idieh | design

what file formats to request once your logo is created

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:23:00 +0000

You finally realized how important your brand and identity are and decided to invest in a designer to develop and design a logo. Now, make sure you request the below file formats from your designer once the design process is all said and done. This helps you and any other designers you choose to work with down the road. Believe me, you will receive the “awesome client award” if you come to us for help on your marketing materials and when we ask you for particular design files you say, “No problem, I’ll send them right over.” Usually, though, that is not the case. More times than not we get a low-resolution JPG that has a white border around it making it almost impossible to work with.

EPS

I won’t bore you with the meaning behind EPS (okay, maybe just s little – it stands for Encapsulated PostScript), but this is one acronym that you must remember. EPS is a vector file format that allows the artwork to be resized to any size needed. This is the format usually preferred when printing because of its high quality. In other words, don’t say goodbye to your designer until you have this. (Keep in mind, this won’t be a file format you will be able to open unless you have certain design software.)

JPGs and PNGs

These two formats are used mainly on the internet , which in turn means they are smaller file sizes. They are also great to have if you wish to include an image of your logo in your email signature or if you wish to insert your logo into Word, Powerpoint, etc. (Microsoft Office Tip: If you ever have trouble inserting a JPG into an Office program, it probably means the JPG was created in a CMYK color space. Ask your designer for a RGB JPG instead.)

Remember when I was talking about what makes designers cringe (see above) - the dreadful JPG with the white box? PNGs allow for these same types of smaller file sizes to exist, but without the white background (a.k.a. they are transparent).

Keep in mind though, JPGs and PNGs are NOT resizable in terms of making them bigger. The bigger you make them, the more pixilated they will become. So, it is best to ask for JPGs and PNGs to be created at a slightly larger size than their intended end use.

PDF

I also like to include a press-ready PDF of the final design. This is just another file format that (1) I know you will be able to open and view and (2) is another format that many printers are open to working with. Many times, if the PDF is saved with all fonts outlined, these files can be opened in certain design software and somewhat be manipulated, if needed.

So let’s recap. Make sure to request an EPS, JPG, PNG and PDF from your designer and then treat these files with love. Anytime you need to create an ad, business collateral, a new website or anything that includes your logo, you will be happy that you have them. If you don't, they will have to be recreated which equals spending more money for something that you already paid for. Also, if for some reason your original designer jumps ship, you now have your company identity at your fingertips.

wedding rehearsal with western flare

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Today, we are excited to show you some fabulous photos of Kristen and David's wedding weekend, taken by Sandey of Tenuto Photography. idieh design had the pleasure of working with Kristen to design custom stationery for both her rehearsal dinner and wedding. (You'll have to come back to see the wedding!)

The gathering was outside, at the groom's parent's house, which allowed for an intimate setting that was full of personality. Kristen and David wanted a rehearsal dinner with a western flare, and that's exactly what we gave them, with a twist. Kristen provided us with the details of the linens and overall theme, and we ran with the inspiration. Instead of creating your typical horseshoe and cowboy hat kind-of-stationery, we chose to play off the linens, which, as you can see, were red and white gingham.

Isn't the photo of their shoes the cutest!?!? (LOVE the boots, Kristen!)

We had every detail covered, from the welcome sign, drink stirrers,...

...to the escort cards. And, here is the adorable couple! Doesn't the saddle make such a statement as the centerpiece?

Don't forget to visit us again to see Kristen and David's wedding stationery.

Giddy up!

Heidi

eventology 2010 | logo design

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

idieh design had the pleasure of collaborating with Katasha of K Sherrie and Company Planning Atelier to develop a logo for Eventology 2010, an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding professionals.

After an initial brainstorming session to determine what direction to take the logo, Katasha was able to convey a few elements that allowed us to really hone in on what she was looking for in the E10 logo. Navy, fuchsia and champagne were the colors of choice. Education, networking, yet fun is what she wanted the logo to communicate. Here are a few of the logos we developed during the design process (after many font and color explorations):

After a few back and forths and final refinements, this is the logo Katasha fell in love with:

The inspiration for this logo was an abstract interpretation of a talk bubble repeated to represent all the attendees of this networking event. Its modern & sleek layout keeps it simple, yet conveys so much about this two day intensive event that not only educates but allows for many valuable relationships to form.

For more information about Eventology 2010: The Science of Running a Successful Wedding Business, visit the website & blog. I hope to see you there!

When: April 19-20, 2010

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

winner announced | think pink. think strength. contest

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:08:00 +0000

From idieh | design

I am happy to announce that Taryn of Serendipity Videography is the winner of our think pink. think strength. contest.

She wrote:
"I love these!! My aunt is battling Breast Cancer and is in Chemo right now so this really hits home.

Here is my favorite Quote:

To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the biggest hazard in life is to risk nothing....Girls Guide To Quote Of The Day"

Congratulations Taryn and I hope this little package of hope helps your aunt continue the battle and conquer the cancer!

we WILL beat cancer,
Heidi

Until Next Year...

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I would like to give one last shout out to my favorite holiday, Halloween. This year I had the brilliant idea of throwing my first Halloween party. The best part is I talked one of my friends into having the party at their house - I would just be in charge of decorations. So, after a week full of ups and downs and a few mental breakdowns, I managed to pull off a kick ass party with decorations I can't wait to use again next year! What do you think?

