 So for this blog I decided to do something a little bit different than usual. I am not going to talk about graphic design, photography or even anything to do with business. At this time of the year when our thoughts and actions tend toward kind and thoughtful encouragements to our families and friends has led me to share something personal about myself and my family. Through this I hope to raise awareness in the hope that people will think before they speak and type, especially on social media, and be very careful about what can come across as hurtful comments. As we near the end of the year and Christmas time especially when we spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We think over the years and memories we all share, the good and the bad. I know this time of year is not happy for everyone so please hear my heart in this and please only comment positively if you feel you would like to comment at all. Our youngest child was born on Christmas Day, yes December 25th. Our family were absolutely delighted about this and have celebrated her birthday joyously! But I am sad to say but there are a lot of people who have some very negative things to say to my daughter and myself over the years. My First Two Children To give a little perspective she has an older brother and sister who both needed special care medical treatment after they were born. They both needed to be resuscitated for different reasons straight after being born and needed some ongoing monitoring. It took me a while to process all of that after their births and took longer to feel up to having another baby considering the possible risk to another baby. I suffered post natal depression but also had such a deep love and gratefulness for their survival and for them as precious gifts to our family. I managed to love and care for them very well with the love and input from my supportive husband and family. There is only 20 months between them so life was pretty busy. Restoration Around four years after the brith of our second child we decided we would be open to the possibility of having another child.... it wasn’t long before we found out we were pregnant and due in December. We were over the moon with the idea of having another blessing and me being in a much better state of mind to cope with everything having a baby would require. I kept relatively well during the pregnancy. As December started I wondered when my little bundle of joy would be born and it everything would be ok. Timing I was aware of the days in December being ticked off and the possibility of my new baby being born on Christmas Day. I knew that I didn’t want my baby to be born on Christmas Day but it was something I couldn’t control . It was Christmas Eve when I started to get some contractions... so many things were going through my mind. Will my baby be ok, a boy, or a girl? Would I cope with the pain? Would my baby be born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?... So I laboured through the early evening until early morning. We had Life FM playing so I laboured to all the lovely Christmas Carols. At 1.30am my precious baby girl was born - and born healthy! My husband and I were over the moon! Subsequently I am sad to say that many people seem to have many comments to say about the date of my daughters birthday not only to me but also her. I have had people say to me “she is going to hate you for that” when I replied to their question of when she was born... “Oh no you poor thing”... “do you still give her a birthday party?” and so the list goes on. She is so so special and has such a heart of gold. The way she cares for others is amazing. You just have to read about her mission for the homeless to get the picture. She LOVES Christmas and getting gifts for others. Every year she has a party with all her friends! On Christmas Day / her birthday we all open Christmas presents and have loads of yummy food and come afternoon tea time… the second round of celebrations begin... more presents - more food and of course another birthday cake. She will be nine this year and despite what people have said to her, she LOVES her birthday. My Goal So my hope with this blog is to not only honour my beautiful girl, wonderful son, older daughter, my husband and family but to also raise awareness for others out there with birthdays on or near Christmas or any other special days. Please stop and think before you say anything to anyone about their birthday, even if you think it is a lighthearted or humorous comment. Pause and make sure that "if you can’t say anything positive that you don’t say anything at all”. In closing I would like to wish you and all your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. In all things be kind!
