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Dave Pugh

Jun 25
Love1

What if I don’t have a name?

By Logo design No Comments

Naming your company can be extremely difficult and a draining process. Whichever name we choose it will never sound right when it’s brand new and has no history or stature to it. In fact the names that we pick out that we think do sound perfect will inevitably be in use already. In the video here David guides though a way of finding unique names, how to protect those names and the 3 most important things to consider when you name your company. This talk was from the Entrepower Academy Branding Mastermind in 2018.

May 20
Love0

Why do you need to invest in a good Graphic Designer?

By Graphic Design No Comments

First impressions count!

We all know people make snap judgements, it only takes 1/10th of a second to form a first impression about a person. Websites are no different! Your logo design and page graphic design is the first thing visitors will see. You need to ensure your business looks and performs its very best online. Your visitors are getting exactly what they need.

It takes around 0.06 seconds (that’s 60 milliseconds) for users to form an opinion about your website

and business that determines whether they like it or not. Most importantly whether they will stay on the site or leave.

Many businesses face a high bounce rate problem and that’s due to poor website navigation and poor quality graphic design. Some businesses cut corners by hiring non-experienced freelance graphic designers and freelance logo designers especially in London.  You may save a little money to begin with, but you will lose revenue in the long run if your website does not look professional and engaging. Visitors also leave web pages quickly and move to competitors due to lack of content, no call-to-action buttons and simply because the site is boring, has no colour or dimension!

EYES-low-res

The first impression can depend on many factors such as the structure, colours, fonts, relevant content, symmetry, spacing and much more. David Pugh is a renowned freelance graphic designer with 10 years commercial experience! He has worked with top clients in London and other major cities around the world.  With an impressive portfolio showing business’s who have achieved targets and conversions due to the quality behind their logos.

It takes 2.6 seconds for a user’s eyes to land on that area of a website that most influences their first impressions

Researchers monitored eye movements of students as they scanned web pages. Researchers analysed the eye-tracking data.  To determine how long it took for the prospects to focus on specific sections on the pages.  This could be the logo, a particular image and social media icons before they move on to another section of the web page. David Pugh freelance graphic designer

Conclusion –   The better the first impression, the longer visitors stay on your page!

You need a good digital freelance graphic designer who will enhance your landing pages. All marketing material from merchandise to logos. If you have been looking for a freelance graphic designer in London then stop right here and check out David Pugh’s work!

David Pugh is always keeping update to date with the graphic design industry, software and tools. Every project has been engaging, his work really pushes businesses!   Give David a quick call and get a free quote!

Feb 09
Love0

A Graphic Designer Will Kick-start Your Business

By Graphic Design

If you have decided to make the brave leap into the world of business it is essential that your company starts off on the right foot with the right Graphic Designer. Whatever it is you are planning to do it’s a sure fire thing that the competition will be high, but don’t worry, as there is a way to pull the odds back in your favour, working with the right Graphic Designer.

This is a powerful weapon in business. It is as vital as dressing to impress at your first meeting, or arriving to that meeting in a top of the range Mercedes. Perception is everything in business. Human beings are naturally judgemental, in fact.. statistics show that it only takes around 0.4 seconds for one person to judge another based on appearance. In that time the person opposite has assessed you, made up their mind about your level of intelligence, success, attractiveness, business sense and will assign a level of respect to you accordingly.

It’s the same for your new company. It starts with the branding through logo identity. Read more here about Logo Branding

The very first thing that you need to build as a new business is the brand. what do you stand for? What are your brand values? What is unique about you and your business proposition? How can that be visually represented in a way that is simple, elegant and powerful.

logo branding designs by David Pugh

The next most important thing will be your business card. Why is that so important? You will need to have meetings, you will need to discuss your business with trading partners and potential customers, you might need to get someone with capital to take you seriously, then you seal that interaction by handing over a breath taking business card. It’s printed on high quality thick card, or plastic, the texture of the material is interesting.  Perhaps the shape is unique and mirrors the brand or industry in some way. Whatever you do, do not underestimate the power of this piece of your business. The person talking to you will take it away, keep it, show other people, they might think to themselves “oh that’s clever” You want them to go away with a sense that you have a creative edge, you think outside the box and are not afraid to be bold in your decisions. It also shows that you value your craft, you are prepared to invest and you are 100% committed to it. As a creative graphic designer, I invested time and money in my card, and it ALWAYS has impact. Remember what I said above, people are judgmental, but this can work in your favour when you hand over a unique business card at the end of your chat.

