by Nancy Ruzow After 40 years of working in graphic design, I've noticed a pattern: one of the biggest reasons creative projects go off track isn't bad design or weak writing — it's the lack of a creative brief, or one that isn't fully fleshed out. Whether the nonprofit professionals … Read More ›
You’ve seen them before. Yet you may not exactly know what they’re capable of (or even what they are or how to use them). Today, I’m talking about the beauty of QR (Quick Response) codes! Though merely a small (usually black-and-white) graphic, this code can make a … Read More ›
As I talk to clients and other creative business owners, I hear a lot of fear and frustration about keeping up with content marketing while keeping the content and design on-brand. It starts with listening to your audience and clients and understanding the story your brand needs … Read More ›
Aspetuck Apple Barn is one of my favorite local places. They make pies, then freeze them — then I buy ‘em and bake ‘em. I get the benefit of a delicious-smelling house and warm, fresh-baked pie — with much less work (and mess!). © 1962, The New Yorker When … Read More ›
The components of brand guidelines Driving around town with my husband I started giving a design critique of the political lawn signs that were staked in the ground. There’s a young incumbent state senator, Will Haskell, who definitely needs some design love as well as figuring out what … Read More ›
Thanks to my client Val Gosset at Evergreen Marketing, I discovered some great sites to check on how my subject lines, headlines, and website score — and those of my other clients as well. She graciously said I could swipe the goods and share it with you. Feedback … Read More ›
Feeling stuck by what to do next with your social media marketing? Was the last post on your business Facebook page from 2013? Or maybe everyone is telling you that you "have to get on Instagram" even though you know you barely keep up with that Facebook page! … Read More ›
I am committed to a crazy little thing called LOVE. I have a handsome cornball of a husband, who is a romantic fellow. It would be just like him to buy a hunk of Gouda cheese, wrap it up, and say "You are Gouda for Me" or some … Read More ›
I read a great enews by Chris Creech of Newfangled, and he graciously said I could share it with you. Benchmarking the high-performing agency website: email list size & mailing frequency Newfangled has been consulting clients on marketing automation for a few years, and in doing so, we have developed … Read More ›
Hashtags have evolved far beyond the days of #ThrowbackThursday. In 2025, they’re less about chasing trends and more about strategic visibility and community building. If you’re ready to refine your social strategy and use hashtags that actually work for your brand, this guide will show you how … Read More ›