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I started Cute Cuddles 6 years ago, and I have had three completely different looks for my brand. Here is what I have learnt along the way.  Starting Out
I had a very strong background in the corporate world before I started my business, as well as a marketing diploma. With this in my back pocket I knew that I needed to make my brand consistent. Like a lot of us small business start-ups, I had little to no budget for design. So I went the obvious route at the time and hopped onto Vista Print. After searching long and hard through their free templates I selected the one that I thought suited my “brand” best at the time. It had a pink polka dot ribbon across the top and a button to one side. Here is the irony, I make handsewn soft toys with no plastic parts or choking hazards and I put an obvious choking hazard in my logo. Palm slap to face moment! However, this worked for me for the start-up of my business. Growing my Brand Being a free template, it didn’t take long for others to also start using the same one. I started seeing “my brand” popping up in other places. This was an interesting feeling – am I advertising their business or are they advertising me, or are we both getting lost in translation? I felt like this was a good time for a new look. I reached out on a couple of business networks I was part of at the time and got some recommendations. I briefly explained my situation and the next logo was born. At the time of this logo getting designed, it was fashionable to have a button style logo. And that was what I got. However, in hindsight, I now also realise that this new logo wasn’t my brand either. At the time I still wasn’t confident in myself to say I wasn’t happy with the new logo. Recovery and Moving Forward After approximately 18 months with this new logo, I could feel that my heart wasn’t in it. I love my business but my “brand” was failing me. It didn’t project my fun or passion. Around this time I started to think about the future of Cute Cuddles and started working with a business mentor. After a strong recommendation I finally plucked up the courage to contact Helen at One Bite Graphic Design. And it was a case of having to pluck up courage. I felt lost, both in my lack of brand and in my image of my business. Helen gave me a simple questionnaire to answer and made me google some images too. This helped me get my head around colours and which sorts of logos resonated with me. There was good communication back and forth and suddenly the 'YES, this is it!' was there. Helen was so lovely and understanding to my situation. But a Brand Isn’t Just a Logo One of the biggest things that has helped carry me along on this journey we call business – having a brand that I believe in. Helen didn’t stop with my logo – I have business cards, compliment slips, discount cards, thank you cards, Christmas cards, banners, hoodies, email signatures. And as my business grows, so does my brand. When people see my logo, they know my brand. I love that about my logo, my brand! Think of your favourite product – I bet you it was the logo (brand) that popped into your head first, wasn’t it? See how important that is? Final thoughts… As I said previously, having worked in the corporate world, and having a marketing diploma, I thought I could brand my own business alone. How wrong I was. I seriously recommend letting a professional help you brand your business, it’s like a fast track to where you want to be. With a brand you can be passionate about, people really feel the difference when you interact with them. When you think of your brand – do you stand out in the crowd? Or are you blending in, unseen? And if you are blending in, contact Helen today and become a stand out brand! You won’t regret it! When you come across a new business, what is one of the first things you look at? Yes thats right, its their business logo. Your logo not only sets you apart from other businesses, it can help give clients an idea of who you are, what you do and what they can expect from your business. While logo design is a science in itself, once you have the perfect logo, how and where can you best use it to promote your business? Let’s look at some of the options for where you can use your business logo... Traditional Business Logo Placement First up, your logo should be added to some of the, physical components of your business. That means your business cards, letterheads, invoices, email footers, and other routine aspects of your day to day business. Once you have the paper options covered off, it is time to look at the fabric options. Of course you want to have your logo appear on company uniforms. But even if you don’t necessarily have a uniform for your business, a branded shirt or hoody can do wonders to drum up interest in your brand. Lucky for you, we design and print custom apparel here at One Bite Design. So whether you are manning a market stall, doing a Facebook live, or simply getting your groceries, you can get your logo and branding out there! Have a look at how well Sharon from Totally Balmy uses her logo and branding to promote her business! This brand is one of my favourites! Love seeing it in so many places!  