Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Lidia Varesco Design

Empowering organizations to make a change - Branding & marketing design

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://lsvdesign.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://lsvdesign.com/blog/)
- [Giving Artfully: Where to Donate Art Supplies in Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/01/04/giving-artfully-where-to-donate-art-supplies-in-chicago/) - Here are the best places to donate art and craft supplies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
- [Why a Content Calendar is Essential for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/05/12/why-a-content-calendar-is-essential-for-nonprofits/) - Content calendars are essential for making content marketing strategic, consistent and effective. Without one, content outreach is scattered.
- [Make a Milestone Memorable: How to Create an Appealing Anniversary Logo](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/07/26/make-a-milestone-memorable-how-to-create-an-appealing-anniversary-logo/) - An anniversary logo is more than just a design—it symbolizes the organization's past achievements, present endeavors, and future aspirations. It helps to strengthen the organization's identity, engage stakeholders, and leave a lasting impression. This specially-designed logo marks a significant milestone, such as the founding year, and also serves as a powerful branding tool for celebration
- [Boost Your Nonprofit's Visuals with Canva Brand Kit: A Complete Guide](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/06/26/boost-your-nonprofits-visuals-with-canva-brand-kit-a-complete-guide/) - Branding is crucial for nonprofits to effectively communicate their mission and build trust with their audience. However, creating the multitude of graphics that are needed for social media, email marketing, and content marketing can be challenging and time-consuming. Many organizations are already using Canva to create graphics in their organization. Developing a comprehensive Canva Brand
- [35+ Free (Or Low-Cost) Design Resources for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/09/26/25-free-or-low-cost-design-resources-for-nonprofits/) - Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels Offers are subject to change, refer to links for the most recent information. Updated 5/12/2026 When I present my branding and marketing workshops to nonprofits, I inevitably get asked the question: "Is there any way we can do some of this stuff on our own? (preferably for free or
- [15+ Free (or Low-Cost) Social Media, Content, & Email Marketing Resources for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/07/31/10-low-cost-social-media-content-email-marketing-resources-for-nonprofits/) - One of the biggest time-savers for my clients has been using a social media scheduler, rather than scheduling posts manually.
- [2026 Word for the Year: Ease ](https://lsvdesign.com/2026/01/10/2026-word-for-the-year-ease/) - This was the toughest word for the year to decide. There was no particular reason, but the right word just kept eluding me. Until January 6th, when I read an email from Tosha Schore of Parenting Boys Peacefully. In it, she mentioned that she was bypassing new year goals and instead chose a word: “ease.”
- [3 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Celebrate the Summer Solstice](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/06/20/3-ways-your-organization-can-celebrate-the-summer-solstice/) - The Summer Solstice, in agricultural terms, is a time when crops are in full growth and approaching harvest. But why let farmers have all the fun? Here are 3 ways you can use the energy of the Summer Solstice to assess and foster the growth of your nonprofit organization. 1. Conduct a branding audit Summer
- [Designing With Purpose: My Approach to Mission-Driven Branding & Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2025/11/20/designing-with-purpose-my-approach-to-mission-driven-branding-marketing/) - I’ve spent over 25 years leading my Chicago-based studio, Lidia Varesco Design, helping nonprofits, associations, and small businesses tell their story through branding and marketing design. I had the honor of being featured in the 2024 GDUSA Responsible Designers issue. This issue is all about honoring creative professionals who use their design skills and principles
- [What Makes an Effective GivingTuesday Campaign—and How to Make Yours Stand Out](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/08/07/is-your-nonprofit-organization-ready-for-givingtuesday/) - GivingTuesday "reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity." Their mission is to inspire collective action towards improving local communities through generosity. They stress the importance of each act of kindness—no matter how small. The ultimate goal of this movement is to bring people together to create a more generous world. GivingTuesday happens on
- [15 Blogs and Podcasts to Boost Your Social Media and Content Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/01/30/blogs-and-podcasts/) - The social media blogs and podcasts that I find most useful for staying up-to-date in the changing world of social media.
- [Expert Tips for Being Less Productive](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/08/10/4-tips-for-being-less-productive/) - Unlock creativity and well-being with expert tips on embracing downtime, saying no to constant busyness, and being less productive in a hyper-productive world.
- [Celebrating Collaborative Success: GDUSA 2024 Graphic Design Award Winners](https://lsvdesign.com/2025/01/27/celebrating-success-gdusa-2024-graphic-design-award-winners/) - I’m thrilled that two of my client projects were recognized in the GDUSA 2024 Graphic Design Awards! These awards are a testament to the collaborative relationships I have built with my clients, as well as our shared commitment to creating mission-focused design solutions that make an impact. Here’s a closer look at the winning projects:
- [Can AI Empower Your Nonprofit? Find Out More.](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/12/04/can-ai-empower-your-nonprofit-find-out-more/) - Updated 01/8/24 What is AI anyway? AI is starting to become integrated into many areas, including the nonprofit sector, but what is it exactly? AI, or artificial intelligence, is “a machine’s ability to perform the cognitive functions we associate with human minds, such as perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with an environment, problem-solving, and even exercising
- [2025 Word for the Year: Manifest](https://lsvdesign.com/2025/01/13/2025-word-for-the-year-manifest/) - It’s no coincidence that while I was pondering my word for 2025, I was also contemplating participating in author Gabby Bernstein’s 21-Day Manifesting Challenge. The synchronicity felt like a gentle nudge from the Universe, aligning perfectly with my journey. My word for 2024 was “divine,” which manifested itself in so many meaningful ways—spiritual growth, unexpected
- [Top 7 Books About Logo Design for Nonprofit Communicators](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/10/07/top-7-books-about-logo-design-for-nonprofit-communicators/) - Creating a strong and recognizable brand identity is essential for organizations looking to stand out and express their mission. And a key component of branding is a logo design that effectively communicates the essence of your brand. Whether your organization is new or you're seeking inspiration for a brand refresh, these logo design books will
- [Fundamentals of Atomic Habits for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/01/30/what-are-atomic-habits-and-how-can-they-help-me/) - Have you heard the buzz about "atomic habits" and wondered what it's all about? Atomic Habits is the title of a popular book by James Clear, as well as a framework for creating positive behaviors and habits—and breaking the not-so-good ones. The Building Blocks of Atomic Habits In his book, Clear outlines that habits, or
- [Celebrating 20 years in business!](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/11/18/celebrating-20-years-in-business/) - Celebrating 20 years in business! Back in 2000, my friend was mentoring me through the overwhelming process of starting a business, now two decades later...
- [Is Your Logo Meeting Your Nonprofit's Communication Needs? Check Here.](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/07/21/is-your-logo-meeting-your-nonprofits-communication-needs/) - A logo is a key element of your organization’s branding, however if it’s not designed to be flexible, it can become obsolete or unusable.
- [6 Tips for More Engaging Nonprofit Email Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/06/27/6-tips-for-more-engaging-nonprofit-email-marketing/) - I’m amazed by the amount of spam I receive, specifically email lists I’m added to without my permission by someone who I don’t know. Email marketing is a great way to reach qualified prospects—the key here is the word qualified. Adding people indiscriminately to your mailing list in the hopes of making your list bigger
- [What Canva CAN’T Do: When to Call in a Design Professional](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/07/02/what-canva-cant-do-when-to-call-in-a-design-professional/) - Though I find it a useful tool for nonprofits who are generating digital graphics in-house frequently, there are certain things Canva can’t—or shouldn't—do.
- [Top Nonprofit Webinars to Educate and Empower](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/09/28/top-nonprofit-webinars-to-educate-and-empower/) - The nonprofit marketing and communications landscape is constantly changing, so staying current is crucial. One of the best ways to do that is by attending webinars or other trainings. Here are my favorite sources for nonprofit webinars and other online trainings—including those I that participate in (hope to see you at a session!) Association of
- [Why (and How) to Set Healthy Social Media Limits        ](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/02/06/why-and-how-to-set-healthy-social-media-limits/) - How do we get ourselves out of this downward spiral of feeling like we always have to be connected? By creating a healthy relationship with technology.
- [I Didn't Check Email on Vacation—and You Shouldn't Either](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/08/24/i-didnt-check-email-on-vacation-and-you-shouldnt-either/) - So, what happened when I didn’t check email for a week? (Spoiler alert: not much)
- [How to Completely Unplug from Work While on Vacation](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/07/11/how-to-completely-unplug-from-work-while-on-vacation/) - I went on vacation this year and once again, I didn’t check email and social media. I started this practice somewhat spontaneously a few years ago, however now that I’m a pro at unplugging from work, I have become more intentional about it. As I always do, I made sure projects were wrapped up, sent my
- [How Nonprofits Are Doing Email Marketing Right During a Crisis](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/05/04/how-nonprofits-are-doing-email-marketing-right-during-a-crisis/) - What are nonprofits doing to develop successful and memorable email marketing during the pandemic crisis? Here are some do's—and a few dont's.
- [All I Really Need To Know In Small Business, I Learned From My Baby](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/09/06/all-i-really-need-to-know-in-small-business-i-learned-from-my-baby/) - Before I became a mom, I had been a small business owner for almost 12 years, so I was accustomed to running my design studio in an organized, methodical way. When my baby boy arrived (3 weeks early, I might add) things quickly changed in both my home and business life. Now a mama of
- [All I Really Need To Know In Small Business, I Learned From My Toddler](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/09/03/all-i-really-need-to-know-in-small-business-i-learned-from-my-toddler/) - Running a small business can be surprisingly similar to raising a toddler—both require a lot of patience, adaptability, and juggling. Here are insights I learned when my children were toddlers. Persistence pays off. I watch my toddler (who has always been very determined) try and try until he succeeds. Whether spearing peas on a fork
- [Instead of “to-dos” make a list of “dones”](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/12/18/instead-of-to-dos-make-a-list-of-dones/) - As the year winds down, why not set aside your to-dos and make a list of “dones” to reflect back on.
- [What Type of Content Calendar Should Our Nonprofit Use?](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/05/24/what-type-of-nonprofit-content-calendar-should-i-use/) - For creating your nonprofit content calendar, I prefer: Google Sheets, a simple spreadsheet, and Trello, a more visually-based calendar. 
- [Do You Need to Pull the “Weeds” in Your Branding?](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/08/28/do-you-need-to-pull-the-weeds-in-your-branding/) - I was pulling weeds at my parents’ house and at first glance, I didn’t see very many (which is why I decided to undertake this task) but the more I started pulling, the more weeds I started to see. All of a sudden, they were everywhere! But once I started pulling the weeds, it was
- [20+ Free (or Low-Cost) Project Management, Meeting, & Productivity Resources for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/01/10/20-free-or-low-cost-project-management-productivity-resources-for-nonprofits/) - Offers are subject to change, refer to the links for the most recent information. Referral links are included. Updated 1/22/2024One of the best ways for organizations to be efficient is by using project management and productivity tools that keep their team connected and improve workflow. As a volunteer board and committee member for a nonprofit-focused association,
- [Top 6 Content Marketing Books for Nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/09/28/top-5-content-marketing-books-for-nonprofits/) - I’ve compiled a list of my 5 favorite content marketing books to kick start your organization’s content marketing.
- [Top 9 Books on Graphic Design for Non-Designers](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/11/18/top-9-books-on-graphic-design-for-non-designers/) - Some of my favorite graphic design books are those geared toward non-designers. I find it useful to go back to the basics sometimes. 
- [Top 8 Branding Books for Nonprofit Communicators & Marketers](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/08/22/top-8-branding-books-for-nonprofit-communicators-marketers/) - I know that nonprofit marketers and communicators are busy people, so I've done the hard work for you, scouring my bookshelves (and the library) for the best branding books for nonprofits, associations, and higher ed teams. 
- [Empowering the Next Generation of Logo Designers](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/04/11/next-generation-of-logo-designers/) - Logo design doesn’t need to be serious. Sometimes you just have to play. Watch the next generation of logo designers, thirty 1st graders, bring their logos to life.
- [Exploring AI at Your Association? Start Here.](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/12/04/exploring-ai-at-your-association-start-here/) - Updated 12/4/2023 What is AI anyway? AI, or artificial intelligence, is "a machine’s ability to perform the cognitive functions we associate with human minds, such as perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with an environment, problem-solving, and even exercising creativity." (McKinsey & Company) It's become a hot topic in all industries, including member associations. How Associations Are
- [5 Tips for Choosing a Motivational Word for the Year](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/01/24/5-tips-for-choosing-a-motivational-word-for-the-year/) - Each year, I choose a word for the year to set the tone and guide my decisions throughout the year. The process of picking the word can be just as fun as implementing the word. 5 tips for choosing a word for the year Consider the energy of the last year What was the overall
- [2024 Word for the Year: Divine](https://lsvdesign.com/2024/01/12/2024-word-for-the-year-divine/) - Back in 2014, I started the tradition of choosing a word for the year. I was inspired by author Gretchen Rubin's advice to choose a one-word theme for the year. It's been fun each year choosing my word—or allowing it to choose me. This year was a bit tricky as I wanted to embody both
- [How to Find Color Inspiration for Social Graphics Quickly and Easily](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/10/27/how-to-find-color-inspiration-for-social-graphics-quickly-and-easily/) - Color is one of the key design building blocks. It can make or break your design. But finding the right color can sometimes be a challenge.
