportions to create a balanced and harmonious overall picture.
- Colour contrasts: The use of colours to distinguish visual elements from one another or to highlight certain areas.
- Spacing: The placement of visual elements at a certain distance from each other to create a balanced overall picture and facilitate the perception of content.
- Hierarchy: The use of space to create a hierarchy of visual elements and help the viewer quickly grasp the most important information on a page.
- Text and image distribution: The distribution of text and image elements in space to create a balanced and more legible composition.
- Symmetry and asymmetry: The use of symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of visual elements to create a balanced and harmonious overall picture.
- Depth effect: The use of space to achieve a depth effect in a design and reinforce the visual hierarchy.
- Structure: The use of space to create a clear structure and organisation of visual elements.
Neue Drohnenaufnahmen: Baumfällungen
Die Firma Cousin führt kontrollierte Baumfällungen mittels Hubsteigern, der baumschonenden und modernen Seilklettertechnik oder auch seilunterstützt durch. Bei einer dieser fachgerechte Gefahrbaumfällungen durften wir die Profis mit der Drohnenkamera begleiten.
Outdoor advertising in large formats
Tarpaulins and banners are ideal advertising media for transporting targeted messages - eye-catching and hard-wearing. Regardless of whether it's a barrier, scaffolding or site fence: in highly frequented locations, your advertising is guaranteed to attract the desired attention thanks to the large format.
Design a good logo
With the many logos I've designed so far, one of the biggest challenges remains making it look (good). And although these word/figurative marks are always a combination of type and graphics, each logo should still be clearly distinguishable from others, remain flexible in its application and, in the best case, convey what it is about through its form. In co-operation with my clients, I always come up with interesting results that are functional and still put the name and idea of the company in the spotlight.
Tips & Tricks No. 7
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
How to turn your website graphics into an eye-catcher
Here are 9 tips for successful graphics on a website:
- Appropriate size: The size of the graphics should be adapted to the website to ensure that they do not appear distorted or stretched.
- High quality: High resolution and quality graphics are important to ensure that they are displayed clearly on different screen sizes and resolutions.
- Consistency: All graphics on the website should be kept in a uniform style to create a consistent visual experience.
- Colour scheme: The graphics should be kept in a colour scheme that matches the colour palette of the website.
- Simplicity: Avoid overloaded or overly complex graphics to convey a clear and understandable message.
- Contrast: Use contrast to emphasise important elements and make sure they stand out.
- Balance: The graphics should create a balanced mix of text and images on the website.
- Usability: Use graphics that improve the navigation and usability of the website instead of hindering it.
- Accessibility: When using graphics, take people with visual impairments into account by using alternative texts (alt tags) and descriptions to describe the content of the graphics.
Making it big with impressive formats
Expertly designed poster advertising offers you the opportunity to reach target groups that are difficult to address in their individual media consumption. A successful poster quietly and patiently courts the favour of passers-by and becomes more familiar with every encounter. I get the most important elements right for you so that everything essential is captured at first glance and attention is quickly and specifically drawn to your product, event or motif.
Fit4Kids
What does a healthy breakfast look like? How do I behave in an emergency? How do I become more self-confident? The FREYwillig & mit Herz initiative, the Protestant Hospital Dierdorf/Selters and the medical care centres of the KHDS jointly provided answers to these questions and many other interesting facts about health and strong, courageous children at a health day for schools under the motto "Fit4Kids" summarised.
I am pleased to be able to help this project with various advertising measures.
Focus on humanity and sustainability
The AWO Siegen consistently pursues the idea of inclusion and solidarity with its facilities. Hotel Fünf10, Restaurant Fünf10 and the Academy Nine10 around. In this way, the vision of equal participation and sustainable integration of people with disabilities into the world of work is pursued. The employees with and without disabilities are a well-rehearsed team and work hand in hand - in such a way that everyone can contribute their individual potential. In addition, the projects have a natural, resource- and climate-friendly concept.
I am very pleased to be able to support these organisations with various advertising measures.
Visual persuasiveness: outdoor advertising with banners and tarpaulins
Advertising banners, billboards and tarpaulins play a crucial role in a company's advertising strategy. These forms of outdoor advertising are important because they appeal to a broad target group, remain in the memory of potential customers and increase brand awareness.
