by Craig Fairley | Oct 20, 2010 | Brand development, Social Media
Everybody is all aflutter over social media these days – blogging, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and a host of other bookmarking and sharing sites. For many, if not most businesses and organizations, it really is an effective way to engage your audience. However, if you...
by Craig Fairley | Oct 4, 2010 | Brand development, Industry Observations
Here’s a story that really talks to the power of a brand. I was recently part of a conversation where a colleague was horrified to find out that her internet service provider (ISP) subcontracted their e-mail service to Hotmail. Another person chimed in, saying...
by Craig Fairley | Sep 13, 2010 | Websites
A funny thing happened on the way to the web site. When I set up the very first version of this web site – over 10 years ago – I wanted it solely as an online brochure and portfolio. It was a place where people could go to see our work once they had...
by Craig Fairley | Sep 1, 2010 | Brand development, Websites
In today’s marketplace, being on the internet is a must. It provides your clients fast and easy access to you, and you to your clients. But how do you represent your organization through your use of the internet? So many small business operators send e-mails...
by Craig Fairley | Jul 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
For many people, summer reading isn’t an escapist romance or potboiler, but has to do with your business– whatever your passion is. But summer reading is also about taking it easy and unwinding. In that vein, here’s a great summer read for people who want to know more...
by Craig Fairley | Jun 28, 2010 | E-mail Marketing, Marketing Tips
Any time you send promotional e-mail messages (a.k.a. e-mail marketing) to someone without their permission, you are a spammer. Yes, you! You join that shady group of people who try to sell us designer rip-offs, cheap pharmaceuticals and sex sites. Buying lists...
by Craig Fairley | Jun 8, 2010 | Uncategorized
Spam. We all hate it: those e-mails offering ‘authentic’ designer watches or the best prices for pharmaceuticals. There should be a law about that! Well, there isn’t – in Canada, anyways. Some people may be surprised to learn that Canada has no anti-spam legislation....
by Craig Fairley | May 5, 2010 | News
Recently we were asked by Bus Stop Bible Studies to design a series of bus ads. In the process, we also re-designed their logo. The content was developed by marketing students of Centennial College. Recently the ads made the news because of their controversial nature...
by Craig Fairley | Mar 22, 2010 | Industry Observations
When I first entered the design industry, I thought that graphic designers who said disparaging things about word processors for document layout were snobs. I now know better. Having lived through more than one ‘I can do it myself, I just need you to print...
by Craig Fairley | Mar 3, 2010 | Industry Observations
Recently, I received an RFP from a potential client that I really wanted to work with. I eagerly read through it – but I ended up not responding. Why? My proposal had to include actual designs. That is what’s known in the industry as ‘spec work’. The Association...
