DesignPro
Graphics
Marketing, business development and expansion, professional
graphic design, illustration, and animation.
Foremost we are professional designers
of visual communications (although some projects also involve sound
and musical elements). We are not newbies or add-water-and-stir 'instant
designers', groups born out of the ease in which one can buy a computer
and software and make claims without proven experience. WE ought to
invent an alarm that spots designer wannabes. It could save companies
millions. But even a so-called 'trained' designer can be lacking all
the knowledge and ability needed to successfully do his or her job.
It's
our experience that most major universities don't include strong and
effective marketing training in their graphic design courses. Why
not is a little hard to fathom if they're claiming to prepare students
for the real world. At least in our world, successful marketing and
graphic design not only walk hand in hand - they rely and depend upon
each other. Without marketing insight and knowledge, graphic design
is just another shot in the dark. Thus explaining why so-called brilliant
concepts fail to deliver.
Then
there are the experts that seem to spend more time originating buzz
words, terminology, and the next hot marketing concept or scheme than
they do applying standard marketing principles. It seems as long as
their excuses for not delivering a successful marketing program are
accepted, they'll continue down that road.
Back
to basics
For us, getting the basics in has always been a good foundation toward
achieving success. We've
been playing the game for over 20 years, watching trends, technology
and business methodology change all along the way. We moved from an
industrial age into a technological age. Technology will continue
to advance, but more than ever information is key. Some experts claim
we're seeing the dawn of information age. Fortunately for us (and
our clients) somewhere around 10 years ago we discovered important
techniques and methods not taught in the design departments of major
universities or even specialized design or marketing schools for that
matter. These methods of marketing, PR, and graphic design apply to
any 'age'.
These
methods involve acquiring and applying the exact information needed
to conceive, develop and implement a profitable marketing program.
It's beyond us why anyone would want to throw thousands, sometimes
millions of dollars at advertising using any other techniques. But
that's the ad agency and 'creative boutique' game - not ours. Over
the years these preferred methods have made all the difference for
us AND our clients - the difference between successful and not so
successful marketing campaigns.
We
like success and we figure you do too. Give us a call and we'll explain
how to make our success your success.
Our
roots are in graphic design. We're basically visual communicators
and artists. It's at the core of what we do. We apply the basic concepts
learned long ago to the most current trends and technologies. We even
invent a few twists here and there ourselves. But in the end when
we're done, our work has a bedrock of sound marketing fundamentals.
The bottom line is if it doesn't communicate the correct message in
the correct manner to the target market, it doesn't matter how cute
the idea is. It has failed. Although failure can be positively viewed
as a 'learning experience', it's not necessary to learn the same lesson
over and over. Some design firms never learn. In fact, to some not
learning is business as usual until they go out of business. We're
still around and making plans for future growth. What does that tell
you?
When
you look at our graphic design work, whether it be for print,
interactive multimedia or the Internet, keep in mind the first goal
is to communicate clearly and without ambiguity. Personal opinions
and favorites are not part of the plan. We deal in the reality of
what delivers results.
Getting
people involved is a powerful way to communicate your message. But
since everyone doesn't have a broadband DSL or cable connection just
yet we have to deal with the alternatives. Thankfully there's the
good old standby, Interactive CD-ROM and it's
most recent sibling, DVD.
CD-ROMs
are great for sending out digital catalogs, training
applications, presentations, software
programs and such, as everyone's computer will play them. Add a few
video clips, automatic Internet updating of information and some interactivity
and you have a powerful method of conveying your promotional sales
message.
Generally
a CD-ROM project is less expensive than DVD, but this is changing.
In fact, development is becoming quite competitive in pricing/cost.
We completed a number of project for a variety of clients, large and
small. If it's time to put this powerful tool to work for your company
drop us a line.
The
Internet has become a major force in our lives - and it's a good guess
that won't be changing for quite some time to come. So follows its
importance in business. We build sites for individuals and businesses
alike. Personal sites for all needs and business of all sizes.
There are a range of possible solutions when developing a web presence
for a business. Many decisions depend on the size of the business,
how many offices and employees, the type of products and services
it provides, etc. Many decisions can also be based on the policies
and procedures of a particular business. Included in all this (actually
above all this) should be the underlying purpose of the web site.
Many companies lose site of this target by focusing on what they as
a company want to communicate when, in fact, they should be focused
on what their customers and potential customer want.
On
the positive side
The good news is that we pride ourselves in delivering both elements
when we create and deliver a web development project. We can create
a site that is optimized for search engines and pulls traffic like
bees to honey or we can create the equivalent of an online brochure.
