THE RESOURCE CENTER
Educate yourself and improve your skills with our helpful articles, tips and tricks on web design, graphic design, copywriting, startups and many more subjects.
How Flocksy Works
When you submit a project request, you’ll be prompted to fill out information about the task. Before doing this, though, you should upload files to your brand bucket. Doing so helps ensure that the creatives have the information that they need to successfully complete your project. What is a brand...
Once you’ve established your creative brief and begun setting up your project request in Flocksy, you’ll see a section that asks you to invite team members. If you’ve already formed your creative team, these people will auto-populate this section. But what happens after you send those invites? Let’s take a...
Once you have a few creatives whose work you like and who have gotten to know your brand, you’ll have the option to invite them to work on your projects. You’ll find those team members when creating your project in the second step. Once the project reaches your current queue,...
Now that your creative project has been posted on Flocksy, you can sit back and await great results. But when the team member added to your project sends over a draft or proof, you might find yourself facing a difficult question: What do you do if you don’t like the...
To request your first creative project on Flocksy, you’ll need to fill out a project brief. Doing so ensures that the creatives who are added to your project will have the information and assets they need to deliver what you want. Here’s how to go through our project request process,...
Business
Before holding a virtual conference, one of the first things you must plan for is how to stay in touch with your team and collaborators. The tools are many, some better than others, some free and others not. The good news is that there are many options for you to...
With working from home, organizational issues and struggling with staying on a strict schedule 100 percent of the time may start to crop up. With the lack of office structure, remote employees tend to work longer nearly “all day” compared to in-office employees. Remote work can also result in feelings...
2021 has been a year for the books! If you’re looking for help with how to manage and set goals for your small business, now’s the time to get a hold of it. The key to setting goals for a small business is to keep it practical and easy at...
We live in a world of computer code, and things like access to our bank account and our identity are guarded by a few characters punched in on a keyboard. The least we can do to keep ourselves safe is to try to make those keys as secure as possible....
We are living in a technologically mediated world in which we are led to believe there is a "marketplace of ideas" where anyone's views can be heard. But the economic realities of the marketplace mean that all too often only the loudest and most privileged voices are amplified and heard…...
Are you feeling like your business needs a shot in the arm? Perhaps what you really need is for more people to take notice of your company. Standing out is hard when there’s so much chatter to fight through. Let us show you how to make people to take a...
Whether it's a digital product, an e-commerce shop, or informational hub space, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs to employ industry winning technology in building the business of their dreams. If you're interested in starting your own small business or have been thinking about it but don't know where to...
The opportunity of remote work is one of the best things you can do for your company. Employees are the heart and soul of an organization. Studies have found that businesses that implement remote work policies see increased productivity, efficiency, and fulfillment from their employees, which in turn means your...
In today’s world, with so many distractions and 24-hour information overload, you will need a clear vision to manage your time better. In this article we shed some light on a few techniques to help get you there. Information overload & the disinformation that comes with itPomodoro & Pareto: First...
For recruiters who are always on the lookout for great talent and quality candidates to fill their open positions, a polished and professional resume is very much sought after. It’s one thing to do the hard work on your resume, but it’s another thing to do it in a thoughtful...
Whether you have just been promoted or are looking to improve your skills, this guide will help you become the best office manager you can be. The role of an office manager has changed greatly over the last few decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has completely redefined the role. While many...
Business burnout is not an excuse. It’s a legitimate condition that the World Health Organization has classified as an “occupational phenomenon.” If you’re feeling completely exhausted and unmotivated to the point of tears, you may be suffering from business burnout What Is Business BurnoutHow to Treat Business BurnoutHow to Prevent...
2020 became the year of Work from Home in wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. And though things appear to be moving in the right direction thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s likely that WFH or some variation of it is here to stay. Whether your kids are also learning...
The world is becoming more Eco-conscious by the day. Climate scientists have reported chaos in the coming years if the entire planet, both individuals and large and small businesses, don’t start to conserve their resources and help curb the rise and devastation of global warming. The good news is that...
