Today’s economy has its pros and cons. The cons, of course, are factors like job-cuts, unemployment, and uncertainty about your future. But if you’re talented, driven, and possess that remarkable ability of being optimistic, there are definitely brighter days ahead! “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and needless to say, there has been a spike in the small business climate! From roofers to nanny services, everyone is on the move! NOW is your opportunity to rebuild; to take educated risks, use what you know, and make continuous progress despite the circumstances!

This “Artistic Guide For Small Business Owners” is divided into a five-part series. My goal is to provide you with artistic advice. There’s definitely a lack in that department, and following my advice will enable you to optimize EVERY DOLLAR in your artistic investment!

The first thing you should know is that “image is everything.” It is the single most factor that defines your business, separates you from your competitors, and creates lasting impressions! Contrary to what we are taught as children, every book is judged by its cover. This is especially true in business! In theory, the trade system is superficial; its desperately looking for the total package and will squat on anything that appears to be otherwise! Your product could be the best thing since sliced bread and priced competitively, but if it looks like “JoJo the Bootlegger,” chances are that’s the type of business you are going to attract. This is why your product or service deserves the best presentation possible!

From an artistic standpoint, three major factors come to mind when I think of successful, modern-day businesses. In the following editions, I will be covering logos, packaging, and web presence, and the principles that makes each of these successful. You’ve probably come across many articles of the same nature, but my effort is to put that information into layman’s terms, providing real-life scenarios that are relevant to the small business owner. So don’t scrap those other articles…simply add these to the bunch!

BEWARE: We live in a “cut and paste” society. High-end software has given just about anybody the power to create your image, but that doesn’t necessarily qualify them to do so. The fifth and final installment of this series will be “How To Choose A Professional Artist,” enabling you to distinguish between the true professional, and the one who will ultimately lead you down the path of unrighteousness.

Click here for Artistic Guide For Small Business Owners Pt. 2: Shaping A Successful Logo

Tags: graphic design, image, LinkedIn, logo, packaging, presentation, professional artist, small business, visual arts, web preference