Pedram Doustkam Archives - Graphic Design Company in Tarzana | Online Marketing & Branding Services

Don’t Underestimate Your Business Card

It may sound like common sense, but, subconsciously or consciously, a business card leaves an impression on the person to which it is handed. Do not underestimate your business card. It is an important aspect of business marketing and advertising.

Consider these two scenarios:

1) You are handed a business card, and the corners are peeling, the colors are dull, the paper stock is flimsy and weak, and there is no wow-factor

2) You are handed a business card with a creative design and logo that has four ¼ inch rounded corners, is printed with silk lamination, and has been printed with high-quality ink on high-quality paper stock

Logically, the second scenario is going to be the business card that you remember in a positive light—whether or not you decide to use that company/product/service. That lasting impression is what attracts new clients and customers.

Some of the Most Common Mistakes People Make in Print Jobs

1. Going with the basic 16pt Uncoated card stock without researching other options

Nowadays, options for card stock are literally endless. Options include, but are not limited to, silk laminated, plastic business cards, wood, metal cards, and more. Options also include foil works, aqua foil, spot UV, matte/dull finish, and more.

2. Printing with an Outdated Logo and/or Graphics

When was the last time you updated your logo? Never? Not necessarily a drastic change, but every so often, a logo should be reevaluated and made sure it is still relevant to the audience the client is trying to target. Grahpic design is a quickly evolving industry, and it is imperative to be kept up to date.

3. Trying to be too Decadent

While it is important to have your business card stand out, if a card is too busy, oversized, or too ambiguous, a client is more likely to throw your card to the side rather than try and figure out what the business is about. Crazy designs and too many colors are too busy and hard on the eye. Secondly, a standard business card is 2” x 3.5”. This size is sure to fit in male and female wallets and other organizational products meant for business cards. Why go bigger? The inconvenience of an oversized business card is sure to throw people off. Lastly, if the client cannot figure out what your business is about from looking at your card, what is the point of investing in a business card in the first place?

4. A Lack of Marketing on the Business Card

Is there anything on your business card that encourages the person to respond? A business card needs to be enticing and display the correct company information. However, another important aspect is some form of marketing that encourages the person holding your business card to act and contact you.

Most importantly, remember to hand your business cards out!

Global Creative Studios, an in-house one-stop shop for business development located in Los Angeles, CA., is equipped with the creative think tank required to create or revamp a logo, design a business card with the idea of final production in mind, and inform the client on what will work best for them. Our designers will let the client know what aspects would look good with foil, spot UV, aquafoil, etc. Our team has the end result in mind, which is most beneficial for clients.

Global Creative Studios is prepared to sit down with you and brainstorm ideas to best represent your company and entice people to respond and become actual clients.

For press and for more information about GCS, contact Pedram Doustkam, “Peter Doust,” by calling (818) 344-4884. Global Creative Studios’ website is https://www.globalcreativestudios.com and address is 19634 Ventura Blvd. #115, Tarzana, CA 91356.

Last Minute Red Carpet Event for GenArt and Moroccanoil

Location: Vibiana: Main Street, Los Angeles, CA

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Los Angeles-based PR, Marketing, and Branding company Global Creative Studios Completes Last Minute Production for GenArt Fresh Faces in Fashion 2012 at Vibiana in Los Angeles.

GenArt—a company that provides a platform for arising designers, filmmakers, and artists of all types to exhibit and further inspire creativity—teams up with Moroccanoil to put on a fashion event in Los Angeles on October 17, 2012.

Global Creative Studios participated in the red carpet event services in Los Angeles with the provision of backdrop and unique step-and-repeat foam cores. GenArt deviated from the use of a typical step-and-repeat that consists of a vinyl backdrop and rigging. Instead, GenArt decided to display uniquely and eclectically Moroccanoil products and greenery on wooden displays with foam core boards that had each company’s logo printed on them. In addition, a huge 8 foot by 10 foot artistic display of natural scenery, enhanced by the artistic eye of the photographer and designer, fulfilled the role of the backdrop.

