Graphic Design Portfolio–My Latest Work

December 4, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

Graphic Design Portfolio–Here’s a snapshot of some of my latest work.

Every week, I plan on doing a little show ‘n tell time. This weekly feature will display some of my latest work and explain the process of creativity.

Last month, I had the privilege of working on a book cover design for my client Tammie Polk.

Since the book was inspired by Proverbs 31, I decided to find a red cloth background. To me, that encapsulated the character of the woman the chapter describers. I like to call her “Ruby.”

I found a picture of a pleasant business woman looking up to the sky. It contrasted well with the red background. I wanted an ornate silver frame to give it a feminine touch.

My font choice combined feminine with class and a touch of bling. I chose an outer glow around the letters B and W and made those letters bigger to give it more punch.

I tucked “The Virtuous” within “Business Woman” to give it a grounded look. It is a neat, tight unit. Classy and readable.

For the back cover, I used drop cops to make the cover attractive. I copied the red cloth layer and cut out the middle portion, feathering it and lowering the opacity so the lower red cloth layer can be seen. I made sure the contrast was high enough to still be readable.

Last report from my customer was that this book was leading to some amazing opportunities for her. I would imagine that the professional cover had a little bit to do with this!

Would you like to see more of my portfolio? Click here to watch my slide show.

What’s In a Name?

December 3, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” We all know that that famous quote by William Shakespeare applies to Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

But do you know it’s a crucial question to ask about your business?

What is in YOUR name? What is the meaning behind it? What does your name connote?

All these are important questions to ask when considering your branding.

Take my business name, AngelArts. Why did I choose that? Because I’m trying to be perfect? Never! It’s because I want to point people to God through my talents in art. I am always reaching new heights in my life and I want to help others do the same.

Where did I get the inspiration?

A picture my mother took of me when I was a child. I was reaching toward the piano to play it. I had to stand on my tiptoes. She thought it would make a cute Christmas picture, so she put a little halo on my head. To me, it encapsulates the meaning behind what I do with the talents God gave me.

How does that translate to the work I do today? Well, I think of the latest book I’m working on. Actually, while I’ve done many ebooks and designed printed books for others, it is the first time I will publish a book under my own company name.

It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time. So my first book is combining my gifts in graphic arts and writing to point people to God by sharing with my readers that stress can be transformed into blessings. Every page of my book has been lovingly written, designed, and edited.

While I am reaching toward new heights in my business and my life, stretching myself in new ways, I am also challenging others to do the same in their lives.

That’s the meaning behind my business name. That’s why I do what I do. It’s not always easy and there are times I want to quit, but my whole being is reflected in the name I chose for my company.

Because I want to make a bigger impact than just making a quick buck, or working hard for a little while and then getting a big payout. I want my work to mean something. I want my work to have a lasting legacy and be meaningful to the lives I touch.

What about you? What’s in your name? What does it mean? What impact do you want to create with your business?

Would you like to leave a lasting legacy? Learn how to get started through my free ecourse that will give you the basics on how to have a wildly successful business. Click here now to enroll.

Victorian Roses painting by Ann Neal at AnnsBrushes.com

8 Ways to Keep Inspired in Your Business

December 2, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

Is the fireworks still going off for you in your business?

What if that “fire in your belly” goes out in your business? What if you lose your passion and you find it hard to keep going?

Here’s some suggestions to help you get that fire back!

1) Assess if you are really following your passions in your business. Does your business authentically reflect your values, your vision for your life, your skills and talents? Or are you in it just for the money? Remember WHY you are in business in the first place.

2) Get around other business owners. Attend a networking group. Become a member of a mastermind. Form an accountability relationship with another business owner. Meetup.com is a great resource for finding like-minded business owners who can help motivate and inspire you.

3) Hire a business or life coach. Find a mentor. Sometimes we can achieve more with one-on-one guidance than we ever could by “just going it alone.”

4) Take an online course or get some continuing education in your local community. Staying fresh in your skills is important and will keep you “in the game.”