It's totally up to you and your budget.
We
have yet to find someone who doesn't want an attractive and appealing
web site. Aesthetics are undeniably important to some degree. Just
don't make the mistake of thinking that a pretty site with lots of
pictures, special programming and the like is what will bring you
the most eyeballs. Search engines are still a major source of traffic
for most sites and unless you have deep pockets (stuffed full of advertising
dollars) there's a better and cheaper way to attract search engine
attention.
That's
where we come in
We deliver within your budget the most effective solution for your
needs. Period. Most of our competition are still designing for eyeballs
and not the search engines. Most make the mistake of thinking that
designing for the engines results in an ugly site. Wrong. In fact,
there a few different methods to consider depending again on your
budget.
One
more thing
When
shopping around for a web site, don't ask the designer, "How
much does a site cost?". How much does a car cost? How much does
a house cost? How much does a loaf of bread cost? Come on, think about
it. Do you want an Economy car or a Luxury car car?. Big House or
small house? Try not to be overwhelmed, but realized it can be as
simple or as complicated as you or the design company lets it be.
In
the future we'll cover this area in greater detail so you'll know
what questions to ask and how to spot a competent design company.
Sign up on our contact list and we'll keep
you informed of any changes - including our upcoming FREE reports
on Internet Development. In the mean time, browse the following sample
projects and contact us with any questions.
Who
are you? What does your company do? Is it easily identifiable in your
corporate identity? Do you spend thousands if not millions pile-driving
itno the heads of your existing and potential customers? Wouldn't
you rather have an identity that easily and clearly communicates what
you do and how well you do it?
Pick
a name, but not just any name
Have you ever noticed a company name that sounded cool, but made no
sense to you? We'd venture to guess that's a big YES. How could you
not? It's business as usual (at least in the U.S.) to use sometimes
vague and often disrelated business naming techniques. There are companies
where all they do is research and devleop names - usully based on
combinations of words and laguages and definitions. Something catchy.
Not surprisingly the results often fail to communicate a clear corporate
identity. And that's usually not without a whole lot of money thrown
at a big juicy ad campaign.
Picture
this
A company chooses the name Circuit City. It's a fair assumption to
guess that company has to do with electronics or some area of techno-hardware.
And it's a central location for it. Maybe it has different services,
areas or products - like a city. Then take the name Best Buy. It's
more all-encompassing, vague and harder to define. Probably needs
more money thrown at the advertising to communicate to the target
market. Then there's Fry's. What the hell do these guys do?!? Oh,
let's add 'Electronics' to the name. There, that's better isn't it?
Maybe. Well, maybe not. For a nationwide chain with deep pockets almost
any name can work. But why spend unnecessarily? Just to have the founder's
name as the company name? How vain - and how expensive.
Bottom
line: pick a name that communicates as clearly as possible to your
target market. There's a way to figure that out, but it's only revealed
to clients. What are you waiting for? Call us NOW! We're dying to
tell you all about it.
Our
first love. Back in the day, the Amiga was the way. We could be found
pushing its limits round the clock, slaving and toiling to learn the
skills of computer animation. Today technology has pushed the envelope
for us, and it's gone far beyond those early days.
Properly
training employees is one of the most neglected and underrated steps
a business can take toward profitability. Not only does it make them
capable in doing their job efficiently and effectively, it shows them
you value them as individuals.
Hopefully,
in this day and age you are using completely computer-based presentations.
Not only are the cost savings over slides and printed materials easy
to justify, but just as important are the ease of updates, distribution
and marketing aspects. Yes, there are strong marketing possibilities
in your presentations - if you know how to take advantage of them.
A
presentation is one of the most ideal situations for marketing to
your customers or potential customers. Existing customers have the
opportunity to learn more about your additional products or service
in a more intimate and personalized communication. Potential customers
can benefit from your message in the same manner, but even more so.
It
doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out why video is so popular
and effective. Moving pictures with sound are a part of most of our
lives. Insert skillfully created footage,
include special effects and dynamic music tracks as needed and
you have the potential for a much more impactful communication than
just words alone.
We
can bring it all to you or set up for a studio shoot - we're as flexible
as you need us to be. But it's not just about the shoot. How do you
want it delivered? Compressed video for CD-ROM or DVD, streaming video
for the web, recorded to various flavors of video tape - it's all
possible. Just say ACTION and we're rolling tape!