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Global’s role in the event was the last minute printing of the logos on the foam core boards and of the large image on the 8 foot by 10 foot backdrop display, all of which can be seen in the red carpet photography in Los Angeles taken throughout the night. GCS specializes in planning and actualizing last-minute red carpet, corporate, charity, and any other type of event in Los Angeles and throughout California—at times even traveling to other states and countries to finalize production and see things through to the very end.

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For press and for more information about GCS, contact Pedram Doustkam, “Peter Doust,” by calling (818) 344-4884. Global Creative Studios’ website is https://www.globalcreativestudios.com and address is 19634 Ventura Blvd. #115, Tarzana, CA 91356.

Migrating Website from Joomla 1.5 to Joomla 2.5

For anyone who has considered the migration of their Joomla 1.5 website to Joomla 2.5, it is most likely a desirable yet daunting thought. What if everything changes? What if you have to recreate every article and module? These are fair and justified questions. Sites that have hours of time and energy—and oftentimes thousands of dollars—poured into them can possibly change significantly…leaving clients and designers, alike, mortified.

Global Creative Studios has experienced this change first hand. GCS knows the anxiety that comes with designing a website, having it ready to launch and go live, and then needing to recreate it after a Joomla migration goes awry.

How to know what version of Joomla your site is running

The first thing you need to do is check what version of Joomla your website is currently built and functioning on. To do this, simply login to the backend as an Administrator. On the top right hand corner of the screen, it will display 1.5 or 2.5.

Pros to migrating to Joomla 2.5

* One of the most important things you can do is backup your current website before updating to Joomla 2.5. Should your website happen to change dramatically with the migration, this backup will allow you to revert to Joomla 1.5 and allow your website to function properly while you troubleshoot and brainstorm how to migrate every module, article, etc. to Joomla 2.5.

Joomla will not be creating any more extensions for versions prior to 2.5. This means that if you want an extension for your Joomla 1.5 site and one is not available, Joomla will not be creating a module to fit your 1.5 needs.

Cons to the migration process

The upgrade from Joomla 1.5 to Joomla 2.5 is a dramatic difference.

If you have modified any core files, these most likely will be lost. You will need to make these changes in the new version of Joomla 2.5 by hand. If you do not have experience or knowledge to do this, the negative changes to your website will cause it to function incorrectly. This is another reason why a backup of your site is so important.

Some modules may not transfer over cleanly, especially if the site has been significantly modified. This is why it is important to have a web developer with extensive experience in Joomla to update and migrate your website.

Software migrators vs. human migrators

Using a software migrator: If your website has any foreign languages within it, they may not be transferred over. Some people have to open up files and rewrite everything in the proper language. Some people also experience issues such as strange characters that appear within their site. Many sites that have been heavily modified experience huge, unexpected, and unwanted changes in their website, such as placement of modules, content, etc.

Using a human migrator: Rather than enduring the time it takes to sit through a video tutorial and training session, GCS’ talented programmers have the Joomla CMS knowledge to upgrade and migrate Joomla sites from 1.5 to 2.5.

GCS’ human migrators ensure that every module is transferred correctly and functions properly on the new site. Global troubleshoots each problem as a team, which provides a creative think tank for our clients.

If you want further information on the migrating of your Joomla site, please do not hesitate to call Global Creative Studios at toll free: (888) 205-7005. Our representative is more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns!

Global Creative Studios’ website is https://www.globalcreativestudios.com and address is 19634 Ventura Blvd. #115, Tarzana, CA 91356.

Ariel Kasheri Talent Show Event

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012

Global Creative Studios Donates Printed Products and Graphic Design Services to Charity Event for Young Boy Left Seriously Injured After Accident

On January 6, 2012, Ariel Kasheri was involved in a serious accident that left him seriously injured—paralyzed and unable to walk or talk. After months of rehabilitation, Ariel has regained much motion control. He has gained a lot of progress, but still has a long road ahead of him, including intensive physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapy.

In order to help the Kasheri Family and create a way to lighten the financial burdens they are experiencing, a talent show event has been planned to raise funds for Ariel’s Funds. The talent show will consist of multiple performers, including dancers, singers, pianists, guitarists, and more who will perform in from of a full, 300-person auditorium for a few hours

Global Creative Studios’ role in the event was the donation of printing and graphic design services for the tickets for the charity event and the 44-page booklet program for the evening.

