Design tips

Why I won't use Comic Sans in my designs

Emma Venables

May 3

Why I won't use Comic Sans in my designs

I see this typeface everywhere I go, and it makes me cringe. I see it in the high street, on shop signs and wonder...

Emma Venables

Jan 4

Making sure your design is unique to you – the importance of individuality in logo design

Your branding is your business's most important asset, so you need to make sure it's given the time and attention it deserves.

Emma Venables

Dec 15, 2023

Things to consider when designing your logo

Designing a logo is a crucial step in creating your brand identity, but it's easy to get it wrong.

Brochures that sell: Creating a compelling design to drive business

Emma Venables

Aug 10, 2023

Brochures that sell: Creating a compelling design to drive business

Since the world went digital, it's easy to overlook the power of physical marketing materials. However, brochures remain a versatile and...

Emma Venables

Jun 2, 2023

Why do my images look pixelated?

Why do images look pixelated when you blow them up? IN A NUTSHELL. .

The reason why what appeals to YOU, doesn’t actually matter:

Emma Venables

Jan 6, 2023

The reason why what appeals to YOU, doesn’t actually matter:

Your secret weapon to launching an amazing brand. So you have an amazing new business idea that you’re looking to launch, and have got...

Emma Venables

Apr 21, 2021

10 things my first agency job taught me

Although I'm a freelancer these days, I've always been a strong advocate of working at an agency first before diving straight in as a...

Emma Venables

Mar 5, 2021

How to apply your brand, even if you’re not a designer

Do you need to brand your marketing materials, but don't really know where to start, or what branding means? Here, I explain the basics...

Your Essential branding checklist: the 7 things you must know

Emma Venables

Feb 3, 2021

Your Essential branding checklist: the 7 things you must know

1. Develop a unique proposition Make sure you have a unique name, it will help you to stand out more. Check companies house to see if...

3 ways to know whether your trade show banner will get results

Emma Venables

Feb 5, 2020

3 ways to know whether your trade show banner will get results

You're attending a trade show and need to get some roller banners made to accompany your stand – but what are the three top ways to know whe

Why your flyers aren't converting and what to do about it

Emma Venables

Dec 23, 2019

Why your flyers aren't converting and what to do about it

So You've got shiny new flyers to help spread the word about your wonderful business. You've put something together, telling the world how w

Emma Venables

Aug 8, 2019

What is the best colour to use for your logo design and branding?

When thinking about branding, it’s worth considering the effect that colour has over us as humans, both consciously and unconsciously. Under

Emma Venables

Jul 30, 2019

Widows and Orphans - do you avoid them?

A Widow is one word on a line, all on its own at the end of a block of text. You can either reword the text to avoid this, or you can use tr

What is the difference between a graphic designer and a web designer?

Emma Venables

Jun 19, 2019

What is the difference between a graphic designer and a web designer?

Whilst some graphic designers do get involved with web design and coding, many will specialise in just offering print design -that's anythin

3 places to get amazing photos for your designs

Emma Venables

May 16, 2019

3 places to get amazing photos for your designs

Stock libraries have come a long way in the last few years. It used to be that to get hold of a half decent image, you had to part ways with

Emma Venables

Apr 3, 2019

Space

I know it's tempting to fill every single space of your flyers and brochures with information - you're paying for the space, right?

Emma Venables

Jan 1, 2019

What are brand guidelines documents and why do you need them?

Brand Guidelines are a fantastic resource for making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to YOUR brand. They detail things like

Emma Venables

Oct 17, 2018

What deliverables will I get when you design my logo or artwork?

When commissioning design work, it's really important to ask your designer if you will receive high resolution PDFs and/or vector files if l

Why can't I use that photo I grabbed from the internet on my leaflet?

Emma Venables

Apr 20, 2018

Why can't I use that photo I grabbed from the internet on my leaflet?

Aside from the obvious copyright issues which would arise from just randomly using someone else's photo from Google, or any website for that

Emma Venables

Feb 7, 2018

Why you should request an EPS version of your logo