Raster Vs Vector File Formats
Image file formats can be broken down into two key groups: raster images and vector images. Raster images are those which are pixel based, where each image contains different coloured dots called pixels. These images are resolution dependent, meaning that they only exist at one size. When the size of a raster image is changed, the result is a blurry or pixelated image. Examples of raster images are photographs, web and social media graphics.

Vector files are like giant maths equations, with lines, curves and points assigned a specific characteristics. This makes them resolution independent, which lets you enlarge or shrink their size and they’ll remain looking the same. Examples of vector images include logos, digital illustrations and icons.

From these two distinct types of file formats comes the individual ones you will receive from your graphic designer.

Understanding Common File Formats & Where to Use Them
The common file types you’ll receive from your graphic designer include:
Vector Images

• PDF – these files will display graphics correctly regardless of where they are seen. This makes it suitable for printing documents and displaying them on a website.
• EPS – used for high quality graphics such as illustrations, allowing them to be scalable. Good for printing on flyers or cards.

Raster Images

• JPG or JPEG – the most widely used format and suitable for photos, large web images and email graphics. Suitable for printing photos, sending a preview image to clients (as they can be made very small in file size) or on a website.
• PNG – another common file format, they can include transparent aspects and are often used for logos. Great for images with limited colours and when you need a small file, such as on the internet.

There are others that your graphic designer may also be able to provide including GIF, TIFF, RAW, PSD, SVG and AI. Take a look at my branding packages for details on the file types I regularly provide and if you need others, let me know so I can advise further.

​A DIY logo may sound like a great idea, but trust me, it’s not! I’ll share the five key reasons why you should avoid designing your own logo at all costs and what to do instead.
 
Thinking about using a DIY logo for your business? With all the variety of websites offering you the option to create your own logo, some of them for free, it must be the best option, right? Nope. A DIY logo is never a good idea and I’m sharing the reasons why.

Thinking DIY Logo? Think Again
We’re a nation of DIY experts, keen to give anything a go instead of paying a professional to do it for us, and that’s perfectly fine – unless it is something you shouldn’t do yourself – like your logo. Your logo can help your business sink or swim, simply because it represents your business. It is one of the key things people use when making that all important first impression, and a DIY logo just won’t cut the mustard.
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Five key reasons why a DIY logo is a big mistake are:

1. Missing the message – your logo represents your brand and as such, needs to quickly and easily convey the right message to your target audience. A graphic designer is experienced and knowledgeable about designing a logo which clearly tells your audience what your business stands for.
2. Poor design decisions – you may like Time New Roman and electric blue text, but they’re not ideal together. Many people have little understanding of which colours work well together, let alone which font to use or representative images to use.
3. Lacking versatility – your logo isn’t just for your website. It also needs to be able to be used on business cards, brochures and promotional materials. A professionally designed logo can be used in multiple situations and will resize beautifully. 
4. Unprofessional appearance – your logo is what your customers will judge you upon, and you want it to make the best first impression possible. By hiring a professional designer, you avoid amateurish logos which look unbalanced, unfinished, too busy and just don’t fit with the expectations customers have of your industry. It will also be 100% unique, which is very important when it comes to branding.
5. Low quality – Many logo makers will create a logo which is of a poor quality, unable to be resized and look very pixelated. They’ll also most likely be unable to provide you with not only the right vector format, but also not provide a variety of file types.  In comparison, graphic designers use top quality software, which is 100% demonstrated in the logos they design, and the end files you receive.

Investing in a professional logo design is well worth it and will set you on the path to success! To get started, head over to view my logo design brand packages and let’s chat!