Shadowcat Creative

- DREAM BIG - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "One truth I have discovered for sure: When you believe that all things are possible and you are willing to work hard to accomplish your goals, you can achieve the next “impossible” dream. No dream is too high." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, here's a wonderful quote from Buzz Aldrin that can apply to everything in life, including business. it's definitely something I am embracing in the second part of 2019 - big dream...s, big goals and big achievements. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fun fact: my dad once spoke to Buzz on the phone. I think it was a defining moment for him (my dad that is) since he's a big space nerd - just like me! #shadowcatcreative #brochuredesign #branddesigner #brandidentity #branding #logodesign #graphicdesign #freelancedesigner #freelancelife #design #smallbusiness #independentbusiness #reachforthemoon #onesmallstep #dreambig
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- PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - I've spent the last couple of days at the @cim_marketing beautiful Moor Hall venue studying Brand Strategy. Although I have worked and developed brands for the last 12 years, it was wonderful to work through this Brand Masterclass to really dig deep into each building block of brand building and creating a fictional (ahem may not be fictional for long) new brand. It has helped me re-articulate how I run my brandstorming sessions with my clients so ...I feel now we can dig even deeper into your brand strategy before crafting the perfect brand. If you'd like to find out more, please do get in touch! #learnibg #development #knowledgesponge #brandstrategy #branddesigner #shadowcatcreative #happytobehome #designer #graphicdesign #independentbusiness @ CIM Moor Hall
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- PROUD -
When you attend @b2bexpos in Portsmouth and see one of the logos you designed literally everywhere!
Massive shout out and well done to Maddy of @myvipcard1 for a great stand and a sustainable giveaway with a massive brand awareness boost!
... #shoplocal
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- WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON -
We are officially on day 10 of the @thetypefacegroup #theindieway challenge! Today is to share what you're working on but I can't!! I can add intrigue with some vague descriptions but I don't want to ruin the unveiling of all the wonderful brands I'm currently working on!
So I am currently working on quite a few projects including a sophisticated marketing brand, a adventurous animal brand, a sweet roller banner, a murderous brochure, nutritious f...act sheets and an extra pair of hands and that's not all!
Super busy in the Shadowcat Studio and I am loving the variety of businesses and brands that I am creating and working with. I'm very grateful to each of my clients for choosing to work with me so thank you all 💙💙💙
#shadowcatcreative #brochuredesign #branddesigner #brandidentity #branding #logodesign #graphicdesign #freelancedesigner #freelancelife #design #smallbusiness #independentbusiness
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- TOP TIP - DAY 9 OF @thetypefacegroup #theindieway challenge is to share your top tip.
I'm cheating and sharing three because they have all helped me today alone so are equally important.
... 1. FIND YOUR CREW Find the people who support and encourage you and make you feel like you have got this. They will believe in you when you don't. Celebrate with you when you succeed and support you every step of the way. They are so important.
2. NETWORK TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Don't go to sell, go to meet people, listen to their stories and advice, share tips and make connections. If you see networking as a business card swap you are missing out on so much.
3. DON'T FORGET THERE'S A WORLD OUT THERE I left the house at 7.25am for the day job, got home at 6pm and finished working for dinner at 11pm. It's easy to forget that there is a world away from work but make the effort. I've become a bit of a gardener (who knew!) and spend a bit of time every day in and around the veggies, herbs and flowers. It's good for the mind, body and soul. Find something outside of your work to hold a place in your day.
So, those are my top tips for the day - what are yours? #shadowcatcreative #brochuredesign #branddesigner #brandidentity #branding #logodesign #graphicdesign #freelancedesigner #freelancelife #design #smallbusiness #independentbusiness
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- BEST ADVICE - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Day 8 of @thetypefacegroup #theindieway challenge is to share the best piece of advice you have been given. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've had so many words of wisdom since I first started but this has stuck with me since college. ... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It simple, easy to remember and relevant I'm so many situations.Don't tell your customers how good your product or service is, show them. Don't tell them what to do, show them. Don't tell them why they should buy from you, show them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I guess it's similar to 'actions speak louder than words' mixed with a dollop of 'lead by example' in a nifty 3 word package (and I do love the number 3). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Bish bash bosh. Jobs a goodun. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #shadowcatcreative #brochuredesign #branddesigner #brandidentity #branding #logodesign #graphicdesign #freelancedesigner #freelancelife #design #smallbusiness #independentbusiness
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- BUSINESS BIRTHDAY -
Today is Shadowcat Creative's second birthday! Two years ago, I nervously posted onto my facebook timeline to say I was starting my own business and here we are today!