Businesses of all sizes are doing everything in their power to create efficient and highly organized work environments for their employees. An efficient work environment increases productivity and keeps employees focused on the job at hand, rather than allowing distractions to creep up and create problems within the business environment....
The business landscape is always competitive, and your company should be doing everything in its power attract customers. One of the most deceptively simple ways to do this is to offer your customers exemplary service. This is more than showing up on time for appointments and double checking the quality...
Working is stressful. The constant onslaught of emails, the meetings, the deadlines that just keep coming; these are all contributing to a growing number of workers feeling exhausted, stressed, and sick of it. Studies have shown that exercise is a great way to manage stress. Try taking a short walk...
In business, middle managers spend about 35% of their time in meetings and upper management, including business owners, will spend even more, as much as 50%. With half your life spent in meetings, you need them to actually mean something and be productive. Being prepared is the foundation of a...
Failure is a normal part of life, but making missteps on the job is still an uncomfortable situation. It can feel frustrating, humiliating, and even scary to realize you’re made a mistake at work. Remember that everyone makes mistakes from time to time, including your management team, director, board, and...
When you were a kid, you probably dreamed about having a specific job when you were growing up. Maybe you’re in that job right now and you’re as happy as you can be. Or, maybe you’re got that job but it didn’t live up to your childhood dreams. What you...
In the business sphere, there are few people more important than the project manager. This job requires the holding together of many points of view and making sure that both the project team and project overseers, or upper brass, are content with the job being done. Many project managers are...
Running a team of employees is never an easy task. There are many variables to consider as well as personalities and expectations to contend with. However, there are many techniques and principles skilled leaders keep in mind when leading the way in their company and driving their team toward accomplishing...
When you think about making a living, what image comes to mind? Is it some bored office worker who’s just counting down the minutes until they can take a coffee break or go home for the day? The internet has helped us all become more connected, leading us to find...
Owning a business means you need to keep your business knowledge sharp. There are so many new thoughts and ideas about how to run a business. To stay competitive, you need to always be improving and growing your business knowledge. Growing your business knowledge can start on your terms by...
As a business owner, part of your job is to keep your employees safe. They dedicate 40 hours a week, sometimes more, to your company and you should repay them their time with your care about their workplace safety. Workplace safety includes safety in an employee’s environment, equipment, in the...
Chances are you have a Facebook page that you visit at least occasionally. Facebook is now so integrated in our lives, it’s how we stay connected to our friends and family; it’s how we get our news and share our opinions. What if you could get your income through Facebook?...
We’ve all had less-than-stellar customer service experiences. What separates these bad experiences from the ones that leave you feeling seen, heard, and valued? Much of it comes down to some basic things that a customer service representative can do to help their customer resolve an issue and leave feeling satisfied....
All resources on leadership repeatedly insist that having empathy in the workplace, or as an entrepreneur just starting out, is essential for displaying one of the most competent skills of leadership. Why is this so? Empathy enables you to know if the people you’re trying to reach are actually reached....
Working in customer service can be a trial-by-fire. Today’s consumers expect top notch service from every brand they encounter. Whether you’re building your client base as a business owner or work a customer-facing role in any industry, customer service is one of your most vital tasks. You can improve almost...
In today’s digital and professional landscape, the companies with the most customers are not just those who are able to attract the most in a short period of time. Rather, the companies who prosper are those who are able to retain their customers and offer them great service with every...
Failure isn’t the end and success isn’t the most important thing. With failure, you will learn what you truly value and that can make you a better person.Though professional failures are painful, they can teach us valuable lessons that will help us as we start our next venture.Failure even helps...
Once you get a grasp of your customer’s mindset, the rest is gravy. The key is to gather your team, focus on the deepest strategies that maintain your target audience, and don’t ever let them go. Getting ahead of what your customer is thinking requires a commitment and dedication like...