Ink
on paper. Now we're going way back. We've handled more print projects
than we care to remember. Actually it's the 3 a.m. press checks we're
not so fond of, but it's all in the name of marketing success. We're
the people that send shivers down the spines of pressmen everywhere
- the same folks they added a new definition in the dictionary for
when it come to 'picky'.
The
sad thing is, many companies don't know a good print job from a bad
one. Many printers' clients have no clue what goes on at the printing
plant - even after the nickel tour. They see equipment and people
that appear to be working hard (or not), but seldom do they leave
the building with anything more than a head full of new words and
terminology they have no understandning of. Realize that when you
start yawning or getting a slight headache, it's because you're not
understanding the definition or concept of what is being said. ASK!!
Pay attention. When someone throws a term at you (often to impress
you or worse, to make you feel stupid) make them pay. Ask what it
means. At worst you've learned something you didn't know and at best
you've foiled their little game of manipulation.Half the time they
don't know themselves. Then who walks away feeling stupid? ;)
What
you don't know can hurt your printing budget
As you can expect, many printing companies take advantage of all this
when it comes to your 'not knowing'. After years of burining the midnight
oil we do know the difference. Some of us have even worked for printing
companies. We know the best way to set up a print project for press
- and it may vary according to the printer you send it to. We know
how to spot potential problems before they happen. And the all time
favorite - we can get great prices on quality printing. But of course
you have to call us before any of this benefits you.
All
printers are not created equal
This isn't just because some can't deliver a quality job. It's the
nature of the beast. It's doubtful any printer has the exact same
equipment as the next printer down the street, anyway. Waterless printing,
digital printing, stochastic printing, letterpress, the list of printing
techniques is varied. Presses of almost any size and capability are
available, but most are more suited to certain types of projects (dimensions,
number of ink colors, etc.) and quantities. Most printers pick a nich
market that requires only certain types of printing equipment. Then
they follow that niche.
Your project may not fall within their normal range of capability
for their equipment. But your average printer might not remember to
tell you that. They usually just want the job. We've yet to find a
single printer that has all the equipment for every type of print
job. It's just too expensive to have every piece of equipment for
every type of project that could come down the pike. So they'll farm
it out to another company or run it on their equipment anyway (less
economically) and end up charging you more for doing so.
So
not only do we design brochures, flyers, etc. for print, but we also
walk projects through any printers' system to a final glorious result.
We call it one-stop-shop graphic design and printing. You'lll call
it being able to sleep at night.
It's
common knowledge that people judge the value of a product by it's
package. Effective and appealing packaging results in higher sales.
It's that simple. How effective is your packaging? Does it help build
your brand and corporate identity? Does it pull more overwhelming
sales because of its
effectiveness or does it allow the competition to go home with part
of your marketshare?
If
you don't know, you're probably losing business. But it doesn't have
to be that way. We can help you identify where your packaging falls
short and why. And we can fix it, but it's up to you. Do you want
to own the shelf or share it with your competition?
The
key to knowing what anyone wants is to ask. Luckily for us, few of
our competitors know how to do this correctly - and it shows in their
results.
Most
companies have at one point or another asked their customers and/or
potential customers questions about their products and services. Usually
it's an effort to find out why sales are down or non existant. This
is may be good to know when in this particular situation, but may
be the wrong 'solution' to start with. From our viewpoint and experience,
It needs to start from the point of origin - that is, the data that
determnined the why, what and how used to implement the marketing
effort in the first place. For our competition, it instead focuses
on the end result of how the customer perceives the existing product
or service after the fact.
This
is likened to putting a bandaid on a cut. Often it's needed, but the
bigger more effective solution is to avoid getting cut in the first
place. Our surveys and polls deal will the causes not the effects.
They direct a marketing plan to avoid sharp objects. This allows us
the optimum position of putting you on track to start with, not trying
to heal wounds that could have been avoided. We don't want to see
you get hurt - why should you when it's avoidable in the first place?
Have
you planned for success or are you just hoping for it? Do you brag
about how most of your business comes from word-of-mouth - hiding
or ignoring the fact that you are in effect saying you are not in
control of your marketing efforts? Don't get us wrong. It's great
if you can survive by not doing the above. But it's just plain bad
business sense to know deep in your heart that you're not really in
control of your success.
Imagine
a car driving down a long stretch of road. This is your marketing
effort and strategy. Are you on the right road to start with or are
you lost? Is it creeping along or speeding at the maximum allowable
limit? Is it an economy car or a huge, powerful, dominating semi-truck?
Is there REALLY anyone behind the wheel - and if so, are they avoiding
the potholes?
