What Is Graphic Design? 

A Beginner's Guide to 

This Creative Career  By Brianna Flavin

When you think of graphic designers, what do you picture? Creative-looking, fashionable people with a tablet in one hand and a pen in the other? A lone professional using design software in a dark room? An artist?

And what does graphic design really mean? Eye-grabbing graphics on websites? While that can certainly fit under the scope of what a graphic designer might create, a career in graphic design could involve so many different things. Posters, infographics, book covers, product labels, logos, business cards, signs, website layouts, mobile apps, software interfaces—the list goes on.

“Every day, we take many of the subtly artistic things around us for granted,” says Jacob Smith, founder of illustration studio ProductViz. “But hidden in every magazine, exit sign and textbook lies a set of design ideas that influence our perceptions.”

Graphic designers work to communicate ideas in a visual format, guiding perception and informing their audience. Most graphic designers work on behalf of a client or company, creating designs to satisfy specific objectives. Graphic designers are also often considered artists.

Graphic design is a huge industry. And if you’re at all interested in becoming a professional graphic designer, there are so many options to explore!

First, what is graphic design?

Graphic design is “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content,” according to the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA®). In simple terms, graphic designers make visuals to communicate certain messages. These visuals can be as simple as a business logo, or as complex as page layouts on a website.

“Graphic design helps the producer connect with the consumer,” says graphic designer, Alexandros Clufetos. “It conveys the message of the project, event, campaign or product.”

Companies use the visual concepts of graphic design to promote and sell products through advertising, to convey complicated information in an easy-to-understand format (think of infographics), to develop a brand identity, and so much more.

While most companies are hiring graphic designers for commercial purposes, many designers also use their work for artistic expression.

What are the elements of graphic design?

A graphic designer creates work utilizing certain visual elements. Graphic designers can use these elements in conjunction or opposition with each other to create striking and impactful visuals.

These graphic design elements include:

• Color
• Form
• Line
• Shape
• Size
• Space
• Texture

Graphic designers also adhere to the principles of design, which are essentially a set of guidelines that help a design achieve appealing composition.

These visual concepts include:

• Balance
• Contrast
• Emphasis
• Movement
• Proportion
• Rhythm

A good graphic designer must first understand these principles, then use them (or discard them) with intention in each project.

What does a graphic designer do?

Graphic design offers opportunities and options for individuals of almost any interest. If you pursue a career in graphic design, you could work on multiple types of projects—or specialize in just one area you love.

Here’s a glimpse of the kind of tasks a graphic designer might work on.

Website design

Create engaging and intuitive web pages for users. This includes overall layout, color scheme and navigation.

If you’ve ever been on a website that doesn't make sense, buries the information you need, or looks so chaotic you can barely navigate—you’ll understand why careers in web design are so important!

User experience (UX) design

Make a website or application easy and satisfying to use. These designers emphasize value, usability, adoptability and desirability. This type of work can be both highly-technical (programming each pathway through a site) and creative (considering every part of how users interact with your platform).

User interface (UI) design

UI designers work toward the same overall goal as UX designers—making something easy for users to interact with. The interface aspect involves the visual design and layout of an application. For that reason, UI design can be a great career option for graphic designers.

Motion graphics design

Motion graphic designers and animators bring visual elements to life through special effects, video, TV shows, video games, movies and more.

Video and animated elements are becoming more and more common in advertising, and motion graphics designers have a specialized skill set for those mediums.

Print media design

Think of billboards, pamphlets, textbooks, restaurant menus, signage, print ads—print media is everywhere. And someone had to design it!

Visual communication in print can run the gamut from a gorgeous catalog that encourages readers to understand the plants they might purchase to a series of signs that guide travelers through a confusing airport terminal.

You might think of user interfaces as primarily digital—but they are physical too.

Marketing materials of all kinds

Graphic designers create visually appealing advertisements in almost every industry out there. Graphic designers working in healthcare might work on a commercial advertising the opening of a new clinic. A graphic designer working in manufacturing might create a brochure that explains their equipment to businesses considering a purchase.

