Graphic Design

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...

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...

Freelance Graphic Designer VS Agency Designer. What's better?

Emma Venables

Sep 7, 2022

Freelance Graphic Designer VS Agency Designer. What's better?

Freelance Designer VS Agency Designer – which should you use and what are the pros and cons? Read on to find out more. Freelance...

The ONE thing I did to land my first ever design job

Emma Venables

Jun 24, 2022

The ONE thing I did to land my first ever design job

It's competitive, the creative industry. They tell you that right from the off at uni, so I always studied with the thought at the back...

Q & A with Lawrence Gilson from Cosmos Illustrations: CASE STUDY

Emma Venables

Jun 25, 2021

Q & A with Lawrence Gilson from Cosmos Illustrations: CASE STUDY

Producing a children's book and various marketing materials for the Little Spaceman series, we chat to Lawrence about his inspiration.

The beginners guide to understanding bleed

Emma Venables

May 4, 2021

The beginners guide to understanding bleed

Has your printer ever asked you to put ‘bleed’ onto your artwork? If you find yourself asking what the heck even IS bleed, then read on,...

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...

7 Questions you must ask before hiring a designer

Emma Venables

Dec 27, 2020

7 Questions you must ask before hiring a designer

It sounds obvious, but every designer is going to have a different style, appealing to different people.

Emma Venables

Nov 9, 2020

New brand unleashed on the pitch

It was fantastic this week to see my client Nexus Group, sponsoring local team Bristol City Football Club in a three year partnership.

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

The 7 irresistible benefits of hiring a freelancer

Emma Venables

Oct 4, 2019

The 7 irresistible benefits of hiring a freelancer

You may be wondering what the benefits are of hiring a freelancer over a full time or part time member of staff, or even over engaging with

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