Enter
Praxis Media. Now imagine a 350mph speeding Super Train - one that
glides effortlessly on a magenic field slightly elevated above the
ground. No potholes, no friction - only smooth and quiet. It's a cheaper
ride than the car and you won't get lost. And there is only one rail
going in one direction - Successville.
We
can put you on that train. We can analyze your current situation and
show you immediate actions you can implement to get fast results.
Then we can strategize an overall plan for solid and predictable growth.
It's called taking care of business - YOUR business and future
prosperity. You are either driving down the road to success or you're
not. It's that simple.
What
does it take to expand a business in any economy? To run it efficiently,
and effectively, and in an highly organized manner? Don't ask all
the MBA's and PhD's that helped the Internet feeding frenzy become
an Internet FIASCO. Just ask why so many business administration programs
taught in our colleges fail to deliver on the promise of business
success.
Achieving
business success
Why is it so difficult to create a truly successful business? One
that expands and grows automatically, one that owns the marketplace
and defines profitability. Few companies acheive this and few if any
do so without spending untold millions unnecessarily. There's obviously
a lot of guesswork resulting in a lot of failure. There's a lot of
trial and error, even amongst the most highly trained. As an example,
all the MBAs and PhDs in the world couldn't save the Internet crash.
So why can't the most highly paid administrative positions in the
world get the job done consistently?
Solutions
solve problems
Of course, when you boil it down to the simplicity of it all, the
answer is obvious. Whatever these people have learned, it's not the
correction solution to the problem. You see, solutions to problems
solve the problems. Incorrect solutions perpetuate more incorrect
solutions. The first step is to correctly spot the source of the problems,
but things are not always what they seem. This is apparent when so
many of the aforementioned highly trained and highly paid pros fail
to do their jobs. Apparency is not the same as cause. What we do includes
the identification of 'outpoints' - anything that is not as it should
be. You see, the goal is to be working toward an ideal scene. If this
ideal scene is not precisely and correctly defined, all manner of
possiblities can appear to be 'the reason' why. After getting causes
identified and corrected a specific program for each and every department
(often each and every staff member) is put in place to make sure the
company is kept on track from that day forward.
Confused?
If you find your company in a state of confusion, lacking profitability
or some other non-optimum business condition, we can help. It might
be something as simple as an Organizational Board, but if things go
wrong too often, it's not something mysterious and unknown. It's cause
and effect. You probably are not trained to identify the true problem
sources.
We
can create a business expansion plan
with the exact steps and procedures (for any company or business type)
and get you on the fast track to an ideal scene as quickly as possible.
It's THAT effective! And we can start whenever you're ready.
Got
leads? Want leads? How about a system that tracks your promotional
and marketing efforts, accepts inquires, forwards them to the correct
staff and/or departments, tracks internal responses regarding what
products and/or services are offered, tracks what products are sold
or pending, takes orders online or works with your existing offline
systems, and continues the customer relationship long after the sale
with additional offers. It even allows management to not only oversee
all steps of the process to spot bottlenecks and poor service reponse,
but also provides planning and budgeting information. It also lets
you determine how profitable a promotional campaign is based on all
the above and more.
It's
a powerful way to do business for sure. But it also takes a real commitment
toward success. Revenue Stream is
the name and building a profitable, highly successful business is
the game. Wanna play in the sandbox of success?
Things
like games, screensavers,
desktop backgrounds and the like are not
only fun - they're also more tools for your marketing and sales team.
These beauty of these babies is they can be tied into existing campaigns
quite easily, adding recognition and credibility to your overall identity
and brand.
We have a number of these in development and will be glad to show
you some examples. They can be customized to your specific product
or serivces .But you have to contact us first. Send that email now!
Our
portfolio is where you'll find samples
of our skills. Due to our work load, updating this area is secondary
to actual production for our clients so it may be missing some of
our more recent projects. Also, on more than one occasion a client
has asked we not reveal our work for them to the general public and
we always strive to make our clients happy. With that in mind, feel
free to browse the following sections of our portfolio. And please
contact us for current samples or information on how we can provide
you with excellent marketing and graphic design service.
Internet
Development
Flash
Animated
GIFs
Interactive
CD-ROM and DVD
Print
Identity
Programs
Illustration
Presentation
Training
Programs
Animation
Packaging
Questions?
Drop us a line. We look forward to hearing from you.
Copyright
© 2005 DesignPro Graphics
For
Licensing , Joint Ventures, Business Consulting and more visit PraxisMedia.com.