Is the graphic design industry stable?

With technological advancements introducing new types of graphic design, there has also been an emergence of new graphic design jobs. At the same time, the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) may leave you wondering if the career is in trouble.

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 This growth rate is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 22,800 openings for graphic designers each year, on average, over the decade.1

The largest employers of graphic designers are companies offering specialized design services, and advertising, public relations and related services, according to the BLS.1

Graphic design skills are not as easily replaceable as people think. Powerful visual media that drives action needs to communicate with an audience—not merely look nice. Many graphic designers are excited about the advent of graphic design AI, foreseeing ways it can automate the less-interesting aspects of their jobs.

What tools do graphic designers use?

A graphic designer relies on many different tools. One of the most basic (and least expensive) tools designers use is a sketchbook. If you love studio art, you can certainly integrate those skills into your work as a graphic designer.

That said, most graphic design skills involve computer software.

A graphic designer needs to be able to use design software like Adobe Photoshop®, Adobe Illustrator® and Adobe InDesign®. Since the best graphic design software is computer-based, they also need to be comfortable using a computer (as opposed to a phone or tablet) to design.

But design elements are only part of the picture. A professional graphic designer does more than simply make designs. They have to manage their time, communicate with managers and clients, adjust to feedback and group collaboration and keep track of different projects.

Freelance graphic designers need to attract clients, budget, invoice and file taxes as well as building a professional portfolio that showcases the type of work they love.

As you can see, you need more than a good eye for color to work as a graphic designer. Technical skills, design principles and learning to use new kinds of software are all critical abilities for a graphic designer.

But you don't need to figure all of that out by yourself. Learning these skills are an essential part of a good graphic design program.

Create your future in graphic design

As you can see, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all definition of graphic design.

There are countless ways a graphic designer can solve business problems or evoke inspiration. The industry is wide enough to give you plenty of options in how you want to work.

It might surprise you to learn that some graphic designers don’t especially love art. Or that problem-solving is one of the most important soft skills for graphic designers. This field is easy to misunderstand, and many people have perceptions about graphic design that aren't based in reality.

But make no mistake—a career as a graphic designer can be wildly perfect for the right kind of person. Maybe that's you. Check out “Should I Be a Graphic Designer? 6 Questions to Help You Find Your Answer.”

AIGA® is a registered trademark of American Institute of Graphic Arts CORPORATION NEW YORK 19th Floor 222 Broadway New York NEW YORK 10038

Adobe InDesign® is a registered trademark of is a registered trademark of ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 345 Park Avenue Legal Department San Jose CALIFORNIA 95110

Adobe Illustrator® is a registered trademark of ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 345 Park Avenue Legal Department San Jose CALIFORNIA 95110

Adobe Photoshop® is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated CORPORATION CALIFORNIA P.O. Box 7900 1585 Charleston Road Mountain View CALIFORNIA 940397900

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed 10/9/2023]. www.bls.gov/ooh Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries, and employment conditions in your area may vary.

For More Info Visit:https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/what-is-graphic-design/

 

Everything You Need to Know 

About Print Design By Ashley Brooks

You think you know the basics of what graphic designers do. They use design principles and special software to design logos, websites and other digital content like infographics. That’s all there is to it, right?

Not so fast. Digital graphic design work may get most of the spotlight, but that’s doesn’t mean print design is obsolete. There are many types of print design that are still a necessary part of the design field, and incoming graphic designers need to have sharp print design skills to be marketable in the workforce.

So what is print design and why does it still matter? We spoke with design experts to uncover the answers about this often-overlooked aspect of graphic design.

What is print design and why does it still matter?

Print designs appear on printed media like business cards, billboards or brochures rather than digital spaces like websites. Just like digital designs, the goal of print design is to use visual graphics to communicate a specific message to viewers.