The modern world is chock full of distractions and that’s not going to change anytime soon. The most productive people are not those who learn to simply ignore these distractions (as that’s nearly impossible) but those who know certain methods and strategies to maintain their focus. There are a number...
Every morning you wake up with a plan and a purpose, you can thank your previous night’s evening regimen for creating the intention. Your nighttime routine makes all the difference in how you approach the following day with reckless abandon. It’s your overall self-care, well being, and your attention to...
The new year is a time of new beginnings. It’s a chance to close the door on the past and step into the future. The first month of a new year inspires us to start fresh. January is the month of resolutions and changes. Here are 5 ways to take...
Are you feeling the doldrums setting in as the days are shorter and the weather is chillier? Well, fear no more, as these 7 winter tips can be used to help keep you feeling efficient, motivated, and wonderfully productive. Life doesn’t always give you the opportunity to hibernate, and it’s...
Graphic Design
Without a doubt, a great logo will help skyrocket a company's customer base and financial success. A brand’s very identity is tied to its logo until the end of time. Logos are used to convey what your brand is all about. The best tech logos do a combination of the...
Logos are a critical aspect of any brand; they’re what represents a brand and makes it recognizable to customers. When you think about all the top brands(Apple, Google, Target, Microsoft) a lot of times what will instantly come to mind is their iconic logos. Logos speak for their brand and...
One of the best things about being in graphic design, is that we get to see all kinds of companies start getting rid of their old logos and, in place, giving their logos a new and fresh look. We watch as businesses large or small either update their logo and...
With competition more fierce than ever before in every industry and a need to stand out amongst the thousands of businesses offering the same services as yours, it’s more important than ever to make an impression. No longer are traditional design methods working to grab people’s attention and leave your...
If you're good with layouts and graphic manipulation why do you need to know how to adjust photos? Isn't it the photographer's job to get the picture done correctly? Why bother learning to do somebody else's work for them? The answer, of course, is that it's your design and you...
The design industry is ever evolving. New trends and social behaviors are always cropping up in this creative sector, and sometimes it may feel as if you don’t know where to begin as an aspiring designer. There are a few tips to consider when thinking about jump starting into a...
The design process should be a collaborative moment between both the client and the designer, spearheaded by the client’s knowledge of the product and consumer base, and the designer’s knack for creativity and bringing the client’s needs to life. One of the main things that can get in between this...
Professionals today are vying against an avalanche of competition of others who are creatively, and business minded. The presentation of any artist has to be top notch, and this starts with the presentation of their portfolio. Many young creatives today don’t understand just how important a great portfolio can be...
Working in today’s market is exciting. There are opportunities all around you, especially as a freelancer. As the business world moves progressively into a digital world, freelancers are having more chances for work and with that comes a crowded space of people vying for the same job. Having a specialty...
Illustrations are powerful tools in web design. Throughout this discussion learn what conventions are best when using them.These conventions when used effectively can make your brand stand out among your competitors.Look over the examples included in this discussion and see how other companies effectively use illustrations. If you are a...
How do successful creatives stay inspired, what separates them from others? The difference lies in the way they think, as your mind determines your success or failure. Creatives must cultivate a winning mindset in order to get over the many hurdles that present themselves in the business world. Continue reading...
A professional graphic designer will be knowledgeable about the how and why behind logo design.DIYing your business logo may be tricky because you may have difficulty being objective, you may not have the right software or experience necessary.Outsourcing the design of your logo may be a better use of your...
Artists, including graphic designers and web designers, can sometimes fit into the stereotype of being so involved in their creative process that they don’t pay attention to the clock or the calendar. It’s true that time flies when you’re working hard and engrossed in your project. It’s also true that...
All of us are feeling a little isolated, even those who thrive on being alone. Creative people are often a combination of introvert and extrovert. They express emotions and thoughts in their art but are still conversational and draw zest from others. For an artist, painting, sculpting, or designing is...
