Question 1

What is a GRAPHIC DESIGNER?

Accepted Answer

Well, we're more of a who than a what...   Graphic design is a vast field that encompasses various specialties, each with its unique skill set and focus.   Brand identity designer: This designer specializes in creating cohesive visual elements that represent a company's brand. They are best suited when you want to establish a strong brand image and need assistance with logos, color schemes, and overall brand consistency.   Web designer: This design is proficient in crafting engaging and user-friendly websites. If you're seeking to enhance your online presence and create an intuitive digital experience, a web designer is the way to go.   Print designer: For print materials such as brochures, magazines, or packaging, this designer is your go-to professional, with expertise in designing for physical media.   Illustrator: Looking for visually stunning illustrations or artwork? An illustrator can bring your ideas to life through their artistic talent.   User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers: These designers specialize in optimizing the usability and interaction of digital interfaces, making them ideal when designing intuitive software or applications.   Each type of graphic designer brings a unique set of skills and expertise, allowing you to select the right one for your specific design needs. Many of us (including MG Graphics 😉) have overlapping specialties so you have a one stop shop for print and digital design!

Question 2

Why does design matter?

Accepted Answer

Have you ever been to a book store and only pick up the books with attractive covers?  While judging a book by its cover is frowned upon, we still do it. Yes, even you. It's just human nature. Graphic design helps businesses grow their brand through visual consistency. That includes using the same design elements like colors, fonts, and graphics across all of your communication from print to digital.  At MG Graphics, we believe first impressions matter. That's why we design every piece of content with your end goal in mind.

Question 3

How do I trademark my new logo?

Accepted Answer

We're happy to refer you to a trademark attorney who helps brands across the US. Just ask!

Question 4

Canva vs. Adobe: Which design platform will you use on my project?

Accepted Answer

As a designer, I know that selecting the right design tool is crucial for your project's success. When it comes to creating marketing and sales assets, it's important to consider how much access you want for editing the design in the future. Today, let's explore the differences between Canva and InDesign, so we can choose the perfect tool based on your desired level of design freedom.  Canva: Simplicity and Collaboration at Your Fingertips  Canva has become quite popular, and for good reason! It offers a user-friendly interface and collaborative features that make it a great choice for non-designers who want a level of DIY. Let's dive into why Canva could be the ideal fit for your project, considering future editing access:  1. Easy Editing: With Canva, you'll have no trouble making basic edits. Its drag-and-drop functionality make it simple to modify text, replace images, and adjust colors without needing design expertise. You can easily personalize your designs with a few clicks. [This is great for business cards and social media posts!]  2. Collaborative Convenience: Canva takes collaboration to a whole new level. We can work together seamlessly, thanks to its real-time collaboration, sharing, and commenting features. It's a great way for us to exchange feedback, suggestions, and make the design process a breeze.  3. Access Anywhere: Here's the best part – Canva is a web-based platform, meaning you can access and edit your designs from any device with an internet connection. Whether you're at the office, at home, or even on the go, you'll have the convenience of making edits whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.  InDesign: Precision and Customization for a Polished Look  Now, let's talk about Adobe InDesign. If you're looking for extensive control and advanced design capabilities, this tool might be just what you need. Let's explore why InDesign could be the perfect fit for projects where design flexibility and customization are crucial:  1. Design Precision: InDesign offers a level of precision that's unmatched. We can fine-tune layouts, manipulate text, and apply complex effects to achieve pixel-perfect designs. If you have specific design requirements or need a polished look, InDesign will give us the control we need.  2. Advanced Layouts: When it comes to complex layouts like brochures, magazines, or books, InDesign shines. Its robust features provide comprehensive tools for typography, grids, and precise alignment. We can create stunning designs that captivate your audience.  3. Professional Outputs: If you're aiming for high-quality print and digital design, InDesign is the industry standard. It ensures your designs meet professional printing standards, and we can easily export files for further production. Your brand will have a consistent and professional look across various mediums.  Finding the Perfect Balance: Collaboration and Editability  To make the best decision for your project, let's strike the right balance between collaboration and future editability. Here are a few factors we should consider together:  1. Your Design Proficiency: Let's assess your comfort level with design tools and your preferred editing experience. If you prefer a simple and user-friendly interface, Canva will be a great match. However, if you have design experience or desire advanced customization, InDesign might be the better choice.  2. Extent of Future Edits: How extensively do you anticipate making changes to the design in the future? If you only need minor text or image edits, Canva's straightforward interface will meet your needs. However, if you anticipate extensive modifications or customizations, InDesign's powerful editing capabilities will give us the flexibility we need.  Schedule a Discovery Call and we can talk through the best tool for your next design!

Question 5

The Art of Collaboration: Should I DIY or hire a graphic design pro?

Accepted Answer

In today's digital age, where do-it-yourself (DIY) culture is on the rise, it's tempting to take matters into our own hands when it comes to graphic design. However, when it comes to creating a powerful visual identity for your business or project, partnering with a professional graphic designer can be the difference between average and extraordinary. Let's explore the benefits of working with a graphic designer vs. DIY, providing you with insights to help you make an informed decision about whether to DIY or hire a professional.  Expertise and Experience: Graphic designers are skilled professionals who have dedicated years to mastering the art of visual communication. They possess a deep understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and composition, allowing them to create impactful and visually appealing designs that align with your brand's message. Their experience in various industries and working with diverse clients gives them a unique perspective to create designs that resonate with your target audience.  Unleash Your Brand's Full Potential: A graphic designer acts as a creative partner, helping you translate your vision into a compelling visual identity. By collaborating with a designer, you can tap into their expertise to create a consistent and cohesive brand that resonates with your audience. They will delve into your brand values, target market, and competition to create designs that reflect your unique identity and differentiate you from the crowd. DIY attempts may fall short in capturing the essence of your brand, potentially leading to missed opportunities and diluted messaging.  Time and Efficiency: While DIY might seem cost-effective initially, the time investment required to learn design software, understand design principles, and create visually appealing assets can be overwhelming. Graphic designers are adept at working efficiently, using their experience and design tools to streamline the process. They can turn your ideas into polished designs, saving you valuable time that can be better utilized on your core business activities.  Consistency across Platforms: Consistency is key in establishing a strong brand presence. Professional graphic designers ensure that your visual elements, such as logos, color schemes, and typography, are consistent across different platforms and mediums. They understand the technical specifications required for various print and digital formats, guaranteeing your brand maintains its integrity and professionalism, regardless of where it is displayed.  Problem Solvers and Creativity: Graphic designers possess a unique skill set that goes beyond creating visually pleasing designs. They are problem solvers who can analyze complex information and distill it into an easily understandable visual form. By considering factors like user experience, hierarchy of information, and readability, they create designs that effectively communicate your message. Their creativity and fresh perspective can often provide innovative solutions that you may not have considered.  So to DIY or hire?  Both is an option! At MG Graphics, we want to empower you to DIY when you want and hire it out when you need to. We set you up for success by creating the original designs (print or digital including a website!) then create how-to videos just for you to DIY future changes.

Question 6

How will I receive my logo files?

Accepted Answer

Question 7

“No” isn’t an option.

Accepted Answer

One of Megan's biggest pet-peeves is being told “no, that’s not possible” without an attempt to make the request or offer alternatives. Anything is possible! Or at least attemptable.   If we don’t know how to do the design you want, we’ll refer you to someone who can.

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