The September issue of The Styleapple Juggernaut is now available, Here is an excerpt:

It's Fashion week in New York City. A time for the fashion industry to enjoy all the fruits produced from fashion designers who have worked around the clock to create collections they hope will invite rave reviews from critics and spectators alike.  For that reason We've dedicated this issue to all of our fashion designers in the Styleapple network.  Read the complete issue here.

Fashion Illustration by Camille Wilkinson

Are You Looking To Market and Promote Your Fashion Design Portfolio? 

Join The Styleapple Design Network: Learn More>>

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

Today as I was driving home, I heard a song on the radio by Jay Z. Just when I thought that I had heard every record Jay Z will make, and signed him off as a rapper that had his moment, he came out with a collaboration with Kanye West and Rihanna called "Run This Town". A song and video that pulled me right back to bobbing my head to the music and feeling like Jay Z just got his swagger back.

As designers we have an advantage over many other professionals. We have the ability to completely lose ourselves in the imagination of possibilities, chase our creativity to new horizons, and seek new inspiration from the tiniest things. But even when that fails, we still have our creative colleagues to help us out.

Collaboration is becoming more and more important as we find ourselves surrounded by a world of talent. Yes, there are those that create genius by locking themselves away from the world and in 3 month produce miracles, but I'm guessing that they are in the minority. In my experience the best design work usually comes from the synergistic collaboration of the right creative design team.

As freelance designers, it can be hard sometimes to brainstorm when it's only you and the voice in your head at the round table. Try to find three to five creative pros like yourself whose expertise is different from yours and start building a killer A-Team to work on new design projects.

Competition is fierce today. Customers have many options to choose from. With everyone looking to be successful, the demand for quality and the bar for perfection have risen. You have to be effective, efficient, and frankly... damn good if you want your customers to talk about you or continue to give you new business.

Creating that shortlist of your top talents can lead to many new opportunities and design projects that may not have been possible otherwise.

Are You Looking For Designers To Collaborate With? 

Join The Styleapple Design Network: Build Your Design Team>>

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

It's Official, Styleapple - The Branded Designers Social Network Has Launched

We have arrived.  Our website is now live and we are so excited.  After several months of very hard work, I am happy to announce that we are officially "open for business"  If you haven't already, remember to create your designer or design company profile on the Styleapple website.  Our appetite for helping designers "Get Branded" are bigger than our stomachs, so don't miss this opportunity to partner with us on our mission to get you branded.  

Thank you everyone for all the support and hard work you've put into this project. 

I've included our press release below:

btw:  Our release is also on Yahoo News, please buzz us up: Here is the link: LAUNCH SPRING 2009:  New Social Network Launches To Get Designers Branded   

Thanks again guys.

---

(1)   Differentiate: Focus. Focus. Focus - Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter?
(2)   Collaborate: Your brand is not what you say it is, it's what they (clients and customers) say it is. 
(3)   Innovate - Creativity is what give brands traction in the marketplace. "How do you know when an idea is innovative - When it scares the hell out of everyone." 
(4)   Validate - Feedback. Feedback. Feedback. Bring your audience into the creative process.
(5)   Cultivate: Brand building is a process, not an entity. A living brand is a pattern of behavior, not a stylish veneer.

"The challenge is no longer only about finding a creative vision, it's now more so about bringing that vision to the marketplace successfully," explains Calvin.

As Styleapple continues to develop a network for design firms to successfully market their brands. They are adamant about the development of effective social media tools that will expand their members brands seamlessly across the web, ultimately and intuitively reaching their demographics while separating them from their competition. As is evident from the Styleapple tag line: STANDOUT-- Get Branded.

"We are very excited about bringing Styleapple to the design community. Our mission is to provide the marketing (tools, space, resources, framework) that enables designers to be successful at what they do best," concludes Calvin.