At first glance it might seem like print design is a rarity. If you take a closer look, however, you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by print designs every day. People regularly encounter print designs as they move throughout their day, making this area of graphic design important to efforts like brand marketing and advertising campaigns.

“Tons of print collateral and mediums are still very relevant today,” says Dana S. Hewling, owner and creative director at B.ID LLC. “People should be reached in both the digital world and in the real world.”

Graphic design in any form is about communication. Think of print design as just another avenue for reaching your audience and sharing your message. “Until everyone can digitally project everything, print will still be needed,” Hewling says. “You should have an understanding of how to produce strong, captivating print pieces that help build stronger connections with your target.”

It’s important to remember that print design is also evolving alongside digital technology. Mark Krenn, founder of Coastal Creative, points out that experiential design and marketing “bridge the gap between online and offline worlds” through immersive print design. With the advent of new technology that merges print design with the digital space, it’s clear that print design isn’t going to become irrelevant anytime soon. Advertisers want comprehensive campaigns that reach potential customers at all points—and that means a blend of digital and print advertising is likely to remain a viable approach.

Types of print design

Print design is all around us, often in ways we take for granted. Traditional business marketing still relies on print media to spread awareness of their brand. Print design also takes center stage in industries like publishing, where a well-designed cover can make a huge difference in book sales.

These are some of the types of print design to be aware of:

• Business cards
• Branded packaging, labels and shopping bags
• Brochures
• Billboards
• Book covers and interiors
• Magazines and newspapers
• Signage
• Stationery
• Greeting cards and invitations
• Calendars
• Posters
• Menus
• Banners

Print design vs. digital design

Print design and digital design are similar in many ways. They share the common goal of communicating with a target audience, and the basic principles of design hold true for both print and digital mediums. However, creating print designs differs from digital designs in a few key ways.

“Print designers need to be experts at working within specific bounds and ensuring the final product is absolutely pixel perfect,” says Krenn. “This differs from digital design work because with digital design, any mistakes and errors have minimal correction costs and can be easily fixed.”

This brings up another point: Print design is costly in a way that digital design isn’t. “An error on a printed job? That can cost up to thousands of dollars in lost material cost and require a full redo. There are hard fixed costs with printing design that don’t come close in digital,” Krenn says.

Print designers also have the added challenge of working with narrow parameters. There’s a limit to the size of a banner or business card, or to the number of words that will fit on a magazine spread. Print designers need to be aware of these boundaries at all times.

The value of print design skills in the workforce

You can imagine that graphic designers need some special skills up their sleeves to keep up with the particular challenges of print design. Succeeding in this area of design includes knowing your way around a wider range of design software and understanding the basics of print design principles.

For example, print designers must always be aware of the resolution of their design to ensure that it prints at the highest quality, advises Hewling. “You must be using the right tools and assets for the job at hand. Not everything is Photoshop® in the world of print,” Hewling says. She recommends mastering Adobe Illustrator® for large-format print pieces and Adobe InDesign® for text-heavy layouts like books or magazines.

These skills may be specific to print design, but they’re applicable to careers across the graphic design industry. “Working offline can help focus a designer and make them think more creatively, which can then be transitioned to digital,” Krenn says. “This will help the designer rapidly improve their skills and show a diversity of work in their portfolio.” 

For More Info Visit:https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/print-design/

Could print design be a relevant part of your career?

If you’re considering a career in graphic design, you might find yourself with print design as an important part of your job. Wondering whether the graphic design field has any other surprises to offer? Discover these 8 Types of Graphic Design Jobs You May Not Know About.

 Commercial Print Design

Commercial print, just like print advertising, exists mainly for promotional purposes and is the driving force behind the print industry. As a result, businesses of every size and from every industry rely on commercial print design.

If your business needs anything from business cards to for-sale signs, it needs some print design. This category covers a relatively broad spectrum of products. The type of product you might need depends on the industry, the final goal you want to achieve, and the kind of message you want to convey.