- [Boost Your Nonprofit's Data Visualization Game With These Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/07/20/share-your-impact-inspiring-data-visualization-resources-for-nonprofits/) - Donors are mission-driven, so they want to see the impact of their generosity. According to a report by Fidelity Charitable, 65% of donors “would give more if they knew the impact of their donations.” (That’s a lot!) Data visualizations are an easy way to show donors your nonprofit's impact in an engaging, easy-to-understand—and even fun—way.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Choose a word for the year](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/12/16/10-minute-marketing-choose-a-word-for-the-year/) - Starting back in 2014, I've chosen a word for the upcoming year. I learned this from Gretchen Rubin and I've found it to be a great way to set the tone for the year and stay focused on my goals. This year's word was REGROUP. After taking some time off to focus on my new
- [2017 Word for the Year: Priorities](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/01/04/my-word-for-the-year-priorities/) - My word for the year is: priorities. As in, setting them and sticking to them!
- [Word for the Year 2016: Regroup](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/01/13/2016-year-in-review-regroup/) - After my kids were born, it took some time to adjust to my new life as a mom in business. But last year I made an intention to REGROUP.
- [2020 Word for the Year: Voice](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/01/07/2020-word-for-the-year-voice/) - Over the past 6 years, I’ve picked a word for the year to set the tone for the year. This year’s word is VOICE. Choosing this year's word was a bit of an impulse decision after reading a prompt in a MsTech Facebook group post—but it think it encompasses many things I’d like to achieve
- [2019 word for the year: essential](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/01/09/2019-word-for-the-year-essential/) - For the last 5 years, I've chosen a word for the year to set the tone and stay focused. Last year's word was STREAMLINE. I wanted to streamline and simplify my life so that I could be more productive and feel less rushed. So, how did I do? I successfully streamlined my digital and social
- [2018 word for the year: streamline](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/01/03/my-word-for-the-year-streamline/) - My 2018 word for the year: STREAMLINE. It's time to simplify and streamline all aspects of my business.
- [What I want to learn in 2014](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/12/30/what-i-want-to-learn-in-2014/) - I'm continuing in my tradition of listing things I want to learn in the new year instead of resolutions. Admittedly, there are a few holdovers from years past, but I'm all the more determined to check them off! Things I want to learn in 2013 Digital publishing: apps, eBooks, etc. Making the most of my
- [2014 Word for the Year: Focus](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/04/whats-word-2014/) - I don't usually make New Year resolutions, making instead a list of things I want to learn (see this year's list here). But this year, inspired by author Gretchen Rubin, I also decided to choose a word for the year: FOCUS. Choosing a word for the year can be powerful. It can help guide your
- [How Smart is Your Nonprofit’s Social Media Branding?](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/05/15/how-smart-is-your-nonprofits-social-media-branding/) - Social media is a smart way to promote and increase awareness for your organization or nonprofit. In fact, social media may be the first point of entry for a prospect or supporter, so you want to make sure your branding accurately tells your story What is social media branding? Social media branding is how your
- [Why Your Small Business Needs Brand Guidelines—and How to Create Them](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/07/26/why-your-small-business-needs-brand-guidelines-and-how-to-create-them/) - I was recently designing packaging for a small business and when I requested their brand guidelines, she had never heard of the term. I’m guessing this is common for many small business owners. Or else, you have heard of brand guidelines, but don’t know where to start when it comes to creating them for your
- [How to Use Branding to Personalize Your GivingTuesday Campaign](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/09/26/how-to-personalize-your-organizations-givingtuesday-campaign/) - If your nonprofit is ready to join the GivingTuesday movement, here comes the fun stuff: personalizing your campaign and making it your own. The great thing about GivingTuesday is that it’s an “unbranded movement”—you have the flexibility to make it whatever you want. You can use your organization’s branding to create custom GivingTuesday social media
- [Tips for Using Social Media in Your GivingTuesday Campaign](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/10/25/tips-for-using-social-media-in-your-givingtuesday-campaign/) - Launch your #GivingTuesday campaign on social media with these easy tips!
- [GivingTuesday is Almost Here: Last-Minute Communications Tips for Success](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/11/21/last-minute-communications-tips-for-givingtuesday/) - Here are a few last-minute steps you can take to make sure your #GivingTuesday campaign is a success.
- [GivingTuesday is Over, Now What? Tips for Meaningful Follow-Up](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/12/05/tips-for-meaningful-givingtuesday-follow-up/) - Congratulations, you did it—you made it through GivingTuesday! But your work is not done yet. Take advantage of the momentum of your campaign: follow up with your donors and supporters, create meaningful long-term connections, and use the insights gathered this year to inspire next year's campaign. Say Thank You—and Share Results Thank your supporters on
- [RECAP: GivingTuesday 2019 Impact Report](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/02/11/givingtuesday-2019-recap/) - This year's #GivingTuesday Impact Report shows how "when people demonstrate generosity collectively, they can create real and systemic change."
- [A to Z of Branding](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/10/03/a-to-z-of-branding/) - A is for Audience When you are developing your organization’s branding, one of the first things to consider is your audience. Without this knowledge, you won’t know who you are speaking to with your branding. Take some time to jot down specifics about your audience: Who are they? What are their interests? What are they passionate about?
- [Ways Nonprofit Leaders Can Benefit from Atomic Habits](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/02/24/ways-nonprofit-leaders-can-benefit-from-atomic-habits/) - Out of the 1.3 million US-based nonprofits, most are small and community-based which means they may be low on resources. One tool I’ve found that can help productivity for individuals and small teams is using the principles of Atomic Habits, a book that teaches how small changes can make a big impact. According to author
- [How to Make Your Giving Page More Engaging](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/12/15/what-makes-a-good-giving-page/) - The ultimate goal of any giving page is to make a donation. Learn how to keep your audience engaged while collecting donation dollars.
- [Expert Tips to Enhance Your Stock Photography Search](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/22/feeling-stock-photo-research-overload-try/) - Anyone who has researched stock photography knows that it can be really time-consuming—not to mention, mind-numbing. Here are a few expert tips to make the search go smoother and faster. Know the different licensing types Make sure you specify if the type of image license you are looking for before you find that perfect image.
- [Diverse & Inclusive Stock Photography & Illustration Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/10/26/diverse-inclusive-stock-photography-resources/) - Photo by Disability:IN Updated 7/21/23 During a session at ComNet V about reaching diverse audiences, the speakers spoke about the importance of using stock photos that are more inclusive and diverse. As an art director and designer, I couldn’t agree more. In fact, a recent stock photo search I did on “voting” returned a majority of images featuring white men’s hands (wearing business suits, to boot).
- [Cooper Black—and other Chicago-Born Typography—Makes Its Mark on Design](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/12/03/cooper-black-and-other-chicago-hometown-typefaces/) - Explore the typeface Cooper Black. The most popular and largest-selling advertising typeface of the 1920s and 1930s (and still often used today),
- [10 Must-Have Conference Graphics to Make Your Event Memorable](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/05/25/10-must-have-conference-graphics-to-make-your-event-memorable/) - While you're furiously planning content and logistics for your event, you may not have time to think about all the visual aspects—i.e. the conference graphics. Well, I'm here to do the thinking for you. There is a direct correlation between associations hosting in-person events and member renewals, so focusing on a well-executed—and well-branded—event is crucial
- [User Personas for Associations: Benefits & Best Practices](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/05/23/user-personas-for-associations-benefits-best-practices/) - Originally published in Association Forum's FORUM Magazine, April, 2023 Associations often struggle to tell their story in a way that people can easily understand what they do and why it matters. Many nonprofits face the same challenge, but there’s a solution: user personas. User personas are a representation of your association’s top-priority audiences, based on research, data,
- [How to Conduct a Nonprofit Brand Review](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/02/25/conducting-a-brand-review-for-2022/) - With 2022 already well underway, it’s probably well past time for your nonprofit organization to do a brand review.
- [10 Minute Marketing: Establish Your Brand Guardrails](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/07/22/brand-guardrails/) - When you are developing your branding, it’s just as important to establish the who, what, and why of your organization as it is the NOT (ie the guardrails).
- [How to Stay on Brand In Your Nonprofit Content Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/07/28/how-to-stay-on-brand-in-your-nonprofit-content-marketing/) - As you get the ball rolling with creating regular content for your organization, you may notice your content beginning to drift off-brand. Thankfully I have a few ways to keep your content brand-focused before that happens. 1. Content Mission Statement When planning and developing new content, always refer back to your content mission statement and
- [2023 Word For the Year: Enough](https://lsvdesign.com/2023/01/18/2023-word-for-the-year-enough/) - Choosing a word for the year has been a habit I’ve maintained since 2014, but finding the right word is not always easy. Last year’s word was transform and it came quite naturally as I was transforming aspects of my business, such as adding branding and design courses to my speaking mix. This year’s word
- [Happy 10th anniversary...to my business!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/11/18/happy-10th-anniversary-to-my-business/) - Today marks my 10th year in business so I'm throwing a party! Well, technically not a party but I will be celebrating tonight (it also happens to be the birthday of one of my business advisers, my dad). Thinking back 10 years, I recall the feeling of excitement coupled with nervousness when starting my business.
- [2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Design Enthusiasts](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/12/01/2022-holiday-gift-guide-for-design-enthusiasts/) - Here are some gift ideas to both delight and inspire—including several from my own collection. Many of them are from fellow small businesses!
- [Why Your Organization Needs a Social Media Mission (and How to Write One)](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/08/16/why-your-organization-needs-a-social-media-mission-and-how-to-write-one/) - Most organizations have a mission statement, but do you have a social media mission statement? According to HubSpot, 67% of nonprofits have no social media strategy, policies, or goals documented. (Ouch—that's higher than the 50% of companies without a documented social media strategy reported by Search Engine Journal). That means more than half of the
- [How to Keep Your Visuals On-Brand](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/10/07/how-to-keep-your-visuals-on-brand/) - Brand visuals can become diluted over time. Fear not, you can maintain successful brand consistency by doing some simple planning.
- [Building a Nonprofit Content Calendar That is Effective and Simple](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/05/19/building-a-nonprofit-content-calendar-that-is-effective-and-simple/) - Now that you’ve learned why your nonprofit needs a content calendar, let’s talk about how to build one. Start from scratch or use a template.
- [An Interview with Lidia](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/07/28/an-interview-with-lidia/) - I started my business in 2000, so I celebrated 20 years in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. (Is it safe to throw my anniversary party now??) 
- [New Website, Same Lidia](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/07/28/new-website-same-lidia/) - I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my new website and blog at lsvdesign.com! My new website makes it easier to find your way around.
- [Why Your Nonprofit Needs Brand Guidelines—and How to Create Them](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/04/25/why-your-nonprofit-needs-brand-guidelines-and-how-to-create-them/) - Brand guidelines can make a massive impact. Learn more about why your organization needs brand guidelines.
- [What is a Nonprofit Content Mission Statement—and How to Write An Effective One](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/07/06/what-is-a-nonprofit-content-mission-statement-and-how-to-write-an-effective-one/) - A content mission statement summarizes the WHO, WHAT, WHY and WHERE of your content strategy. Need extra help?
- [How Branding Improves a Nonprofit’s Content Strategy](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/05/26/how-branding-improves-an-organizations-content-strategy/) - Branding is how people perceive and interact with an organization. It’s not just a logo or website. It forms emotional connections.
- [Aligning Brand Strategy Effectively with Your Nonprofit's Content Strategy](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/06/03/aligning-brand-strategy-effectively-with-your-organizations-content-strategy/) - Now that we know why aligning branding with content marketing is important, let’s talk about how to do it effectively, using a branding-inspired framework that I've developed and used with my nonprofit and assocaition clients. Using a Branding Framework to Improve Content Marketing My branding framework is made up of four components: WHO, WHAT, WHY,
- [What Makes an Effective Marketing Campaign?](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/03/03/effective-marketing-campaigns/) - As a judge at the IAPD/IPRA annual conference Agency Showcase Awards, I noticed several common threads in the most effective marketing campaigns.
- [RECAP: 2019 NGO Technology Report](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/11/06/2019-ngo-technology-report-recap/) - The Global Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Technology Report is a biennial research project, sponsored by Funraise and produced by Nonprofit Tech for Good, that strives to understand how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide use technology. Using survey results from over 5,000 NGOs across 160 countries, this report is useful for analyzing your organization's current use of
- [RECAP: The Nonprofit Communication Trends Report 2020](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/02/18/communication-trends-2020/) - The 2020 Nonprofit Communication Trends Report from Nonprofit Marketing Guide shares insights from 600+ nonprofit organizations
- [Lidia Varesco Design is WBE-certified by WBENC](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/11/14/lidia-varesco-design-is-wbe-certified-through-wbenc/) - I’m pleased to announce that Lidia Varesco Design has been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the US. Through myself and my team, we can add supplier diversity to your organization’s branding,
- [Kick Off the Year With a Quick Social Media Audit (Free Worksheet)](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/01/04/kick-off-the-year-with-a-quick-social-media-audit-free-worksheet/) - Start the new year with a social media audit to assess the previous year's results. It's a quick and easy process.