ABOUT STYLEAPPLE
Styleapple Is The Branded Designers Social Network. Styleapple is a social network developed for creative professionals seeking to effectively promote and market their design businesses, whether you are a novice freelance designer or an established design firm looking to build your brand.

Founded by Calvin Cox, a former New York Fashion Designer and a Fashion Institute of Technology Alumni, Styleapple's global design community boasts a cross section of creative pros with backgrounds in art, advertising fashion design, industrial design, interior design as well as interactive design, illustration, animation and web design to name a few.

Our goal is simple, to develop a platform that will effectively utilize social networking and inbound marketing techniques to promote and build your design company's brand. For more information please visit styleapple.com

Source: Styleapple, Inc
http://www.styleapple.com

###

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

Early last week I wrote an article from a Salesman's perspective in sharing with you my top 10 list of features all design portfolio websites should have. Today, I'm writing this post from the shoes of your potential client.

When I decided to develop the Styleapple website, I spent a lot of time searching for the right web designer , which has given me a lot of hands-on experience when looking for a web design company.  The experience has thought me a lot, and I wanted to take some time to share with you how an informed client might select your design services.

Decision 1 - First. He'll look at your website's homepage to get an immediate feel for your company. First impressions are alive and well, even on the internet. So make sure your homepage is intriguing enough for your potential visitor to want to dig deeper. One effective way I've seen this done is the Amalga Media website: http://www.amalgamedia.com, where their About Us page was their homepage, introducing the company and people in a fun informative way, immediately drawing you into their website.

Decision 2 - Next, he'll take a look at your previous projects that are hopefully featured on your website. The 1st and 2nd impressions will be mostly visual.

Decision 3 -He'll then look at your About Me or About Us pages.... briefly. Just to get an idea of who you are and what you do (your design expertise).

Decision 4 - Then he will go back to your previous projects to find a project you have done that's similar to the one he needs you to work on.

Decision 5 - If he finds one, he will want to know more details about that particular project (if he doesn't he will look at individual details of all your projects to find similarities in style and functionality between what you have worked on and what he needs done).

TIP:
Assuming that he finds a similar project in your portfolio, he will want to know if you've done other projects similar to that one. So grouping projects together is a good idea, maybe having links to similar projects nearby or suggestive links of similar projects. Your goal here is to direct the client to exactly what he's looking for.

Decision 6 - If he's impressed by what he sees, he will then check your references. I would recommend having your references easily assessable. If your references have sufficient contact information, he may contact them before even speaking with you... allowing your references to help you sell your services.

Decision 7 - If your references are satisfactory, he will want to read more about you, or your company, i.e. quote information, brand philosophy, location, pricing, etc. This can be satisfied through an About Me page, FAQ, or your company blog.

TIP:
I would stay away from having website visitors download your resume. People are finicky about downloading anything from the internet. You can give them the option of downloading your resume, or an online alternative.

Decision 8 - Once he has finished reading about you or your design company, he may want to contact you personally. Having a phone number and/or an instant message contact on your site would be ideal... esp. if your design company is global.

Decision 9 - After he speaks with you, he may still have some questions, which will lead him to your blog. In sales, this would be your closing argument or statement. This is to confirm that you are indeed what he's looking for. Hopefully you have been blogging about your industry and have engaged the creative community in some worthwhile discussions on design.

Decision 10 - If you blog closes the deal, your potential client will pick up his phone (again) and give you a call, or send you an email, fill out your form, instant message you, or send you a text tellingquote you that he would like you to work on his project. The rest is up to you... Your website has now effectively done its job. Congratulations.

Keep in mind, this is only one scenario. You'll find that your clients are more informed, and will use your design blog as their introduction to your design services, so make sure to write articles that will appeal to your potential clients.

Remember: The goal is to engage your potential clients early. You want to pique their interest and keep them engaged right up until they contact you. Consider my 4C's to website conversion when developing a website for your design portfolio or company. Contact. Connect. Convince and Close
The bottom line is that you have to think like your clients in order to get their business.

