Task 4

Who are my competitors?

Within the context of where I would like to end up after I achieve my graduation I have researched into Graphic Design agencies based in New York.

One company I found was called Enigma, which on first appearance gave off a good vibe because of the simplicity and layout, Enigma give a brief introduction on what they do on the Graphic Design kind of thing, but do not drown you with information which then made me want to look further into them for details.

The design company gives a strong sense of competition with other agencies which therefor makes them appear to be the top dog. Which if I was a customer is exactly what I would want to hear from such a company. Confidence.

From everything I saw of the website they appear to be built up purely on strengths, the website is flash but simple, there isn't too much information about, everything is split into tabs showing what they do which there by leaves a lot of threats for other design companies as they contain information on 'About us, Graphics, Exhibitions, Products, Socials and Contacting' all of these tabs are sub categories and then goes deeper into who they are as designers and all the different things they can do for you.

One of the only things I found a problem was that the terms tabs didn't work which included key elements such as 'Client Area' which is a big deal, also the tabs only open on firefox which can be a problem for some corporates to access.

The contact details are spot on and provide all the information you need to contact them, without experimenting and emailing them I am not at the minute able to show you whether or not they are as good with replying.

Searching through over sites based in New York I found one called www.nagatadesign.com

Which is an interesting site which states that Graphic Design is used although in comparison to the first website, in a much more complex manor.

Instantly when looking through the site I think it lacked some enthusiasm and it did not have he appeal to carry on, until I noticed the link tabs, which linked to a portfolio the woman had provided.

Again at first this seemed a little jumbled at first glance, until I gave it full attention, the work produced was laid out quite neatly and clear to what we were looking at. I liked how when you clicked on the thumbnail a bigger and more clear image came up in a separate window showing the brief and considerations and client.

I think the fact she has a design tips to clients page is pretty cool and informative for an unsure claimer. But is she bios to what she says? and does this link more to her form of design work?

The client list is quite big and shows a good body of successful advertisements. I do not like the contact details being at the top, they seam quite bleak and It does not make me feel as comfortable with contacting her as than with the other design site which had a much more friendly appearance.

Task 3

The secen roles of marketing are essential to promotions and audience,
Creation of new products, targeting markets, promoting the products,
placing the products, pricing them, value/ services and the monitoring
of the products are all key to finding out how I will begin to promote myself
as a designer in the real world.

I plan to promote myself by sending out freebies with a smart tag line which
will show who I am and what i do. This attatchment will be very
subliminal to my identity and the work i produce/ who I worked for.
This is a risk but it is giving the audience a chance to contact me if they
are interested.

Not forgeting the communication mix which is how I promote myself:

Personal Selling - When out in the world there are many ways that
you can begin to promote yourself and advertise. This could be by
setting up an exhibition and inviting different agencies, designers and
clients to come view the work and get feedback. This then could lead to
making formal conversation with businesses or clients, which will help
get your name out there and promote you. The only downfall with this
is the preperation of it all, making sure people come and the cost of commuting.

Public Relations and Publicity - At the moment I have enjoyed engaging
with live briefs such as the 'Electronic Poet' and the 'British Legion' to which
I designed a rememberence belt buckle aimed towards the british motorcyclists.
Not only does charity work make you feel good about yourself but also it
gets your name out for the right reasons.

Advertising - Trying to get into newspapers can be quite difficult unless you
are willing to pay. However My charity work for the Legion just goes
to show that When you do something for a good cause you get repaid.
By this I mean the fact that my designwork will be in the Newspaper
in December which will get my name out there to other designers.
This to me is a good starting point. Advertising can build brands, support
customers and depending on where it is placed I.E. magazines/ ad shells etc
then by depends on how long it will be there for the public to see. However
this is an expensive risk for a novice designer and also you cannot tell whether
the ad's are working or not.

Direct Marketing - Sending out mail shots, invitations, gifts and even business
cards to clients and promoters is a good starting point for getting attention
and making your name familliar (building personal relationships).

Promotions - Advertising deals for products such as BOGOF, Free delivery
and free gifts when you spend over a cetrtain amount. Even half price gifts
for certain seasons when you spend over £20 or more. This keeps the buyers
interested on how they can make the most out of thier spendings on your products.

The Internet - A blog/ website which show your work and advertise your
capabilities and what you can do as a designer. This is a good 24/7 way for
marketing and creating good interactive relations with customers. This also shows you
a data base of which people are particuly interested in your products and
rewards can be given to them for being a loyal customer. However feedback is a good way
to see how the site works. Remember that a bad peice of design out there can be evaluated
and tarnishes your reputation online and in the real world if you are not careful