innovative business card designs

After they have your impressive business card, the very next thing they will look at is your website. Do you have the right URL? Can you get hold of a .com or .co.uk domain? Is your email address linked to your domain or are you using a hotmail or gmail account? Each of these factors will also be judged, so it’s important that the website has something on it even just a holding page with contact details. Budgets are often quite low at the first stages of a business and so the bare minimum has to be a single page website containing some photos, contact details and company ethos.

Try to avoid the common mistake of a message saying “Full website coming soon” In my experience, this is a meaningless statement. A much more powerful message would be “Full website launch planned for July 2015” Be specific, as this may draw customers back to check it in July, and also gives your own company a target to get a fully functioning site ready that can attract customers through google searches or adwords.

holding pages

Marketing Advice and Strategy. When I get involved with new businesses, I not only give my own expert advise on the direction and look for their design, I also offer a valuable fresh insight in to the viability of the business and constructive feedback on strategies for success. During my time as a Graphic Designer, I have helped over 100 businesses start from scratch, I have seen who has been successful and can work out the key factors of success moving forwards. Customer’s perception of you and your business is vitally important. If your business was a product on a supermarket shelf, then your website, business card and logo is the packaging of that product. People buy on first impressions, people like what resonates with them, what they can trust and believe in, do it right and you can make an impact on your industry where customers and competitors will take you seriously.

Get in contact today for free consultation.

Jan 05
Love0

The Advantages of Working with a Freelance Web Designer

By Web design

If you’re searching for, or have ever needed the expert services of a graphic designer, then you’ll appreciate just how much choice is out there, especially with the London graphic designer market. A sometimes baffling display of design agencies and freelance web designers are all vying for your attention, so how do you know which one is right for you?

Well a lot of research and detailed communication with the graphic designer will go a long way, as will evaluating previous work and choosing based on ideas and designs which really speak to you. But one of the most important decisions you will be faced with is whether you choose to work with a freelance web designer or a larger design agency.

As a freelance London graphic designer, I’d always advise working with a freelance specialist. But don’t just take my word for it. Research shows that more and more businesses are seeing the benefits of working with freelance professionals as an alternative to agencies, and not just in design, but also with writing, security and financial services.

Here are just some of the benefits to choosing a freelance web designer:

  • Flexibility. Freelance web designers can offer far more flexibility than a large agency that will have many levels of management and development to work through. This means changes and updates to designs can be implemented more quickly, helping you keep up with the competition.
  • Competitive pricing. With fewer overheads, a freelance web designer can almost always provide a more attractive quote.
  • Integrity. Reputation and recommendation is vitally important to freelancers who will usually go the extra mile for the client.
  • Personal service. Many customers fear contacting large design agencies. This is because they’re concerned about never being able to talk to the same person twice, or worried about being pressured into spending money on needless design features or accepting designs that they’re not completely happy with. Obviously this isn’t how all large design organisations work, but it’s easy to see why many clients feel this way. By working with a freelance web designer, you can be sure that they’ll always have time to talk directly with and readily welcome the input of the client. In fact, as a London graphic designer, it’s always important to meet local clients and ensure the highest standards of service and communication.
  • Thorough aftercare. Continued support for updates, events, promotions and social media opportunities is a real priority for a freelance web designer, who is well placed to provide a high standard of aftercare.
  • Excellent standard of work. This should go without saying, but freelance web designers will work to the same high standards that you would expect from any design professional. However, enjoying more freedom, they often exceed the output of more regulated design companies.

So whether you’re looking for a London graphic designer or web designer, reconsider the great service and creativity that a freelance professional can offer.

Nov 30
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A Visual Designer for Your Design for Print Needs

By Print Design

Print work is all about attention to detail and awareness of the colour implications of screen to print. Striking high-resolution graphics, compelling photography, and image manipulation are the benchmarks of print design by David Pugh. With over ten years of experience in the field of print design, you can be assured that you are going to be working with a visual designer who knows exactly how to deliver what you want.

