Vario Creative Blog

In the spirit of excitement (I’m going to the concert tomorrow night!)

Life is way too short. I mean, seriously, it’s WAY TOO SHORT.

This afternoon I was talking with my neighbor and she was telling me about this very sad story about a friend of hers from high school. Mother of 5 young children, loving wife, great community spirit and just an all around good person. She died unexpectedly at the age of 40 last week. It’s so sad to think about that poor family and what they must be dealing with. I can’t even imagine. It’s just heartbreaking to think that this woman had so much to live for and all of a sudden, she’s gone. Just didn’t wake up one morning.

So hug your families, kiss your kids, don’t go to bed angry and don’t sweat the small things. It’s not worth it.

I love my job. Well, both of my jobs. First and foremost… mom to two beautiful little cherubs. And second, graphic designer and web designer to some of the coolest clients around. Case in point: I can take my older kiddo on photoshoots with me. Recently I had to take some photos of the inside of a finished home (www.pingryhillhomes.com) and she came with me. Check it out… she’s having a blast as my little assistant!

We’re busy over here this week creating a Customer Spotlight campaign and display for one of our clients. Some local banks and establishments offer a similar program for their clients to advertise their work or business to passersby. It’s a great way to market your company or product for free to the local community and to build a brand identity at the same time. So pound the pavement and see what’s available in your area for Customer Spotlight or Featured Businesses.

A few quick tips when creating a Customer Spotlight:

1. Brand identity is key. Make sure your logo and website is noticeable.
2. Use eye catching graphics in your display. This will gain the attention of someone who may want to take a second look at what you have to offer. But be careful not to use too much text. People won’t stick around long enough to read through everything.
3. Have a call to action. Make sure you have a tag line that will entice people to come over and see why your business is the best in its class.
4. Check your spelling: Twice! Don’t make the same mistake that the Celebrity Apprentice folks made when they designed their signage in a recent episode.
5. Collect information. Offer potential customers the chance to win something by providing their information or submitting a referral. It’s a great way to build your contacts.
6. Make sure there is plenty of literature for a potential customer to take with them. Business cards, postcards, etc.
7. Use plenty of props! Show off some of the items that your business can do. For instance, if you’re a wedding photographer, leave out a bunch of samples/portfolio of your work.
8. Check with the bank or business to make sure you adhere to any guidelines for display purposes. Banks, for example, may not want you to use table top displays for security reasons.
9. Send a thank you note. After your customer spotlight is over, make sure you send a thank you note to the business that featured you.

Some interesting articles on Tradeshows:

How to Create an Effective Trade Show Display

Tips For a Successful Tradeshow

Top Ten Trade Show Exhibit Best Practices

Displays2Go: Tradeshow Materials

…for your first Apple product!

Yesterday I strolled into our local Apple store for a look around. It was pretty busy in there actually, but since it’s school vacation week, I can understand why.

As I walked around, pushing my 3 month old and almost 2 year old daughters in their double stroller, I was approached by a few of the store clerks. They had each individually spotted the Apple logo stickers that my husband put on the side of the baby’s car seat. Each employee chuckled as they saw the stickers (that come with pretty much any purchase… and we all know that this household has every Apple product x2 known to man!) They thought it was funny that two little babies had already been exposed to Apple products at such an early age.

The best part though? When my almost 2 year old took out her iPhone to start playing games while I browsed the shelves. Yes, I know… she’s not even 2 yet and she’s got an iPhone. The funniest thing is that the kid knows exactly how to use the apps that we’ve put on it for her. She uses her finger to move the screen items around in her toddler games with precision. The Apple store employees were howling laughing watching her navigate around her iPhone screen.

I suppose you’re never too young to get involved and intrigued with computers… especially ones from Apple!

Today it was reported that Apple employee Gray Powell “accidentally” left behind what some folks say is the prototype of the new iPhone, due out this Summer. Was it simply an oversight that this guy forgot to take the device with him when leaving the Gourmet Haus Staudt or was it intentionally left to create buzz about the upcoming release? We’re not sure what to believe because it could definitely be meant as a marketing ploy to get the word out about what the new iPhone has in store for us.

Wanna see what Gizmodo has to say about the new iPhone? Check it out:

Who’s is Gray Powell…the Apple employee

Quickie Gizmodo tour of what they found