I still work full time as lead designer for a corporate and run Shadowcat alongside, so I am chuffed with these stats I pulled together to share with you all. I have been a busy bee 🐝😺
... I have achieved so much, worked with a wonderful array of businesses and wish I could tag every one of you but there are A LOT of you now!
Thank you so much for all your support for the last two years. Birthday hugs to all the new friends I've made, all the local businesses who have inspired and helped me and of course to all you wonderful, WONDERFUL folks who have chosen to work with and recommend me. I've had a blast and can't wait to build my business further and support even more of you.
Have a marvellous weekend all - I'm off to celebrate by hunting dinosaurs and maybe having a little BBQ.
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- BEST SELLING SERVICE - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ Day 5 of @typefacegroup #theindieway challenge for July is to share your best selling service. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I offer a range of design services including brochure and everyday graphic design but my most popular are my branding services. This is perfect as they're my favourite too! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
... Logo design is included as part of your brand identity package and I craft a bespoke brand for you and your business. This includes strategy on how to implement, a wealth of knowledge and support and even some printed goods to get you started. Your brand needs to grow with you and your business so we work together through the process to make sure you're all set for the future. I offer three levels to choose from that include more with each so take a look on my website (link in bio). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I offer monthly payment plans on all my packages so you can afford that new brand (with the bells and whistles) without breaking the bank. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ I'm fully booked for branding projects in July but I have started taking booking for August so please get in touch for a free chat to see if we're the purrrfect match and let's get you booked in.
#shadowcatcreative #brochuredesign #branddesigner #brandidentity #branding #logodesign #graphicdesign #brandexpert #freelancedesigner #freelancelife #design #smallbusiness #independentbusiness
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- FLAT LAY - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Day 4 of #theindieway challenge from @typefacegroup is to show your business in a flat lay. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've had a bit (understatement) of a busy day and in between working and meetings and a rather exciting evening at @myvipcard Award Launch Party, I did manage to snap this super quick photo whilst I was packaging up some business cards for delivery. I love adding these little touches for my clients whether it's business cards or branding.
... Pop me a message if you'd like to talk branding, business cards or anything inbetween!
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- INDIE BUSINESSES - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Day 3 for #theindieway with @thetypefacegroup is to tag another indie business. I was really torn as I work with so many independently run businesses - it would be like choosing my favourite cat! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Then I was tagged in this. Tonight I had the pleasure of meeting with Nathan from Nathan's Holiday Village to discuss branding for his second business, and the comments are from Prime Time Home Entertainment My VIP Card Paws and Claws Photogr...aphy and Beautiful Client Comms - all small businesses I have worked with. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It made my heart sing to know that I make a difference to others and to see the support in the small business community. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So to all the businesses I have worked will and will work with - you all rock. 💙
In the spirit of supporting independent business, feel free to pop your page links below!
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- WHERE ARE YOU -
Day 2 of #theindieway is all about location. I'm based in Eastleigh and a huge chunk of my clients are local businesses in Hampshire and Dorset. Through the power of the internet I have worked with businesses all across the UK and even in Amsterdam and France.
Day to day I have an office at home but like to mix it up, like the rebel I am, and find a delightful tea room or pub to work from occasionally.
... My office is a bit of a cardboard fortress after some exciting deliveries this week, so have a photo of part of my garden instead.
Bonus points if you can spot the cat 🐈
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- MEET THE OWNER - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Wowsers this year is flying by! July is Independent Retailer Month and the rather wonderful Typeface Group have launched #theindieway social challenge AND it's @Shadowcatcreative second birthday this month 🎂 what better way to celebrate than to share more about me and my business. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Day 1 of #theindiechallenge is meet the owner, so you're treated with a rare view of my face and more cat photos for balance. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀... So, hey. I'm Tammi and I own Shadowcat Creative. I've been a designer for nearly 12 years and have worked for all sorts of small and multinational companies in that time. I enjoy designing for digital and all the amazing things you can do with it but print will always have my heart 💙 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I live with my other half and our two cats Esteban Du Plantier and Arkham. Esteban gets his name from the film A Life Aquatic and Arkham from Batman/HP Lovecraft. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm a massive film and comic book lover, I adore tea, cats and dinosaurs. I think I'm witty and do laugh at my own jokes and yes they are often terrible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Other important things in my life include rum, my garden (which is turning into my own farmers market), books and video games. So that's me in a non-literal nutshell. Why not pop a fact or two about you in the comments and we can get to know each other.