For example, if we talk about real-estate business, you might need business cards for your company or your agents. For promoting particular property, you might need flyers, custom floor plans as well as for-sale signs. And for people stopping by your office, you might want to have brochures or catalogs ready.

Among the first examples of commercial print design were stamps and trademarks. As the printing technology developed, so did the commercial printing design. During the 19 century, many artists started making packaging designs and posters for businesses, thus beginning the age of commercial design.

Brochures and Catalogs

Every year millions of people all over the world are impatiently waiting for the new IKEA catalog. It is by far one of the most anticipated publications of this type. Some 180 million copies are distributed around the world every year. And there is an unconfirmed rumor that the catalog takes almost 70% of IKEA’s annual marketing budget.

IKEA is just one of many examples that confirm that print marketing still plays a vital role today. Catalogs and brochures are significant when it comes to high-value or high-risk purchases. Today's purpose is to reinforce a customer’s decision or help them decide in the final stage of buyers' journey.

A catalog offers information on all the products or services the company has to offer. It contains all the items arranged systematically, accompanied by photos and short descriptions of the products or services. Catalogs are still an indispensable part of promotional activities in the hospitality, wellness, and luxury goods industries. You will see catalogs included in the marketing mix of businesses that do not require immediate action from a buyer.

A brochure, on the other hand, is more marketing-focused. It usually highlights particular products or services that are part of the promotional campaign. A brochure can be one page folded in half, or threefold or can consist of few pages stapled together.

Flyers and Posters

As means for mass promotion of ideas, products, or events in public spaces, posters quickly became very popular. They started appearing between the 1840s and 1850s when the printers perfected color print. Visually striking, with bold colors, typography, and graphics, they’ve been designed to grab viewers' attention.

Many famous French artists from the end of 19 century, like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Georges de Feure, and Jules Chéret, also did poster designs. However, Chéret was the most prolific poster designer of the time. He specialized in advertisement posters and will be remembered as the first graphic artist who used sexuality for promotional purposes.

• Advertising posters that brands use for various promotional purposes. They are usually designed with the “wow-factor” in mind, and if well designed, they won’t get unnoticed.
• Political posters became an important channel for mass communication in the UK during the First World War. These posters were primarily used to boost national morale as well as for nationwide recruitment.
• Movie posters are relatively self-explanatory. They are designed with the sole purpose of promoting a movie and inspiring the interest of the audience to go and see it in cinemas.
• Event posters are used for promoting cultural and sports events or public meetings. The most notable in this category are concert posters which became popular collector items.
• Educational posters have become a great way to present complex scientific subjects in a visually pleasing way.

Flyers are usually distributed by handing them out in the street or door to door. They focus on one particular product, service, or event, such as sales or discounts. Their size, paper, and print quality can vary drastically. Research shows that 79% of the recipients either keep them, pass them on to a friend, or take a quick look over them and toss them away.

Packaging Design

If you are a fan of beauty brands, then you already know about Korean skincare products. They enjoy justified global cult status, and there are always a few of these products on every best product list. What sets them apart from most US and European brands, besides great ingredients, is their fantastic packaging design.

Ever since famous Parisian artists made their first package designs in the 19th century, this subcategory of graphic design evolved into a proper art form. Today package designs need to be more than beautiful. They need to offer an unboxing experience as well. Product packages need to tell the story of the product and the brand, but at the same time, they need to relate to the customer.

Today, the packaging is almost as important as the product inside of it. According to the WestRock study, 81% of people have tried something new because of packaging, and 63% have repurchased the product because the packaging was visually pleasing.

Business Cards and Stationery

There is an ongoing debate that business cards are entirely outdated and unnecessary in our hyper-connected world. Yet everyone still has and uses them.

The proponents of digital will tell you that you can generate a simple QR code on your phone and share your contact details. Of course, you can share virtual cards via Bluetooth. Still, nothing beats the first impression that a good business card design can leave.

As a material used for hand and print business communication, stationery helps amplify branding identity. The most commonly used stationery items in an office are letterheads, envelopes, notepads, binders, folders, stickers, and pens.

