A couple pages from our Ecuador book...

I just wanted to share a couple pages from our recent book. It was done entirely in InDesign but these are a couple of the pages that were more PhotoShop based. It was a fun project!

Kids Sports Mag layouts

Been working with a publisher in Florida on some concept layouts for a regional magazine for kids sports. These were put together with a couple different cover ideas to help sell advertising.

A new friend and missionary in Mexico City!

Samantha Loesch left her comfort behind in Chicago and headed off to Mexico City to take the Gospel to those in need of our Lord and King! While there she has been taking some awesome pictures, that you can see at: http:/flic.kr/ps/2Ey7o8

She found me on Google and liked my work so she talked me into working up her new Prayer Card.
I'm still offering 1,000 full color both sides for $199.

Look her up and follow her on her exciting adventures!

White Storm Disaster efforts....

I'm not directly affiliated with this disaster relief but just worked up this banner to go on a website to help inspire donations to help with the relief.

A major hail storm passed through Africa and left not only a lot of damage, but took lives also. 

Hands of Hope NW

I've been working with Hands of Hope NW for a couple years now, in a variety of capacities. I love to be a first responder to disaster areas and I get to help those that have been left homeless or in great inconvenience from natural disasters. My wife and I have delivered Crisis Care Kits to Moore Oklahoma and Greeley Colorado in the last few weeks and months.

In addition to this, I help them with Marketing. We are currently working on new brochures and a website. Here's a start on a new identity package for them. My goal is to eventually create a Brand Refresh for them as well.

Logo options for a Lawyer

This guy is a Patriot and has been in the Military, so he wanted a brand that would represent his love for the USA. Which one do you think he'll go with? Stay tuned to find out and to see his letterhead package.

Heart & Soul Salsa

After some noodling and refining, we settled on this look for my good buddy Tracy Owen. I have a hunch this little business is going to take off! I've been an active part of start-ups over the years and you just get a feeling about some of them. The last big success story was about an engineer close to retirement at Allegheny Wah Chang. He was an avid bird hunter and when the feds announced that no more lead shot would be used to hunt waterfowl, his mind went to work. Short story... he developed an alloy shot that was heavier than lead and met the environmental standards. Thus, HeviShot. End of story. This company went into orbit amongst avid hunters world-wide and is winning competitions and setting records.

I anticipate the day Heart & Soul Salsa is doing it too! Below are a standard label, sell sheet and business card. Get your orders in early!

A logo for my All Time Favorite Salsa!

My good friend Tracy Owen makes by far the best salsa I've ever tasted. He's getting official this year by branding his creation. So we'll start with labels and business cards and go who knows where after this season.

A fun project!

I was asked to work up some logo ideas for new website concept that a friend of mine is creating and I really had fun with this one! Can't tell you what it's for yet, but check back later and I'll reveal it after it goes live.

Harrison Prospectus

I put together an 8 page prospectus for a client yesterday. It's filled with important and impressive numbers to attract investors. This is just the cover and one interior spread...

First time ever!

I was referred to a potential new client by a very good and fairly new client of mine. So I worked up 3 rough ideas to get the ball rolling. I usually work with a new client more at the beginning, to find out what their interests are, what styles they prefer, color schemes, etc. This way I'm not spinning my wheels at the upstart. But this one didn't give me much to go on so I went ahead and gave them something to respond to based on the name and general "fresh produce" ideas rolling around in my head...

 

So, after striking out on these.... go figure... they asked for something "funner" and more whimsical, maybe including a lasso and some funner type, so I worked up these two...

To no avail...  none of these did anything for them. I have to say there really is a first time for everything and this is it for me. In 20+ years of designing, this is the first time I've ever struck out on a project. It's usually just the exact opposite... they can't decide which one they like better! So, I'm chalking this one up as a "first timer" and moving on!

New website coming! & other musings about growth

I'm finally in the process of launching a new site for SharptonCreative! Time to move away from this blog platform and take my own image to the next level. I recommend most small companies start simple and inexpensive, and as they grow their income, they can grow their own image. There's nothing wrong with a grass roots approach to growing a business. Start cheap with a social media package including a blog site, facebook, twitter, google+, and even youtube and pinterest, if those interest you. This is a very cost effective way to get the word out about you and your new business. As you become more successful, we can talk about a more formal website and a wide variety of print materials, a direct mail campaign, a presentation package including a variety of print materials, etc.

A Marketing Projection should be in your Business Plan too.  Possibly even a Feasibility Study, if you're promoting a product. These things can start out small and simplistic but grow with your success. I thrive on working with start ups and being a part of the growth of their business!

Still cranking out creative ads...

I'm having so much fun! I love making others look sharp and professional. Here are a few more ads for Boise100. Please support these businesses whenever you can! We all appreciate it.

Boise100 banner ads

I've been turning out a few banner ads for the Boise100 site. Check these out and let me know if you need one. Or just want your current one ramped up a bit.

Go to www.boise100.com to see more.

A couple more Boise100 ads....

Get me your info this week and I'll turn your ads within 24 hours.
Thanks to these who have allowed me to create their ads. Please support them with your business!

Global SeniorCare logos...

Any time I start on a new brand, I work up a variety of ideas to present to the client. In this case, it has to appeal to seniors, first and foremost. Then it has to look the part for their adult children. I like to run my ideas by people in the appropriate age groups to see if I'm hitting the mark. I also show logos for certain businesses to people in that field to see if it appeals to them. It's all part of a feasibility study to make the company successful. Branding is key, so due diligence is important when you are thinking of a new business, or just a brand refresh for your existing company. I can do that for you, or guide you down the right path to researching your client base before you invest in a complete brand package. I look forward to working you through this sometimes complicated but valuable process!

SportsSource Magazine

I'm honored to be working with Becky Blanton of bookybiz on this new magazine start-up! It's very early in the process, but here are a couple cover ideas. Let me know which one you like best!

Business Ads for Boise100

I've been knocking out a few ads for my groupies at Boise100!
Support these businesses when you're in need of one of these services.

If you need an ad done at the last minute, get ahold of me. I can turn it in a couple hours!

RacksSite.com

A new social media site has been launched to draw hunters, worldwide, together in one forum to share pictures, experiences, and racks. These pages are part of the Media Kit to promote the site.
This site has only been up less than two weeks and already has over 1,000 members! Watch it, join it and follow it to help you pick your next hunt!