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- BRAND TIP | SEASONAL LOGOS -
As a brand designer, I am a huge advocate of making sure your brand stays true and consistent, this includes being strict with your logo's appearance and usage.
Maddy from My VIP Card is sponsoring Southampton Pride this year and, along with many other businesses, wanted a version of her logo with the rainbow to show her support. As I created the original My VIP Card logo, she came to me for the make over.
... Here's the dilemma, how can you maintain your brand's integrity and consistency whilst jazzing up your logo for a special event?
Fear not, dear reader, I can help.
Your logo will typically be built up of three elements: fonts, colours and icons. To keep a balance between brand recognition and seasonal frivolity, only focus on one element and I would recommend that be the colour. Keeping the overall structure of your logo in place along with your chosen fonts will be enough to keep it clear that the logo is yours. It also makes it easier and quicker for your designer to update marketing items if the proportions are kept the same, which will save you money.
An alternative option would be to add to your logo. For example on mine, I could add a festive hat to my cat. If you choose to add rather than change, keep it consistent so in my example a different hat for every season!
Changing your logo too often may lead to your customers questioning what your brand represents. In the age of internet scams, the last thing you'd want is your customers thinking it's a knock off and ignoring your marketing messages. However, if done correctly and for those events that deserve a bit of impact, you can have some fun with brand and not lose its integrity or your customers.
On the flip side, the homepage illustrations for Google (known as Google doodles) are a great example of pushing a logo to the limits. You can view the previous doodles here. Looking back, you can see that initially the changes were infrequent and far more subtle than the abstract animations we see daily! Even with these there are often colours or shapes that allude to the famous brand. When you're as big and well known as Google you too can change your logo daily, until then make sure your customers still know it's you.
So, the buzz words of this post are consistency and recognition. If you keep your logo consistent in the changes you make, you will retain brand recognition.
If you're interested in booking your logo in for some seasonal make overs, pop me a message and we'll get you booked in.
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- CELEBRATE -
I've had a blooming marvellous week for my business.eeting some wonderful new clients, networking away and making plans for the future.
It's important to celebrate ever success so I treated myself to some flowers and just look at that bloom!
... What are you celebrating in your business this week? Big or small, let's unashamedly toot those horns 🎺🎺
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- BRAND MAGIC -
The variety of businesses I work with is something I will never tire of.
Tonight my life had its own video game-esque side quest where I went to meet a Magician at the Crafty Fox.
... Ooooh cryptic, I hear you cry!
In normal speak; I had a delightful evening spent with Marcus Bailey at Craft Fox Southampton for a chat on all things branding and brochures - my two faves AND there was a bit of magic thrown in two (the queen of hearts was my card obvs!)
If you're looking to add a bit of magic to your branding* pop a me a message. I'm rather booked for June but I am taking bookings for mid July onwards so get in quick and we together we'll conjure up something beautiful.
*See what I did there
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- PAPER SAMPLES -
Since the theme of the week has been business cards, here’s a top tip on how to find the right material to take your cards (and any other printed items you may need) to the next level.
The world of paper is vast and one that I absolutely love. My dad has always worked in print so perhaps that’s been the driving influence! As a print designer, I have extensive knowledge of different paper weights, finishes, textures, brands - all the things that can take yo...ur printed items from meh to magical. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone examining your business card for longer than anyone else because it feels like quality in cardboard form.
If you’re not a paper geek like me and you have no idea where to start, here’s a handy tip. Most online printers offer sample packs. These are wonderfully packaged sample swatches of papers and finishes so you can learn your matte from your gloss and your vellum from your kraft. Most of them are free too.
Here are my top 5 for free sample packs with handy links:
moo.com https://www.moo.com/uk/sample-packs/large -sample-pack
printed.com https://www.printed.com/sample-packs
instantprint. https://www.instantprint.co.uk/sample-pro ducts
The Foil Printing Co. https://thefoilprintingco.com/uk/metallic -foil-sample-pack
Solopress https://www.solopress.com/sample-packs/