Design w/Chon: Self-Promotion

One of the hard things for me to do is set aside time to promote my business and that is huge since that is one key way to get new business beyond referrals. I have been trying to design a brochure that highlights all of my design assets for months now, but it has been neglected. I did accomplish designing and printing my business cards months ago, thank goodness.

Well, recently since I worked on a few projects for the launch of the Hasana representing a luxury, lifestyle brand with great accessories and handbag designs for the fun, classic and feminine girl, I had to create a quick promotional piece that was going into gift bags for customers that attended the preview party. And in this quick turnaround time, the promotional brochure that I created for their launch party might actually end up being something that I get massed produced since I got great feedback from it. One thing down and one more to go. Now, I need to tackle a revamp of my website so it's more beneficial to me and prospective clients.

For my promotional leave-behinds, I wanted it to be sleek, simple and memorable, along with communicating my range of design skills. I bought 4 x 4 x 2 black pin-striped boxes, and enclosed it with personalized gourmet, dark chocolate covered almonds dusted with cocoa powder, my tri-fold promotional brochure, and sealed with a hot, magenta ribbon and my business card. Everyone thought it was a perfect, understated, and they loved the scrumptious, edible treat. :)

If anyone out there needs help with self-promotions, or even favor ideas for special events, I can certainly help you personalize it so it will be all you.

{Business Card, Promotional Brochure & Favor Box designed by Chon}

Design w/Chon: My Travelscape Logo & Identity

My work life lately...
I have been up to a lot of good design projects lately for people that I know, and I am glad to help these people in their future businesses. A big step in starting any new business is your logo. It's a huge thing considering it's one of the first things that individuals will see to represent your business. And let's not forget, a logo design also gives a first impression to the personality of your company, and of course, you want the logo to be inviting.

This first project I am revealing to you today is for my sister-in-law, Nisha, and her new business venture, My Travelscape. She recently just started her new boutique travel agency that focuses on personalization & true customization of vacation packages to suit your lifestyle and taste. She does all the research to the latest trends in travel destinations & cuisine and truly offers top quality service. She'll give you more attention to your travel needs versus your major travel search engines like Expedia and Orbitz. From her own travel experiences, she'll tell you about the best mom & pop pizza shop in Italy that isn't your mainstream restaurant. And she is there with you every step of the way from the time you board the plane to your destination, til when you return, and set foot in your home. Who wouldn't want that from their travel agent?

Business card (front/back):

Now let's get into the design. For her logo, she wanted something fun, definitely not conventional, modern, and of course, something that communicates travel. I presented her with 3 ideas, and this seemed to be the clear winner amongst everyone, and it was my recommendation, too. The word "my" has the handwritten personal touch of her services and the simplified plane icon is cute and memorable. And to accompany it, I created a custom pattern with icons that touches on different points of travel from conventional to the unconventional – plane, a cruise boat/yacht, hot air balloon, and a scooter (on the iPhone case). On the reverse side of the business card, I thought a tag line would help define the business to her audience – "your customized escape to the world". Nisha truly wants to provide her clients with an escape to a world of relaxation & exploration, and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

All of her materials (business card, stationery & direct mail) are on press right now and should hopefully be done printing in the next week or so. I can't wait to see the final product. Once I get it, I will post the final product for everyone to see. The printed product is always so much better looking.

One great thing about creating a custom pattern, it helps with building up your brand image. As you can see, I applied the design to the iPhone case, and it's being printed as we speak, too!

Custom iPhone Case (back-side):

{Logo & Identity System designed by Chon}

If anyone out there needs a custom designed iPhone for yourself, or your business, email me at designwithchon@gmail.com! Also, if you're interested to explore Nisha's services, you can email her at mytravelscape@gmail.com, or give her a call today at 630.504.3016. Don't bother with her website yet, it's currently being built.

Stay tuned for my next logo design for another start-up business. ;)