Global Creative Studios wishes the Kasheri Family health, happiness, and a full recovery for their son.

If you have any questions regarding Ariel Kasheri, or if it has been put on your heart to make a donation of finances, time, or service, please visit www.ArielKasheri2012.com for more information.

Pictures of the event to come soon!

Business Development with Global Creative Studios Is One of the First Steps to Success

Business development is the act of attracting and engaging new customers and clients and building upon an already existing clientele basis. It entails not only entering the competitive market of the business world, but also making a statement and establishing a strong reputation as a credible and trustworthy business. Business development strategies are techniques used to permeate business markets and include presentation rehearsals, enforcement of sales policies, monitoring of performance, and much more. There are many aspects to business development, many of which are extremely difficult or nearly impossible for businesses to successfully perform on their own. A business development company consults businesses’ needs and creates a well-thought out strategy to help a business meet its goals.

Business Development with GCS Allows Business to Extend the Reach of its Brand, Mission, Product, or Service

Global Creative Studios, established in 2004 and based in Los Angeles, is a multi-faceted and sophisticated digital studio that works with businesses to meet their integrated business development needs—whether it is new business development or pre-existing, small business continued development. Gone are the times when a catchy slogan and fancy pictures enthralled potential clients enough to make them become actual clients. While these things hold some weight, today reputation and presentation are key. At Global, a team of professionals works to showcase your business and highlight everything positive about it, which leaves great impressions on other people and provides an opportunity for potential clients to view your business in a constructive way. Global’s business and marketing consultants do not just simply claim experience, but also acutely demonstrate their knowledge and experience through their absolute dedication to and professionalism with their clients. Global provides quality work and desired end results.

Important segments of business development are event promotion, event marketing, and marketing strategies. Global is a business development company prepared to show businesses how to capitalize on new growth opportunities, take advantage of emerging technology and social media, and increase sales and clientele basis. Our team of experts thrives on their close relationships with clients and works closely to develop a tailored business plan and market analysis and to teach and inform how to manage your business in order to succeed and achieve optimal growth. Global recognizes that communication is vital and ensures that businesses understand every step of the business development process. With its all-around positive feedback, Global Creative Studios proves its noteworthy reputation as a company who dedicates itself to its clients in order to meet and exceed original expectations.

Global Creative Studios, located in Los Angeles provides business development services to businesses, such as printing, promotional items, mobile websites, website development, digital media and online marketing, event services and event planning–specializing in VIP red carpet events–and more. For press and for more information about GCS, contact Pedram Doustkam, “Peter Doust,” by calling (818) 344-4884. Global Creative Studios’ website is https://www.globalcreativestudios.com and address is 19634 Ventura Blvd. #115, Tarzana, CA 91356.

Celebrating Two Team Members’ Birthdays!!

We are celebrating two birthdays in the office today!!!

We are so grateful for each and every Global team member and all you contribute. Thanks for all that you do, and have awesome birthdays!

Happy Birthday, guys!!

Think Big; Think Globally for Websites: Five easy tips for businesses and consumers to consider

The internet is an amazing resource not only for research, but also as a massive tool for advertising and marketing. Websites have everything from product and service information to tutorials and shopping carts to purchase new goodies. More importantly, websites are big! Anyone in the world can view a website with the correct search terms or web address. Here is a list of 5 important factors a website needs to not only keep a customer’s attention, but also to ensure success in business, locally and globally.

Think BIG Marketing – A website, is first and foremost a form of marketing, or mass communication. Websites allow owners and clients to interact through forms of marketing and advertising such as newsletters, social media platforms, RSS Feeds, blogs, featured products, and discount offers.

Aesthetic Graphics – Graphics, images, animations, pictures, videos, and logos capture viewer’s attention and easily depict a company’s message. Graphic design conveys images universally, which quickly illustrates a corporation’s mission.

Stress-free Navigation – It may seem simple enough, but websites should be user friendly and simple to navigate. Drop down menus should clearly denote topics found on other pages so that potential clients can find relevant information. Without an easy path to follow, pages will be lost in the World Wide Web.

Content is King – Nothing says clarity better than spelling it out, literally. Content for websites not only clearly annotates a company’s message and enhances images, but content helps “rank” your website higher on Google’s meter. With a higher ranking in search engines, websites are more likely to be seen by a wider client base, meaning, ultimately, content is King of the world.

