Business Resources
A Guide to Building an Original Brand Kit in Canva That Stands Out
Let’s be honest: one of the biggest knocks against Canva is that everything kinda… looks like it was made in Canva. You know the vibe—pastel blobs, recycled fonts, and that one Instagram carousel layout we’ve all seen a hundred times. But here’s the truth: Canva is an incredibly powerful design tool if you use it wisely. And the secret to wise design? A well-built brand kit.
So if you’re tired of blending in with the Canva flock, this post is for you. Let’s talk about how to set up Canva’s built-in branding tools to make your graphics original, recognizable, and unapologetically you—all while staying true to your visual identity and not the latest Canva trend.
Profiles, Pages, and Professional Mode: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
Not sure how to use Facebook to grow your personal brand or business? With options like Personal Profiles, Professional Mode, and Business Pages, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. In this post, we break down the differences, highlight the benefits of each, and help you choose the best option for your goals—whether you’re a realtor, freelancer, or just looking to connect authentically with your audience.
How to Work with a Graphic Designer: A Business Owner’s Guide to Giving Effective Feedback
Collaborating with a graphic designer is key to turning your vision into reality, but providing clear, actionable feedback is crucial to ensuring smooth communication. Here’s a guide to help you work effectively with your designer and get the best results.
Gray Matters' Frequently Asked Questions
When hiring a graphic designer or photographer, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Whether you’re launching a new brand, refreshing your visual identity, or planning a photoshoot, understanding the process helps ensure you get the results you want. At Gray Matters, we aim to make the experience smooth and transparent. In this post, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to give you a clear idea of what to expect when working with us.
Spotting & Avoiding Facebook Logo Design Scams: A Guide for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, your logo is a vital part of your brand identity. Unfortunately, with the rise of online marketplaces, particularly platforms like Facebook, scams offering logo design services have become increasingly common. To protect yourself, it’s important to recognize these red flags and ensure you’re working with legitimate designers who will deliver quality work.
Comprehensive Guide for Launching Your New Logo & Brand Design
Rolling out a fresh new logo and brand design is such an exciting moment! It’s the start of a new chapter for your business, and you want to ensure everyone sees it. This guide will help you launch your brand with confidence, step-by-step, across your website, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re updating your digital presence or refreshing your print materials, we’ll ensure your new look is everywhere it needs to be. Let’s get your brand out there and looking fabulous!
The Difference Between DIY and Professional Design: When to Invest in a Pro
In the age of user-friendly design tools, many small business owners consider taking on design tasks themselves. While DIY design can be cost-effective and accessible, there are significant differences between what you can achieve independently and what a professional graphic designer can offer. Understanding these differences can help you decide when it’s time to invest in a pro.
How to Choose the Right Graphic Designer for Your Business
Selecting the right graphic designer is crucial for creating a strong visual identity for your business. Here are some tips to guide you through the process.
The Process of a Professional Photo Shoot: What to Expect
Understanding what to expect during a professional photo shoot can help alleviate any apprehensions and ensure a smooth experience. Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process when you work with me:
The Pros and Cons of Square Loans
Square is an incredibly accessible payment processor for small businesses. Most of the businesses we work with use Square. My other business, Bear Dance Hemp Company, also uses Square, and we have taken out a couple of loans with them in the past while tackling various projects and store improvements. Square Loans offer small businesses a convenient way to access funding, but it's essential to understand both the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if it's the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial professional; this is not financial advice!
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with a Professional Graphic Designer
Are you considering hiring a professional graphic designer for your business but have questions about the process? From understanding the design process to determining pricing and handling revisions, we cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Discover how partnering with a professional can elevate your brand and ensure you receive high-quality, impactful designs tailored to your needs.
Why Consistency in Design is Crucial for Brand Recognition
In the digital age, where consumers are bombarded with countless messages daily, standing out requires more than just a unique product or service. It demands a strong, recognizable brand presence that resonates across all platforms. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through consistent design.
No-Nonsense Google Sheets Templates for Business & Personal Organization
So many of the templates out there are over-designed and confusing to use, so I built these to fit my own purposes. I needed something super-functional with longevity. I rely on these sheets to manage just about everything about my life. Browse & purchase my templates today!
9 Apps & Tools To Stay Organized (How I do *almost* everything all the time)
Everyone is different and perfection is futile. There is no singular answer for how to feel organized, stay on task, increase productivity or use time more wisely. However, I’ve come to rely on a few systems to keep myself in check. If I follow the systems, I have to think less about the big picture and can blissfully focus on the details. This helps relieve anxiety caused by an overwhelming number of responsibilities. That deer in the headlights feeling is the biggest thing that will keep me from being productive and completing tasks.
Why We (Usually) Don't Work With WordPress
So. It’s 2022 and you’re on WordPress. Finding an agency that specializes in AND recommends WordPress is getting more and more rare.
If you’re on WordPress and you’re trying to make any significant changes to your site, I usually recommend considering switching to a different Content Management System (CMS) like Squarespace.
For most creative agencies, the workload and consequent cost of recreating your site from scratch on Squarespace is less than the cost of making significant changes to your site on Wordpress. There are still cases in which something a client needs can not be accomplished using the customizations and integrations available through Squarespace, but I find this to be incredibly rare.