Here are some reasons why these advertising media are important for companies:
- Reach and visibility
Large billboards and advertising banners are often placed in highly frequented locations, such as on main roads or in shopping centres. They therefore reach a large number of people, both pedestrians and motorists. This broad visibility is crucial for reaching potential customers and increasing brand awareness. - Attract attention
Large and eye-catching advertising banners attract the attention of passers-by. Creative design, vibrant colours and interesting messages can help to make people stop and take a closer look at the advertisement. An appealing advert sticks in people's minds, making it more likely that they will remember the advertised company later. - Addressing local target groups
Large billboards and banners are particularly effective for local companies as they can specifically address local target groups. People in the immediate vicinity become aware of the company and are more likely to visit the shop or make use of the advertised product or service. - Flexibility and creativity
Advertising tarpaulins and banners offer companies the opportunity to be creative and communicate different messages. They can advertise seasonal offers, draw attention to special promotions or present new products. This flexibility allows companies to adapt their advertising messages to current needs and trends. - Creating credibility and trust
For many people, well-placed and professionally designed advertising banners radiate seriousness and trustworthiness. Companies that invest in high-quality advertising are often perceived as established and reliable. This can boost the confidence of potential customers and encourage them to try out the advertised company's products or services.
Professionally designed advertising banners, billboards and tarpaulins are therefore indispensable tools for attracting the attention of a broad target group, increasing brand awareness, appealing to local customers and gaining the trust of consumers. They are not only eye-catchers, but also powerful communication tools that strengthen a brand's image and play a key role in attracting potential customers and building long-term customer loyalty. Through their visual presence, they play a key role in ensuring a company's success in today's highly competitive market.
Mobile devices on the rise: How companies are adapting to new user habits
The way people access the internet is constantly changing and these changes have a significant impact on companies' online presence. Significant shifts in internet usage have been observed over the last two years, particularly in terms of the types of devices used.
This data provides insights into the percentage distribution of internet usage on desktop computers, smartphones and tablets in Germany over the period from September 2021 to September 2023. The values indicate the proportion of internet usage attributable to each device type - the figures provide interesting insights into user preferences (source: StatCounter).
Here is a brief analysis of this data:
- Desktop use:
The use of desktop computers is declining, from 58.44% in September 2021 to 55.38% in September 2023, which could indicate that people are increasingly switching to mobile devices to access the internet. - Mobile use:
The use of smartphones remains high and is increasing slightly, from 38.88% in September 2021 to 42.06% in September 2023. This underlines the continuing trend towards mobile internet use. - Tablet use:
Tablet usage remains relatively low compared to desktop and mobile, but fluctuates slightly between 2% and 3%. It seems that tablets are not as widely used as smartphones or desktop computers for accessing the internet.
Overall, the development of the data shows that desktop usage is decreasing, while mobile usage, particularly via smartphones, continues to increase. This is in line with global trends that show a shift towards mobile internet usage. It is important to note that these trends may be influenced by various factors such as improved mobile technologies, affordable smartphones and wider availability of mobile internet services.
Changes in internet usage have a direct impact on companies' online presence. Here are some thoughts on how companies can respond to these trends:
- Mobile optimisation:
With more and more people accessing the internet via mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that the company website is optimised for mobile devices. The website should utilise responsive design to ensure an optimal user experience on smartphones and tablets. - Fast loading times:
Mobile users are often more impatient than desktop users. A fast website loading time is crucial to improve the user experience and ensure that visitors do not bounce due to long loading times. - Content optimisation:
Content should be optimised for mobile users. This means not only adapting texts and images, but also offering easily digestible content such as videos and short text sections that can be displayed well on small screens. - Security and data protection:
With the increase in mobile internet usage, awareness of security and data protection has also risen. Companies should ensure that their websites are secure and comply with data protection regulations in order to gain the trust of users. - Customer service and communication:
Mobile devices also offer new opportunities for customer service, be it via chat apps or social media. Companies can use mobile platforms to communicate directly with their customers and provide quick answers to questions or problems.
In many cases, a company's sector will play a role in Internet usage behaviour.
Online presence and adaptation to the changing habits of Internet users depend heavily on the type of business:
Company in the E-Commerce area often benefit greatly from the increase in mobile internet usage. With many people shopping online on mobile, e-commerce companies need to ensure that their websites and apps are optimised for mobile devices in order to remain competitive.