- [2022 Word for the Year: Transform](https://lsvdesign.com/2022/01/04/2022-word-for-the-year-transform/) - I admit this year’s word took a while to appear. It’s been a long pandemic—22 months to be exact—and I just couldn’t seem to find the right word to describe how I felt going into this new year. Last year’s word was collaboration and I was pleased with how it manifested: from growing my team at Lidia
- [Making My "Stitch"](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/09/21/making-my-stitch/) - Making my stitch with a curated list of organizations making a real change for racial equity.
- [Racial Equity Organizations, Resources & Talks](https://lsvdesign.com/2020/09/21/racial-equity-organizations-talks/) - A list of local and national organizations who are making a change for racial equity, as well as takeaways from related talks and webinars.
- [Designing the perfect conference experience](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/28/designing-the-perfect-conference-experience/) - Going to an industry conference can be overwhelming. So many sessions to choose from, people to network with, resources to learn about—not to mention socializing with industry friends and colleagues. Whew. After attending my very first HOW Design Conference in Chicago this weekend, I've decided to share a few ways I discovered to make attending
- [Book Review: 365 Thank Yous](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/02/22/book-review-365-thank-yous/) - After reaching a low point in his life, the author decides to focus on the positive: writing a thank you note every day for a year. Written as a series of anecdotes followed by corresponding thank you notes, the book is a quick, uplifting read. As you follow the changes that occur in the author's
- [2021 Word for the Year: Collaboration](https://lsvdesign.com/2021/01/05/2021-word-for-the-year-collaboration/) - After participating in a recent webinar, the topic of creative collaborations came up and I knew I had my word. Collaboration.
- [20 Years: 20 Logos](https://lsvdesign.com/2021/01/12/20-years-20-logos/) - Logos. How do you sum up 20 years of logo design work? You search “logo” on your Mac and start sorting through files.
- [Boost Your Branding with the Giving USA 2021 Report](https://lsvdesign.com/2021/07/29/boost-your-branding-with-the-giving-usa-2021-report/) - The Giving USA report details the sources and uses of charitable giving in the United States. This annual report highlights strategic insights and giving trends that organizations can use to improve their fundraising. The 2021 report was recently released and Campbell & Company held a related webinar to discuss the data and share related stories. Here are key data points from
- [RECAP: IAPD/IPRA Agency Showcase Competition](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/01/28/recap-iapdipra-agency-showcase-competition/) - Last week was my fourth time judging the Agency Showcase Competition at the Illinois Park and Recreation Association/IAPD Soaring to New Heights Conference. The competition features communications and marketing work from local park districts and parks/recreation agencies. Entries are judged on creativity, design, content and organization. The category I judged was Print Communications (Informational and Promotional).
- [RECAP: Alumni Coffee Connection at Columbia College Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/2019/01/18/recap-alumni-coffee-connection-at-columbia-college-chicago/) - This week, I attended Alumni Coffee Connection, a Columbia College Chicago Alumni networking event that I helped to plan. It featured Columbia College Chicago alumna from the '90s, '00s and '10s. The inspiring panel, Michele Anderson of Lookingglass Theatre Company, Maggie O'Keefe for 40th Ward Alderman and Meka Hemmon of SpiderMeka Photography, discussed how they
- [How nonprofits can thrive during challenging times](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/06/25/how-consultants-can-help-nonprofits-thrive-during-challenging-times/) - What are consultants doing to help nonprofits grow and thrive during these challenging times?
- [Creating a better world for my children—one design at a time](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/06/15/creating-a-better-world-for-my-children-one-design-at-a-time/) - I spend a lot of time interviewing moms in business but I rarely share my own story, so I was thrilled when Creative Women's Co. asked to interview me.
- [Event Recap: SheSays Chicago International Women's Day 2018](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/04/04/event-recap-shesays-chicago-international-womens-day-2018/) - How will you amplify a fellow woman's voice?
- [Recap: how I made an impact in 2017](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/01/29/recap-how-i-made-an-impact-in-2017/) - I've always loved working with organizations who are making a difference. Now that I'm a mom I'm even more passionate about making the world a better place.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Conduct a social media audit](https://lsvdesign.com/2018/01/05/10-minute-marketing-conduct-a-social-media-audit/) - When was the last time you reviewed your social media strategy and analytics? If the answer is more than a few months, time to get to it! Start by generating analytics for each social media outlet you use. You can use the analytics provided by each outlet, however if you need more than 90 days
- [Recap: Digital Summit Chicago 2017](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/11/27/recap-digital-summit-chicago-2017/) - The Digital Summit series made its inaugural stop in Chicago this year. The 2-day digital marketing conference was filled with insights on digital, email and content marketing. Here are a few of my top takeaways. Deep thoughts by Ann Handley… The conference kicked off with an inspiring and entertaining keynote by content queen, Ann Handley of
- [Recap: Women Supporting Women Conference 2017](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/10/25/recap-women-supporting-women-conference-2017/) - Last week, I attended the Women Supporting Women Conference in Chicago presented by WeWillWomen.org (formerly Mom+Baby), an event that aims to advance women in both professional and political interests. The event offered 2 tracks of speakers on topics such as marketing, networking, public speaking and community and political involvement. I was happy to see so
- [10-Minute Marketing: Add a Services tab to your Facebook business page](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/09/01/10-minute-marketing-add-a-services-tab-to-your-facebook-business-page/) - Add a Services tab to your Facebook Business page and let visitors know at-a-glance what services your organization offers.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Implement a CRM system](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/08/18/10-minute-marketing-implement-a-crm-system/) - As someone who’s been tracking prospects in Excel spreadsheets for years, switching to a CRM (customer relationship management) tool has been a real game changer for me. Not only can I reach out to and follow up with my prospects and leads more efficiently, but my communication with them is in one place rather than
- [6 lessons I learned about life (and business) from Cars 3](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/07/26/what-i-learned-about-life-and-business-from-cars-3/) - Although the story is targeted toward kids, the movie has life (and business) lessons for all of us "big kids" as well.
- [RECAP: SheSays Chicago's International Women's Day panel discussion](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/03/15/recap-shesays-chicagos-international-womens-day-panel-discussion/) - Last week, I attended SheSays Chicago's International Women's Day panel discussion at Leo Burnett. It was a lively discussion on creating a more gender-inclusive world, filled with inspiration and humor. Below are a few top quotes from the panelists and audience members: If we apply innovation and startup principles, we can create solutions to our
- [10-Minute Marketing: Update your LinkedIn profile](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/02/17/10-minute-marketing-update-your-linkedin-profile/) - Is it time to get reacquainted with LinkedIn and spruce up your profile?
- [If you don’t ask, you won’t know](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/02/16/if-you-dont-ask-you-wont-know/) - When is the last time you asked your clients what’s on their mind? The answers may be simple but powerful.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Survey your clients](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/02/10/10-minute-marketing-survey-your-clients/) - Is it time to survey your clients?
- [How to make the most out of working with a graphic designer](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/01/11/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-working-with-a-graphic-designer/) - Investing in a designer who can create a well-designed logo and other marketing materials is one of the keys to small business success.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make a list of things to learn](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/01/06/10-minute-marketing-make-a-list-of-things-to-learn/) - 10-Minute Marketing: Make a list of things to learnInstead of making New Year resolutions every year, I make a list of things I want to learn.
- [Care to join me in a STORYSTORM?](https://lsvdesign.com/2017/01/05/care-to-join-me-in-a-storystorm/) - I signed up to participate in STORYSTORM: a month of brainstorming new story ideas. Who's with me?
- [10-Minute Marketing: Review your yearly goals](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/12/23/10-minute-marketing-review-your-yearly-goals/) - With the year drawing to a close and projects slowing down, it's a great time to reflect on this year's goals.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make a list of this year’s accomplishments](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/12/02/10-minute-marketing-make-a-list-of-this-years-accomplishments/) - We spend so much time focused on achieving our goals, so it’s nice to spend a little time basking in the glow of your accomplishments.
- [What 100 days of art journaling taught me](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/11/30/what-100-days-of-art-journaling-taught-me/) - This summer I embarked on #the100dayproject, a commitment to 100 days of keeping an art journal of everyday life.
- [16 years in business = 16 reasons to be grateful (and then some!)](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/11/23/16-years-in-business16-reasons-to-be-grateful-and-then-some/) - As I reflect on 16 years in business, one thing is for sure, I’m truly grateful for all of you who are reading this.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Respond to your LinkedIn notifications](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/11/18/10-minute-marketing-respond-to-your-linkedin-notifications/) - How often do you check in with LinkedIn? If you’re like me, perhaps not as often as you should. However, LinkedIn notifications can offer great insight into who is looking at your profile as well as an easy reminder to engage with your network. TIP: The easiest way to do this is on a mobile
- [10-Minute Marketing: Create an email signature](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/11/04/10-minute-marketing-create-an-email-signature/) - With so many emails hitting inboxes, having a signature that includes all of your contact information is crucial. How do you know what to include? Think about how someone who doesn't know you (or your organization) would connect with you: Would it by phone or in-person? Would they need to see samples of your work?
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make your holiday card mailing list](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/10/07/10-minute-marketing-make-your-holiday-card-mailing-list/) - Whether you send a print card or an e-greeting, sending a holiday card is a great way to thank the people who support your organization throughout the year.
- [What's my story?](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/09/22/whats-my-story/) - Hear about how I started my branding and marketing design studio, what my challenges are (hint: they involve businesses and kids!) and how I define success.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make your “Top 3” to-do list](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/09/16/10-minute-marketing-make-your-top-3-to-do-list/) - Sometimes your to-do list can lose sight of what is most important. That's why you have to make your "Top 3."
- [10-Minute Marketing: Save screenshots of your online press mentions](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/09/09/10-minute-marketing-save-screenshots-of-your-online-press-mentions/) - Unlike print, online press mentions are not permanent, which is why I make a practice of saving screenshots of them.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make a list of places to share your story](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/09/02/10-minute-marketing-make-a-list-of-places-to-share-your-story/) - Sharing your story or expertise is a great way to get the word out about your organization and to position yourself as a thought leader.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Save a few articles to read later](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/08/26/10-minute-marketing-save-a-few-articles-to-read-later/) - With content overload nowadays, it's hard to keep up with the latest news. That's why I like to save useful articles to read later.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Track your monthly highlights](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/08/05/10-minute-marketing-track-your-monthly-highlights/) - A great way to make you are meeting your goals is to keep track of “monthly highlights” or positive events that happen in your organization.
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make a list of frequently asked questions](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/07/08/10-minute-marketing-make-a-list-of-frequently-asked-questions/) - The questions your clients ask are a treasure trove of information for marketing and promoting your organization.
- [10-Minute Marketing: talk to someone you don't know](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/06/24/10-minute-marketing-talk-to-someone-you-dont-know/) - If you're not a fan of networking, keep an open mind and think: "What will I learn?" or "What can I share?" rather than "What will I gain?"
- [Package design is not just for stores](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/03/02/package-design-inspiration/) - Package design is not just for retail products. Nonprofits or associations can use it for a variety of promotional purposes.
- [10 Minute Marketing: Create a Project Status Sheet](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/02/19/10-minute-marketing-create-a-project-status-sheet/) - Trying to do too many things at once without a plan is detrimental to your productivity. Make yourself a Project Status Sheet.
- [Things I want to learn in 2016](https://lsvdesign.com/2016/01/12/things-i-want-to-learn-in-2016/) - Every year, I make a list of things I want to learn rather than "resolutions."
- [Why do moms in business give back?](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/12/03/why-do-working-moms-give-back/) - This Tuesday was Giving Tuesday, or #GivingDay, a global day dedicated to giving back. When I found out about #GivingDay, I decided to give back to Little Giraffe Foundation by donating a portion of my typebaby online shop sales toward buying holiday gifts and books for local NICU families. My daughter recently spent 3 weeks
- [15 reasons I love having my own business](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/11/19/15-reasons-i-love-having-my-own-business/) - Since I'm currently on my maternity leave, I put together a quick, fun list to celebrate my 15th year in business!
- [5 ways to get your nonprofit organization noticed on #ILGive day](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/10/22/5-ways-to-get-your-nonprofit-organization-noticed-on-ilgive-day/) - #ILGive is coming up on Tuesday, December 1st. It's a movement—in partnership with the national #GivingTuesday campaign—to support nonprofit communities in Illinois and encourage individual giving and philanthropy. Is your organization participating? Great! Do you have a plan to promote your participation? No? Well, here are a few tips. 5 ways to get your nonprofit
- [10-Minute Marketing: create a daily marketing schedule](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/08/28/10-minute-marketing-create-a-daily-marketing-schedule/) - Create daily marketing topics, post them in your workspace, and you'll find it easier to stay on track with your marketing.