Packaging If packaging is part of your company’s operation, you have a big opportunity to showcase your logo. You can print it on tissue paper or other packaging materials, boxes, address labels and printed inclusions. Get creative - restaurants can present burgers in logo-printed wrappers, fruit sellers can pop stickers onto their produce - when it comes to packaging, think outside the box, as it were! Social Media Your online presence is just as important as your offline one. Your business logo should feature heavily on your website and the various social media platforms you choose to use. From your Facebook cover image, to branded social media templates, to your YouTube profile pic, each appearance of your logo needs to fit the right dimensions and format for the platform. For decades, businesses have been printing their logos on “freebies” - notepads, fridge magnets, pens, desk calendars, mousepads and other rather mundane office supplies. While this is still a great idea in the right framework, there are almost unlimited options available to get your name on any number of products relevant to your business. Got a business with a tech slant? Print your logo onto flash drives. Own a sporting goods store? Get some Frisbees branded. Have a café in your workplace for clients, with a barista (lucky you) - impress potential customers by having your logo created in coffee art on top of their cups of joe! You can even be environmentally friendly and help save the planet by printing your logo on reusable straws, shopping bags, water bottles or travel mugs. The options are endless - from cellphone cases and tote bags to lip balms and umbrellas, you can make your mark on a wide range of swag. Signage Get creative with your signage. Whether it’s a physical business, trade show or other event you don’t need to rely on one store-front sign. Technology provides you with so many more cool solutions like wall or window decals, A-frame chalk boards, ceiling or floor tiles, or digital display boards. How about a “gobo”? This is a stencil cut out of glass or metal which is slotted in front of a spotlight - the shape can be projected onto any backdrop - tables, floors, ceilings or feature walls. Don’t forget your vehicles - branding your company car, truck or van with your logo can be invaluable for drawing in new customers. Go Viral Social media is an integral part of your marketing strategy. But it can be hard to get traction on many of the platforms. A great way to get exposure for your business is to go viral! Everybody loves a good meme, so if you come up with any for your business, make sure that your logo appears on them. That way when they get liked, loved, and shared, your branding will be in front of lots of interested eyes. When it comes to where you use your business logo, you are only limited by your creativity and budget. Regardless of where you are going to put your logo, you need to make sure you have an attractive and professional design to begin with. Here at One Bite Graphic Design we specialise in logos and can provide you with the perfect design and format to ensure your logo really makes its mark. Get in touch with Helen today and start the amazing journey of branding your business. If you already have your logo designed but want to further enhance your brand awareness get in touch today as well. There are infinite places you can use your logo and branding! Get stuck in to it! Changing your branding is not something to be taken lightly and should only be done when necessary. That’s because your brand is how people remember your business. Imagine if McDonald’s suddenly swapped its golden arches for an image of a burger. They suddenly become just a burger shop, without anything to easily differentiate them with their competitors. It’s a similar thing with your business’ branding. By changing your logo, font and colours, you put your customers off balance and it takes time for them to readjust to your new branding image. However, sometimes changing your branding is the best decision for your business. It may be that you’re offering new services or products, have a change of ownership or your old branding no longer reflects the direction your business is taking. Today we’re going to discuss all you need to know about changing your branding.  Changing Your Branding: A Beginner’s Guide 101 When you rebrand, it can be a partial or complete rebranding. You can choose between:
Pros and Cons of Rebranding When you alter your branding, you’re doing it with the desire to grow your business. In order to make the right decision, you need to weigh up the pros and cons. The pros of rebranding include:
The cons of rebranding include:
A great way to promote your business, rebranded or not, is to list it in a directory. Business Networking NZ offers a free NZ business directory listing and it’s a great way to increase your online presence. Come and add your details today! There’s something special about throwing on a t-shirt, or a hoodie, with a logo or personal design printed on it. Nothing beats throwing on a t-shirt with your favourite band’s best album plastered over the front, and noticing another member of the public wearing the same band. Nothing beats throwing on a t-shirt of your favourite brand, and noticing another member of the public wearing the same brand too. You throw each other a look, a knowing smile. You’re part of the same team somehow, a club that you both belong to. When you start a new job, the logo sitting proudly on your shirt signifies you’ve become part of something new. You can walk into any office and have almost instant comradery with everyone present. Have you ever created something, like a new business, or an important event? Try throwing on a hoodie with the name and logo of your creation printed ceremoniously on the back. You’ve achieved something great, something tangible. And if someone asks you about your business while you’re wearing it? A bonus advantage of clever marketing and branding.  How do we do it? Now there’s a number of ways you can get your hot little hands on that specially designed apparel. Here we’re going to break down the three main processes of apparel design (and the one favoured by us at One Bite), so you can make the best choice for your needs. Make your father’s day by giving him a branded T-shirt or hoodie! Better still get him to advertise your business while he’s out and about!