5) Re-think your marketing. In your marketing, are you doing what you love to do or is your marketing plan a chore that you dread? Choose a select few methods that you absolutely look forward to working on and master those. Do what excites you, whether it’s blogging, video marketing, podcasts, etc.

6) Outsource. Are there tasks that are bogging you down and preventing you from moving forward? Work on your strengths and hire out your weaknesses. In other words, outsource those tasks that you are not good at and concentrate on those areas in which you shine. For instance, if you hate designing Websites, find a qualified professional and use that time to work at what excites you.

7) Stretch yourself. Is there something that frightens you? Do it! Are you afraid of getting up in front of a group and speaking? Try it! You might find you really love it! Are you afraid of making videos? Just give it a shot. You might find it’s just what you needed to feel that “edge” again. Are you afraid of being interviewed on the radio? Put aside the fear and do it anyway. It just might be that you are a natural!

8) Remember it’s all about relationships. People do business with people they like, know, and trust. Never forget that your business is all about building relationships and making an impact, not just “selling stuff.”

“Fire in the belly” does not automatically stay in the belly! It’s something you need to work on daily. And when you do, your brand will sizzle and your future will dazzle.

Want more ways to be inspired for your business? Take my free mini course that will help you create a wildly successful one by clicking here now!

Bright Red Fireworks © Mike Watson | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Believing in YOU—Essential to Your Branding Success

December 1, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

What makes or breaks your success? What one false belief could derail your future? What mindset could kill your dreams?

A lack of self confidence. A lack of believing what you have to offer has value. Not believing in YOU!

Not long ago, I sat down with a potential client in a strategy session. I could tell that lack of self confidence was causing her business to stifle. I told her this message, and it came from my heart, because it’s an issue I also struggle with:

“God does not make junk. You are a treasure.”

It took me years to come to that conclusion about myself. I’ve always thought there was something “different” about me, that people didn’t like me, that I was not valued and that I didn’t matter or that I didn’t count.

These attitudes stalled my business endeavors. These attitudes almost ruined my marriage. These attitudes threatened to keep me from reaching my dearly held dreams.

At some point through all my searching for answers, I realized this: God made me. He gave me the talents and gifts and dreams I have. If I believe that what He gave me is garbage, than I am dishonoring God.

No, I realized. God does not make junk. I am His treasure.

And so are you. He gifts each and every person with a unique calling in this world. You have an important job to do because people need your gift. But the question remains, do you believe in YOU?

Without this belief in yourself, why would potential customers believe in you? Why would they trust you if you don’t even trust yourself? Why would they value what you offer if you don’t value what you have to offer?

How can people tell? It might be in your speech, the way you put yourself down, it could be in your appearance, that you don’t take enough care to look professional, it may be in your branding, that your logo image is amateur looking.

Whatever the case, your first step is to identify the fact that you lack self confidence, and then start identifying why. Take these blocks away and start building confidence. I like to think of it in even stronger terms: Develop GOD confidence!

Then correct those avenues where you are communicating a lack of self confidence, whether it’s in your speech, your appearance, or brand!

Do that and you will have a brand that sizzles and future that dazzles!

Want to learn more about mindset issues and how you can overcome them, resulting in a more profitable business? Listen to my FREE podcast by clicking here now.

Treasure In Hand © Jyothi | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Don’t Kill Success with Perfectionism

November 30, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

Perfectionism. It’s what stops aspiring entrepreneurs in their tracks. It’s sad. I see it time and time again where a great idea is born, but the bearer of that idea won’t put it forth because it has to be “perfect.”

Your brand is like a game. If you want to win, you have to get in there and play! You can’t play if you won’t get in the field because you are afraid of failing. Because you don’t want to play unless you’re perfect.

A few years ago, I once was hired by a chiropractor who wanted me to help him with a presentation of a new service. He never completed his contract because before I could barely begin work, he decided he needed to re-brand everything. He never, to my knowledge, moved forward because he was so focused on perfection.

This false belief that your work has to be perfect before you put yourself out there is a roadblock that will kill your success.

What should you aim for? Of course, excellence. But realize there will always be something you want to change about your branding, marketing materials, and products. There’s always room for improvement!