For local services such as hairdressers or restaurants, local search via mobile devices can be crucial. Customers often search for nearby services on their smartphones, so good visibility on mobile devices and positive online reviews are of great importance.
Companies that Media content must adapt to the habits of users who are increasingly using mobile devices to stream videos and music. This often requires the development of mobile apps and the optimisation of content for mobile devices.
For certain B2B (Business-to-Business) or in sectors such as management consultancy or legal advice, the importance of mobile internet use may be lower, as customers may be less likely to utilise these services via mobile devices. Nevertheless, online presence and accessibility via mobile devices can also be important here in order to appeal to potential customers.
Overall, it is crucial for companies to adapt to the changing habits of internet users. This means not only optimising for mobile devices, but also understanding the specific needs and expectations of the mobile target group. A user-friendly, fast and secure online presence is becoming increasingly important in order to remain competitive and provide a positive user experience.
Tips & Tricks No. 17
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Newsletters that convince your readers
Good newsletter examples can serve as inspiration for your own newsletter and help you to strengthen your customer loyalty and sell products through targeted email marketing. Before you get started, however, you should make a few important considerations:
- Define target group: Think about who you want to address - prospective customers, existing customers or potential new customers. Segment your contacts accordingly to provide relevant content.
- Offer added value: Varied content such as specialist knowledge, tutorials and company information together with product highlights and voucher codes make for an interesting newsletter.
- Choose the right tool: Use professional newsletter software that gives your brand a trustworthy and contemporary image and complies with data protection regulations.
Visual design is crucial:
- Sender and subject line: Create trust with a clear sender and an appealing, intriguing subject line. Emojis can also enhance the subject line.
- Use pre-header: This first line of the newsletter offers space for further information and an exciting hook. Avoid repetitions from the subject line.
- Design: An appealing header image, balanced image/text ratio, clear structure and a well-designed email signature and footer are crucial to arouse the recipient's interest.
A successful newsletter not only appeals, but also convinces visually and in terms of content - the perfect combination for a successful email marketing campaign.
9 imaginative examples of successful newsletter design
Creative visuals: Inspire your subscribers with imaginative designs, be it with captivating header images or innovative graphics. The newsletter example, in which handwritten fonts and tempting tea offers harmonise, creates a unique connection. This personal touch gives your communication depth and sustainability. Show that details make the difference and create an unforgettable experience for your readers.
Structured organisation: Design your newsletter carefully: an appealing header image and skilfully placed call-to-action buttons guide readers through the content. Think of a structured newsletter in which a consistent theme is followed like a red thread (here in yellow). This clear structure not only provides orientation, but also gives your newsletter an appealing and easy-to-understand form.
Product presentation: Present your products with style: inviting header images and fresh colour palettes that run through the entire newsletter skilfully showcase your products. Let your offer shine in a visually appealing setting and capture the attention of your readers with a harmonious design.
Animated highlights: Cleverly placed GIFs give your newsletter a dynamic touch without overloading it. Imagine an animated header graphic that comes to life with colourful accents. These subtle animations add a playful dimension to the newsletter while keeping readers intrigued. Use these creative elements to present your message in an innovative and appealing way.
Gift ideas: Make it easier for your readers to find the perfect gift by presenting suitable ideas for different occasions. In the example, you can see compelling offers with winter motifs emphasised by clear and attractive images. These visual elements not only provide inspiration, but also create an emotional connection. Make it easy for your readers to celebrate special moments with your products!
Versatile content: Establish a balanced variety of content and formats that go beyond pure product advertising. Creative ideas and relevant information are the key to deepening reader loyalty. Inspire your readers not only with products, but also with insights, tips and original ideas that offer added value. This will create a lasting relationship and keep your audience engaged and informed.
Corporate Design: Ensure that your newsletter reflects the consistent image of your company. Your newsletter is like a mirror image of your brand in the corporate colours. Matching call-to-action buttons reinforce recognition and direct readers to relevant information. This coherent presentation not only strengthens your brand identity, but also promotes the trust of your subscribers by giving them a consistent and professional communication experience.
Attractive product images: Use high-quality photos to visually emphasise your products - in the example of a cosmetics newsletter that impresses with aesthetic product images: the balanced ratio of images to text conveys what readers can expect in an appealing way - this also creates an emotional connection that inspires customers to buy. Use the power of images to communicate your message and attract the attention of your target group.