- [How to design bad direct mail for your organization](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/08/27/how-to-design-bad-direct-mail-for-your-organization/) - Direct mail has been declining in popularity—which means it’s a great time for your organization to take advantage of it (your piece is sure to stand out). Being a marketing designer, I can’t help but analyze the direct mail that hits my mailbox. Below are some of my "don'ts"—and ways to make your direct mail
- [Winding down...](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/08/19/winding-down/) - How are you winding down to prepare for a new season?
- [10-Minute Marketing: follow up with 5 clients](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/08/14/10-minute-marketing-follow-up-with-5-clients/) - Out of sight is out of mind: follow up regularly with clients so they don't forget about you and the important benefits your offer.
- [10-Minute Marketing: write a thank you note](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/08/07/10-minute-marketing-write-a-thank-you-note/) - When was the last time your wrote a thank you note?
- [10-Minute Marketing: write a LinkedIn recommendation](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/07/31/10-minute-marketing-write-a-linkedin-recommendation/) - Marketing is a give and take. A great way to "give" is to leave a LinkedIn recommendation.
- [10-Minute Marketing: share a useful Facebook update](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/07/24/10-minute-marketing-share-a-useful-facebook-update/) - Share something useful to your target audience on Facebook for better engagement.
- [6 tips for an engaging organization newsletter](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/07/22/6-tips-for-an-engaging-organization-newsletter/) - Make a few tweaks to your newsletter and get a higher response rate from your readers.
- [10-Minute Marketing: write an email newsletter](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/06/19/10-minute-marketing-write-an-email-newsletter/) - Want to love writing your newsletter? Read these tips from a former newsletter-avoider.
- [Negotiating with clients...and toddlers](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/06/17/negotiating-with-clients-and-toddlers/) - In both motherhood and business, negotiating all boils down to this: coming to an agreement where both parties are happy.
- [HOW Design Live conference recap: tips from biz mamas](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/18/how-design-live-conference-recap-tips-from-biz-mamas/) - I was thrilled to meet so many fellow biz mamas at the recent HOW Design Live conference. Here are some tips and insight they shared...
- [10-Minute Marketing: create a marketing system](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/15/10-minute-marketing-create-a-marketing-system/) - A great way to save time in your marketing is to create systems for tasks that you perform regularly. This will assure you get them done as quickly as possible without missing steps (which is easy to do when you are multitasking). A few examples of my own marketing systems are: What to do after
- [HOW Design Live conference recap: finding honesty, passion & kindred spirits in small business](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/12/how-design-live-conference-recap-finding-honesty-passion-kindred-spirits-in-small-business/) - Last week was a whirlwind as I attended the HOW Design Live conference in Chicago, while juggling a sudden overload of work and a 3-year old's schedule. HOW Design Live brings together print and interactive designers, as well as writers and other creatives for a week of speakers, workshops and networking. I noticed several themes
- [10-Minute Marketing: research a conference to attend](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/08/10-minute-marketing-research-a-conference-to-attend/) - I'm feeling a combination of exhaustion and exhilaration: I must have just returned from a conference!
- [Have you read a children's book lately?](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/04/have-you-read-a-childrens-book-lately/) - Join me in being a children's book champion!
- [National Small Business Week starts today](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/05/04/national-small-business-week-starts-today/) - National Small Business Week starts today and I am celebrating appropriately: I will be attending the HOW Design Live conference in Chicago soaking in all the knowledge that will help me grow my design business. Small Business Week features both online and in-person events for small business owners. If you are in the one of
- [10-Minute Marketing: tweet something useful](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/04/10/10-minute-marketing-share-useful-tweet/) - Regularly sharing articles on twitter shows your clients and prospects that you are knowledgeable in your industry—and generous with sharing that knowledge.
- [8 ways to show clients (and customers) you care](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/04/08/8-ways-show-clients-customers-care/) - What do you do to show clients you care?
- [Would you read it: my children's book pitch (eek!)](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/04/01/would-you-read-it-my-childrens-book-pitch-eek/) - Some of you may know I'm a budding children's book author-illustrator (see my self-published book City Kid: ABC here). I recently submitted a children's book pitch to Susanna Hill's weekly blog feature, "Would You Read It Wednesdays." It's an opportunity for writers to submit a pitch for a book they are working on and get
- [A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/04/01/a-to-z-of-being-a-mom-in-business-a-daily-blog-series/) - Follow along with Biz Mama this month and read my A to Z of Being a Mom in Business, along with A to Z images from my Typography in the City blog.
- [Rethink your plans](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/02/10/rethink-your-plans/)
- [Failure...or success?](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/02/03/many-of-lifes-failures-are-experienced-by-people-who-did-not-realize-how-close-they-were-to-success-when-they-gave-up/)
- [10-Minute Marketing: collect work samples](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/30/10-minute-marketing-collect-work-samples/) - Ah, work samples. Either they collect dust in the corner or get lost online. However, you need to find them easily when you need them (hello, hot prospect!)
- [Nonsense wakes up the brain cells](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/27/i-like-nonsense-it-wakes-up-the-brain-cells/)
- [Structure is your friend (not fiend)](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/26/structure-friend-not-fiend/) - Trouble getting things done? Try structure. A strict structure for the day, with a specified start, end and lunch time makes it easier to get things done
- [10-Minute Marketing: write a case study](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/23/10-minute-marketing-write-case-study/) - Case studies are a great way to document project details and results. They share your expertise and allow clients and prospects to see how you can help them
- [Keep track of your days in style—and make your mailbox happy! [freebie]](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/23/keep-track-days-style-make-mailbox-happy-freebie/) - Every year, I design a mini-calendar to send with my New Year greeting to clients. Well, this year I seem to have over-ordered...and would love to share the extra calendars. This handy calendar is small enough to tuck in your bag or post on your office wall. Email me your mailing address and I will
- [Looking back: studio highlights from 2014](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/02/looking-back-studio-highlights-2014/) - 2014 was an interesting year for Lidia Varesco Design. I evolved my graphic design studio to focus more on education-oriented organizations. I continued to grow my children's apparel line typebaby. And I kicked off some fun, new creative side projects (children's books!) All the best to everyone for a successful 2015! Click on each highlight
- [What I want to learn in 2015](https://lsvdesign.com/2015/01/01/want-learn-2015/) - Here it is, my annual list of things I want to learn in the new year. Yes, I admit there are a few stragglers from last year's list (when, oh when, will I finally learn how to properly use my camera?!) Things I want to learn in 2015 Digital publishing: apps, eBooks Making the most
- [10-Minute Marketing: Make your holiday card mailing list](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/12/05/10-minute-marketing-make-holiday-card-mailing-list/) - It's that time of year... are you sending a holiday card? Ive been sending my friends, clients and vendors a New Year card and calendar for several years now. Whether you send a print card or an e-greeting, it's a great way to thank the people who support you and your business throughout the year.
- [10-Minute Marketing: List 10 places to submit stories](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/11/07/10-minute-marketing-list-10-places-submit-stories/) - A great way to get noticed is by writing articles for online or print publications. I regularly read the HARO (Help a Reporter Out) listings and submit when it's something relevant to my business (I've been mentioned in a few articles and books). I also reach out to bloggers and editors who write about my
- [10 lessons learned at the 2014 Founding Moms Conference](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/11/03/10-lessons-learned-2014-founding-moms-conference/) - I recently attended the inaugural Founding Moms Conference in Chicago, a gathering for women (and men) running businesses, with a focus on mom-owned businesses. There were fabulous speakers on topics such as sales, marketing, communication, and work-life balance. The overall takeaway for me was: make a difference, get out of your comfort zone, and charge
- [10-Minute Marketing: archive your press mentions](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/31/10-minute-marketing-archive-press-mentions/) - Whenever I'm lucky to receive a press mention, I add the link to my News page, however I also archive it: I print a copy and do a screen grab of the page. Why? Well, you never know how long that page will exist. And this way, you'll also have an electronic version to use
- [My favorite resources for busy moms in business](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/30/resources-for-moms-in-business/) - For moms running a business, life can be a whirlwind. With all the daily work and family responsibilities, it's easy to lose touch with friends, not to mention business connections. Over the years, I've been fortunate to find groups and resources that have helped me learn, get inspired, and make beneficial business connections and friends.
- [5 tips for making your business card work for you](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/28/5-tips-making-business-card-work/) - Ah, the lowly business card. We all have them, but do we know how to make them stand out? Here are a few tips to make sure your business card doesn't end up in the recycle bin... Make it unique and memorable: whether expressed through format (size, shape, folds), paper stock (heavy, textured, plastic, wood)
- [30 picture book ideas in 30 days? Sign me up!](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/25/30-picture-book-ideas-30-days-sign/) - With my new-found passion for designing children's books, (and obsession with coming up new ideas) I was excited to stumble upon children's book author (and mom) Tara Lazar's blog and her annual challenge, PiBoIdMo: Picture Book Ideas Month Inspired by the NaNoWriMo movement (National Novel Writing Month), PiBoIdMo challenges you to come up with 30
- [10-Minute Marketing: list your marketing essentials](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/10/24/10-minute-marketing-make-list-marketing-essentials/) - If you are on my mailing list, you saw my recent newsletter about marketing essentials. What are marketing essentials? The marketing channels that bring you the most return on your investment of money and especially, time. With so many ways to market yourself—and so little time—it's best to focus on a few marketing techniques that
- [10-Minute Marketing: Reconnect with a past client](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/08/01/10-minute-marketing-reconnect-past-client/) - It's easy to forget to stay in touch with clients. But by doing this, you are not staying top-of-mind—which means they may not reach out to you for a project or other opportunity. Here are a few ways to reconnect: send an email make a phone call extend a lunch invitation connect on LinkedIn follow
- [10-Minute Marketing: create an editorial calendar](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/07/11/10-minute-marketing-create-editorial-calendar/) - I know, the words "editorial calendar" can make you shudder. But with so many places to share content nowadays, having an organized plan is really useful. And it can help you stay on track with your content marketing. My simple editorial calendar includes the following: month, topic, call to action and release date. I mainly
- [Typography in the City blog featured on HOWDesign.com](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/07/10/typography-city-blog-featured-howdesign-com/) - While randomly browsing the HOW Design website today, I was excited to see a familiar sight: my blog Typography in the City on their July list of Top 10 Websites for Designers! I started Typography in the City in 2011 as a way to document the interesting typography I came across on walks around
- [Why I love Trader Joe's flyers](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/07/02/love-trader-joes-flyers/) - As I was staring at a recent Trader Joe's "Fearless Flyer" (ie their mailer with featured products), I wondered: Why am I (a visually-driven person) so engrossed in this when there are hardly any images? Answer: it's the writing! Through their stories, colorful descriptions and unique pairings, the Trader Joe's writers manage to capture the
- [10-Minute Marketing: Write down a success story](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/06/13/10-minute-marketing-write-success-story/) - I make it a practice to write down the good things that happen in my business, or what I like to call my "success stories." Why do I do this? For several reasons. One, so I can let clients or prospects know what has been successful for me or my clients (helping to build my
- [10-Minute Marketing: write a fan letter](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/06/06/10-minute-marketing-write-fan-letter/) - This week's 10-Minute Marketing task is something I personally love doing: writing a fan letter. Here's an example. You go to a conference and hear a great speaker who makes a real impact on your life or business. Why not write them an email to express your gratitude? (or even better, a handwritten thank you
- [Book review: Issue 21 of UPPERCASE Magazine](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/06/05/book-review-uppercase-issue/) - OK, a few things: UPPERCASE is technically a magazine, not a book. However, I believe the quality of content and creativity in each issue qualifies it as a book. Second, I haven't even read the whole issue yet. But I saw that the new issue is underway, so I wanted to make sure people could
- [Creatives inspiring each other: the Creatives' Cupboard MyNote](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/06/04/creatives-inspiring-creatives-cupboard-mynote/) - I was thrilled to be included in the MyNote, a "creative journal" by Crystal Reynolds of Crystal Ink Design and Creatives' Cupboard in Calgary, Canada. Crystal and I met through the HOW Design Conference several years ago and she is a past Featured Biz Mama. The MyNote features advice and inspiration from creative solopreneurs: designers,
- [Round-up: kicking LinkedIn up a notch](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/06/03/round-kicking-linkedin-notch/) - This week's round-up features my latest obsession: LinkedIn. I never thought much about my profile, however after talking with a marketing coach, I decided to revamp mine and use it more actively—and found lots of great resources along the way. 10 Insights: How to Use LinkedIn to Build Business Success Faster than Your Competitors [Jeffbullas's
- [10-Minute Marketing: tweet about a project](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/05/30/10-minute-marketing-tweet-project/) - This week, take 10 minutes (or less) to tweet about a recent project you're proud of. It's OK to toot your own horn on social media (as long as you mix it up with useful, non-salesy tweets). And it's a great way to connect with potential new prospects or strategic partners. Remember, many of your
- [10-Minute Marketing: make a list of top prospects](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/05/23/10-minute-marketing-make-list-top-prospects/) - Who's your dream client? You'll never work with them if you don't know anything about them. Keep a running list of your top prospects and start learning everything you can about them. Check out their website, follow them on social media, engage in their blog posts. Do this regularly (say, in 10-minute bursts) and you're
- [Design peek: typographic board books for kids](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/05/21/design-peek-typographic-board-books-kids/) - So, one of the perks of being a biz mama is being constantly inspired by a little person who is bursting with creativity. I wanted to share a personal project I'm working on: a series of typographic children's books called City Kid. Spotting the alphabet in the everyday Inspired by my blog Typography in the
- [10-Minute Marketing: define your point of difference [WORKSHEET]](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/05/02/10-minute-marketing-point-difference-worksheet/) - When I do branding consultations with clients, one of the most important—and enlightening—questions I ask is: What makes you different? Also known as your point of difference (POD), it’s the product, service or value that you or your organization offers that sets you apart from your competition. Knowing the answer to this makes your branding—and
- [Your business' greatest asset is its ability to connect people.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/04/28/business-greatest-asset-ability-connect-people/)
- [10-Minute Marketing: write your positioning statement](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/03/21/10-minute-marketing-positioning-statement/) - Your positioning statement, also known as your USP (unique selling point) tells people the "what" and "who" of your business. It's a crucial part of your branding and marketing. I refer to mine before doing any type of marketing outreach, i.e. drafting website copy, writing a blog post or planning a marketing campaign. It should
- [10-Minute Marketing: define your brand essence](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/03/14/10-minute-marketing-define-brand-essence/) - Your brand essence is one word that expresses your brand promise, i.e. the emotion and/or experience that you promise to deliver to your customers. This can be difficult to do from scratch, but determining what your brand IS and what your brand IS NOT can make it easier. 10-Minute Marketing task: Write down 5 things
- [Marketing tip: decide who you will NOT target.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/03/12/marketing-tip-decide-will-target/) - From Tips & Traps for Marketing Your Business Tips and Traps for Marketing Your Business by Scott Cooper , Fritz Grutzner and Birk Cooper
- [10-Minute Marketing: Write your vision statement](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/03/07/10-minute-marketing-write-vision-statement/) - Your vision statement captures the passion and future plans you have for your business. As this Forbes.com post says, it answers the question: "What's the best you can be? " It may seem complicated, but you can break it down into the following: who (customers), what (product or service), where (region) and why (your passion/vision).