A visual designer knows how to pull together the elements of a design to create piece that is not only attractive, but effective as well. The focus is always on the aesthetics of the project. All of the images, fonts, and colours need to work together to get your message and your purpose across to your audience.

There are many elements included in design for print, and they all come together to create a final piece. Some of those elements include lines that connect two points and are used to make divisions, define shapes, and create textures. If lines are straight, they have direction, width, and length. The colour palette includes combinations and choices that add emphasis, depth, and contrast to help with the organization of information. An experienced designer understands how colour theory can have a psychological impact on end users.

Design for print also includes typography, which refers to the specific typefaces that are used, as well as their alignment, size, and spacing. The texture is the perception of how the surface should feel or how it actually feels. A repeated element forms a pattern, and this applied texture can attract or deter attention. A good visual designer understands how three-dimensional objects are formed and how several shapes are combined and can be enhanced with tones, colours, and textures.

A visual designer uses certain principles to bring the many design elements together in a way that makes the most sense. Unity is the way that all of the elements on the page are visually or conceptually brought together. The design must have a balance between variety and unity so that there is no dull or overwhelming design. White space is an important part of a layout strategy and is always defined when something is placed in it. In a good visual design project, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. The audience should always see the overall design instead of the individual elements. When all of the elements are properly arranged, then, the complete design becomes very effective.

Balance is when a perception is created that there is equal distribution. Balance does not, however, imply symmetry. Scale is a range of sizes and is a creation of interest and depth based on how items stand in relation to one another. Contrast puts the focus on ensuring that the items stand out with relation to direction, colour, and size. Hierarchy is the difference between items such as colours, font sizes, and placement on the page. For example, important items are placed at the top of the page. If you are looking for a visual designer to pull all of these important design for print principles together and provide you with a stunning end project, contact David Pugh.

Oct 09
Love0

Let’s Talk About Creativity

By Graphic Design

As you may have seen in the A, B, C of web design, one of the three most important things a website must do is look good. It must be aesthetically pleasing and enticing to users.

And although it may seem obvious, it’s important to remember just how crucial aesthetics are to every job a graphic designer does, whether that’s web design, re branding a logo or a design for print. It’s easy to get bogged down in other elements of design, such as compatibility for a website, and forget just how important looks are in every single job a freelance graphic designer takes on.

Mem Ferda photoshop design

Now exciting and original aesthetics need to come from somewhere. And for a graphic designer to stay on top of their game they need to be, and stay, creative. Creativity will ensure bold and eye catching new designs, show off a product in an exciting new way and enthuse customers.

In fact, when you do your research to find the right London freelance graphic designer for a job, most of the research done online will be visual; looking for creativity, originality and designs that speak to you. A good graphic designer, after all, is someone who can convey a message or promote a product in an innovative way. And do it better than everyone else.

Without that spark of creativity, a graphic designer’s work simply won’t excite and it won’t meet the brief of many clients.

 

The Quest of a Freelance Graphic Designer

So a popular question that freelance graphic designers get asked a lot is ‘how do you stay creative?’ And there isn’t a simple answer. But living and breathing graphic design as a real passion certainly helps and as well as absorbing everything feasibly possible in the design world.

Judy Mooch Album Design

As a freelance graphic designer in London, there is inspiration on every corner. So it’s important to look around, always be open to new ideas, and take inspiration from anywhere you can find it and at any time. Working with exciting and inspiring clients also helps, and whether you speak to them face to face or just over Skype, a good product and interesting brief will always spark creativity. And this is one reason why communication should be so important to any freelance graphic designer, whether they are based in London or further afield.

But creativity also comes from experience and meticulous research into the industry you are designing for. A London freelance graphic designer shouldn’t only research other London based competition for a new website, for example, but search through every other site possible. Once you have evaluated the competition then you are free to be creative and do better than them. To be creative and original a good freelance graphic designer simply has to know everything else out there.

So thorough research, being open to new ideas, flexibility, communication and taking inspiration from every source imaginable will certainly help a designer find that creative spark. And as a freelance graphic designer in London, being based in the hub of the design world certainly helps.

Oct 01
Love0

What you should know before Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer

By Graphic Design

When you are surfing the internet on the look for a freelance graphic designer there are several very important points that you should keep in mind. Or, more importantly, several things that will help you find the right freelance graphic designer for you (which is much more important than finding someone who is simply ‘good’).

