Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Keep it Classy, Not Cluttered


When designing a document, whether it is a magazine or something as simple as a business card, a graphic artist worth his salt will instinctively know the fine line between classy and cluttered. What we mean by that is with all the different types of fonts, spacing, clip art, word art and symbol possibilities, sometimes it’s not hard to want to use every trick in the book.

In other words, learn how to stop while you’re ahead. In the world of fashion, an adage that many style gurus follow is to put on an entire outfit, complete with jewelry and accessories take a look in the mirror – and then remove one or two things. In the end you’ll look polished.

The same rule can be applied to graphic design.

 Here are a few tips to follow:

Be Careful with Color
Just because you may think that orange and green look good together doesn't mean your client will. Many newbie graphic designers make the mistake of thinking that the more colorful the graphic is, the more attention it will receive. Big Mistake!

Be Careful with Fonts

The old saying "KISS - Keep it simple stupid" applies to this mistake that is often made when first starting out. Using too many fonts will give your design not only an amateur's appearance, but a much cluttered piece of work. 

Be Careful with Line and Letter Spacing
In getting the word out about whatever you are trying to promote, impulse may tell you to try to cram as much text as possible in a small space on the document. Be a great editor too and just stick to the “who, what, where, when, why and how.” Following that simple edict will help any document you design be easily understandable!

Follow those rules, and you’ll have a great document in no time!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

So What Exactly Does a Notary Do?


In honor of the fact that AA Printing now provides notary service, we are offering a couple of pieces of information about what it entails in the state of Nevada.

According to the State of Nevada Notary Handbook, “A notary provides services ranging from taking acknowledgements, executing jurats, administering oaths, to certifying copies. They serve in law firms, title companies, banks, government offices and many other private businesses.”

People often think when they get something notarized, they are having certification that the document in question is legal.

NOPE.

When you visit a notary to have something notarized, what is being done is an acknowledgement that the signatures on the document are true!

Also, be prepared to bring proper identification and to sign the notary ledger. If you are unable to do both, then the notary, by law, is unable to assist you.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Expansion: Do It, and Do It Carefully


Usually when someone opens their own business, more than likely all their attention and devotion is put strictly toward that sole entity. Hiring employees, getting the word out, and eventually making money is the goal of any good entrepreneur.



Eventually, as a wave of success comes over that first business, sometimes, a business proprietor starts to think about other things, such as expansion. The premise sounds scary enough, but what if you want to bring more to the brand through a new location or services? It’s time to roll the dice.

However, when considering expansion – such as adding a new location, and/or new services, careful deliberation must occur in order to make sure you won’t jeopardize you’re the successful endeavor that already exists.

Here are some ideas:
·         You may also be in a better position to defend your business against price-cutting by your competitors. As you branch out to other markets, you may be able to sell more and increase your sales. Larger sales volume will allow you to offset lower per-unit profit.
·         If your competitors are increasing their operations, it may mean that they have seen new, untapped opportunities in the market. Your competitors may have stumbled upon a good idea. If this is the case, you can do two things: wait and see how the competitor does, or follow the competitor’s lead.
·         Before deciding, you need to study carefully the financial benefits of such an expansion, and whether your cash flow can support the additional investment. It is important to determine where and how you will get the money to pay for the additional inventory, new facilities or equipment. The ideal situation would be to expand only when you have already proven that demand exists for your products or services, as proven by your fat bottom line.

·         When you expand your business, you should be prepared to delegate responsibilities to others and be open to new ways of doing things. If you are previously working solo, you now have a new hat to wear: a personnel manager.

Remember the importance of taking numerous variables into consideration of expansion your business; and if you feel you are ready, go right ahead!