- [10-Minute Marketing: List your features & benefits](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/02/28/10-minute-marketing-list-features-benefits/) - You've probably heard the saying: customers buy benefits, not features. However both are important when marketing or promoting your service or product. Customers buy because of the benefit, but their decision is supported by the features. So, what's the difference? Features = what your product or service is or does. Benefits = how the customer
- [Good design is good business.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/02/19/good-design-good-business/)
- [New blog series: 10-minute marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/28/new-blog-series-10-minute-marketing/) - I'm starting a new series of posts on the blog called 10-Minute Marketing: quick marketing tips for small businesses that can be implemented in (roughly) ten minutes. As this Entrepreneur.com article recently noted, consistent marketing is key when it comes to growing your business. I realize the value of consistently marketing my business however, being
- ["You can do anything, but not everything."](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/16/can-anything-everything/)
- [Thinking of starting your own business this year? Take this quiz.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/15/thinking-starting-business-year-take-quiz/) - Have you been thinking about starting your own business this year? I created a 6-question quiz for Entreprenista.com that can help you decide if you're ready. Take the quiz here. Read all my posts on Entreprenista.com here.
- [Focus on what you're good at.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/09/focus-youre-good/) - Focus your career around the thing you're good at and not necessarily the thing you're trying to get better at. – David Tisch, Managing Partner, Box Group; Cofounder, Techstars N.Y.C. via Fast Company magazine
- [Know when to say no—to yourself.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/08/know-say/) - When you are an entrepreneur or creative-minded person, it can be hard to say "no" to new ideas or opportunities—to the point where you feel overwhelmed. As a mom and owner of two businesses, I know the feeling. I recently shared my tips for saying "no" to yourself on the Entreprenista.com blog. Read the Entreprenista
- [Who's the expert? Your customers.](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/07/customers-experts/) - It’s very easy to think that you are the expert on your own product. But in many ways, that's a myth. The true experts are your customers. – Jamie Wong, CEO, Vayable via Fast Company magazine
- [Round-up: 5 ways to kick start your small business in 2014](https://lsvdesign.com/2014/01/06/round-up-5-ways-to-kick-off-2014/) - It's 2014 and many of you, like me, are probably thinking of ways to kick start, improve, or re-energize your small business for 2014. Here are a few great tips I've recently come across. 1. Make your blog more organized and effective by creating an editorial calendar | via Launch Grow Joy 2. Create New
- [End-of-year tax preparation tips for small businesses [guest blog]](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/12/12/end-of-year-tax-preparation-guest-blog/) - Hello readers! I want to thank Lidia, the original Biz Mama, for inviting me to write a post for her blog. I have known Lidia for many years and we have worked together often, most recently when she created my logo and branding. I am excited that we are able to support each other’s businesses,
- [13 things I’ve learned in my 13 years of business](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/11/18/13-things-ive-learned-in-my-13-years-of-business/) - 13 years ago today, I started my graphic design business. I still recall starting out and telling myself: “I’ll give it a few months and see how it goes. I can always get another job.” And now here I am, 13 years later. Over these past 13 years, Ive learned a lot. Of course, Ive
- [Are you a mom in business? Help me grow the Biz Mama community](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/11/12/4209/) - I love sharing stories of fellow biz mamas. Each one has a different story or tip that inspires or encourages me. Now, I'm looking for fellow moms in business who would like to contribute to the blog and help grow the Biz Mama community! How can we collaborate? Share your story in a Biz Mama
- [Daycare holiday = Take Your Son to Work Day](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/11/12/daycare-holiday-take-your-son-to-work-day/)
- [A book that helped me “make my ideas happen”](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/09/25/a-book-that-helped-me-make-my-ideas-happen/) - Last week, I wrote about how Evernote helped me launch my new business, typebaby. Now, Id like to share a book that helped me turn my ideas into reality: Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision & Reality by Scott Belsky, founder and CEO of Behance. This book has been a fixture on my
- [A day in the life of a mom in business](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/09/06/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-mom-in-business/) - A day in the life of a small business owner can be unpredictable. Throw a baby into the mix and…anything goes. It's definitely not your typical 9-to-5 routine. For me, some days are jam-packed with nothing else but client and in-house project work—while others involve early daycare pickups and pediatrician appointments (or if I’m lucky,
- [You know you're a biz mama when...you enjoy both daycare drop-off and pick-up](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/08/19/you-know-youre-a-biz-mama-when-you-enjoy-both-daycare-drop-off-and-pick-up/)
- [Typography as subject matter–and inspiration](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/07/30/typography-as-inspiration/) - My self-published book (or should I say, artisinally-published*), Typography in the City: Volume One (West Loop) was featured today on the blog, A Photographer at Large, a collection of fantastic images, many which are book-themed or book-inspired. We were connected through Blurb, the wonderful place where I self-publish my book. Typography has always been a
- [Sometimes you have to make a mess](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/07/24/sometimes-you-have-to-make-a-mess/) - I was feeding my toddler son when he spilled the cup of water he was attempting to drink from. He’s been learning to drink from an open cup, so I said to him, “Sometimes you have to make a mess when you’re learning.” I then realized how that statement could also apply to small business.
- [Vote for typebaby in the Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards!](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/07/12/vote-for-typebaby-in-the-red-tricycle-totally-awesome-awards/) - UPDATE! I'm happy to announce that my baby & kids line, typebaby has been nominated in two categories in the Red Tricycle's Totally Awesome Awards: Most Awesome Mom-Run Businesses (Chicago) and Most Awesome Clothing Lines for Boys! Red Tricycle is a fantastic online resource for parents, sharing kid-friendly events, dining, and activities in your own
- [Have you hugged a small business lately?](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/06/19/have-you-hugged-a-small-business-lately/) - June 17-21 is the 50th annual National Small Business Week. Being a proprietor of two small businesses (Lidia Varesco Design and typebaby), I'm always happy to spread the word about supporting small business. This week, take this challenge with me: When shopping for a gift or choosing a service provider, choose a small business. Share
- [Biz Mama: Heather Lins of Heather Lins Home](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/06/07/biz-mama-heather-lins-of-heather-lins-home/) - When Heather Lins was a kid, she wanted to be an interior designer. In college, she got interested in graphic design because it blended art and writing. However, as a practicing graphic designer, she kept having ideas for designs that were outside the traditional client/designer relationship. So she took her graphic design skills and used them
- [Biz Mama: Carrie Houchins-Witt](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/05/23/biz-mama-carrie-houchins-witt/) - Carrie Houchins-Witt of Carrie Houchins-Witt Tax & Financial Services provides honest, affordable, and timely tax preparation and financial planning to ordinary families. Carrie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Practitioner (CFPTM) with nearly ten years of professional tax preparation experience and an extensive background in business and finance operations. Carrie earned her B.S. in theatre and
- [4 easy ways to celebrate National Small Business Month](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/05/01/4-easy-ways-to-celebrate-national-small-business-month/) - May is National Small Business Month. I've recently participated in trunk shows to promote my baby apparel line typebaby and it's been a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with fellow small businesses (including fellow biz mamas!) In celebration of Small Business Month, I've put together 4 easy ways to support a small business this
- [Biz Mama: Elise Jaffe of Big Teeth Productions & Fooditude Media](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/04/29/biz-mama-elise-jaffe-of-big-teeth-productions/) - Elise Jaffe is the "spokesteeth" and Executive Producer of Big Teeth Productions. She's also known as “Little Miss Bossy Pants”. She has over 14 years of experience in Advertising, TV and New Media Production. Her career began in Children's Television at Reading Rainbow and Blue’s Clues. She's been a Producer at JWT, Grey New York
- [Working makes me a happy and healthy mama](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/04/26/working-makes-me-a-happy-and-healthy-mama/) - Lately I'm hearing about studies showing that "working moms" are healthier and happier than "stay-at-home-moms." First of all, let's get real: we are ALL working moms. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. I get a glimpse of it when my toddler is home sick, and it's much more exhausting than a workday. But I
- [Biz Mama: Sharon Woodhouse of Lake Claremont Press & Everything Goes Media](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/04/10/biz-mama-sharon-woodhouse-of-lake-claremont-presseverything-goes-media/) - Sharon Woodhouse is a publisher, publishing consultant and owner of Everything Goes Media and Lake Claremont Press. She has taken an entrepreneurial approach to just about everything since first becoming self-employed as a teenager almost three decades ago. She has counseled hundreds of authors, publishers, entrepreneurs, and job-changers in various aspects of publishing, book promotion,
- [Babies are about to get more stylish: typebaby makes its Chicago debut!](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/04/08/babies-are-about-to-get-more-stylish-typebaby-makes-its-chicago-debut/) - This weekend, I debuted my new line of baby & kids apparel, typebaby at a trunk show at Kooky. Located at The Shops at Northbridge on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, Kooky is jam-packed with unique clothing, toys and books. But the best part is that they love to support local designers (such as myself!) They are
- [The original Biz Mama: a tribute to my late grandmother](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/04/05/the-original-biz-mama-a-tribute-to-my-grandmother/) - Last Friday, we lost my beloved grandmother, Baki. She lived an amazing life of 104-and-half years. She was the original Biz Mama. Born in the former Yugoslavia in 1908, she raised three children and worked as a seamstress with her husband who was a tailor. It wasn't an easy life. She lost both her husband
- [Good advice from a Biz Mama: work ahead of deadlines](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/03/04/advice-from-a-biz-mama-be-prepared/) - Earlier this year, I chatted with fellow biz mama Alisa Bonsignore of Clarifying Complex Ideas who had this great advice for busy moms: ..learn to work as far ahead of deadlines as possible, not just because it gives [you] an extra opportunity to read through things with clear eyes, but because you just never know
- [Biz Mama: Jamie Russo of Enerspace](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/02/27/biz-mama-jamie-russo-of-enerspace/) - Jamie Russo of Enerspace has a lot of start-up experience as well as big co consulting and brand management. Her passion is health and wellness, particularly helping people create a lifestyle that helps them excel at their business endeavors and achieve superior mental and physical wellness. After growing a health services company that became focused
- [Tactile design and old-school interactive: my chat with Creatives' Cupboard](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/02/13/chat-with-crystal/) - My friend and fellow Biz Mama and graphic designer Crystal Reynolds invited me to a web chat for her awesome blog Creatives' Cupboard. On Creatives' Cupboard, Crystal connects one-on-one with fellow creatives. She recently chatted with fellow designer/Illinois-dweller, Justin Ahrens of Rule 29. In our fun and insightful chat, Crystal and I talked about running
- [What can I learn from this?](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/01/17/what-can-i-learn-from-this/) - I'm currently reading JJ Ramberg's It's Your Business: 183 Essential Tips that Will Transform Your Small Business, a useful guide for new or experienced business owners. The book is organized by category, with useful tips for each. One of the tips that resonated with me was: Tip #44: Learn from your failures. As small business owners,
- [Help me get my designs into the Minted Birth Announcement collection!](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/01/09/help-me-get-my-designs-into-the-minted-birth-announcement-collection/) - I've been a fan of the online stationery boutique Minted for awhile now. In fact, my last two family holiday cards were Minted designs. What I like about Minted is that they feature designs created by their community of designers. They also print their cards on good quality thick paper stock (an important detail for
- [Biz Mama: Alisa Bonsignore of Clarifying Complex Ideas](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/01/08/biz-mama-alisa-bonsignore-of-clarifying-complex-ideas/) - Alisa Bonsignore of Clarifying Complex Ideas is a Philadelphia native who has been living in California since 1999. She's been married for nearly 15 years and has an insatiably curious first grader. She has an incredible appreciation for designers who make her words look good [editor's note: love that!], and letterpress, which makes everything look
- [Lidia Varesco Design: 2012 highlights](https://lsvdesign.com/2013/01/02/lidia-varesco-design-2012-highlights/)
- [Things I want to learn in 2013](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/12/31/things-i-want-to-learn-in-2013/) - So, at the beginning of every year I make a list of things I want to learn. Apparently, I skipped 2012's list—but I was already busy learning how to be a new mom! (see 2011's list here). Things I want to learn in 2013 How to create an eBook in Adobe InDesign How to use
- [Typography in the City: Volume 1 makes a "best of" list!](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/12/31/typography-in-the-city-makes-a-best-of-list/) - My book Typography in the City: Volume 1: West Loop made Creative Bloq's list of The Best Typography Books of 2012! The self-published book features photographs of found typography from my West Loop neighborhood in Chicago, including building signage, street signage and "guerrilla typography." Typography in the City: Volume 1 is available as a printed
- [Are you a creative “slashie?”](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/12/13/are-you-a-creative-slashie/) - While reading the book Mom, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Cat Seto, I came across a term I thought was brilliant: creative “slashie.” The authors talked about how they consider themselves creative slashies, i.e. artist/designer/writer. I thought to myself: Yes! Finally someone has come up with a term to describe me. It turns out
- [Industy Insider: Ilise Benun of Marketing Mentor](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/12/06/industy-insider-ilise-benun-of-marketing-mentor/) - Ilise Benun of Marketing Mentor is an author, consultant, speaker, founder of Marketing-Mentor.com and co-producer of CFC: the business conference for the creatively self-employed. Through one-on-one mentoring, she provides practical guidance, accountability and a sounding board to creative professionals who are serious about growing their creative business. She also speaks internationally to trade groups and
