How To Make a Print Ad That is Successful

Well, there is no real guarantee that an ad will always work; sometimes even very well-intended & put-together ads do not succeed. However, our Chicago graphic design agency has put together a few tips to help you understand what gives a print ad a great chance of success.

• Give a headline that is attractive. The headline should be something that stops people in their tracks and gives some insight into the meaning of the ad; if the person only looks at the image and the headline, they should still know what the ad is talking about. This was more of an input by our professional copywriters. 
• The ad is not about your business. I mean, yes, it will feature your business; what we mean by this statement is that the ad should not be saying, "Me me me! Look at me and how great I am!" but rather it should be, "You would be smart/a hero if you used our services" (Now, that's an over-simplification but you get the idea). The point is to focus on your consumer and make them feel like the hero of the ad and show them how your product/service helps them. 
• K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid! Your copy needs to be short and sweet. If it takes more than 10-15 seconds to read, it is too long. Be concise and to the point (think Twitter). Our Chicago marketing agency copywriters like to write the copy, then see what they can cut out from the copy while retaining the clarity & the message. 
• Be visual. The graphic/image for your ad is as important as the copy is; this has to be appealing and draw the consumer in. Don't always be literal, either, it is okay to be abstract (as long as there is still a connection between the image and the message and it's not being forced). 

Having great advertising can be difficult when you don't have the time and/or skill. This is where hiring a Chicago graphic design agency would help! Contact Integraphix-- a Chicago graphic design company that would love to help your business be seen and gain popularity. 

Integraphix Case Study: Logo Design for Kids Have Hope

Integraphix's graphic design agency was asked to help perform a logo redesign and brand identity for a wonderful organization, Kids Have Hope.

This was a special project for our logo design team since Kids Have Hope is a 503c Organization in Chicagoland; they're mission is to educated children and adults about abuse prevention. The organization's original logo (see below), was getting too dated and did not provide the impact that logos from other Chicago non-profits did.

Integraphix graphic designers restored the original butterfly concept, which was expressed by the client  as something to keep, and implement it into the new design. It was desired to be kept because of its tie with the organization's purpose: children.

If you look closely at the new logo, you can see that our designers utilized the negative space in the wings of the butterfly; you can see the faces of two children, which ties into the meaning of the children and butterfly.

The colors of the logo were also changed from primary colors to cooler, more elegant colors that brought the organization into a more modern style.

Does your business need a logo redesign or an overall rebranding? Then contact Integraphix, a Chicago graphic design company. 

Integraphix Case Study: Logo for Interior Design Firm

Number 4 Designs is an interior design firm that is located in northwestern Illinois. When they came to our Chicago graphic design agency, they needed a logo that was going to be a great representative of their industry and approach to design. 

The design firm uses the number "4" as a symbol for their business approach, which is to design with solidarity, calm, stability, and a "sense of home" in mind. The client wants their clients to get a sense of calm when they hire Number 4 Designs. The "4" is also inspired by the facts that there are 4 walls in a home, 4 seasons in a year, 4 elements, and four directions-- all of these things influence interior design with their colors and other characteristics. 

The client's concept influenced the logo design and the final logo was able to combine all of the previously mentioned concepts into one, simple logo and brand identity. 

The design firm also occasionally uses the number "4" solely on marketing materials to further the power of the number, even if it is not accompanied by the words, "number" and "designs". 

Does your business need a logo design and branding that give the business an impressive look and feel? Then contact Integraphix-- a Chicago graphic design company that is dedicated to making your business look its best! 

3 Massive Graphic Design Trends to Watch for in 2015

Well, it is a new year and that means new things to hit the artistic scene, especially for graphic design. Our Chicago graphic design team has taken the time to compile a short list of trends that they believe will be big hits this year, so watch out for them!

1. Print design will be heavily influenced by digital design. The world of professional graphic designers draws influence and inspiration from many sources. That means that various forms of design impact each other on a routine basis. In 2015, watch for print to take a few notes from its digital brother. 
2. Retro designs will comeback and evolve into something great. Yes, the designs that are inspired by 50s and 60s designs are great and will continue to be popular, however, designs that are inspired by the 80s and 90s will be coming back, too. Anyone at a Chicago graphic design company or a New York graphic design agency will tell you that the 80s and 90s had some great designs that deserve to be recognized again. 
3. Designs will be inspired by things out of this world. Literally, space and space-related things like asteroids, stars, etc. will be great influencers. Sci-fi films have been popular the past few years with help of Star-Trek and now Star Wars so it makes sense that the design techniques for these films will be moving to other aspects of great graphic design as well. 

2015 will hopefully be a great year! Make it a great year for your business with some great logo design, branding, advertising, and some print advertising. Consider a business card redesign, "leave-behinds" like folders, pamphlets, brochures, etc. to impress clients and meetings. Contact Integraphix for assistance in impressive design.