How Digitalization Affects Print Designers?

Graphic designers today need to have a much broader set of skills simply because the final design needs to be applicable for different use cases. For example, you might be working on a book cover design intended for print. Still, you need to make sure that the layout you are making can be adjusted easily for ebook and audiobook covers.

It’s not enough to know the rules of creating a good-looking book layout. Today an excellent graphic designer needs to learn coding and styling languages like HTML5 and CSS3. They are essential for correct formatting and styling of text in an ebook. A basic understanding of motion graphics is also necessary since posters can be displayed on digital screens and don’t have to be static anymore.

We have covered all the basic and advanced skills necessary for a designer to thrive in the ever-changing world of graphic design. One thing is positive, print design will continue to thrive in the upcoming decades parallel with the new digital formats. 

For More Info go to:https://www.manypixels.co/blog/print-design/print-design-today

Making Marketing Goals 

a Reality with Print

Marketing is the process of getting potential clients interested in your products or services.

The keyword phrase here is the process. Goals aren't just about scoring a touchdown; they encompass every move leading up to that defining movement. In marketing, that includes researching, promoting, and sharing your brand and its offerings. 

When (and Why!) Print Marketing is Important

Did you know . . . 

• Print ads require 21% less cognitive effort to process
• Print advertising drives higher levels of brand recall than digital (77% vs. 46%)
• 82% of consumers trust print ads the most when making a purchase decision

How does print drive consumer response? 

• The response rate for direct-mail marketing is 37% higher than the email rate.
• Nearly 80% of consumers act on direct printed mail advertisements compared to 45% on electronic advertisements.
• Print and direct mail marketing bring a 9% customer response rate compared to other digital marketing channels, which hover around 1% or less. 

Even more exciting, brands that combine print and digital ads make online campaigns 400% more effective!

Now is the Time to Craft a Print Marketing Plan

When it's time to plan your print marketing, start with the ideal outcome.

Define how many first-time customers you hope to gain or how many product units you want to sell. Quantify the goal, then work backward like this:

The Crooked Spoon Café noticed that about 20% of recipients visited a "BOGO" URL link created as an online landing page in response to a direct mail teaser. 10% of BOGO link visitors used this time-bound coupon in the restaurant. From this information, the café worked backward to craft a direct mail strategy. 

The Crooked Spoon wanted to draw 200 visitors for a fall harvest gala. If around 10% of URL visitors use online coupons, the café needs about 2,000 visitors for the landing page. If only 20% of direct mail recipients would hop online, the café should send mail teasers to 10,000 households.

How might this work for your business? Define your "win," then zoom out to plan where, when, and how you'll use specific print products (brochures, catalogs, direct mail postcards, trade show flyers, or presentation folders) to get there. Tie measurable outcomes to the amount of print pieces you'll prep, and make this print advertising as compelling and timely as possible.

Like a perfectly executed pass, print marketing can move the ball from mid-field to the endzone in a flash! Need help? Our team of experts is happy to share estimates, samples, or ideas. Contact us today for details. Call 516-561-1468

 

4 Marketing Ideas to Attract More 

Shoppers to Your Small Business

Supporting small businesses is a vital part of thriving communities, and it's something that should be celebrated and practiced year-round.

In a post-COVID economy, consumers are eager to support small businesses. One Consumer Pulse study showed that 93% of Americans believe supporting small businesses they value is important, and 9 out of 10 shoppers said this is even more essential after the pandemic.

As further proof, Small Business Saturday has emerged as a significant retail event during the busiest shopping season for small businesses. In 2022, projected spending reached an estimated $17.9 billion, as the 2022 SBS Consumer Insights Survey reported.

4 Fun Ideas for Getting More Shoppers in the Door of Your Small Business

Consumers' goodwill and awareness of the importance of small businesses create a massive opportunity. Here are four ideas to kickstart your creativity.

1. Capitalize on Curb Appeal

Part of the charm of shopping at small businesses is the experience, so make it fun for people to step through your doors!