- [Small biz spotlight: Visage Joli](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/11/26/small-biz-spotlight-visage-joli/) - Wendy Kimmell is owner of Visage Joli in Chicago and an experienced makeup artist. From 1987–1996, she was the guests’ makeup artist for The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has also done makeup for national commercials including Kraft, Head & Shoulders and Pizza Hut. She was 1st Assistant to Key Makeup on the movie Rudy. And since
- [Recap: The One Show Creative unConference in Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/11/14/recap-the-one-show-creative-unconference-in-chicago/) - You may be wondering: what the heck is the Creative unConference? It’s a conference with a theme, but without any agendas. The day’s sessions are created by the participants. Someone has a session idea, they write it down and post it on the session board. Hosted by The One Club (a New York organization that
- [A monster reminder to #GoVote](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/11/06/a-monster-reminder-to-govote-via-stefangbucher/) - Monster illustration by Stefan G. Bucher of The Daily Monster. Stefan was nice enough to create special #GoVote monsters for everyone to share. (he's even created specially-sized images for Facebook-using folks) Download and share #GoVote monsters here!
- [Why I love having my own business: leaving work early to do something fun with Little One](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/11/01/why-i-love-having-my-own-business-leaving-work-early-to-do-something-fun-with-little-one/) - Happy Halloween! Yesterday was my son's 2nd Halloween. I left work early to get him decked out in his costume and buy candy for the trick-or-treaters. Because we live in a condo building in the city, trick-or-treating consists of: 1) stopping by the local restaurants and shops for goodies, and 2) trick-or-treating in our condo
- [Small biz spotlight: Mercury Organizing Professionals](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/29/small-biz-spotlight-mercury-organizing-professionals/) - Mercury Organizing Professionals in Chicago improves efficiency and reduces anxiety and frustration levels. They can improve utilization and control of your space, streamline filing, storage and scheduling systems, and help set sustainable organizational parameters. They provide a personalized plan for you. They put clutter in its right place and create efficient systems that eliminate obstacles,
- [Storytelling via the Crate & Barrel holiday catalog](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/19/storytelling-vi-the-crate-barrel-catalog/) - As much as I love browsing retail catalogs (and this Forbes.com article says I'm not alone), my busy biz mama schedule sometimes forces me to recycle them before I get the chance. I'm glad I took the time to peek into the Crate & Barrel Holiday Inspirations catalog because it was a unique departure for
- [Industry insider: Jamie Saunders of Neenah Paper](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/16/industry-insider-jamie-saunders-of-neenah-paper/) - As Marketing Communications Manager for Neenah Paper, Jamie Saunders helped the company take the plunge into social marketing and has successfully built Neenah’s presence in the social networking universe.When she isn’t posting for the company on Facebook, tweeting to more than 22,000 Neenah followers on Twitter, or engaging design thought leaders at various design conferences,
- [Book Review: Mom, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco & Cat Seto](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/15/book-review-mom-inc-by-meg-mateo-ilasco-cat-seto/) - I’m a fan of the “Inc.” series of books (Craft, Inc., Creative, Inc., Blog, Inc.) for creative businesses. Mom, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Cat Seto is a great addition to the series (and my bookshelf). What’s in the book Mom, Inc. offers useful tips and information for moms starting or running a business.
- [Meeting with a prospective client: after [CFC blog post]](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/04/meeting-with-a-prospective-client-part-2-cfc-blog-post/) - Yesterday I talked about how to prepare for a meeting with a potential client. Today we'll talk about what to do after the meeting (which went wonderfully, of course!) What to do after your meeting: Send a thank you note: Yes, I said a note. I admit I do send follow-up emails to prospective clients,
- [Book review: Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs by Jill Salzman @foundingmom](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/03/book-review-found-it-a-field-guide-for-mom-entrepreneurs-by-jill-salzman-foundingmom/) - Though I’m an experienced small business owner (12 years) I’m still a newbie mom (14 months), so I’m always eager to gain insight from more experienced biz mamas. Jill Salzman is one of those mamas. She's an entrepreneur with several businesses under her belt, founder of the fantastic mom entrepreneur group Founding Moms, and recently
- [Meeting with a prospective client: before [CFC blog post]](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/10/03/meeting-with-a-prospective-client-part-1-cfc-blog-post/) - I recently received a referral from one of my office neighbors (see my last Creative Freelancer Blog post on my “new mom” networking style). It had been awhile since I met with someone who wasn’t familiar with my work, so I had to some prep work to do. What to do before your meeting: Research
- [Non-traditional networking—perfect for a busy mom [CFC blog post]](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/09/18/non-traditional-networking-perfect-for-a-busy-mom-cfc-blog-post/) - I'm a big fan of networking. I attend and host networking events quite often. However, now that I have a 1-year old, I don't attend as many events as I used to. Honestly, I would rather spend my evenings with Little One. A few good things have come out of this: 1) I have become
- [What should I do with a blank wall in my office?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/09/12/what-should-i-do-with-a-blank-wall-in-my-office/) - Those of you that follow me on Pinterest may have seen my board "Blank wall in my office." I've been collecting inspiration for, you guessed it, a blank wall in my office. I know I could fill it with framed artwork, but I also want to make it functional. I find it useful to post
- [When you promote your small business, do you show what you do?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/09/07/when-you-promote-your-small-business-do-you-show-what-you-do/) - I saved a past article in Deliver magazine because it featured a fantastic direct mail piece for a Czech fashion label. The piece (shown at left) was a hand-sewn mini-garment, with pockets for the business card and letter and contact info printed on the "garment tag." It was a fabulous example of a brand showing
- [So, what am I reading?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/08/13/so-what-am-i-reading/) - Apparently, this past Friday (August 9th) was National Book Lover's Day. I am truly a book lover. I always have several books going, on my nightstand, coffee table, office desk. So, what am I reading? Right now, I'm inspired by "mamas gettin' it done." Being a relatively new mompreneur (my son just turned 1-year old),
- [Expand your bookshelf: Chronicle Books Friends & Family Sale!](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/07/20/expand-your-bookshelf-chronicle-books-friends-family-sale/) - I have been a fan of Chronicle Books since art school. Their books are so well-designed. The content is so engaging. Chronicle Books has consistently been on my bookshelf—not to mention the top of my "Design Dream Clients" list (I am ready to design for you whenever you are, Chronicle!) Through July 24th, you can
- [Book review: Visual Marketing by Anita Campbell and David Langton @visualmktgbook](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/07/20/book-review-visual-marketing-by-anita-campbell-and-david-langton-visualmktgbook/) - I love marketing. I love designing marketing pieces for my clients. And I especially love marketing my own graphic design business. Sometimes I think I dream up personal projects or side businesses just so that I can market them. (In case you’re wondering, this is my current budding side business). However, it seems that not
- [Now available: Typography in the City, the book!](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/07/02/now-available-typography-in-the-city-the-book/) - Click below to see a preview of the book! typography in the city [hardcover] by Lidia Varesco Racoma | Make Your Own Book
- [Shopping for creative inspiration (literally)](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/06/22/shopping-for-creative-inspiration-literally/) - Yesterday, I went to Anthropologie on Southport Ave. in Lakeview in search of a magazine (Anthology). I ended up leaving with issues of Anthology and Uppercase Magazine (my two new favorite magazines, thank you)—plus a whole bunch of creative inspiration. After inevitably trying on clothes, I found myself browsing—and becoming inspired by—the books, magazines and other
- [Typography in the City is featured on the HOW Blog!](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/06/07/typography-in-the-city-is-featured-on-the-how-blog/) - Exciting news: my new photo•typo•graphy blog, Typography in the City was recently featured on the HOW Blog! Typography in the City was inspired by my experiences at last year's HOW Design Conference in Chicago. I shared my story with HOW editor, Megan Lane Patrick and she was kind enough (read: awesome) to mention it on
- [A round-up of "moms in business" blog posts for #MothersDay](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/05/10/a-round-up-of-moms-in-business-blog-posts-for-mothersday/) - With Mother's Day approaching, I wanted to share a few mom-themed small business blog posts Ive come across: Biz Ladies: Lessons about Motherhood and Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco on design*sponge How Has the Mom in Your Life Supported Your Small Business? from Sarah Petty's Joy Blog 5 Rules to Maintaining a Healthy Work/Life Balance
- [Lidia Varesco Design's new studio: sneak peek](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/05/08/lidia-varesco-designs-new-studio-sneak-peek/) - I recently got kicked out of my home office. By my infant son, that is. Little One needed a room of his own, so I had to look for a new workspace. After working from home for 11+ years, renting an office had been a goal, so it was the perfect opportunity. My new office
- [What's your side job?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/05/01/whats-your-side-job/) - Like many of my fellow creatives, I'm always coming up with new side projects. I have a line of greeting cards and stationery fueling my passion for paper. Inspired by my 9-month old son, I'm working on a line of typographic onesies and mama/baby stationery. Not to mention the photography books I'm working on... Read
- [Spring has sprung: time for new growth](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/03/21/spring-has-sprung-time-for-new-growth/) - Today marks the first full day of Spring (i.e. the Vernal Equinox). And spring has certainly sprung in Chicago. We have been enjoying temperatures in the 80s, a full 30 degrees warmer than average. With Chicago usually going straight from summer to winter, this year's spring has been a pleasant surprise. As I mentioned in
- [Do you let the Universe help you?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/02/14/do-you-let-the-universe-help-you/) - While reading Journey to the Heart, a book of daily meditations (and one of my favorite sources for personal and business insight), I came across a useful passage titled “Let the Universe Help You.” The author, Melody Beattie wrote, “Tell the Universe what you want. Tell a friend…Write it down on a list. Be clear
- [The Month of Letters Challenge: can you send a letter a day this month?](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/02/01/the-month-of-letters-challenge-can-you-send-a-letter-a-day-mol/) - As most of you know, I love cards. I love designing them, I love sending them, and I especially receiving them. So when I heard about the Month of Letters Challenge via twitter, I was intrigued. Author Mary Robinette Kowal started the Month of Letters Challenge, which begins today, as a response to "taking an
- [Bright spot: people prefer print and paper](https://lsvdesign.com/2012/01/20/bright-spot-people-prefer-print-and-paper/) - Now, here's a story that warms my heart: a recent survey commissioned by Two Sides showed that people prefer to read print communications rather than on a screen. As a print designer—and someone who still gets excited when a magazine arrives in the mail—this makes me happy. And now that I'm a new mom, I'm buying
- [A baby changes everything—in your morning schedule, that is.](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/12/22/a-baby-changes-everything-in-your-morning-schedule-that-is-newbaby/) - Before baby: 8 am: wake up 8:15 am: have a leisurely breakfast while catching up on magazines 8:30 am: browse twitter feed/blogs, work on new blog posts 9:30 am: check and respond to client emails 10 am: take dog out for a long walk After baby: Sometime between 5 am–9 am: wake up (usually in a
- [Preparing your business for baby](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/10/07/preparing-your-business-for-baby-2/) - Like many moms-to-be who are running a small business, as the Big Day got closer I started to wonder what to do about maternity leave. With no employer providing time off and work coverage, the thought of it was overwhelming. Read my latest post on the Creative Freelancer Blog to see how I successfully prepared
- [Lessons learned: thoughts on the HOW Design Conference #HOWLive](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/07/21/lessons-learned-thoughts-on-the-how-design-conference-howlive/) - Last month, I attended my very first HOW Design Conference in Chicago. It seems crazy that I waited so long, seeing as I started my design business over ten years ago. But since it was in my hometown, I made the time and effort. Now, being seven months pregnant at the time, it was a bit
- [Business cards going away? I don't think so!](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/07/11/business-cards-going-away-i-dont-think-so/) - A recent New York Times article spoke about how, in some circles, the business card is becoming a "relic." [insert collective gasp from graphic designers everywhere] My graphic designer-based opinions aside, I host networking events in Chicago and there is never a shortage of business cards being exchanged. At the recent HOW Design Conference in
- [Are you and your business memorable?](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/07/06/are-you-and-your-business-memorable/) - I often notice a recurring theme in my (business) life. Something that seems to follow me around wherever I go. Right now, that theme is: being memorable. What makes you fascinating? The closing speaker at the HOW Design Conference in Chicago last week was Sally Hogshead, author of the new book Fascinate. Sally gave an
- [Thinking of going to a conference? Do it!](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/07/01/thinking-of-going-to-a-conference-do-it/) - Have you been thinking of attending an industry conference? What's stopping you? The cost, travel details, taking time off work? It can all be overwhelming. I know, I've been there. Well, I'm here now to tell you: do it! Having attended my first HOW Design Conference in Chicago just one week ago, I'm now saying
- [Got creative ideas? A few vendors you should know](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/30/got-creative-ideas-a-few-vendors-you-should-know/) - You have a great idea for a book, tee shirt, invitation, app or other creative project. But how do you make it? Here are some of the vendors I met with at the HOW Design Conference. One of them is bound to match your creative needs. Vendors for creative projects Blurb Books Are you an
- [Kicking off the summer in (creative) style](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/22/kicking-off-the-summer-in-creative-style/) - Yesterday (June 21st) was the Summer Solstice, which marks the longest day of the year. Besides more "al fresco work days" (via laptop and wireless), I've been planning a few ways for my small business to kick off summer in creative style. How I kicked off my summer... Sending a "Happy Summer Solstice" card I
- [Shop local, eat local](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/21/shop-local-eat-local/) - Since I'm a big supporter of working with local businesses, it only seemed natural (pun intended) to get food locally. Growing your own food is healthy, but it's a daunting concept for city dwellers like myself. So we decided to let the farm do the growing for us and join a CSA (community supported agriculture).
