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mythwoman · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject: CD Design based on website look?

Howdy Y'all,

I would like some opinions please. My printer died on me so I can't print out logos and designs. But I found someone who can and now I'm trying to come up with a design that isn't too flashy or too boring. Many have said that its important to have a design similar to your website. And because my website appearance is extremely basic I was thinking of just using the font and colors on my CD cover design as well.

But I want to know what others think. So could you please look at my website and tell me if you think it'll work for imagery on a CD?
http://www.letmarysayit.com

Also, a kind friend is designing another free website for me that will have more info on my writing as well as voice and I want to have a fantastical background like a colorful forest (like n Avatar) and a fairy wearing a headset. Does that sound too corny or too stupid?

Please, please let me know your thoughts!
Mary

Bruce · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:53 am Post subject:

When designing anything like this, a site, business card, CD label or cover, the big question to ask yourself is "what does this design say about me to the first time viewer?" What's the message behind the words and images?

I presume the only major design elements that will be transferred to the CD will be the exotic font for your name and profession and maybe the lighter blue circle within the gray-blue background. What impression will a design like that give prospective buyers? From what I know of you, you're a very talented, creative, fun actor who specializes in animation work. I'm not sure this design says that.

I'd rethink color, and at minimum I'd add a branding statement, in let's say seven words or less, that sells what you deliver. Here's are sample lines to jump off from as you imagine possibilities:

Bringing Character to Animation,
A Cast of Characters,
So Many Voices, So Little Time

We can sell characters and we can sell products and services, but sometimes it's hardest to sell ourselves. You've got it. Sell it Kiddo!

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

mythwoman · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 6:41 am Post subject:

Hi Bruce,

Thanks so much for your reply. My friend e-mailed me this morning actually with a sample idea so I thought I'd post it here for opinions.
What do you think? I know it needs a logo but the image is something I want to decide on first.

She created kind of a cyberpunk fairy in multi-hued woodsy background. I think its cute but what do you think?
http://i37.tinypic.com/dzwabb.jpg

Please, please tell me what you think.
Mary

Bruce · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:32 am Post subject:

I knew there were more fairies out there besides Sookie Stackhouse!

OK, this is coming from a guy, but I do think the fairy is fairly cute, so that's a possibility, but you also portray much more than woodland creatures behind the mic. Remember, you're trying to communicate with and peak the curiosity of newly encountered people, in addition to satisfying yourself. Does the image do that?

Separately, I'm not sure I'd go with a big, blocky type font.

Anybody else?

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

mythwoman · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:48 am Post subject:

This where I lack creativity, Bruce. I don't what images to use that represent the voices I can do. I personally think of fantasy and cyberpunk which is what led to the fairy image. But again, if it doesn't work I have no idea what will.

I struggled with this for many months creating my first website.
Now I'm back where I started and clueless as to what image to use.

Are there any professionals you can suggest to help me with this? I hate spend tons of money but I'm just not good at imagery.
Mary

PS - I appreciate your time and thoughts. Thank you so much!

Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 10:34 am Post subject:

Here is an observation.
When somebody says something is "cute", I immediately think "disposable".

Here is how I've come to this conclusion: I've found that whenever someone is shopping and finds something and says, "It's
Cute." If they purchase that item, it has a tendency to end up in the trash within six months. And therefore that item has no
lasting appeal.

So to me if something is cute, it's out.

Besides, you don't want cute. You want a lasting indelible impression, that quickly tells your audiance who you are and what you
do. You want something that when they see it, they think of you; and when they think of you, they think of the image.

Example:
McDonalds
CBS
Disney
KFC
GoodYear
K mart
Mobil
Visa
FedEx
Denny's
Old Navy
Lego
Wall Mart

Unless you've been under a rock for the last 30 years, when you think of these names, you can envision almost all of their logos.

What makes all of there logos and branding memorable, is the fact that they are simple. They read quickly.

So what you need is something that represents you, but is simple and direct.

The Fairy thing is played out. Though the image is bright and colorful, the character is not very dynamic; eyes are closed, head
is down and is in a "weak" sitting position. The image is also weaken by the fact you call yourself "Voce Actress" (I'm not being
Sexist here, this is merely psychological). Play to the more dynamic "Actor," because we know Mary is a woman.

The fonts are not working with the image. You have a colorful image and this heavy font, that does not complement the image.

Let's get you started on finding who Mary Morgan is.
Don't think about the following questions to much. Before you read any further get a paper and pencil. ( Do this Now)
Now write the first things you think of as you read each of following cues.

List all of things that:
1) Describes you as a Voice Actor

2) How do you what to be envisioned as a voice actor

3) Things that you like

Once this list is completed, you are now closer to honing in on you brand image- who you are. Also as you begin to think about thees lists, you may
even discover words or ideas that come closer to who you really are. When you do, write them down.

Design can often be a long process, so don't be in a hurry. When we are in a rush, sloppy work follows in our wake.

Hopes this helps.

I have a friend that is a corporate image and design guy, that might have some time to do freelance work for you. PM me if what his contact info.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Lizden · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 1:36 pm Post subject:

mythwoman · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:21 pm Post subject:

It's a GREAT tool, but after filling it out I still can picture ideas.
I took out the fairy, but I really like the background because I'm a nature girl and I love animals.

List all of things that:
1) Describes you as a Voice Actor
mysterious, fantastical, tomboyish, youthful, fun, creative, wicked strange

2) How do you what to be envisioned as a voice actor
unique, extraordinary, mysterious, exciting, different,

3) Things that you like
Animals, Fantasy, science-fiction, mythology, video games, writing, books, traveling, ancient world history, mysterious places, futuristic ideas

I know, I know, it's a long process. Pray tell I'll think of something before Christmas.

Take care all!
Mary

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:56 pm Post subject:

Since you're asking for opinions, Mary, I'll be honest: I think what you have for a logo thus far is pretty much terrible.

The background is super busy and says NOTHING about what you do or why I should hire you. I dislike fairies and the sight of them makes me want to find my fly swatter.

In the grand scheme of your marketing, a logo rates only a step higher than a catchy tagline. If you're trying to up your marketing, focus on what will get you hired. And a logo is not it.
_________________
Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

mythwoman · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 5:10 pm Post subject:

I appreciate your opinion Jeffrey. I already trashed the fairy idea.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 1:20 am Post subject:

Bruce · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 5:53 am Post subject:

Here are a couple of examples of others in your branch of VO work:

http://www.davidkaye.com/ (Way too messy and expensive to do all that flash, but once it settles down it's bold, yet simple and says something about him)

http://www.vanessamarshall.com/ (same comment as above)

http://www.candimilo.com/ (too much stuff on the page, but still a strong idea)

Hope this spurs some inspiration!

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

DougVox · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 8:56 am Post subject:

bransom · DC Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 650 Location: St. Louis, MO

mythwoman · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 12:31 pm Post subject:

Okay, so I need to find a copywriter?

This is news to me. And forgive me for ignorance but where do you find one?

Bruce, thanks for posting the sites. They are great but I don't like flash, it takes long to upload sometimes, so I want to stick with html.

Mike, thank you for the ideas! I'll hold onto them.

Jeffrey, Doug and Bob, thank you for your time and responses.