Try sidewalk A-frame banners or a freebies table with magnets, custom notepads, or samples. Advertise in advance and reward people who participate in your highlighted theme (like a 15% discount to anyone wearing plaid or area sports team merchandise). Or collaborate with area merchants on a "Deals Near-BUY" flyer to build momentum in your neighborhood.

2. Reward Referrals

While your brand may serve customers beyond your region, an enormous 85% of business owners depend on word-of-mouth referrals, so actively influencing friends and neighbors is vital!

Bump up referrals by mailing a Buy One/Get One coupon. Or pump up a "Bring a Buddy" event with food tasting, demonstrations, free drawings, or a fun in-store activity.

3. Personalize Advertisements

When promoting your small business, highlight testimonies or quotes from real local customers.

Try before and after pictures, photos of your customers in well-loved parks, or advertisements featuring your content in front of an area mascot. If your city has special events during the season, tie these into your promos.

4. Offer Bonus Merchandise

When balancing price reduction and profit margin gets tricky, consider adding rewards instead.

Could you ask suppliers for samples to be used as "gift with purchase" items? Or pair your own smaller freebies with the full-price items—like s'more sticks with a tent purchase, socks with a pair of shoes, or a free dessert or spice packet with a cookbook purchase.

Print Local

Local purchasing has tangible benefits for shoppers and merchants: for every dollar spent shopping small, estimates show an average of 68 cents stays in that business's local community.

So, choose to shop and print locally and contact us for all your printing needs, including posters, mailers, business cards, and more. Give Us a Call at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com

 

Personalized URLs in 

Direct Mail Marketing

Despite the more modern online alternatives in advertising today, direct mail will always be a classic and effective strategy for customer engagement.

Direct mail boasts a strong overall response rate of 3.7%, outperforming mobile ads (2%) and email and social media marketing (1%). 

A personalized URL (PURL) is a unique and helpful tool that can supercharge your direct mail marketing efforts! One of its standout features is the ability to digitally track the response rate for direct mail pieces, giving you data to ensure that your marketing dollars are being put to the best use possible. 

3 Benefits of Using PURLs for Direct Mail

1. Make Your Customers Feel Special 

Customers love to see marketing items that feel unique to them!

Each recipient's name can be incorporated into the PURL, giving you the perfect opportunity to add that touch of personalization to your direct mail. 

For example, John Doe's PURL might look like johndoe.trymail.com or john-doe.trymail.com. This will make your customers feel special and increase the likelihood of them following the link and engaging with your mail. 

2. Gather Valuable Data

With PURLs, you can precisely track responses to your mailings and gain deeper insights into your audience's preferences.

This information is essential because it means your team can ditch designs that don't yield response rates while improving upon the designs that demonstrate the most success. 

3. Integrate with Your Overall Marketing Strategy

PURLs can be integrated into your marketing strategy through various channels to enhance customer engagement and track responses effectively.

For example, incorporate PURLs as clickable links that lead to personalized landing pages in marketing emails or share them on social media. This not only enhances engagement but also allows you to collect valuable data to refine your marketing strategies.

Ready to supercharge your marketing campaigns with effective direct mail strategies and PURLs? Contact us today to explore how our printing services can transform your marketing efforts into success. Let's bring your vision to life! Call 516-561-1468

Direct Mail for Local Businesses: 

Unique Advantages and Strategies

Don’t leave attracting customers up to chance; be proactive with direct mail!

Employing the ability to reach scores of potential customers in specific regions, direct mail is an excellent vehicle for growing your customer base and publicizing your business creatively and methodically.

Direct Mail for Local Businesses: Unique Advantages and Strategies

Direct mail marketing is the method of sending out print materials to potential customers. Materials mailed could include postcards, flyers, or catalogs.

Scholars have found the earliest versions of direct mailings from ancient Egypt, around 1,000 B.C. Direct mail has come a long way since then, but it still has tremendous benefits for businesses today.