Ok it’s obvious now, screen-printing wins. Screen printing is the best option in our view as we can create high end designs that include the pièce de résistance - shading and gradients. Detailed logos? No problem. Photos? Done. Cool effects? Bingo. Specific colours that are on brand? Easy. All these effects are nearly impossible with embroidery or vinyl. Plus if you’re printing a bunch of the same item it’s the most cost effective as well, a true winner in our books. The graphics produced through screen printing should also last for the t-shirt’s life under normal use. To make your custom graphic last the garment’s life, simply flip your garment inside out before chucking it in the wash, and use cold water. Easy. Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in looking at how One Bite Graphic Design can create the perfect screen-printed item for you and your business. Get in touch with One Bite TODAY! OR better still check out the website! Colour - Glorious Colour! Colour can make or break the visual impact of your brand. Do you like to create your own social media graphics but don’t know where to start? Do you have images and photos that you would like to choose your colours from but are unsure which colours to pick. While doing this yourself can be cost effective, you can waste a lot of time if you do not know what you are doing. It can also result in graphics that look unprofessional. Graphic designers, like One Bite Graphic Design, have an expert eye for what looks good and understand how colours work alone and together. This is something that may not come naturally to everyone or maybe something that people haven’t been taught. Did you know that not all reds ‘go together’ - not all blues ‘are created equal’. Base colours are important. So let’s look into some reasons and tips why selecting colours from your images / photos to use for your business is important. 3 Important Things To Note When Creating A Graphic
So… how do I select a colour from an image? There are a few good websites that can do this for you but Image Color Picker comes highly recommended. You can upload your own image, use the online colour code from a website, or get the online colour code from a picture via the website link. You use the online image colour picker to select a colour and get the online Colour Code of the selected pixel. You also get the multiple websafe colour information. Which colours should I pick out? Check out the 2 samples (below) of colours picked from the same image. Shout out to Nikki at AmbiDexi for letting me use her product and photo for this example. I am sure that from the first glance you can see which image is more appealing. The product used in this image is bright, fun, young and happy. In the first image that One Bite designed, the colours selected are vibrant and used from the girls tutus. The second image shows colours also picked from the same image but they are far less inviting. The colours in this graphic appear dull and dreary, they do not evoke a happy, exciting time for children. From this example you can clearly see which would be the right colours to use for this design. The distinctions are not always that clear and you may require some professional help. With each design you put out for your business make sure that you are designing it targeted at the right people. This does not only come down to the colours you use but also the image and even the relating text. “Help!' I hear you say, 'I’m overwhelmed!'
Never fear! Help is at hand. Helen, at One Bite Graphic Design, with 20 years experience, knows very well what colours work best to bring out of images. If you do not have either the time or desire to pick colours from your images for your design work, get in touch with One Bite Graphic Design today and I’ll apply my creative eye and understanding of how colours work to bring out the very best with your images, logo and over all branding. What is graphic design? Did you know that it is more than just creating logos? In fact, it is so much more than that. While logo creation is one of the services a graphic designer can offer you, it is really just the tip of the iceberg! Graphic designers have a strong set of skills that can help you to grow your business. Yes, that’s right, grow your business. We create more than pretty images, we actually help you to communicate a message with your branding that engages and persuades people to use your business. Now you know what we can do here at One Bite Graphic Design, let’s look into the concept of graphic design in a bit more depth. What Is Graphic Design? Whether you need a logo, an image banner for your website, or an actual banner to hang at an event, you will need a graphic designer’s expertise. Without their eye for colour and design, you can cheapen your brand and confuse your clients. These are just some of the things that a graphic designer (just like me) can help you with... ● Logo Design ● Branding Packages ● Business Cards ● Social Media Cover and Newsfeed Images ● Flyers ● Posters ● With Compliments Slips ● Marketing Material ● Gift Vouchers ● Website Banners ● Vouchers ● Advertising Images ● Apparel Designs And that’s not even a full list, that is just a taste of the things I could help you with in your business!  Why Is Graphic Design Essential In Your Business?