- [Put your dog to work](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/20/put-your-dog-to-work/) - Why should kids be the only ones who get a chance to peek into Mom & Dad's workplace? Mark your calendars: Friday, June 24 is Take Your Dog to Work Day! In my case, I'm lucky to have Essie in the office regularly. Essie is a great office-mate. She doesn't complain much. She's a great
- [Coming soon: our new greeting card shop!](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/06/03/coming-soon-our-new-greeting-card-shop/) - What have I been up to lately? Among other things, revamping my online greeting card shop! The new shop will be easily-accessible from my website, with easy ordering and stationery personalization—as well as lots of new designs. Watch for the official launch this summer. In the meantime, get sneak peek in my new Etsy
- [Will chains oust local stores in downtown Chicago?](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/05/27/will-chains-oust-local-stores-in-downtown-chicago/) - A recent article in the Chicago Journal caught my eye today. It spoke about the increase in retail vacancies on South Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping and dining area in the South Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago. Due to rising rents, many independent retail shops are forced to close or move, with chain stores sometimes
- [Does your small business have signs of new growth?](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/05/10/does-your-small-business-have-signs-of-new-growth/) - As I walked around my Chicago neighborhood on a warm May day, I saw many signs of new growth in the trees. After a long snowy winter it was a welcome sight. Spring had finally arrived and with it, new growth and potential for the future. This got me thinking: what new growth was I
- [Things are looking up for local business](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/05/06/things-are-looking-up-for-local-business/) - Recently, Local First Chicago shared an article from The Nation illustrating the "Localism Index." (see image at right) The data shows that local businesses are growing and thriving. Local business statistics: Increase since 2002 in the number of Starbucks stores: 3,297 Increase since 2002 in the number of independent coffee shops: 4,923 Number of chain
- [From our greeting card shop: Mother's Day Gifts](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/04/25/from-our-greeting-card-shop-mothers-day-gifts/) - Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th. Need a gift for Mom, or other special mom in your life? Our personalized Flat Notecards are a great gift idea for moms of all ages! Choose from several notecard designs personalized with Mom's name. She will love the personal gift, not to mention having a card on hand
- [3 Easy Ways to Make a Difference on Earth Day](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/04/22/3-easy-ways-to-make-a-difference-on-earth-day/) - Today is Earth Day but for many of us, it's a pretty vague concept. What should I do to celebrate Earth Day? Below are several easy and unique ways to can make a difference today. 3 easy ways to celebrate Earth Day Starbucks Free Coffee on Earth Day Starbucks is offering a free brewed coffee
- [Cool office finds: Earth Day edition](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/04/14/cool-office-finds-earth-day-edition/) - In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we’ve found lots of earth-friendly office goodies to share! Chicagoans: some of our picks are from local companies, so you can minimize your footprint and support local business by shopping local. Earth-friendly office goodies Stainless Food Storage Containers Brown bag it to the office? Ditch the plastic
- [Signs of Spring in Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/04/11/signs-of-spring-in-chicago/) - With our first 80+ degree day yesterday, Chicagoans were pleasantly reminded: yes, it does get warm in Chicago. After many long months of cold, snow, rain and greyness in general, the warm day brought the city alive. Bulky jackets were shed for shorts. Smells of BBQ lingered in the air. Kids and dogs populated the
- [See one of our designs in The Big Book of Packaging!](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/04/06/see-one-of-our-designs-in-the-big-book-of-packaging/) - Yesterday, I received my copies of The Big Book of Packaging, featuring one of my packaging design projects. Featured in the book is product packaging and a POP display we designed for Justin Blair & Company's line of foot comfort products. (Read more about the project) Produced by Crescent Hill Books and published by HarperCollins
- [From our greeting card shop: Year of Greetings set](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/02/18/featured-product-year-of-greetings-greeting-card-set/) - Why don't more people send handwritten cards? Because they don't have one handy. Being a small business owner, I know it's hard to find time in your busy day to go out and buy a card. For that reason, I created this special greeting card set. With the Year of Greetings personalized card set, you're
- [Bright spot: wisdom on a bar of soap](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/02/16/bright-spot-wisdom-on-a-bar-of-soap/) - Recently, Ivory Soap started adding quotes to their soap wrappers. If you saw my blog post on "more kindness in business," you know that I love products with affirmations on them. There's just something nice about being surprised with an uplifting message on an object as mundane as a bar of soap. And if you
- [Staying healthy at your desk](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/02/04/staying-healthy-at-your-desk/) - As small business owners, most of us spend hours at our desk without even realizing it. Dedicating long hours to your business can be a necessity—but it can also take a toll on your body Read my latest post on the Creative Freelancer Blog for tips for staying healthy at your desk. • • •
- [Snowed in: scenes from the Chicago blizzard](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/02/03/snowed-in-scenes-from-the-chicago-blizzard/) - Yesterday was quite a day for many Chicagoans. Between Tuesday and Wednesday we experienced one of the largest snowfalls in history, with totals creeping over 20 inches. Snow was flying sideways at high speed. Thunder and lightning lit up the night sky. Chicago Public Schools were closed for the first time in over 10 years.
- [Social media? How about handwritten media?](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/01/26/social-media-how-about-handwritten-media/) - Being an avid user of social media, I can’t deny the effectiveness of making business connections via Twitter, blogs and the like. However, I believe staying connected with clients and prospects also requires a more personal approach: handwritten communications. Over the years, I've personally experienced how handwritten or personal correspondence can positively impact a small
- [Take control of your email inbox](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/01/20/take-control-of-your-email-inbox/) - If you’re like me, your email inbox is currently out of control. Since one of my goals for 2011 is to keep a tidier inbox, I’ve decided to take charge and hit delete. Read my latest post on the Creative Freelancer Blog for tactics to control your email inbox. • • • See all of
- [Let's get together (and this time, I mean it!)](https://lsvdesign.com/2011/01/06/lets-get-together-and-this-time-i-mean-it/) - Are you like many small business owners, promising to "get together" with business connections but never making it happen? Read my latest post on the Creative Freelancer Blog for tips for managing this problem. • • • See all of my small business posts on the Creative Freelancer Blog here.
- [What do you want to learn in 2011?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/12/27/what-do-you-want-to-learn-in-2011/) - At the start of 2010, instead of making a list of goals as I usually do, I made a list of things I want to learn (both business and personal). After doing an end-of-year review of this year's list, I'm pleased to see that I accomplished some items (learned how to increase traffic to my
- ['Tis the season for giving](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/12/14/tis-the-season-for-giving/) - With charitable giving taking a hit in the current economy, local and national organizations need all the help they can get. This is a great time of year to reflect on your good fortune and share what you can with others. I have several friends and clients at local nonprofit organizations, so they are first
- [2011 calendars added to our online shop!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/12/09/2011-calendars-added-to-our-online-shop/) - 2011 Quick Peek Calendars are now available in our business greetings online shop. Small enough to fit in a laptop bag or on an office wall, but large enough to see a year at-a-glance. Great for planning vacations. Buy a couple and share with your office mates. NEW for 2011: color palettes inspired by Pantone
- [More kindness in business, please](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/12/07/more-kindness-in-business-please/) - I recently listened to an episode of “Talk Story with Jeni” featuring "instigator" (and friend) Dyana Valentine. The ladies brought up a point about kindness in business and it got me thinking: yes, there should be more kindness in business. Now, I know there are challenges when running a business, but finding the moments where
- [Shop local this Saturday! #SmallBizSat](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/11/24/shop-local-this-saturday-smallbizsat/) - A recent Duct Tape Marketing blog post made me aware of Small Business Saturday taking place this Saturday. (how did I not know about this?) Small Business Saturday was created by AMEX OPEN and small business advocacy groups trying to encourage people to shop local (rather than at big chain stores) on Saturday, November 27th.
- [What are you thankful for?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/11/23/what-are-you-thankful-for/) - With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it was a good time to step back and reflect on what I'm thankful for. Since I love making lists, it was also the perfect opportunity to make a list! So here we go... What I'm thankful for: My husband (especially when he cooks a delicious dinner!) Family and friends
- [Moving your office, part 2: after the move [#CFConf blog post]](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/10/26/moving-your-office-part-2-after-the-move-cfconf-blog-post/) - Part 2 of my recent post on moving your small business office is now on the Creative Freelancer Conference blog. Read “After You Move Your Office” here.” Feel free to share your own moving tips and suggestions so we can learn from each other.
