With the U.S. economy in a downward spiral and budgets across the country being squeezed dry, now is the most important time to not just advertise, but advertise strategically. While some companies will take this year to sit on their hands until this recession blows over, the smart ones will take this opportunity to propel themselves to the top and devour their competition.

Making choices such as using 2-color instead of 4-color or directing more of your advertising dollars into a more measurable form of marketing media like direct mail or eMarketing, can get you a great return while leaving money in your pocket.  Go lean in 2010 and reap the rewards!

Who reigns supreme? This is one debate that I have seen quite frequently in the creative and marketing articles that I have read.  Authors and bloggers will make the case that strong copy is far and above more important than the design and overall aesthetic value of an advertisement. As a graphic designer by trade, it is hard to not take a bit of offense to this angle. I have worked in marketing and know that you can have the most striking creative and miss the mark if you fail to engage your recipient and provide a return on your client’s investment. This is very true and for that reason… copy is king.

I do believe, however, that just important as what your message says is how that message is presented. It is my belief that each individual project calls for a different and well thought out creative solution (that goes for copy and design). Having one of these things without the other will most likely lead to a far less effective response. To that end, my stance on this debate is that there is no debate. Good creative should have both great design and great copy and all companies should demand that from their creative services provider.

I finally caved and took the plunge in to the world of the mighty facebook. For the longest time I vowed that my computer is the tool of my trade and I have no use for playing kiddie games on my beloved Mac. However, following the lead of my lovely wife who has also recently joined, I succumbed to the peer pressure.

I had no idea what I was in for. Within a week of joining, I am pretty much at the equivalent of a full 1995 high school class reunion. I am still testing out my sea legs on old FB, but I could foresee many hours being wasted without some self discipline. I will not fall victim to this highly addictive time vampire… you heard it here. But seriously, I believe Facebook will be a great resource for not just catching up with old friends, but also a strong networking tool. Kudos to the folks at Facebook, you have certainly created a monster.

Copyright© All rights reserved 2008. Throttle 5 Creative Solutions

Throttle 5 Creative Solutions • Oswego, IL

630-542-2007 • Fax: 877-350-8937 • www.throttle5.com

throttle5design@gmail.com