What other techniques do you use to improve your website conversion?

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer? 

Get A Free Project Quote From The Styleapple Design Network: Get A Freelancer>>

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

Design Job Description: "JACK OF ALL TRADES... NOT WANTED"

I meet designers who are involved in so many areas of design it's insane.  I mean I understand how common this is, after all creativity expands.  It is normal for a designer to know and have an interest in many things creative.   I say,  continue to immerse  yourself in the creative culture.  It's a great way to add to your inspiration and design perspective.  BUT....  You should choose what area of design you want your clients to see when promoting and marketing your design business.

The social media and the advent of the global design community have made the design industry a fruitful declaration of art and creativity.  We are seeing the most talented people  ever, showcasing incredible works of  art from graphic design to fashion design to animation design and so on.  

We no longer need to find someone that can do it all.  We are looking for someone that can do it right.... Which translates to someone that eats and sleeps a certain area of design.  So If you are a fashion designer  with major illustration capabilities.  Decide which one you want to be, a designer or illustrator - at least to your clients. 

Please do not misunderstand me.  I'm not saying to stop illustrating.  What I'm simply saying is to market and promote the fact that you are a fashion designer that does beautiful illustrations of  your clothing as oppose to being a Fashion designer and an Illustrator.

Use your other assets (in this case your illustration abilities) as the supporting cast for your number one priority (Fashion Design)  This will then add value to your services rather than dilute your expertise.

We are now in the time of experts and no longer need a jack of all trades, when a specialist is a click away.

"Thanks for listening"  Just a thought I had as I was having a discussion with a good friend of mine about branding strategies for design companies  and wanted to share with my you.

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

We've been working hard, very hard these past few months on some major projects I believe will assist my designer colleagues who are looking to create some success in 2009 and beyond.

We are now in beta for our new website: www.styleapple.com which has been going very well, Thanks to all our beta testers for taking part in our bug hunting process. BTW, We are still accepting beta testers as we continue to develop the site. [Become A Beta Tester]

Branded Designers - The Agency,  Camille Wilkinson - Fashion Designer From New York City

We have also started Branded Designers - The Agency. I've always had a desire to help young designers grow their businesses. The Agency will do just that. Branded Designers - The Agency is a talent agency focused in the creative industry. We will represent a selected group of designers, providing the personalized service designers need when starting a new venture or simply finding new freelance projects.

We are currently accepting applications until we have reached our capacity. The Agency will only represent a few selected designers in order for us to effectively serve the designers we represent. All remaining applications will be placed on our waiting list.

To apply simply submit your profile on www.styleapple.com and send us an email title: Branded Designers Application, please include your name, title and location in the email.
I looking forward to working with you.

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

THE INTERVIEW

What is Your Name? Joseph Muscarella What Industry do you work in?  Graphic Design/ Art Direction What Company do you work for or own?  amplified© graphic design Website: http://www.amplified.cc/ Where  are you located? USA, NJ, Freehold Email: jmusc@amplified.cc

How long have you worked as a Designer? 10 years

Why did you get into design? As a child I found myself constantly with a pencil and paper. Unfortunately I was never a great illustrator. I grew up and started with computer graphics as a way to get my ideas out there, and everyone seemed to enjoy my work. I love taking a concept and turning it into art. I continued my education in design, and I have been involved it in every facet. Even when I had jobs that didn't require any design work I always ended up working on something graphic related. To this day I run my freelance design company, amplified© graphic design.

What 3 Characteristics do you Believe Make up a Great Designer? Creativity, Passion, Eye for balance and layout.