Efficient and Available Contact Information – All web pages need a simply noted form of contact for complaints, comments, purchasing products, and questions. Without contact information, companies and their websites seem worlds away.

By utilizing these five rules for successful websites, a company helps to enhance business by creating a prosperous web page, comprehensively and globally.

If you feel that your website is lacking one or more of these essential factors, please contact Global today, and our web development department will get in contact with you right away!

Look out for more information and facts that Global Creative Studios has to offer!

Three Methods to Increase Brand Awareness

Advertising in today’s market is more important than ever with hundreds and even thousands of competing products. Successful companies need to retain current customers as well as increase their clientele by promoting their brands through established products and services. To increase brand awareness, expand small businesses, and continue to promote products and services, consider these three forms of marketing: billboards, vehicle wraps, and mass mailers.

Billboards: Everyone sees billboards even without consciously reading the advertisement. Billboards on the sides of skyscrapers, in busy cities, or next to freeways and main artery streets are an effective form of advertising. However, production and installation are quite costly, and depending on location and other variables, monthly fees may vary as well. A billboard, in a popular area, allows thousands of drivers and pedestrians to view your brand, company, and special offers, thereby leaving lasting brand impressions.

Vehicle Wraps: Similar to a billboard, vehicle wraps allow large targeted populations of consumers to view brands daily, on the streets and personally. Vehicle wraps, unlike billboards are most cost efficient for a one-time production and installation fee per vehicle. A company can then choose how many vehicles to wrap and thereby how many people are likely to see the advertisements. A fleet of wrapped vehicles covers more area and increases the likelihood of new customers because people interact with the brand on a more personal basis.

Mass Mailers: To target potential clients in a specific area personally, mass mailers may provide the solution. Sending out a flyer to residents in a specific zip code can help benefit businesses and residences directly around a company’s location. Whether you are featuring discounts, grand openings, or new product information, mass mailers are cost efficient and tangible.

Whatever the need or budget, Global Creative Studios has a solution to all marketing and advertising problems. Choose Global, and let us show you how it’s done.

Fundraising 101

Fundraising helps, whether non-profit organizations, charities, religious groups, political campaigns, or disease awareness. However, some people fluster and overwhelm themselves with where to start or how to organize such events. We are here to help offer advice or help host events. Consider the following eight tips when organizing and fundraising for an event:

To begin, pick a cause close to heart. Whether volunteering or working for a specific charity organization, choosing an association that’s personally affecting propels your drive to fundraise and makes a world of difference.
Fully and explicitly write out the purpose and mission of the event and the ultimate goal sought to accomplish. Literally write this on paper, and distribute it to everyone involved. Write the event’s mission on white boards, Facebook Group walls, etc. This helps to destroy ulterior motives or pushes to go a different direction.
Coordinate volunteers who are interested in the same non-profit or who believe in the same mission. Use family, friends, and acquaintances who show concern about the same association to help organize and arrange an event.
Talk about money issues openly and honestly with the event’s main committee. Set a fundraising goal and a realistic budget (include a little wiggle room for unexpected costs). There needs to be an organized way to track revenue from ticket sales, VIP ticket sales, silent/live auctions, monetary donations, contributions of physical items, etc.
Stay local, but think globally. A community may provide the best support, whether a big city or a small town. Aim to seek mass, nationwide recognition for your cause, but keep in mind that local resources personalize and unify a group of people.
Don’t forget to reach out to large organizations! National charities and non-profits (i.e., Breast Cancer Charities of America, Autism Speaks, etc.), may offer their existing support team and resources, such as existing printed products, guidelines, social media networking blasts etc.
Events are an ideal platform for recognition, publicity, networking, raising money, and more. Provide an additional incentive to attract even more attendees and honorary guests. Whether it is food and lavations, talent performances, celebrity guest appearances, free gift bags, gift giveaways, or silent auctions, incentives help to draw wide attention to events and increase interaction between those who donate and participate.
The more the merrier! In order to increase supporters and participation, advertise to your targeted audience for the event. Flyers, invitations, website, billboards, and mass mailers all aid in marketing. Seek local businesses to help display flyers, spread the word about special causes, rally donations, or simply inform residents of the organizations within a community.