From idieh | design

Pictured above, top left is my cocoon man, which I must say I am VERY proud of. I made this scary creature out of crumpled paper, fabric, gauze, and spider web. At the beginning all I could think of is "Why do I do this to myself" but in the end I thought it was perfect! Next is the mad scientist lab with jars full of human body parts and custom labels. Then, the Witch's Blood Punch was a huge hit! Who knew blood was so tasty! I also designed labels for wine bottles that said "Poison" and "Drink Me." The guests definitely did not go hungry with cat eyes, yummy mummies, witch's fingers, goulish cookies, and skeleton bones. And, of course, you can't have a Halloween party without dry ice and the fog machine.

All in all, everyone had an awesome time and I'm sure by this time next year I'll be ready to tackle the task all over again, forgetting what I put myself through this year. Oh, what we do for the holidays!

And, in true style, I'll leave you with this:

"Holy Holidays, Batman, Can't Wait Until Next Year!"

From idieh | design

idieh design contest | think pink. think strength.

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:42:00 +0000

From idieh | design

idieh design is thrilled to announce our first giveaway in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to promote Pink Initiative, a collection of wedding industry professionals and private donors dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer. We recently joined this initiative and are so excited to donate to such a great cause!

We designed an ensemble consisting of three blank note cards, a bookplate, three inspirational cards, and a handmade bookmark. In addition to the ensemble, the lucky winner will receive a copy of Matthew Kelly's, The Book of Courage.

From idieh | design

The idea behind the giveaway is that this gift package would be a great gift for someone struggling with breast cancer. And, more importantly, The Book of Courage contains a coupon which can be mailed to Courage for Cancer with the name and address of someone you know who is suffering from cancer. Courage for Cancer will then forward a complimentary copy of the book to the person you nominate, along with a letter from Matthew Kelly encouraging them in their struggle. (Courage for Cancer is an initiative of The Matthew Kelly Foundation.)

To win this inspirational and unique stationery ensemble, all you have to do is comment on this post with your favorite inspirational quote. Comment by Friday, October 30th, 11:59pm MST to be eligible to win. I will announce the winner during the week of November 2nd.

If you don't win and would love to purchase this ensemble, they are $35 each with $16 donated directly to the Pink Initiative and the remaining covering the cost of the book and shipping and handling. If you would like to make a difference directly, make your own donation to the Pink Initiative here.

think pink. think strength.

Heidi

The Real Deal | idieh design

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

idieh design is thrilled to announce that our very own save the date design, Modern Paisley, was chosen and is now available for sale on Minted.com! And, you can even get address labels to match!

From Minted.com

This save the date was inspired by an invitation ensemble we created for a super cute and totally in love couple. And, the bride was also in love with, you guessed it, paisley. She wanted the casual yet stylish Anthropologie vibe and that's what we gave her.

This save the date would be perfect for the couple who are fun and fantastic and want their guests to know their wedding day will be nothing short of that! If this is the perfect save the date to announce your big day, get yours here. And then come see us for all your other wedding stationery needs!

Smiles!

Heidi

Coding for Wedding Invitations?

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

No, the image isn't having problems loading. This is a QR code. You know, a Quick Response Code, which is mainly used for marketing, but I have other ideas for this nifty new technology.

Quick response codes allow people to use a smartphone to take a picture (scan) of a "barcode" (example shown above) that will then direct them to a particular link, image, or text. There's no need to type long web addresses or links. Simply point, click and your phone will know where to go.

Of couse, you need some type of software to read the QR codes and there are plenty out there. I chose the "QR app" for my iphone and it is SUPER easy to use. Go download yours now for FREE (just search "QR app" on your iphone) and see where the above code takes you. ;) You can even create your own QR code here.

QR codes can be used on all types of media such as packaging, posters, direct mailers, billboards, apparel, websites, emails and the list goes on and on.

Here are a few examples of how QR codes are currently being used:

Want to pay for your Starbucks? Use a QR code.
What about a t-shirt designed for basketball player Kobe Bryant? Fans would be able to scan the QR code on Bryant's shirt to get his stats. (Forbes.com) How cool is that?

So, I was thinking. Could brides use this on their wedding invitations to maybe direct guests to their unique website? Or what about a QR code for directions to the ceremony location? Maybe next to your list of accommodations you could put a QR code for a link to each hotel.

What do you think about this new form of technology? Do you think it will be the next big thing?

Welcome to idieh design!

heidi@idiehdesign.com (Heidi @ idieh | design) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:40:00 +0000

From idieh | design

Hello! Welcome to "what's the big idieh," idieh design's blog. It's finally time for us to join the blogging world. We are thrilled to soon announce the release of our new site, along with many new and exciting things in store for us. Stop by often to see all the things we {heart}: inspirational images and unique "idiehs", innovative products and fabulous people, and, of course, a display of some of our very own work. We hope you stop by often! We can't wait to get started!!

If you have any suggestions about what you would like us to blog about, let us know!

Ready, set, go...

Have a fabulous day,
Heidi