What Projects are you most proud of?  Power of One Fitness, Inc. Complete corporate Identity and total rework of the entire company from logo to layout of facility. www.powerofonefitness.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=655242&l=c957a&id=606608967

Spotlight Events The corporate Identity for this company alone landed this new company enough clients to get off the ground. I was said that the design made people believe in the company's professionalism. The owner Scott Cortese could not thank me enough. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=495650&l=3af42&id=606608967

Jes Makeup I am proud of this corporate identity because I created it for a friend that had a small business and it was not making any money. I did the job as a favor to her. The company's new corporate image changed the direction of the company and I am happy to say her clients are steady. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1539916&l=5c2dc&id=606608967

Do you work on all your personal projects exclusively or do you hire other designers  to work on them as well?  Personally

Name 3 Designers or design companies you would trust and hire to work on your personal or business projects:  Name: Chad Bishop Email: chad@thedeliveryagency.com Website: www.thedeliveryagency.com Name: Paul Zara Email: paulzara13@comcast.net Website: http://coroflot.com/paulzara Name: Chris Espiritu Email: espirtiu.chris@gmail.com Website: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=39589163&id=8835700#/photo.php?pid=39589163&id=8835700

 Find this designer complete profile in the dSL Project Directory.

About The dSL Project:
The dSL Project is a community of designers, clients and potential clients working together to enhance the designer-client experience. The Designers Short List Project (dSL) was developed primarily for clients not familiar with the design industry who are looking to hire a designer but cannot decide which designer or design company to choose. 

My goal is to find talented seasoned as well as emerging designers in the industry, ask them 6 basic questions every client would want to know before hiring a designer, giving them a strong starting point in their search for the right designer or design company. If you would like to be a part of this project, simply add your profile to the dSL directory and name your top 3.

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

Designer From The Ukraine Profile on Odesk.com

I talk about the global economy a lot. And the reason I do is because I'm fascinated by the business reach and earning potential of this new economy, BUT... I recently did a survey, which I will reveal the results once I've analyzed the data, but from that survey I'm under the impression that there are mainly four (4) services employers use to find designers and to fill open positions.

1) Job boards - like Style Careers, Coroflot , Monster, etc
2) Referrals - Getting referred by a friend or colleague
3) Temp agencies - like 24 Seven, Project Solvers and the likes
4) Freelance Projects Auction Sites - like Elance and Odesk.

Now 3 out of 4 of these options, the designer has somewhat of a local control more or less over the competition with which he or she can bid for the design project. But freelance auction sites like elance.com and odesk.com tend to be truly a global effort. Where you are competing with designers all over the world for a local project. Conventional thinking says that the broader your business reach the better, but is that always the case? With websites like Elance and Odesk one would suggest that an obvious flaw or lopsidedness of this type of system is perhaps the dynamic relationship between the project price and designer location.

Same Designer from the Ukraine Hourly Rate $12.22/Hr

What do I mean by this? Well let's say a company in New York decides to use odesk.com for a design project. Using current rates for local designers in New York, this project can be easily quoted at $70/hr and up. Whereas on Odesk.com that same project can be bid down to $15-$20 an hour. Therein lies the million dollar question.

Even though we are now working in a global economy, designers still live in their respective local economies with local bills to pay. How does a designer from New York, Austria or the UK compete with designers living in Africa or India?  This is obviously not a new question I'm proposing., but I would really like to get your feedback on whether or not designers find this kind of service useful when looking for new design work?

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer? 

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

THE INTERVIEW

What is Your Name? Helena Brusic What Industry do you work in?  Graphic / Web Development and Designer What Company do you work for or own?  Uni of NSW and own Kali7 Studio Website: www.kali7@kali7studio.com Where  are you located? Australia, NSW, Sydney Email: kali7@kali7studio.com

How long have you worked as a Designer? 20 years

Why did you get into design? Start life as an archaeologist illustrator and photographer, one thing led to another, then went back to uni and learnt design, and then later programming.

What 3 Characteristics do you Believe Make up a Great Designer? 1. Can listen first, research second. 2. Innovative with visual ideas. 3. Smart enought to see the big picture - beyond the design.