Validates You Great branding makes your business look professional and gives you credibility. Not only that, but it also shows that you care about your offerings, that you believe in your products or services, and that you are putting in an effort to impress your customers. This all demonstrates the value you can provide to your clients and that you are customer-focused. Makes You Memorable Being forgotten is the kiss of death for a small business. If no one remembers your brand, then they are not going to seek out your services. But you can make an impact with your imagery. If you have an iconic design for your business branding, then it will be hard for your customers to forget about you! Consistently using this branding in every visual and customer-facing aspect of your business will help you to become recognisable and memorable. Makes You Stand Out How do you make the decision between two products when they do the same thing and they are at the same price point? Often the choice will come down to which product looks better. If one has design that is tired and dated, and one has a fresh, eye catching look, then it is pretty safe to say which is going to be more popular. Good graphic design can help set you apart from your competition. Tells A Story Your imagery can tell the story of your business. It can convey what it is that you do, even if it is the first time someone has come across your brand. It can do more than simply look good, it can also entice people to your business and persuade them that you are the brand for them. Clever design can convince customers to buy your products off the shelf, to read more in a pamphlet, or to click the ‘buy’ button on a website. Professional graphic design has the potential to deliver real results for your business. If you are umm-ing and ahhhh-ing about whether you should invest in graphic design, consider this. If you don’t go down the professional design route, sooner or later you will be paying for a brand overhaul. Quality design lasts the distance, amateur design does not. Engaging a professional graphic designer (like me) upfront, can save you a lot of time money and stress in the long run. So if you want a professional and consistent look for your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me here at One Bite Graphic Design. When you decide to start a business you don't always realise that you are beginning a story as well. Often you get started because you have a skill or something you love to do, and then it evolves. You are no longer starting a business, but instead you are building a brand. Laying the foundations of your brand is like writing the first chapter of your story. So, how did your brand come to be? Do you have a story behind it? I'd love to tell you my story... The Elephant In The Room You will probably notice that my elephant is a large part of my branding. He is actually where my story starts... Years ago when I was at school, I would often get overwhelmed by my workload. My dad is a very wise man and he used to say something back then that has stuck with me through the years. Probably because he still says it now! He said... ‘Helen, how do you eat an elephant? One Bite at a time.’ His wise approach allowed me to focus on one small task at a time and gradually work my way through my massive to do list. This is a motto that I live my life by now. Life has a habit of getting very busy, with a business to run, house to maintain, three amazing children to raise and an equally amazing husband. We get through the busy times One Bite at a time, often achieving more than we thought we could with this tactic! So when it came to choosing a name for my business, One Bite was the obvious option. I also knew that I had to have an elephant as part of my brand. Even my elephant is an embodiment of the motto. You will notice that it is sectioned into smaller pieces to symbolise the ‘bites’. What's In A Name? I suddenly realised that after 3 years working alongside my elephant, he didn't have a name! As soon as my realisation hit, I knew what his name had to be. So, I would like to introduce to you... Petros This name is perfect for 3 reasons...
I am really excited to be on this journey with Petros and I can't wait to see what the next chapters have in store for One Bite!  Your Branding Story
So, what is your story? And is it embodied in your branding? People love to work with other people, which is why it is important to reflect your story and personality in your branding. If you feel you could be communicating your story better, then maybe it is time for a brand refresh. I would love to help you tell the story of your brand in your logo, business cards, marketing material, and social media templates. Basically any aspect of your branding. Get in touch with me now at One Bite to see I can help you tell your story with my professional graphic design services. I’ve been wondering about why personalised hoodies are so popular. Could it be because we love the power of designing our own clothing? Maybe it’s the fact they are so warm and cosy? Or perhaps it’s because they are so darn terrific at promoting our businesses? I think it’s a combination of all three! As a small business owner, I understand the difficulties of undertaking a successful marketing campaign on a super low budget. Not for me are the large digital billboards showcasing the city’s big firms. Nor can I afford to place a weekly ad in the local paper. While I could dabble in Facebook ads, they don’t really offer me a high rate of return for the dollar value I put in. So, what form of advertising could I use? Personalised hoodies! For less than $150, Helen designed and delivered me a personalised hoodie for my business Spotty Lizard. But why is it so great? Everywhere I go I wear it. The supermarket, dropping the kids at school, playing sport, walking the dog – I wear it everywhere.  On the front is my main logo, with the back featuring one of my graphics and URL. The number of people I’ve had ask me what Spotty Lizard is, commented on the cute lizard and asked me what I do is amazing. I use it as a uniform when I am working, plus I wear it for all my social media videos and photos.
