Dear Tyra:
The two tools that we use for email stationery design are Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Most of our designs are inspired by existing web sites so there is not much true graphic design required. We do a lot of manipulation of screen captures and focus on layout more than design.
As for creating branding solutions, this is more complex than people might think as there are so many facets. I know of Realtors that pay $ 7500.00 for a complete branding from the new headshot, a new logo, colors and fonts and a stationery package.
You can see a few examples of my branding projects in a blog post I wrote at http://themarketingguy.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/recent-business-card-designs/
Keep in mind that a Brand is intangible. It is the meaning or feelings you associate with a service, company or product. If ten people are asked to describe your business or product, you may get different descriptions, however, it is the similarities that are the brand.
A Brand is not a logo. A logo only identifies the brand; it is an entry point.
A Brand is not a product. Many people talk about managing their brand, but they really are managing their product. The brand is often the reason we buy the product.
Mike
Mike Blaney
Marketing Guy
www.mikeblaney.com for marketing ideas
www.inboxfx.com for email stationery
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
604-618-5512
800-568-8338
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Thanks Mike. I agree that a brand is more than most of us realize or understand. I am currently learning/using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. While I have a pretty good eye for design, I look forward to learning more of the "how to" details of correctly creating email stationery. For example, how to use a custom email signature without it appearing as an image attachment? How to properly setup the email letterhead? How to be certain that the email is not too large in size and does not land in the SPAM box? Obviously you have figured out the answers to these questions. I am positioning myself to get these answers and find the appropiate resources so I can learn how to offer the best/most effective solutions for my clients!
Congrats on your creative service offerings. It's nice to see someone provide creative solutions!
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