Clear, modern design: A minimalist and straightforward design gives your newsletter a touch of luxury. In the last example, you can see high-quality images of living rooms which, together with discreet calls to action (CTA buttons), create an exclusive atmosphere. This layout not only creates visual pleasure, but also draws attention to relevant information. Discover the potential of an appealing design to present your message with a touch of elegance.
Website and/or social media?
Do I need a website or are social media profiles enough? The answer depends on various factors: A website offers freedom of design, can provide comprehensive information and is flexibly customisable. Social media profiles enable a greater reach, but require regular updating and can quickly overlap important information.
A website serves as a central point of contact for your company or brand in the digital space. These comprehensive features are limited on social media platforms, where information is often ephemeral and cannot be presented in the same structured way as on a dedicated website. Whilst social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok are useful for increasing your reach and engaging with your target audience, they generally offer fewer opportunities to present comprehensive information about your business. A website, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive representation of your company, products or services and serve as a hub from which potential customers can get all the information they need.
With your own website, you have full control over the design, content and functionalities. Unlike social media platforms, where you are subject to the guidelines and changes of the platform operators, your website gives you the freedom to design and customise it entirely according to your own ideas. A professional website allows you to present your brand identity and branding consistently. You can create the design and colours to match your company exactly and create a uniform perception among visitors.
A website allows you to provide extensive content such as blog posts, product descriptions, testimonials, FAQs and much more. This allows you to showcase your expertise, inform your target audience and gain the trust of potential customers. With a customised website, you can include specific features and interactions that are relevant to your target audience and goals. This can range from customised contact forms to e-commerce functions and interactive elements.
A website offers you the best basis for targeted search engine optimisation (SEO). By optimising your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility in search results and gain organic traffic. Ranking in search results is crucial for many companies to attract new customers. A website makes it possible to take targeted SEO measures to improve visibility - companies can tailor their content and offers to their target groups. Through analysis and data, they can understand visitor behaviour and adapt their website accordingly to better meet the needs of their customers. The findings can be used to optimise the offer, adapt marketing strategies and improve customer service.
Social media platforms can change or adapt their guidelines, which can have a negative impact on a company's reach and visibility. With their own website, companies are less dependent on such changes and retain control over their online presence. A professional website is therefore a long-term investment for your company. While social media platforms and trends may change, your website will usually remain stable and provide you with a permanent presence on the internet.
Despite the existence of social media, a professionally designed website is still very important for companies. It acts as a central point of contact and provides comprehensive information about the company, which is limited on social media platforms. With its own website, the company retains control over design, content and functions, in contrast to the restrictions imposed by social media guidelines. The website enables consistent branding, extensive content such as blogs and testimonials, targeted search engine optimisation and individual interaction options. It also ensures data protection and independence from third-party providers, which is an advantage in an ever-changing digital landscape. Ultimately, having your own website gives companies freedom, control and flexibility in how they present their business online and is a long-term investment in their online presence. Companies that are only present on social media platforms often come across as less reputable. Social media can be supportive, but the website remains the central point of contact for a company in the digital space.
A website is therefore essential and should serve as the basis, while social media profiles can be a useful addition. The ideal strategy is to combine both and choose the right network for the target group.
Professional colour advice: your logo, your message, your target group - the right choice of colour
Wouldn't it be interesting to sort well-known German company logos by colour to see which colours dominate and which are the least common?
In order to analyse the approximate distribution of the colours of around 100 logos of German companies, I did not carry out an extensive study, but collected the logos of the largest listed companies in Germany (2023)* and sorted them by colour. In Germany, too, the dominance of colours naturally depends on various factors, including industry preferences, design trends and cultural influences. However, clear trends can be observed:
- Blue is often a dominant colour in many company logos. This is because blue symbolises trust, seriousness and reliability. Many banks, technology companies and healthcare organisations use blue in their logos to emphasise these qualities.
- Red is another common colour and stands for passion, energy and attention. It is often used in the logos of companies in the food and beverage and retail sectors to attract the attention of customers.
- Although Orange and yellow are vibrant colours, they are not used as often as other colours. However, they can be found in the logos of companies in the leisure, entertainment and children's products sectors.
- Green is often associated with environmental friendliness, health and sustainability, which is why it is more frequently represented in the logos of companies in these industries, but rather rare overall.