But if no one sees your brand, you will not have visibility. And that will lead to less clients that you are attracting which will lead to less sales!

I like how many Internet marketing gurus put it: “progress, not perfection.” Take baby steps.

When I became a homeschooling teacher to my son, which is a huge responsibility, my wise sister-in-law told me this:

“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

Those words apply to business owners. If you want to have success, then let go of perfection. The success of your business depends on the speed that you get your brand and products to the marketplace. Far less “perfect” brands and products that are seen by the public will do better than a superior brand or product that has not been unveiled because it’s not “perfect.”

Lay aside perfectionism. Play the game. Who knows. You might fail. But you will have already succeeded because you have become part of the action.

Let your brand be part of the action and you will sizzle! And your future will dazzle!

Want step by step help in getting your brand ready for its big unveiling? Take my systemized, proven course that will empower you to create a solid brand that results in more leads, sales, and profits.

Elephant © Odm | Dreamstime Stock Photos

To Create a Successful Brand Be Unique!

November 25, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

It’s the night before Thanksgiving, and I’m sending my husband to the store for some last-minute items. Now thankfully he won’t need to purchase much. Only fresh ingredients for the salad I’m making tomorrow for the big feast.

But normally, if I send him with a long list, he gets lost. Every brand looks like another brand. They all melt together.

For a small business brand, that spells disaster. It’s kind of like going to cookie cutter houses. In these neighborhoods, it’s hard to distinguish one house from another. It’s easy to get lost! Why, I even know a story of a friend of mine (who is hosting Thanksgiving for us tomorrow, yay us!!!) who accidentally went to the wrong house for a bridal shower party a few months ago. Wow, she felt silly!

How does this relate to business? If your brand, specifically your brand image, is not unique, you will lose customers. Your customers will be confused. They won’t understand what you provide nor will they understand the value you offer to them. You will lose trust and credibility.

An effective brand is based on a professional logo that is uniquely tailored to your business. It communicates the essence of who you are as a business.

And an effective brand is AUTHENTIC. I think of a local talk show I was listening to this morning that our town’s mayor was being interviewed on. A lady called to share her opinion about an initiative here called “City for Champions,” a project meant to bring economic vitality back to our area.

She pointed out that as a long-time resident, she doesn’t want some identity super-imposed on our city. She didn’t want something fake.

She was looking for something real. And so are your customers. That’s why the more clarity you have about your vision, mission, values, target market and other key factors, the better your brand will be and the more you will attract your ideal client. And that means an improved bottom line!

Are you ready to get started improving your brand? Why not get started today by taking my free video course, Make Your Brand Sizzle. What do you have to lose? Click here now to get started.

Toy Houses © I-bag | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Want a Successful Brand? Be Bold!

November 24, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

So confession time. For many years I suffered with low-self esteem and extreme shyness. I believed that I didn’t matter, that there was no value in what I had to offer. As a consequence, I was too timid. I was not bold enough. And that has cost me dearly.

Now I am shifting my “stinking thinking.” I’m realizing the importance of boldness and starting to practice it more and more.

While it is uncomfortable, I know that it is the action that will get me where I want to be. So how can you be bold and how can that help your brand? Here are some ideas for you:

1) Find key influencers on social media, whether Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Look for people that you admire and you want to be like, that are where you want to be. Get to know them by commenting on their posts. Write about them and when you do, send a shout out to these people that you have done so.

Years ago, I asked a successful author if she would endorse one of my books. I had gotten to know her by commenting on her posts and asking for help. She was happy to endorse my book and she did!

2) Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether it’s in a Facebook group, at a networking group, or in an email.

For months now, I have been struggling with a publication project that seemed dead in the water. Yesterday I finally got the boldness to ask for help in a writer’s Facebook group. I received several responses and even got offers from people wanting me to interview them for my radio show. Bonus! I need to ask for help from these groups more often!

3) Ask for what you deserve. Don’t undervalue yourself. Don’t think you have to ask “how high” when someone asks you to jump. Be confident about the value you offer to your customers and don’t feel guilty for asking for a price you deserve.