1 Create a Project List.

Compose a list of everything you want your graphic designer to do, that way you have a point of reference when meeting your designer for the first time. If your designer knows fully what is expected of them it is less likely that you will not receive a service you are happy about. It will also help to make sure that all elements of their work for you will be related.

2 Do your Research.

Don’t just settle for the first freelance graphic designer you stumble upon. Take a look at their past work and create a list of your favourite designers. Also make sure to look at the testimonials of their past clients if they were not personally recommended to you. What types of clients have they had and, most importantly, what type of experience have they had doing the tasks that you are after. Do not be afraid to email or phone designers asking for more examples of their work, you must be sure that you actually like their style before hiring them.

demographic of graphic design enquiries

Alternatively, you can post a job role on Indeed or other job websites and let potential designers contact you. This can help ensure that you narrow down your ‘favourites’ to people who genuinely have the time to complete the work you are asking for.

However, before you seriously get in touch with any freelance graphic designer you must be sure of your budget. Be prepared, if you are looking to hire a highly experienced designer then it is likely that their work won’t come cheap. Due to this it can be tempting to look for amateurs  who charge less, you may not receive consistent results from them and may be forced to go through the whole process again, ultimately costing you more money than if you had just hired a more experienced graphic designer in the first place! If your initial start-up budget is tight, it is a good tip that many highly skilled designers will be open to negotiate their posted prices in exchange for consistent, ongoing work with your company.

Interview everyone on your list. You may have fallen in love with the first person you talk to, however, there may be someone even better just around the corner. Do not be afraid to talk money and deadlines. These are very important aspects to make these clear as early as possible. It’s key to both of you after all!

All of these above points are vital as they will save you both time and money in the long run. It will also ensure that your company’s brand does not become confused and that all aspects of your ‘public’ appearance gives off the same image. Mutual understanding is the key to mutual happiness.

Oct 06
Love0

How important is the right logo designer for your business?

By Logo design

Think about some of the most successful businesses on any high street in the UK – McDonald’s, Starbucks, Argos – what do they all have in common? They all have a strong, recognisable logo and branding which ensures that they are memorable to customers. You might not think that a logo is important; in fact, your logo is the first impression a customer will have of your business. If your logo is unprofessional or badly designed – or has spelling errors – this creates a bad impression of your business and people may perceive you as less reliable.

logo designer examples classic brands by a logo designer

Spend some money

It doesn’t have to cost the earth to hire a logo designer; London is packed with professional graphic designers who can create a strong logo and branding for your business without charging through the roof. But the old saying is true, “You get what you pay for.” Spend a bit of time finding somebody who can work with you and bring your ideas to life, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect logo that represents your brand and ethos.

Choose the right logo designer

Today, logos can be bold, colourful and eye-catching, but the simplest logos are still the best. Remember that your logo won’t always be viewed the way you intend, so the strongest logos look as good in black and white as they do in colour. Your logo is the ‘face’ of your brand, so it should say something about your business and make it obvious what you do. It’s as important as your business name. It’s far easier to get your logo right after a few drafts than it is to change it five years down the line, when you’ll need to change your website, business cards and stationery, which all costs money!

Send the right message

Your logo should also suit your brand – if you’re running a legal firm, you probably want a fairly corporate logo, whereas a fun cupcake bakery can get away with a more colourful, playful logo. Ensure that your logo sends the right message to your customers. Of course, choosing the best graphic designer to create your logo takes the hard work out of this; they’ll be experienced in designing logos for all kinds of businesses, so they’ll be able to take your initial ideas and turn them into something that perfectly represents your business.

The perfect logo is essential in order for your business to be successful; it should be simple, memorable and help your brand stand out in a crowd.

Sep 29
Love0

Looking to Hire a Professional Freelance Graphic Designer?

By Graphic Design

Representing an incredible achievement of technology, the graphic artist’s ability to produce stunningly beautiful works of art in a purely digital space is one of the most amazing and defining elements of our modern landscape.

