Lisa Dion

I don't know any "rich" graphic designers. If there are any out there, I bet they didn't get it by ... doing client work alone. I know there are many different ways to interpret "rich" but in this instance.. I'm talking straight up $MONEY$ I know Creative Directors that are doing great, ADs that are doing pretty good and plenty of designers that are getting along just fine, but none of them are "rich". If you are on Linkedin for any amount of time I'm sure you seen the available job offers... even the Meta's and Netflix's top creative jobs won't really make you "rich". The point I'm trying to make is.. we don't do this for the money. We do this because design is our calling. It doesn't matter if we are getting paid for it or not. We are gonna design something and/or appreciate some great design everyday regardless. A few weeks ago I ordered some lunch to be delivered to the Joint office. The DoorDasher came in and handed me my order, then while looking around the office asked what we did. I told him, "we do Web and Graphic Design.".. and I saw his face light up. Now, I've seen this look before.. so I thought he was about to tell me about how he needed a website or some design work for his side hustle... I was wrong.. he said that he was a Graphic Designer and makes websites too. Then he saw MY face light up! I love meeting new creatives, it was Friday so I was feeling good and I thought we would talk about some design stuff. I was wrong again.. for the next 5 minutes all he talked about was why he was working as a Dasher delivering food and NOT a Graphic Designer. I could tell he was embarrassed about it for some reason which made me sad and uncomfortable.. and also killed what could have been a fun conversation OR even an impromptu job interview! I told him, "There's no reason to explain, there is nothing wrong or off putting about having to hustle to provide, it's actually attractive".. at that point we stared at each other awkwardly because I didn't know why I used the word "attractive" and I'm pretty sure he thought I was hitting on him. My other point is.. Don't ever be embarrassed about having to do jobs other than design. Hustling is just part of the deal for most of us. This long weekend I h̶a̶v̶e̶ get to work on marketing material for mobile app I'm launching soon, t-shirt designs for one of my online stores, make a Canva business card template for a friend, and finish a sitemap for a saas product I'm working on.. plus some Joint stuff.. and I'm far from "rich", but I am very happy 😁 Have a great Memorial Day weekend! #graphicdesign #sidehustle #fridaythoughts

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If you are interested in typography in editorial design, here you can find some good tips 👇

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A valuable lesson for any designer looking to choose a niche or specific target client type. “ If you want to make more money, be more useful, to people who have more money. “ – Codie A. Sanchez Find the people who need what you have and are willing to pay top dollar for what you can do for them and their business — that they can’t do for themselves.

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Do you have logo or graphic options to mock up and feel overwhelmed by a multitude of file versions? Try using one mock-up PSD with the graphic versions on different layers within that PSD. When importing your options into InDesign for presentation, click the “Import Options” tick box. Then select the version you want in that picture box. Rinse and repeat for the next picture box in InDesign. You’ll save yourself the headache of having to keep track of multiple versions of a particular mock-up file. If you found this helpful, please leave a comment, like, and share. Let me know if there are any workflow issues you struggle with or if you have any InDesign questions. . . . . . #adobe #indesign #adobeindesign #indesigntips #graphicdesign #branddesign #logomockups #logomockup #importoptions #indesigntutorial

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**When Your Client Gives You a Budget Curveball: A Designer's Tale** So, today I had a new client consultation that turned out to be a hilarious experience! 🎨 My client came in with a request that was music to my ears: she needed an ebook, a paperback, and a hardcover design. As a book cover designer, this is what I live for! The twist? Her budget was a mere $25. Now, we all know that designing three different formats isn’t a walk in the park, especially on such a tight budget. I mean, I love my job, but I also need to keep the lights on! So, I politely explained that to accommodate her request, we’d need to bump the price up by an extra $10. After a moment of thought, she came back with, “Okay, let's just skip the hardcover then. We’ll stick with the ebook and paperback.” 😂😂 And just like that, the problem was solved! Sometimes, it’s the little surprises and compromises that make our workday interesting. Here's to finding creative solutions and clients who know how to keep things light-hearted! 🌟 #BookCoverDesign #FreelanceLife #ClientStories #DesignHumor

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#WebDesign Tip #2: Avoid scope creep by being clear what is or isn’t included at the beginning. The “oh yeah, and…” could cost you a lot of time and effort needlessly. Keep reminding the client of their goal and how your initial outline will get you there.

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A company video is more than just camera work and slick visuals. Graphic elements designed with a story in mind moving with purpose will create a more compelling experience. Your presentation is an opportunity for branding and entertainment which is often lost to the straight forwardness of plain talk.

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Consistency vs Perfection... Lately I've been struggling with myself trying to post consistently. Because I don't want to put out only half-baked graphics. As a research report designer my typical work takes weeks to fine-tune. I go over every detail to ensure proper printing and that PDFs for webs still look awesome when older audiences zoom into them at 400%. But for social? Things need to move fast so managing my own social and keeping up my posting schedule can be really difficult. I may not be a fantastic social media manager for myself but I design a mean long-form document.📃 If you have any research report or other long-form document projects coming up in the next year check out my new Discovery Form and let's have a 15 minute call. ☺️