What Projects are you most proud of?  In poster design, an illustrated poster for Black Dog Insitute, and another for the make a wish foundation which featured a little girl. In brochure deisgn, a terrorism conference for Gilbert + Tobin Law In web design and programming, the new UNSW design Studio (which is not up yet) In advertising, Diabetes Association ad campaign. Portolios: http://publish.web.unsw.edu.au/Photogalleries/gallery1/index.html http://www.coroflot.com/Kali7

Do you work on all your personal projects exclusively or do you hire other designers  to work on them as well?  I primarily work on them all, sometimes I get other designers to take over during the editing stage, I do all concept.

Name 3 Designers or design companies you would trust and hire to work on your personal or business projects:  Name: Melinda Cook. Email: m.cook@unsw.edu.au Name: Casey Website: http://caseyg.com.au Name: ARC Email: g.rosen@arc.unsw.edu.au

 Find this designer complete profile in the dSL Project Directory.

About The dSL Project:
The dSL Project is a community of designers, clients and potential clients working together to enhance the designer-client experience. The Designers Short List Project (dSL) was developed primarily for clients not familiar with the design industry who are looking to hire a designer but cannot decide which designer or design company to choose. 

My goal is to find talented seasoned as well as emerging designers in the industry, ask them 6 basic questions every client would want to know before hiring a designer, giving them a strong starting point in their search for the right designer or design company. If you would like to be a part of this project, simply add your profile to the dSL directory and name your top 3.

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!

We hear these words tossed around the marketing round table all the time; branding, logo design, typography, personal branding, brand you, brand me, brand us. But what exactly does that mean to you. Well frankly it should mean a lot to you. With the introduction of the web base economy a company's logo design and branding are probably two of the most important factors in achieving success in today's highly competitive market.

A lot of us choose our company names way before we know what products the company will sell or what kind of service the company will offer. Our logos are based on the hottest trendiest typography that just hit the graphic design scene. We hire a graphic designer who's ‘up' on the newest trends and pay for a cool trendy logo that looks great but says nothing about our product or service.

WHEN TRENDY ISN'T COOL:

This is not an uncommon practice, especially for designer entrepreneurs. Our background in design makes us an easy target for this kind of short term thinking. Let's take the idea one step further: So you've designed your killer logo and created your website around it. 6 to 8 months later it's no longer cool to use the '28 Days Later' font for anything but a reference of what not to use. But you -Genius, you have this font in your logo... oops. Yes, my thoughts exactly. you have two options: keep the dated logo, which will more or less create an old image for your company and brand (not recommended) or redesign your logo; which will set you back about 8 months of your company's branding campaign; not to mention all the time and money that went into the logo design, business cards, marketing materials and... oh yeah, the company coffee cups.

HERE'S A BETTER IDEA:

Take a breather and think about your company's name, the product or service, your target market and your competition. Ideally you'd like to create a synergy between all these factors: The company name speaks volume about your product or service, the logo pushes that one step further, your image logo marries well with the former two and the product or service simply brings it to life and finally all together marries well with your target market.

THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE:

Please don't take what I'm saying so literal as to call your company DAN'S COW HOUSE, have a logo design with a black and white cow skin color typography and have a branded cow as your image logo, selling to local farmers. Depending on your market you may have to employ more forward thinking exploring out of box abstract ideas and concepts when branding. Remember that your design should be centered around your number one priority, your customers. Knowing your customers habits and thought process will help a great deal. Companies that have created a brand around names that may not seem literal are of course Apple, Google, Nike and Yahoo. Their vision and market shift thinking contributed greatly to their successes. I came across a cool website that gives you an idea of what people think about some of the more popular brands in the marketplace. Take a look, it may inspire you when considering your company's logo and branding strategy. And finally make sure when your logo is finally finished that your gut agrees with the decision your brain made. Happy Branding, CHEERS.

Sponsor  iPage - Small business web hosting $3.50/mo!!