Unhindered by so many of the constraints of traditional mediums, of physical limitations, of practical issues, the artist is able to realise their creative vision in a manner previously unheard of. With this spirit of glimpsing new vistas of artistic possibilities in mind, David Pugh has spent ten years as a professional freelance graphic designer, honing his lifelong skills of realising works of art.

a typical freelance graphic designer project logo design

A Variety of Services

Today, graphic designers are employed at a wide host of tasks, from creating entire brands, envisioning unforgettable logos, creating blockbuster film heroes, making something as eye catching as possible in a vast sea of forces competing for ones attention. From logo design to character art, graphic designers truly have their work cut out for them to achieve a mastery of their trade.

Freelance Graphic Designer offers a wide variety of services which tap into David’s extensive repertoire of experience, including but hardly limited to: logo design, business card design, brochure design, headed paper, promotional designs, flyers, CD and merchandising artwork, posters, and even full web design.

Many Mediums, One Freelance Graphic Designer

While the digital realm might be the primary focus of the graphics artist – the artisan’s workshop which produces the final master pieces – their art is widely varied and often embodies many mediums. Indeed, David is familiar with the challenges of screen to print and other issues which present themselves to artists looking to put their creative endeavours into multiple mediums. Regardless of your needs for printing or however you plan to display the art work, David’s careful eye for detail ensures you’ll find his final product aesthetically pleasing.

Freelance Flexibility

Operating as a freelancer, David handles each client as an important business opportunity. The freedom of freelancing has allowed him to continually develop as an artist throughout his professional career and given him a large amount of influence in his artistic style as well as his professional output. His clients have included media giants like the BBC, award winning television show Top Gear, MTV, Hilton, Kellogg’s, Mercedes AMG and a host of other clients and companies. His work can be found on websites and in various forms of print around the world.

Consultation Every Step Of The Way

One of the strengths of a graphic designer is their ability to communicate continuously with clients and business owners to ensure that the product realised is a quality and serviceable piece, no matter what type of freelance graphic designer project it maybe. Utilising years of practical experience and training, David assists every step in the way with the design, tweaking and final touches of each piece, keeping the client in the loop as much as desired. If you have only a vague notion of what you want, you can flesh it out in conversation until the design is to your liking. If you have exacting specifications, they can be realised as clearly as they can be communicated.

Click here to contact David Pugh today

Sep 10
Love0

Do you really need a graphic designer for your website?

By Graphic Design

Having a website these days is essential. Whether you are a new business, a charity, a global company, or an individual freelancer, your website is the most powerful tool you own for marketing, brand awareness and generating sales. Your website is where people will find out information about you, where they go to buy your products and to contact you. Without a website, you practically don’t exist.

And because a website is so important, no matter how large or small your organisation, it is essential that it showcases your business in the best possible light. And that is why you need a professional graphic designer on board.

It might seem like an unnecessary outlay, especially if you’re just starting out or working to a tight budget.  Maybe you understand a little bit about web design and have excellent creative flair, or know an enthusiastic friend or family member who wants to help. But the money spent on working with a graphic designer will pay off many times over in the future.  And all good graphic designers will really value your creative input and understanding of design, so that knowledge of yours will help the partnership flourish and return even better results.

A website designed by a graphic design expert will improve traffic, optimise clicks, improve user experience, enhance browse-ability and create a long lasting, professional layout. How? Well a graphic designer understands what a user wants from a website and designs pages specifically for your target audience. They can also work with more advanced processes, such as responsive design, SEO and development, ensuring a robust, well made, streamlined and fresh website.

Now, if you are a London based company, you will already know just how competitive the London graphic design market is. There are lots of graphic designers based in London who want to compete for your business, so you need to consider carefully when choosing.

  • Look at their website (it really is key to generating business). Do their ideas and designs excite you?
  • Investigate who the graphic designer has worked with previously. Association with well known brands demonstrates respect within the industry and a professional approach.
  • Do they have experience in your sector? This is vital for a graphic designer to understand your target market and the specific needs of your site.
  • It’s also often important for you, the client, to find a local designer. If you are based in London, finding a local London graphic design expert will make it easier to have face to face meetings, which, in turn, will generate more in-depth, productive consultations.
  • A London graphic designer based close to you will also be on hand for future work, such as website redesigns, product launches and new web campaigns. Building a lasting relationship with your graphic designer really is key here.

So if you are looking for a graphic designer in London, do your research, get quotes and start having consultations. You are guaranteed to start seeing improved results straight away.