Fundraising and donations can benefit any organization by providing more resources, which creates more opportunities to pour funds into the ultimate purpose and mission of the event. Ensure the fundraiser you wish to plan enhances the cause of choice, and start towards making a difference today. Remember to stay organized, breathe deeply, and that if you run into any problems along the way, our team at Global is more than happy to lend a helping hand.

Are you having issues with fundraising your event, or don’t know what your next step is? Let Global take the lead.Call us today for a free event consultation.

Two Common Problems Businesses Make with Their Printed Products

Problem #1: Basic print products

Three basic print products that most businesses use:

Business Cards (Don’t Underestimate Your Business Card)
Brochures, Flyers, or Menus
Postcards of some sort (i.e. 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”)

Every business entity needs printed products. But by only using the basic print products, a company limits themselves, their advertisements, and their ultimate goals of expansion and success. (It’s like painting a masterpiece using only two colors)

Problem #2: Lack of efficient marketing

Without innovative marketing techniques, printing products can become obsolete, outdated, or lackluster. The ultimate reasons to invest in printed products are:

to build brand awareness by distributing them to large audiences
to entice targeted audiences to respond with a sale of the business’ product or service

Solution #1: Customization

Companies can personalize their message by customizing print products, including paper stock, coating, special finishes, design, and more. Customization is simply going the extra distance to reach out to potential clients and retain current clients.

Solution #2: Products you may not have considered

Four options to consider if you are looking to update your current printed products:

1) Tear Cards / Rip Cards / Rack Cards with Perforation:

What it is: Postcards with a perforation towards the bottom of the card.
What it is used for: The main part of the card advertises your company, product, or service; while the space below the perforation can be used as a business card, appointment card, discount card, raffle ticket, promotional/special offer, seating arrangement card, etc.
Industries best used for: Those in the beauty industry (hair stylists, makeup artists, estheticians, etc.), dentists, doctors, bands, event promoters or planners.

2) Gift Card / Gift Certificate / Loyalty Card:

What it is: Either a plastic card the size of a credit card or a paper certificate cut to any size. The plastic cards can be programmable for any amount, while amounts on the paper certificates can be hand-written in. The graphics of the card or certificate can consist of whatever the client desires.
What it is used for: The cards and certificates may be used as loyalty cards (i.e. “After 7 visits, get the 8^th visit free”), holiday specials (i.e. “Christmas Gift Certificate” or “Birthday Gift Certificate,” etc.), or general for any occasion.
Industries best used for: Restaurants, retail stores, beauty industries, gym or athletic clubs, spas, boutiques, coffee shops or cafes, online shopping

3) Multi-Page Booklets (Optional use for Direct Mail Marketing):

What it is: A full-color booklet of any size, small or large, and ranging from 4 to 64+ pages of information, coupons, and advertisements.
What it is used for: Multi-page booklets can be used to showcase multiple products or services. Don’t think you can fill up multiple pages of a booklet? Global can help brainstorm enough content, images, and other information, so you can create an efficient multi-page booklet. These can also be used as bound mailers for mass mail marketing campaigns – conveying more information than a generic postcard.
Industries best used for: Businesses requiring promo/demo kits, instruction manuals, fashion booklets, commercial industries (i.e., air conditioning and heating installation), gyms or athletic clubs (workout instructions)

4) Bookmarks:

What it is: If a business does not have the budget or content for a multi-page booklet, consider a bookmark. These cost-effective items allow for mass distribution and are sized to act as a gentle marketing reminder of your business
What it is used for: Bookmarks can display graphics, lists, and steps in a useful format to constantly remind customers of helpful hints related to a company’s service or good.
Industries best used for: Counseling centers, gyms and athletic clubs, dieticians, spiritual and inspirational motivators, and any industry that can require a list or set of steps (i.e., “3 Signs that you need to schedule a hair appointment,” “5 workout routines to do when you wake up,” etc.)

Global’s creative team can work with you to conceptualize ideas tailored to individual business needs. We also have the means to customize every print product. Unique sizes, special finishes, and efficient marketing techniques are our specialties.