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Sunday September 5th 2010

Planning for your “next job”

I’ve decided it’s time to take my skills to a higher level! As I continue to be “tech savvy” and great on the design side, I keep feeling the urge to explore the strategic marketing area. Since I work full time as Marketing and Communications Coordinator and as the owner and operator of ag-creative | Design & Communication it’s important for me to be diverse and knowledgeable in all areas of the industry. Therefore, I’ve enrolled in a Marketing course through distance education for this Fall with Algonquin College, Ottawa. Having more education under my belt can’t hurt, can it?

It’s extremely important in todays market that you pay close attention to what your “next job” may be. Taking courses and any other types of training is building you up for that. This is exactly what I plan for and look forward to. Since I essentially work two jobs; going back to school is probably crazy to most people. But for me it’s another check on my list of “career planning” activities. Plus, I really do thrive off of stress…it keeps me on my feet.

Here’s my advice to you, think about what your next jobs qualifications are going to be and what types of skills employers will be looking for. Regardless of being comfortable in your current job, remember to look forward. So while your working your buns off day in and day out think of the opportunities that lay not far from your reach. You might surprise yourself, and end up the CEO of your own company making six figures a year!

It’s happened…I swear! :)

Summerfest 2010 sneak peek!

Summerfest 2010 Poster

Some of you may have never heard of “Deep River Summerfest”. Some may not even know where “Deep River” is, depending on where you’re reading this from.

But locals sure know what Summerfest is; it’s reuniting, reminiscing and memories with friends and family. On July 29th through to Aug 1st, Deep River will kick off one heck of an awesome festival.

Summerfest is known for its sports, theatre, family fun and musical line-up (headliner for this year is K’NAAN!!!). Not bad for a small town with only 4,000 residents.

For the second year in a row, I have had the pleasure of designing the event poster. Special thanks to the Summerfest Committee for their continued support over these past few years!

Learn more about Summerfest 2010, visit the website or join them on Facebook.

Hope you like the new 2010 edition of the Summerfest poster!

Inspired*

Happy 2010!

It’s been quite sometime since I have posted to my blog – you know how life gets sometimes, busy. Although, being busy is good. A couple of months ago, I read this quote “Stop complaining about how busy you are, and be thankful you’re busy”. It really made me think – I like things that make me think.

Since my last post was in November, here’s what I have been up to:

  • Launched ag-creative | Design and Communication website – Its been an huge accomplishment and lots of positive feedback has been received. Since I launched in November 2009, I have had over 365 visits and the average time spent on the site has been 2 mins and 34 seconds. I haven’t done much advertising and most of these hits have been direct.
  • An official member of the Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce – Huge networking opportunity for local businesses and a great way to stay connected to the community.
  • An active participant in the Woman in Business Networking Group – This is a really fun group geared towards woman in business in the Deep River, Ontario area. I enjoy the networking piece; it’s nice to meet other empowering woman in the small business world.
  • You can find ag-creative | Design & Communication (me) on Yellow Pages – Ya for real! Search Graphic Designers in the Pembroke, ON area.
  • A provisional R.G.D. member of The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario – The association represents more than 3,000 graphic designers, managers, educators and students across Ontario. Currently I am a provisional member, however in another 3 years I will be able to complete my exam and officially be a Registered Graphic Designer in Ontario.

I’ve been inspired…
Lately I have been inspired by motivational speakers, authors, poets etc. – people that thrive on making you feel great! The stories that leave you feeling completely empowered after you hear/read them. I read this book and I felt so uplifted after I read it – it’s my favorite book. The book is called “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” by Paul Arden. This book was amazing. It really is (as they say in there descriptor) “a pocket ‘bible’ for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible”.

Sincerely,

Ashley Gadd
Owner, ag-creative | Design & Communication

ag-creative in the North Renfrew Times

Owner and operator of ag-creative, Ashley Gadd
Owner and operator of ag-creative, Ashley Gadd

Howdy,

On November 4th I was featured in our local newspaper “The North Renfrew Times” for the launch of my new business “ag-creative | Design & Communication. My website is officially up and running and I am expecting new clients any day now!

For more information on any Graphic Design, Website Design, Logo Development and Marketing check out my website at www.ag-creative.ca.

Sincerely,

Ashley Gadd
Owner, ag-creative | Design & Communication

ag-creative now on Facebook!!!

G’day!

ag-creative | Design & Communication now has a fan page!
Become a fan and stay up to date on recent news and projects.

ag-creative | Design & Communication | Promote Your Page Too

Ashley, Creative Designer
www.ag-creative.ca
ashley@ag-creative.ca

Business Website

Hi Folks!