Getting enough sleep is one of those novelties that seems to surpass even the most stalwart business executives and people who thrive on artistry. Not everybody is immune to insomnia, no matter how hard they try to convince themselves otherwise. Thus, it’s no surprise that a good night’s sleep is...
Branding is also applicable at an individual level and can help separate one designer from the rest.Understanding how you want you and your designs to be perceived as can help you define your niche.Continuous learning and creating will be able to enrich your experiences as a designer, and integrating these...
Establishing a fair rate can feel daunting to most creative freelancers, but it is also an essential part of the profession.Despite misconceptions, creative work shouldn’t cost pennies, nor do you have to go through uncomfortable negotiations to secure a fair fee.It is equally important for freelancers to understand their own...
Logos must express a business’s key messages and the experience that consumers should expect. This attracts new customers and builds trust in the brand.The best logos are simple, relevant, balanced, and memorable.Logos should be easily scaled up or down, with complementary design elements rather than tacked-on text or cluttered details....
Whether you’re just beginning your career or you’re a seasoned graphic designer, it’s a wise idea to invest some time and energy into marketing your services. Take a moment and ask yourself these three questions: Do I have a presence in the right online spaces?Do I feel like my web...
A company logo represents the entire business and holds the potential to make or break its chances of success.While it’s important to think outside of the box, there are certain guidelines to creating a winning logo design every time.All successful logos are unique in their own way, but they share...
Color can be as powerful of an element in your branding as the shape of the logo itself.People respond to color on an emotional level, but there’s an exact science to pleasing color combinations.As important as it is to be familiar with your industry color trends, you should also never...
When sending finalized logo files to a client, it is paramount that everything is formatted correctly. This could be the difference between keeping and losing a client. What follows is the checklist you should consult before sending out your final product. In short, you need to: Convert your text layers...
Designers should make a habit of collecting, organizing, and making lists of their own ideas, strengths, and points of improvement, as well as their favorite designs. These can be used as viable sources for inspiration and reference during creative blocks.Designers should immerse themselves in the world around them-- the art,...
Packaging design must accommodate branding, required information, and the visual assets that most appeal to the target audience.To stand apart from the crowd, be innovative with visual elements, how the packaging closes or folds out, and the overall look and feel of the design.Even with a creative approach, it’s important...
Design thinking is a process with a methodology.Fostering great design thinking is a delicate balance of the elements of a design-focused culture.Design thinking can grow a company’s bottom line. Great graphic design is never an accident. But how, exactly, does a company get great results consistently? If it were as...
Logos have a few new aspects this year.Some major trends are the same.Expression and storytelling are taking a center stage for many brands. Those in design who love big headlines avidly watch the newsreels every year hoping for something groundbreaking. For the last few years, they haven’t gotten it. The...
There are three categories of logos: text-only, image-driven, and combination logos.The type of logo you choose will depend on your business type.You don’t have to stick to one logo. A logo variant is called a lockup. It is just fine to have different lockups of your logo. The logo is...
Creative jobs and their scope of influence has widened over the years, helping professionals explore a diverse range of career opportunities. Organizations tend to hire graphic designers to craft appealing designs for packaging and advertising purposes whereas illustrators are highly sought-after by novelists, marketing agencies, and advertising firms. The demand...
Throwback palettes embrace a vintage aesthetic in 2020. Dark Mode has inspired a new wave of color trends. Classic hues remain the height of sophistication in design. There’s a reason that Oz is portrayed as a land of brilliant color in the film The Wizard of Oz. Color is able...
● A minimalist design is still a strong design. ● A minimalist website encourages engagement. ● Minimalism encompasses usability and the form of the website, not just the extras. Minimalism is an important design trend. Things are growing on the World Wide Web. It’s gotten to be too much for...
The importance of an online presence A glimpse at the best online logos An online presence is important these days. Many brands are finding that they have to adapt their logos to look amazing online. They are simplifying things to make them look good on mobile. But some brands have...