My husband, who owns his own architectural business, was vindicated today. Several months ago he received an inquiry from a nail salon wanting him to design some plans. They didn’t like the price and went elsewhere. Today he received a call from them and it turns out this nail salon had hired an architect who did things “on the cheap” for them and then went out of business. They were asking my husband to do a quick turn around and fix the problems so they could get it submitted to the building department.

My husband responded that he couldn’t look at it until next week and explained that he is very thorough and thinks holistically. Through that action, he boldly proclaimed he was NOT going to design cheap stuff and in a hurry.

4) Get out of your comfort zone. Try your hand at speaking, blogtalk or podcast interviews, writing a blog, publishing a book… whatever scares you, do it. When you stretch yourself, you activate that “boldness” muscle and the result, more action and movement for your brand.

5) When negative responses come, move on. Yes, it happens. I will not sugar coat the fact that sometimes you will be rejected. If that happens, just “shake the dust off your feet” and keep on moving!

It’s happened to me several times, and after I get over the initial shock I realize it wasn’t me that they were rejecting, but other factors at play. These factors could be that it’s simply not the right fit, not the right timing, or there might even be some jealousy or favoritism going on. Just keep your head up and keep being bold!

Boldness is key for building your business! And when you are bold, your brand will sizzle and your future dazzle!

Are you ready to be bold? Take a huge step and get some one-on-one help today. Click here now to take this step.

Formidable Towers © Joy Prescott | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Do You Love What You Do?

November 23, 2015 DanaOne comment

Let me ask you a question. When Sunday night comes and you think about the work week ahead, what is your response: 1) dread or 2) excitement?

If you answered dread, then I suggest to you that your work and your passions are not aligned.

Why is that important? Don’t we after all have to just make a living and grin and bear a job we don’t like to do because, well, that’s just the way the world works?

Absolutely no, that’s not how it has to be. You can actually find that thing, that passion, that driving ambition that will make you a living. When you find that passion and turn it into a successful brand and then a successful business, it will do more than make you a living. It will give you a life.

I think of my husband, who used to get stressed every Sunday night when he was working in a J.O.B. (Just Over Broke, a term Robert Kawasaki coined). He dreaded Monday mornings when he would have to go back into the office and perform duties that had become boring to him. He knew that he had reached the “glass ceiling,” He wanted something more.

Now fast forward to today. It’s a Monday. I never heard anything from him last night about dreading the week. This morning he spoke with a client and received great feedback from the house design he had done. He has the satisfaction of providing his expertise and skill to an appreciative client who is paying him well. The rest of the week until Thanksgiving he is working for his former boss, on his own terms and doing tasks that he enjoys. He’s earning more than he could ever do for his former job. And he is making time to do some fun projects, like designing tiny houses, that he can eventually sell online so he can create another source of income, one that is not based on chasing hours for dollars.

You have a unique talent. There are so many opportunities to develop new skills, especially with the Internet. You have unique life experiences. What matters to you is different than what matters to another person. All these factors can be turned into a business that reflects who you are and what you love to do.

I love a meme that I recently came across. It urged parents to ask their children, “What problem do you want to solve?” rather than “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

How about you? What problem do YOU want to solve? What is it that you love to do that could solve a problem? How can you make an impact? What do you have or what could you produce or sell that could provide what someone else desperately needs or wants?

The intersection between your passion and what another person desperately wants is where branding success happens. That’s what makes a stable business on the trajectory for growth.

So find out what your passions are. Pursue what you love to do. You will find that you are not only making a living, but you are making a life. And that life will dazzle!

Would you like to find out step by step how you can turn your passions into profits? Take my systemized branding business building course that can help you get out of a J.O.B. and into a heart-centered business that gives you the life you’ve been dreaming about!

Investing in Yourself–You Are Worth It!

November 21, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

“Because you’re worth It.” Remember that old L’Oreal commercial for hair color? If you’re over 40 like me, you might recall. It starred Meredith Baxter-Birney and in it she demonstrates vividly that choosing premium hair color is worth the extra cost.

