How to Create a Face for your Business
Graphic design is crucial to any business; 94% of users say they will leave a website with poor graphic design elements. Rob Bedford, the founder of A Boneheads Home, was interviewed to find out how important it is and to get some top industry tips.
Your band, brand, or business don’t have a good face if your graphic design elements aren’t given any sort of importance, and this can effect the credibility and professional face of your establishment, explained Rob when we sat down to ask him some questions.
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Don’t worry, here’s a loose transcript.
What are the biggest pitfalls that you see people fall into, in regards to design?
I think that the biggest pitfall in design is trend hopping and I’ve not been innocent here as well in the past. Jumping onto trends, I think, plagues a lot of creative industries, not just design. And really, sometimes it’s just a bit human, you see something being used successfully somewhere and you’re bound to have it at least cross your mind. Trend hopping can lead to a lack of overall quality, skills being stretched thin and quality being dampened. Take influence and learn but don’t jump onto the trend… That trend will be in the bin in a month anyway.
How do you go about creating branding from scratch?
Hard question but honestly, communication with a client early on is the key to success here, asking the right questions and learning from them about why and not what. This initial stage of the process gives way for a strong start in experimentation and development of the brands iconography, colours and text guidelines. Despite saying this, a brand is more than those previously mentioned, it’s more about a gut feeling, how it makes the viewer feel and how the client is viewed; the more communication with a client and the more information they give us, the better.
What’s the hardest brief you’ve ever been given?
The hardest? Either the projects for Radical Forge or for The Yoga Mike Group have been the most challenging. Being put outside of my usual comfort zone with these projects has been really exciting but I’m excited to unveil these projects and show the world what we’ve created for these incredible businesses.
What advice would you to someone deciding on how to brand their business?
TAKE. YOUR. TIME. I’ve seen so many people rushing decision when it comes to branding and it’s a massive pitfall (i should’ve maybe said that on the second question haha). Slow the heck down man, your brand isn’t running away from you and you’ll reap the benefits of taking your time by having a fuller realisation of your vision that doesn’t have flaws.
What’s your favourite piece of equipment you use to help you work?
Either good old pencil, pen and paper or my iPad Pro. Bit of a difference there right? You’re at your most free when you’re on paper so that’s where I do the majority of sketches before I tidy up sketches on my iPad Pro using ProCreate. Hard to pick a favourite but yeah, maybe pencil, pen and paper. Can’t beat the OG.
How long does it take to create a piece of new branding from scratch?
How long is a piece of string? So many factors can effect this like the size of the branding needed, what assets does the client prefer and want more or less of.
What’s your go to “late night in the studio” snack?
Now this is the sort of questions I like. I’m always a sucker for sweets and I love instant ramen noodles. Angel Slices have been my go to snack lately and I swear by Kabuto instant ramen cups, they’re amazing. I kind of go through phases of what I eat, when I was in my final year of Uni at Teesside, Lime & Orange were my go-to snack/stress snack.