- Pink & Purple are rather rare colours in company logos. They are often associated with creativity, innovation and spirituality and are often found in the logos of companies from these sectors.
- Black and white have not been included in this thought experiment. These neutral colours are often used to convey elegance, minimalism and timelessness. Luxury brands and designers often favour black and white in their logos.
As a graphic designer, it is important to me to offer new customers professional advice on choosing the right colour for their logo.
Here is some advice I would like to give to new customers:
- The Target group understand: I ask my clients about their target group and their customers. What message or emotions do they want to convey? The colour should match the target group.
- The Competition consider: Let's look at the logos of my clients' competitors: What colours are commonly used in the industry? A different colour choice can help to stand out from the competition, but it is also important to fit in with the general image of the industry.
- About the Message think: What message or values do my customers want to convey with the logo? Each colour has a unique emotional impact. For example, blue symbolises trust, red passion and energy, green sustainability and health. I make sure that the chosen colour matches the desired message.
- Various Options test: I encourage my clients to try out different colour options. I create designs with different colour schemes so that my clients get a better idea of how the logo might look in different colours.
- To the Practicality think: I make sure that the chosen colour works well in different applications and on different media. The logo should be effective in colour print, black and white and digital applications.
- The Consistency true: If my clients already have a colour palette for their business, the logo should fit into that palette to ensure a consistent brand identity.
I let my customers have a say: The most important thing for me is to involve customers in the process and take their opinions and preferences into account. Ultimately, the logo is an important part of the brand and they should be able to identify with it. Collaboration and communication are key to finding the right colour for my clients' logo. My expertise and creativity as a graphic designer can help make a colour choice that effectively represents your client's brand. By providing my clients with professional advice and support in choosing the right colour for their logo, I can help create an effective and appealing logo.
*Source: Finanzen100 - The top 100 largest listed companies in Germany in 2023
You can find further interesting aspects in my Contribution to colour psychology.
Business cards & stationery: How business stationery strengthens your identity
Well-designed business stationery, such as letterhead and business cards, is of central importance for companies. It not only conveys a professional impression and strengthens the trust of customers, but is also an essential part of the brand identity.
A company needs well-designed stationery such as letterhead and business cards for a variety of reasons. These elements are far more than just practical tools; they are an important part of corporate identity and business success.
Well-designed business stationery creates a professional impression. When customers, business partners or potential customers see stationery or business cards that are carefully designed, it gives the impression that the company or person is serious and professional. This can build trust and leave positive first impressions. The stationery serves as an important part of the brand identity. It should reflect the company's logo, colour scheme and fonts. A consistent brand identity is crucial to promote brand recognition and strengthen the brand image.
Well-designed business equipment can serve as a marketing tool in this way: Creative designs and high-quality materials can leave positive impressions and attract potential customers. They are a simple but effective way to present the company and stand out from the competition. Professionally designed business stationery signals that you pay attention to detail and quality. This can help to strengthen business relationships and improve the company's reputation.
Stationery and business cards are also effective communication tools. They contain contact information that makes it easier for customers and business partners to get in touch with the company. A clear and understandable design is of great importance here. These elements also fulfil practical functions. Stationery is needed to conduct written correspondence and business cards offer quick contact options in business situations. They are indispensable for exchanging information efficiently.
This equipment serves as an effective means of communication and can even be used as a marketing tool to attract customers. Emphasising quality and detail signals professionalism and strengthens business relationships. In addition, there are legal requirements regarding business stationery, and it also fulfils practical functions in day-to-day business. Overall, well-designed business stationery is an indispensable contribution to a positive corporate identity and success in business.
Beastly good maps: designing a site plan for the wildlife park
I had the opportunity to create a site plan for the Wildlife park in Kommern to create. This required careful planning and creativity to create an informative and engaging map. Together with my clients, I gathered the information about animal enclosures, attractions and trails and emphasised the geographical arrangement of the elements. The use of colours and symbols helped to identify different areas and emphasise the proximity to nature. Important information such as animal species and safety instructions were integrated. After consultation with the park team, the map was used in various printed promotional materials and published digitally on the website. This work was a fulfilling opportunity to use my design skills to enhance the visitor experience and emphasise the wildlife.