You also are worth it. As a business owner, you are worth investing in. Without it, you will die. Your business will die. Investing in yourself causes growth. It is a process. It takes nourishing, waiting, sowing, and harrowing.

Like planting a vineyard. You need seed, good soil, fertilizer, pruning, water, sunlight…

Your business needs certain things to in order to grow. First you have to create a vision and mission for your business. Why do you exist? Whom are you serving? What is the purpose for being in business? These questions take time and thought to answer.

You need good soil. The right target market. If you attempt to reach the wrong market, you will experience frustration, lack of clients, and eventually your business will die if not corrected. Reaching your target market takes an investment.

For instance, for the first year my husband and I used Craigslist to promote his architectural company. But it is attracting cheap clients who want something for nothing. While we made some money using this free platform, we are realizing that if we want to reach the right clients–those who value quality over price–we need to pay for that advertising. We need to go where they are and they are probably not on Craigslist.

Your marketing materials are like fishing poles. If you are trying to catch fish (your clients) then you need the proper equipment (fishing pole, hook, bait). That requires investment in branding that expresses accurately the essence of who you are as a business. That requires marketing materials that communicate your message effectively to your prospects and gets them to buy from you or sign up with you. Cheap and free is not investing in yourself. It is the easy way out.

But ultimately, these free or ultra inexpensive options only lead to stagnation. You hurt your credibility. It’s like driving through a cookie cutter neighborhood. It’s easy to get lost. When you use cookie cutter logos and marketing materials, you are confusing your prospects. And they will not find you. You will lose business.

Do you believe you’re worth it? Do you believe that what you have to offer is worth it? After all, how much is one customer worth to you?

Stop using sub-par branding, cheap graphic design, and free marketing material templates. Invest in yourself and your business and you will grow.

And your brand will sizzle and your future dazzle!

Are you ready to invest in yourself? Check out the various packages I have to help you refine and define your brand. I can build an excellent one for you specifically tailored to your business and your vision and then I can create branded marketing materials that result in more clients and revenue. Click here now to find out more.

Momentum—A Necessary Ingredient for Branding Success

November 20, 2015 DanaLeave a comment

We all know (or should know) the scientific definition of inertia. Basically, a body at rest stays at rest.

This tendency to remain unchanged does nothing for our businesses! We encounter resistance to change and our sales stagnate. Not a good situation.

So what can be done?

Gain momentum!

Momentum as defined in the dictionary is “the impetus gained by a moving object, the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.”

So what does this mean for your business? For your brand?

Performing the essential functions of business—marketing, product development, sales, and administration—is a process. It requires daily habits. It requires consistency. This discipline creates a snowball effect, one that results in change. It results in increased exposure of your brand. It ultimately leads to increased sales.

For instance, a year ago my husband and I had not implemented a marketing strategy for his business. We resisted change. We were comfortable with the two clients we had. But the lack of momentum almost destroyed us by Christmas. We could not rely on just two clients and my husband’s business stagnated.

In January, we became determined to reach out to three people per day. It was a very simple plan. It could be through online means, to an individual, a mailing, or a phone call. We did this consistently. And we started to see results. His brand awareness increased. He built momentum.

Now it’s easy to slack on these kinds of commitments and become complacent when times are well. We get comfortable. I’m reminded as I write this that I need to go back to this principle. It’s disastrous to only market AFTER you have finished work for all your clients and they have no more work for you!

It’s the same with blogging. It’s something that I have not been consistent at. But last week I joined a 30 day blogging challenge, which is the reason why I’m writing this article today. I don’t know the results yet. But what I do know is that by creating this habit, I will be increased momentum, and that will result in increased brand awareness, which will result in increased sales!

So build some momentum in your business today! Make a simple commitment, like reach out to three people per day or write one blog post per day. And join a group to keep you accountable.

When you are faithful to follow through on a consistent basis, your brand will sizzle and your future dazzle!

Would you like to find out how to make a sizzling brand? Sign up for my free mini-video series by clicking here!

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Author: Dana