Direct Mail Can Physically Bring in Customers

A unique advantage to direct mail is that you can mail out a coupon or another promotional item to have customers physically visit your store and redeem it.

By bringing customers into your store, sales and business growth can grow exponentially. 

Get Customers Excited and Stand Out

Do you think young adults aren’t excited about direct mail? Think again!

Generation Z, or people born between 1997 - 2012, is 63% more excited about direct mail today than in 2022. Younger generations find direct mail more interesting and unique than digital marketing.

According to the World Advertising Research Center (WARC), this generation is particularly impressed with direct mail because they have grown up in such a digital age. 

By diversifying your marketing campaign to include direct mail, the generation bombarded with digital content will resonate more with your mailings and feel that the physical marketing stands out.

Direct Mail: A Tangible Approach in the Digital Age

Direct mail has strategic benefits for businesses, especially in today’s tech-savvy world.

Reap the rewards and return on investment by choosing direct mail to diversify your marketing campaign. Don’t just communicate with potential customers; encourage them to physically visit your business by mailing promotional materials such as coupons for customers to bring into your business.

Stand out from competitors’ marketing by sending physical mailers versus simply having digital marketing. Younger generations are hungry for printed materials they can touch and hang on to versus oversaturated online platforms.

Contact us today to begin your journey of creating creative and engaging direct mail! Call 516-561-1468

Mind-Driven Design: 5 Ways to Use 

Neuroscience for Impactful Posters

Science rules, not only in the natural world but also in the marketing world.

Neuroscience, the study of the brain and nervous system, and marketing go hand in hand, especially in today's competitive world. Utilizing science to gain consumer attention and interest can be incredibly impactful for your products and your business. 

Did you know that 90% of buying decisions are made in the unconscious mind? Now imagine harnessing neuroscience, or a better understanding of how the brain works, to create the most impactful customer posters possible. 

5 Ways to Use Neuroscience for Impactful Posters

Ensure your business's printed posters are seen in the most thoughtful, most efficient way by applying these neuroscience tips:

1) Location Matters

Where your posters are located matters.

Surroundings, or location, create 60% of the sensory sensations associated with a product, a Nestle research study indicated. Think critically and creatively about what is in your poster and where you decide to place it.

Be strategic and be connected with a positive and alluring location for your potential consumer.

2) Ditch Percentages

People don't listen to percentages; they listen to absolute numbers.

When communicating an offer on your poster, present the number like "You save $300" versus saying "You save 30%."  

Absolute numbers have a more substantial impact on customers and are retained better than percentages.

3) Keep It Simple

Using fancy or exotic fonts on your poster may be tempting, or your first idea to engage customers, but research has shown simple fonts are best.

According to experiments conducted by the University of Michigan, utilizing a straightforward font is the best way to convince or teach customers about your product.

Complex fonts help with memory recall, but simple fonts are best for sharing information.

4) Living Color 

The Harvard Business Review has found that nearly 90% of purchasing decisions are influenced by color.

Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow create feelings of excitement and energy. Conversely, cool colors like blue, green, and purple are linked with calmness and relaxation.

Color choices are critical in the mood and emotions you want your customers to feel and associate with your business or product. 

5) Engage FOMO

The Fear Of Missing Out, or FOMO, is a strong motivator for consumers that can be translated into marketing.

A study from University College London in 2021 revealed that urgent language increases sales. Words such as "Only a Few Left!" or "The Sale Ends Soon!" evoke strong FOMO responses that trigger customers to expedite their shopping or purchasing so they don't miss a good deal. 

Paint a marketing picture of urgency and saving money now, and sales have been found to increase due to the FOMO principle.

Work smarter, not harder, by utilizing neuroscience in your posters. The human brain is attracted to specific sensory elements; knowing these and how the brain interprets them can positively impact your print marketing campaigns. 

Head to our website to collaborate with our creative and professional print marketing experts on your engaging posters today! Go to:www.printcafeli.com