Attractive site plan illustrations are crucial - and not just for a wildlife park - for several reasons. Firstly, they provide clear orientation for visitors by showing the geographical distribution of animal enclosures, attractions, facilities and pathways, making it easier for visitors to find their way around the park. Secondly, they serve as an important source of information by providing details of animal species and attractions in different areas of the park, allowing visitors to search specifically for their interests. Thirdly, appealing site plan illustrations enhance the overall experience of the zoo by presenting the wildlife and park facilities in a visually appealing way, emphasising the park's atmosphere and proximity to nature and animals. Fourthly, they are used for marketing and promotional purposes to attract potential visitors, whether in brochures, on websites or on social media.
To summarise, such site map illustrations are an essential part of the zoo experience, helping visitors to find their way around, find information, enhance their experience and improve safety, while also promoting the park's marketing.
Fresh on the net: Sheep Breeders' Association
It was a pleasure to design the website for the Breeding Association for East Prussian Skudden and Roughwool Pomeranian Land Sheep e.V. to undergo a comprehensive redesign. With a contemporary technical approach and a modern, fresh layout, I was able to help bring the pages up to date.
The Sheep Breeders' Association is a registered, non-profit organisation whose purpose is to preserve and promote the breeding of these two old domestic breeds in their original form. The organisation and all work and tasks are carried out on a voluntary basis.
I hope that the updated website will help to strengthen the online presence of the association and make a positive contribution to the presentation of the Zuchtverband für Ostpreußische Skudden und Rauhwollige Pommersche Landschafe e.V. in the digital space.
Tips & Tricks No. 16
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
9 facts about the importance of typography
The careful selection and use of fonts is an essential aspect of graphic and web design. By focusing on legibility, visual hierarchy and consistent branding, you can optimise text in designs and create an appealing overall look.
- Fonts play a crucial role in the visual communication of texts and contribute to the mood and readability of a design. For example, a sans serif font such as Arial can convey a modern and clear impression.
- Legibility is a key aspect of typography. A font that is easy to read enables users to grasp the text quickly and effortlessly. Serif fonts such as Times New Roman are often intended for longer sections of text, as the serifs support the flow of the text.
- Text formatting such as line spacing, character spacing and paragraph spacing influence the readability and visual flow of the text. Sufficient line spacing can make the text airier and easier to read.
- The right combination of fonts makes it possible to create visual hierarchies and differentiate between different elements in the design. You can use a sans serif font for headlines and a serif font for body text to create a clear distinction.
- When selecting fonts, it is important to consider the character of the design and the target group. Of course, a playful and handwritten font will be suitable for a children's book, while a serious and professional font will be more suitable for a corporate website.
- The scalability of fonts is crucial for legibility and adaptation to different screen sizes. In web design in particular, care should be taken to ensure that the fonts are easy to read on mobile devices.
- When using fonts in web design projects, it is important to use web fonts to ensure that the selected fonts are displayed correctly on different devices.
- White space or blank space around the text is an important design aspect of typography. It creates visual breathing spaces and increases readability. For example, sufficient space between paragraphs can make the text more accessible.
- It is advisable not to use too many different fonts in one design to create a harmonious and cohesive overall look. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to 2-3 fonts and make sure they go well together.
Fresh on the net: Dardenne Travel
For my long-standing customer, Dardenne TravelI was able to carry out a comprehensive website redesign to bring the online presence up to date with the latest technology. In developing the new design concept, I preserved the company's corporate design and integrated numerous images, graphics and texts from the previous pages. The result is a website that not only provides a familiar overview of the content and gives visitors a fresh look and feel, but also increases user-friendliness and is particularly mobile-friendly thanks to modern technologies.
Dardenne Reisen GmbH has been a successful family business based in Schleiden in the Eifel region for over six decades. As a "bus company with a satisfaction guarantee", the company has extensive experience in scheduled and touring services and works together with various providers. Special care was taken to ensure smooth navigation and quick access to information for all user groups on the website.
All logos/proprietary names/trademarks and graphics/photos shown are for illustration and reference purposes only and are the sole property of the respective owner/originator or copyright holder. The inclusion of hyperlinks to external sites is, as is usual on the Internet, for reference purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the respective offer by vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel. Liability, in particular for any damage or consequences arising from the use of the offer, is excluded - vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel is not responsible for the content of websites to which direct or indirect reference is made via links. If, in your opinion, there is questionable content or content that violates applicable law, please inform me so that the relevant information can be updated or removed.