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The video below may seem like such a technical post compared to my usual ones… (is he posting Photoshop tips now?) Look again. This is why this repost matters: there’s so much discussion around if we want or would or should use AI… as if AI was a thing, not a part of everything, a feature of every software we already use, every electronic devise we touch, every digital tool we pick. Yes, there are some new tools we may need to learn, some entirely new workflows and interfaces and possibilities, but let’s name these things right: you’re not deciding if you will use AI or not, you’re just deciding if you’re gonna use the AI in the tools you already use, or AI in tools you don’t know yet. This week I heard a panelist say AI is just a tool, and I couldnt disagree more. It is not A tool. Its part of every tool. I’d rather go with a quote from Sam Altman when he was asked about what was his biggest learning in this phase of his life. He said something like “I used to think of intelligence as an attribute exclusive to us humans. Now I see intelligence as an attribute of everything.” Intelligence, an attribute of everything. Let that sit with you for a while. That’s how capable this is. Ps: thanks for the original post, Nurlan Abdullayev

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Did you know fonts can have a monstrously good sense of humor? This week's spotlight shines on Creepster, a typeface with a delightfully spooky presence that's perfect for adding a touch of retro horror to your designs. While Creepster wasn't the exact font used in the 1931 Frankenstein film (believe it or not, fonts were quite different back then!), it captures that classic monster movie aesthetic with a playful twist. It's like your favorite scary movie villain decided to crack a joke. Here's why Creepster might just be the perfect fright (or delight) for your next project: - Retro Horror Charm: It evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic monster flicks, adding a touch of campy fun to any design. - Surprisingly Versatile: Don't be fooled by its spooky persona! Creepster can also be surprisingly versatile, lending a unique flair to Halloween invitations, fireworks displays, or even quirky branding projects. - Reads as Fun, Not Fearful: Unlike some horror-inspired fonts, Creepster avoids being too scary, making it ideal for a wider range of audiences. So next time you're looking to add a bit of spine-tingling charm to your designs, consider Creepster! Why not share in the comments below what kind of project you'd use Creepster for? And if you're looking for some hauntingly good design help, head over to the PHd Design company page to see what we can create together! #fontoftheweek #fonts #graphicdesign #project #branding #designstudio #creativeteam

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***RECOMMENDATION ALERT*** Words are just as crucial as visuals when it comes to impactful design. Think of iconic taglines like “Just Do It” or “We’ll leave the light on for you." These weren't pulled out of thin air, nor were they the product of AI. They were crafted by creative minds. If you're looking for a creative genius to elevate your company, product, or service, I highly recommend Tom Caldecott with Caldecott Communications. His vast experience and strategic insights in both B2B and B2C sectors enable him to drive strong ROI and grab attention with his powerful use of language. Tom is not only skilled in copywriting, editing, scriptwriting, content creation, and demand generation, but he also excels in strategically placing those words to shine. Take your business to the next level by working with Tom and add him to your network, and for any project opportunities.

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https://lnkd.in/e3-s6duz Avoid Proposal Mistakes with This Quick Tip! 📝⁠ ⁠ Have you ever sent out a proposal to a potential client only to cringe when you realized you made a mistake? We’ve all been there. This quick tip can save you from embarrassment and help you close more deals.⁠ ⁠ Here’s how: Before you hit send, always double-check for errors and ensure your proposal is clear and professional. This simple step can make a huge difference in how your proposal is received. A clear, well-organized proposal not only conveys professionalism but also increases your chances of winning the client’s trust and business.⁠ ⁠ Want to avoid common proposal pitfalls and ensure your proposals are flawless? Go to the link in my bio to download my personal proposal checklist template! This template will guide you through each step, ensuring you don’t miss any important details and your proposals are top-notch every time. 🎉⁠ ⁠ Implementing these tips can significantly improve your proposal success rate. Double-checking for errors, maintaining clarity, and using a professional template can set you apart from the competition.⁠ ⁠ Give it a try and see the difference it makes! Let me know in the comments if this tip helps you. Do you have any other proposal tips? Share them below! ⬇️💬 And if you found this helpful, repost to help others!⁠ ⁠ #BusinessTips #ProposalWriting #ClientProposals #ProfessionalTips #EyeSavvyDesign #BusinessSuccess #ClientRelations #FlawlessProposals #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

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I keep getting this question about "how to design the perfect logo". Everyone's definition may be different but ultimately some fundamentals need to be observed for a logo to be as perfect as possible. So, if you are mulling over this question here is my take:

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Are you making these critical logo design mistakes that could be sabotaging your brand? Here’s a startling fact: A poorly designed logo can do more harm than good, undermining your brand’s credibility and recognition. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about creating a visual identity that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time. Imagine investing time and resources into your business, only to have your logo fail to make the right impression. Don’t let these common pitfalls derail your brand’s success. So, what are the top logo design mistakes business owners make, and how can you avoid them? Let’s dive into the essential do’s and don’ts to ensure your logo truly represents the excellence of your brand. #BrandBuilding #LogoDesignMistakes #VisualIdentity #BrandStrategy #DesignExcellence #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #CreativeDesign #BrandSuccess #ExpertInsights

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That Dirty Word "Canva" (Pt. 4) Round 3: Wearing Multiple Hats While Canva may be useful for businesses with limited budgets, it cannot match the level of service designers offer. Professional design services encompass everything from developing a brand to creating digital artwork and printed materials. Canva is not built for complex print designs; designers can advise you on page count and finishes to match your brand. Designers also provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your brand consistent and up-to-date.

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I recently designed the Summer 2024 edition of "The Infusion Advocate" for the National Infusion Center Association (NICA). Did you receive your copy? Did it look a little different? NICA recently underwent a brand uplift which includes a new font system, simplified color palette, and updated iconography. Print newsletters are a tangible form of communication that brings ideas directly into your hands. Does your organization need a newsletter? Considering updating yours with a new style? Please leave a comment below or DM me to set up some time to how I can help you achieve your communication goals. #graphicdesign #newsletters #IVtherapy #infusiontherapy #marketing

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