I have been working diligently on my website in order to launch it shortly! My business offers graphic design, website design, logo development, and much more. ag-creative.ca | Design & Communication has not been made public yet. However, I wanted to give you all a sneak peek! So, visit my site before I launch it and let me know your thoughts. I welcome constructive criticism, praise, and your business.

What you think? http://www.ag-creative.ca

Logo design – but at what cost?

Logo Development
"Thank you very much for your time and development of the logos. They are very nice and we are very pleased with the end product." - Respective client

Howdy Folks!

I have been a busy bee. Many projects are underway for my business, and I thought I would take a moment to share one of my recent projects.

I recently developed a logo for the Family Violence Advisory Team at CFB Petawawa to support their Take a Stand Against Family Violence campaign.  The concept for this logo was to create a safe and calming image, and to increase awareness of family violence.

Now, many of you might be wondering, “Sure, that’s great but…how much does a logo design cost?

Well, that’s simple…what do we have to work with? As the economy grows thinner by the day, many businesses are finding themselves with increasingly smaller budgets. But keep in mind that a small budget can go a long way! It’s all about knowing the right people and trusting these people (like me!) to develop a professional image for you.

It’s important to know that a logo acts as a mirror for the outside world. It reflects your business, your service, your mission, vision, and goals, your passion, and your sweat! Let’s get real—of course you’re not going to find a professional designer (or one that will stamp their name on it, anyway) to develop your business logo for $5.00! That would be unreasonable. So, what is a reasonable price? Well, that depends solely on your budget and your business needs. Typically, logo development ranges anywhere from $300 to $3,500. However, within this price range are different components. For example, a $300 logo design might only get you 7 design options to choose from, 5 revisions, and a limited number of file types. On the other hand, a $2,000 logo would get you a (heaping) handful  of design options, unlimited revisions, a plethora of file types and stationary components (such as letterheads, business cards, and envelopes), and so much more. There are many pricing angles to look at when it comes to logo design, but I would be here writing pages and pages if I were to continue.

Just remember: your business is your mirror. It reflects you. How do you want to be seen?

A Growing Business!

Hi all,

My name is Ashley, and I’m a lady with many creative skills.

About two years back, I decided to start a freelance graphic design business. Clients started hearing through the grapevine that there was a young, fresh designer in the area who showed an extreme amount of dedication and potential. From then on, the doorbell started to ring for my services. I was able to provide quality work at a reasonable price and in a timely manner, and this was noted as a great thing! Ever since then, my business has been evolving tremendously. By providing my small, medium, and large business clients with the design tools they need, I have been able to help them market their creative visions successfully in our ever-growing world of design, imagery, and messaging. It’s payment enough just knowing that a client is 100% satisfied with the service and product I have provided. (Well, I suppose we can’t take that statement too literally!)

Over the past couple of months I have been diligently working into the small hours of the morning to complete my website. I hope to have my site launched by the end of Summer 2009, if not earlier. ag-creative | Design & Communication offers services for graphic design, website design, logo design, and marketing communications. If you’re curious to know more about what these services are all about and just can’t wait any longer…then please send me a note via email. I always enjoy meeting and talking with new people!

Ciao for now!

Ashley, Creative Designer
www.ag-creative.ca
ashley@ag-creative.ca

Latest Topics

Planning for your “next job”

Planning for your “next job”

I’ve decided it’s time to take my skills to a higher level! As I continue to be “tech savvy” [Read More]

Summerfest 2010 sneak peek!

Summerfest 2010 sneak peek!

Some of you may have never heard of “Deep River Summerfest”. Some may not even know where “Deep [Read More]

Inspired*

Happy 2010! It’s been quite sometime since I have posted to my blog – you know how life gets sometimes, [Read More]

ag-creative in the North Renfrew Times

ag-creative in the North Renfrew Times

Howdy, On November 4th I was featured in our local newspaper “The North Renfrew Times” for the launch of my [Read More]

ag-creative now on Facebook!!!

G’day! ag-creative | Design & Communication now has a fan page! Become a fan and stay up to date on recent [Read More]

Recent Comments

Dawn Marrs had this to say

Ashley! I'm so sad I'm not going to make it to Summerfest this year. Your artwork looks amazing as usual! Read the post

Courtney James had this to say

Hey Ashley, Just saw your link and congrats! I ran my own Graphic Design business for about a year straight out of Read the post

Philip Kompass had this to say

Too true. Nicely said Ashley. Read the post

Anna had this to say

Ashley's work is always current and impressive, she's a fabulous designer! Read the post

Kim had this to say

Nice logo, Ashley! Read the post

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It’s more than “pretty pictures”

Graphic design is visual communication. It is language, imagery, and messaging combined to connect your audience with the product or service you are providing.