With all the time you put into your ministry, you don’t want your church to be overlooked. Instead of being passed over, you can make your church stand out with some simple design ideas. The right design will pull the attention of the person searching for their place of peace....
A good infographic can be a powerful marketing and educational tool. Designed the right way, it can not only offer valuable information on a subject, but it can also educate a viewer on a business and how it works. What is not commonly known is that there can be different...
The fascination with logos. What is about them? Maybe it’s the fact that they say a lot about a brand without even needing text. Perhaps it’s the fact that they can be so unique and stand out from the sea of other designs. No matter what it is, we know...
A logo maker or logo generator is a cheap, effective option for getting your branding off the ground in a jiffy. While a logo from a logo maker could never replace the endless hours and expertise of a design agency, it will work for the short run! A Quick Turnaround...
Higher education can take a page from business when it comes to marketing. The principles are the same, and nearly every school wants more students in at least one discipline. If your school is already full, you can still use marketing strategies to target types of students you are looking...
Startups
As rapidly growing competition invades the startup business sector, new and innovative brands are continuing to launch every day in the hopes of an easy path for success. Full-fledged marketing requires a significant investment, both above the line and below the line, and since startups oftentimes have a limited budget,...
One of the biggest struggles that businesses face today is finding the perfect balance between quality and cost. Outsourcing is emerging as an effective tool to help companies cut costs while still keeping the quality that today's consumers have come to expect. 70% of companies turn to outsourcing to save...
You only have to turn on QVC or Shark Tank to see how many people want to start their own business and have good ideas. Indeed, small business is the backbone of the USA. Here are some steps you can use to make your own dream of owning a small...
Small businesses have had a bit of a renaissance thanks to the power of the internet and helpfulness of digital marketing. If you’re starting a small business or plan to in the coming months, there are some key foundational tenants you should always keep in mind. Starting any business is...
Start-up companies are seemingly everywhere now, thanks to the proliferation of the internet and the ingenuity of entrepreneurs across the country, especially those who have been stuck inside for the last several months. Although there are many wonderful intentions by most who start up a new business, these attempts are...
As a small business owner, you have to wear a lot of hats. You’re not just an owner, you’re also supposed to be a marketing specialist, customer service representative, financial expert, and a supervisor to any employees you have. To be able to excel in all these roles, there are...
Working from home is as common now as commuting and punching a clock. For many it arrived unexpectedly. For some it's a godsend, while others find it a burden or nuisance. Whichever part of the spectrum you fall under there are advantages to starting your own business from home. Home...
Entrepreneurship is booming across the country right now. A combination of the proliferation of the internet and ravages of Covid-19 have led many Americans to foster the desire to start a small business of their own. The time is right for a variety of new products and services to hit...
With 2020 over, many new entrepreneurs are looking to enter the market and launch their start-ups, with the hope that this year will be less challenging than the previous one. What many of these entrepreneurs must first consider, however, is that there are several tools every hopeful small business owner...
The proliferation of the internet has connected people as more than buyers and sellers. All over the web communities have sprung up. These communities are made up of like-minded people who all share a passion for a particular hobby or other interest. Small businesses have been increasingly keen on taking...
There are many different parts to creating a business. You have to identify your product or service, then start building your brand. Building your brand is a crucial part of starting a business. All brands need a catchy and recognizable business name. Picking the right name can be challenging, but...
Small businesses today are doing everything they can to keep up with global corporations in terms of marketing and visibility. Luckily, the internet has provided an even playing field for many components of a well-run marketing strategy. One of the most popular platforms on the web today is the video...
Good business names are descriptive, expressive, and simple to understand and spell.Before choosing a name, do your homework to make sure it’s available and not too similar to your competitors.The best names are concise, memorable, and aligned with your target audience’s expectations for price, service, and experience. Your business name...
Don’t be afraid to seek outside council from consultants and other business professionals in your field.Try not to overload yourself with too much work, train your employees well and learn how to delegate.Keep your business out of the red by paying special attention to your finances. If you don’t have...