Ordering Personalised Hoodies for Your Business If you’re sitting on the fence about ordering a branded hoodie for your business, jump off it and here’s why:
The downside of having personalised hoodies for your business? Well, they’re mighty hot to wear in summer, but I’m certain Helen can arrange the design and delivery of a polo shirt for me by then. I suggest you get in touch with Helen now and start the process of getting yourself a hoodie with your business logo and graphics on it too. - Jackie Spotty Lizard Everyone tells you how important it is to have a social media presence for your business. People make a habit of hunting for businesses that interest them on Facebook. What are they going to find when they get to your Facebook Page? Is it a perfectly curated cover image that reflects your current marketing focus, or is it more ‘higgledy piggledy whatever image I can find to chuck up there’ kind of look? Your Facebook cover image is an incredibly important part of building your brand, showcasing what your business is about and supporting your online marketing strategy. Let’s look at it in a bit more detail now.  Why You Need A Good Facebook Cover Image
As soon as a potential or current client navigates to your Facebook Page, they are going to be presented with your cover image. This is your chance to make an instant visual impact. If your image is boring, unrelated to your field, or jarring to look at then you have missed an opportunity to impress your page visitor. There are currently more than 2 billion active users on Facebook. That is a lot of people that can be unimpressed by your Facebook cover! Here is why you need an image that is eye-catching and appealing... Introduces Your Business If someone isn’t 100% certain about what you do, your cover image can introduce your business to them. Not only can it tell them about your products or services, but it can give them a feel for your business’ personality and values. Encourages Familiarity For those who do know your business, they will recognise they are in the right place when they see your cover image. That is why it is important to always keep your branding consistent by using the same colours, fonts and style. Makes Them Want To Know More A picture tells a thousand words, but it is still only an introduction. Make your cover image be the start of a long running conversation with potential clients. Draw them into your business with great visual elements and some carefully chosen text. Proves Your Professionalism Having a polished look on your Facebook page will encourage trust in your business. Clients will be able to see your professionalism and it will allow you to stand out amongst your competitors. This places you as an authority figure in your field and makes people want to work with your business. A lot goes into the design and execution of a professional looking image. Image placement, choice of font, inclusion of white space and many other design aspects that come as second nature to a graphic designer. So, instead of fiddling about on Canva for hours, let One Bite Graphic Design create a cover image for you instead. Why You Should Change It Up Your Facebook cover can be a key component in your marketing strategy. Because it does draw instant attention, you can use it to your advantage. That means changing your cover image to align with your current focus. These are just some of the things you could highlight...
Whatever you choose to highlight, make sure you back it up with a relevant reason to click the Facebook Call to Action button. If you don’t utilise that button, your marketing efforts will not be as effective. How Often Should You Change Your Image? There isn't really a rule on how often you should change your image. Like anything, content can become stale if it stays the same for too long. We would recommend changing your image at least once a quarter to keep things fresh, or once a month to match your monthly marketing themes. Yep, it can be a lot of work creating 12 professional images every year. Who has time for that? We do at One Bite Graphic Design! In fact, creating amazing images for social media is just one of our specialities. Save yourself time and stress by letting us create individually curated Facebook Cover images for your business. We can work with you to showcase any aspect of your business. Get in touch with One Bite Graphic Design for a chat on how your Facebook page could be working for you with great visual content. |