- [Chicago Resources for small businesses](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/10/26/chicago-resources-for-small-businesses/) - I attended the City of Chicago's One Hour Mentor Program yesterday, featuring a panel of entrepreneurs and representatives from city organizations discussing starting and growing a small business. In addition to emphasizing the importance of having (and following) a strong business plan, they spoke about obtaining financing for start-ups and established businesses. All three organizations
- [Who else is celebrating their 10th anniversary?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/10/25/who-else-is-celebrating-their-10th-anniversary/) - As I prepare to celebrate my 10th year in business next month, I've come across a few of my favorite people who are also celebrating 10 years this year. Celebrating 10 years in 2010 Real Simple magazine If you're a faithful reader (such as myself) you are familiar with the fabulous paper sculptures by paper
- [Moving your office?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/10/20/moving-your-office-cfconf-blog-post/) - Are you a solopreneur or small business owner planning to move your office? As I just went through the experience, I gathered some useful tips (and a few things I learned along the way) for a new post on the Creative Freelancer Conference blog. Read Part 1 of "Moving Your Office?" here." And check back
- [How are you making a difference?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/10/20/how-are-you-making-a-difference/) - Yesterday, I attended a special event honoring two Chicago businesswomen who make a difference in their communities. The awards ceremony coincided with Make a Difference Day, an annual celebration of community service held on the last Saturday in October (this year it will be October 23). After hearing the two awardees' personal and inspiring stories
- [10 years: interview with a client [teaser]](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/09/16/10-years-interview-with-a-client-teaser/) - It's Week 2 of my "10" celebration and I've decided on a great way to start my weekly blog posts: an interview and design retrospective with the client I have been working with the longest. Stay tuned to the blog for my interview with Tracy Dillard of Koenig & Strey Real Living, as well as
- [A few of my favorite (office) things](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/09/15/a-few-of-my-favorite-office-things-unique-office-supplies/) - As I pack up my office for my move, I'm inspired to spruce things up in the new digs. I've already replaced my unattractive, vinyl 3-ring binders binders with cool-looking, recycled ReBinders, but I thought I might pick up some more attractive office supplies—many of which have the added bonus of being good for the
- [The "10" celebration begins!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/09/09/the-10-celebration-begins/) - As I was brainstorming ideas this morning, I realized my 10-year business anniversary is exactly 10 weeks from today. What better time to kick off our silver anniversary celebration! Follow along on the blog (watch for the special silver 10 badge) as well as the new 10 years page on our website for weekly updates!
- [Kicking off Friday Afternoon Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/09/03/kicking-off-friday-afternoon-marketing/) - Between working on client projects and office duties, I bet many of us have a hard time squeezing in time for our own business marketing. I've decided to kick off Friday Afternoon Marketing. (Yes, I even created a "logo" for it, below) I started a list of marketing tasks and will devote time each Friday
- [Sharing good (business) news](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/08/30/sharing-good-business-news/) - Your business won an award. You've been published in an upcoming book. One of your projects has been mentioned in the newspaper. Don't be shy—now is the time to share your good news! When one of my packaging designs was recently chosen to be included in a book (hooray), I realized I don't have a
- [10 years...already?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/08/18/10-years-already/) - This November we will celebrate our 10th year in business. I feel fortunate and grateful to be reaching this business milestone—not to mention somewhat astonished that ten years managed to go by so fast. To commemorate this special event, I will be featuring special blog posts and other anniversary goodies over the next few months—hey,
- [One of our designs is featured in The Big Book of Packaging!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/08/17/one-of-our-designs-is-featured-in-the-big-book-of-packaging/) - We are thrilled to announce that one of our packaging design projects will be featured in the upcoming book, The Big Book of Packaging. Produced by Crescent Hill Books, the book will be published by HarperCollins Publishers in Spring 2011. Featured in the book is product packaging and POP display that we designed for Justin
- [Where, oh where, to network in Chicago?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/07/28/where-oh-where-to-network-in-chicago/) - As I recently received a request from someone seeking Chicago networking events, I thought I would post a list of networking calendars that I've bookmarked. Chicago networking calendars Chicago Events Calendar | Crain's Chicago Business Around Chicago Events Networking Monkey interactiveAmy.com Networking Calendar BNC (Business Network Chicago) Event Calendar LinkedIn Events: Chicago Networking And of
- [Let's clear the air in the office—literally](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/07/14/lets-clear-the-air-in-the-office-literally/) - While I've recently kicked my outdoor urban gardening into high gear, I've always had lots of houseplants in my home and office. I recall my mom telling me long ago that plants clean the air—and by gosh, she was right. Whether we realize it or not, our offices can harbor loads of air pollutants and
- [Cleaning house = giving thanks](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/07/13/cleaning-house-giving-thanks/) - In preparation for an upgrade, I started cleaning house on my Mac. As I filed away (and thought back on) completed design projects, I realized—wow, I have a lot of people to thank! In this day and age, we are all grateful for the work we have, and especially the faithful clients and vendors we
- [Let your clients inspire you](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/07/06/let-your-clients-inspire-you/) - After recently creating a blog for one of my clients, I realized that I really wanted a new blog of my very own. This time, however, the goal was not to promote business or generate income, but simply to have some fun. I recently started gardening on my city balcony. Being a novice gardener, I
- [How to picture creativity](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/06/30/how-to-picture-creativity/) - After reading a recent article in HOW Magazine based on the upcoming book The Creative Process Illustrated, I was inspired to think about and illustrate my own creative process. Though it's hard to pinpoint exactly how a great idea forms, my process of getting to there usually takes a similar path: Start with notepad and
- [Mid-year budget review: how is your small biz doing?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/06/15/mid-year-review-how-is-your-small-biz-doing/) - It always seems to sneak up on you: the second installment of estimated taxes are due today. For information on filing estimated taxes, visit the IRS website as well as your local state’s tax website. This is also a good reminder to do a mid-yearly budget and finances review of your small business: Review your
- [Crafting a first-class website](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/04/26/crafting-a-first-class-website/) - Having spent many months and countless hours working on my website redesign (launched last week), last month's DesignCast titled "Marketing Smart Websites" couldn't have come at a better time. The first in the Creative Freelancer Marketing Bootcamp Series, this webinar led by Ilise Benun of Marketing Mentor was chock-full of practical advice for creating a
- [Our (insightful) chat with The Paper Mill Store](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/04/21/our-insightful-chat-with-the-paper-mill-store/) - The Paper Mill Store wrote a nice profile about us and our business for their latest newsletter. Being a big fan of their store (or should I say, paper junkie), I was flattered and delighted to be featured on their site—but preparing for the interview was also a great opportunity to reflect on my business.
- [Lidia Varesco Design featured in HOW Magazine!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/04/12/lidia-varesco-design-featured-in-how-magazine/) - I am thrilled to announce that Lidia Varesco Design was featured in the March/April 2010 issue of HOW Magazine! Our line of greeting cards & stationery is featured in a new column called Sidelines, which highlights creatives who started a side business selling products. The inaugural column, written by HOW editor Bryn Mooth, discusses how
- [Marketing secrets from The Dead](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/04/01/marketing-secrets-from-the-dead/) - After listening in on a HubSpot webinar called Marketing Lessons From The Grateful Dead, I realized The Dead were way ahead of their (marketing) time. Brian Halligan and David Meerman Scott gave a spirited webinar inspired by the marketing tactics of The Grateful Dead. Having attended a Dead show or two in my day, I
- [Take a new look at recycled papers](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/02/25/take-a-new-look-at-recycled-papers/) - When people used to think of recycled papers, they envisioned a brown paper bag or worse yet, a dirty white flimsy sheet. Well, welcome to the new world of recycled papers! And here's proof that more people are using recycled papers—from the latest New Leaf Paper newsletter: ...the number of leading environmental printing and writing
- [Neighborhood Networking heads to Lakeview!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/02/05/neighborhood-networking-heads-to-lakeview/) - The next stop for Neighborhood Networking is a neighborhood near and dear to my heart, having been a long-time resident: Lakeview. Join myself along with my co-hostess Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals, and our co-hosts BBR Chicago (Business by Referral), for an evening of networking at local favorite Wishbone Restaurant (3300 N. Lincoln
- [Network in the West Loop tonight!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/26/network-in-the-west-loop-tonight/) - Doing anything after work tonight? Join myself and my co-hostess Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionsals for Neighborhood Networking: West Loop at Plush Restaurant & Lounge from 5:30-8 pm.We have a large variety of businesses attending... I just peeked at the list and I'm looking forward to seeing our regulars and meeting the newcomers!
- [Dogs who dig design](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/21/dogs-who-dig-design/) - I'm proud to announce that my office assistant Essie made it onto the HOW Design Blog! Her passion for design is quite evident in the fact that she regularly naps in front of my stack of HOW Magazine back issues, not to mention her honest critiques of my design work (woof!! = yes, it's very
- [Your (print) life in digital](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/20/your-print-life-in-digital/) - At the Unisource Paper Show in Chicago last year, I was delighted to discover lots of new paper stocks for digital printing—and thrilled that many of them were also recycled (30–100% PCW). As many small businesses are printing short runs digitally—or even printing in-house on their trusty laser printers—I thought I would share my digital
- [Estimated taxes due today!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/15/estimated-taxes-due-today-2/) - It's that time again... the fourth installment of estimated taxes are due today. For more information on filing estimated taxes, visit the IRS website, as well as your local state’s tax website. Now is also a good time to start preparing for this year's tax filing. Start sorting through those piles of reciepts, invoices, mileage
- [Who me, network?](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/14/who-me-network/) - That's what I might have said years ago too. Many business owners avoid networking events for lots of reasons: there are too many people, I feel intimidated, I won't make useful connections, I'm shy, the food will be lousy. We—that is, myself and Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals—started Neighborhood Networking last year with
- [Happy New Year!](https://lsvdesign.com/2010/01/06/happy-new-year/) - Here we are in the first week of 2010. A new year. 365 new days to achieve your goals. Sounds daunting, yes? I have always started off the new year by writing a list of goals. However, this year I'm taking a new approach. Instead of making a list of what I must do, I've
- [Business gift idea: custom cookies](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/12/29/business-gift-idea-custom-cookies/) - I just had to share this idea... because I used it myself this holiday season: custom cookies. Baked by the fabulous gumdrop cookie shop in New York, the yummy cookies can be printed with any logo or artwork (in this case, they are graced with my company's logo) and arrive ready for gifting in a
- [Business gift idea: eco-friendly coffee cup](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/12/15/business-gift-idea-eco-friendly-coffee-cup/) - Searching for a last-minute gift for a co-worker or colleague with a caffeine addiction? Buy them the I Am Not a Paper Cup travel mug. The washable and reusable porcelain cup will keep drinks warm in the office—and empty paper cups out of the trash. And the silicone lid keeps your drink from spilling during
- [Shop local this holiday season](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/24/shop-local-this-holiday-season/) - Holiday shopping locally this season? In our series of posts featuring business gift ideas, we've mentioned many fabulous local artists and businesses. Need more ideas? Download Local First Chicago's Independent Chicagoan Shopping Guide! The guide featuring local shops and services who are members of Local First Chicago, makes it easy to get your shopping done
- [More canine models, please!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/20/more-canine-models-please/) - If you read the bright spot, you know how much I love dogs being featured as catalog models. Imagine my joy when I found this furry fellow in the latest Crate & Barrel holiday catalog. Maybe he's not as elegant as the pashmina-sporting pup in the White House Black Market catalog—but a looker nonetheless. And
- [Business gift idea: city neighborhood posters](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/20/business-gift-idea-city-neighborhood-posters/) - I first noticed a Chicago Neighborhood Poster by Ork Posters a few years back while strolling the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Square... and have been enamored ever since. The city neighborhood posters are available for many popular cities (Chicago, LA, NYC, Seattle, Boston + more) in both single- and multi-color prints (my fave shown at
- [Business gift idea: notecard set](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/17/business-gift-idea-notecard-set/) - A great way to say thank you to clients and coworkers is with a set of decorated notecards. We all know how meaningful a handwritten note is, but it's easy to forget—especially during the busy holiday season. Make it easy for your gift recipient and give them a set of notecards plus a fancy pen
- [Business gift idea: PANTONE flash drive](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/10/business-gift-idea-pantone-flash-drive/) - I love this idea that PANTONE tweeted about earlier today: custom PANTONE flash drives. Choose from 14 PANTONE colors. Order 10+ and get your logo and website engraved (see my faux example—cool eh?) Order a bunch to give away for the holidays—as well as to keep handy in your laptop bag for client meetings (never
- [Business gift idea: nifty desk pads](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/09/business-gift-idea-nifty-desk-pads/) - The Perfect Assistant Bundle of desk pads from Knock Knock is the perfect gift for a cubicle-dwelling co-worker or client. The set includes essentials such as My Top Secret Password Pad, Endless Voicemail Paper Mousepad, While You Were Out Nifty Note and the Paper E-Mail Nifty Note. Or make a custom desk stationery set by
- [Get a jump on holiday shopping](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/06/get-a-jump-on-holiday-shopping/) - We are delighted to be featured in the 2009 Indie Biz Chicks Holiday Gift Guide! Brought to you by Indie Biz Chicks, the Guide featuring holiday tips, ideas and recipes also showcases artisan-designed gifts ranging from holiday cards and greeting cards (by yours truly) to handcrafted jewelry, totes, and kids wearables. Start your holiday shopping—all
- [Business gift idea: (hip) gift basket](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/11/05/business-gift-idea-hip-gift-basket/) - For a modern take on the traditional holiday gift basket, head over to That's Caring. Gone are the fruitcakes and meats, their hip gift baskets offer gourmet pastas, spa goodies and pet treats, just to name a few. Many selections are from local businesses such as one of my faves, The Enterprising Kitchen—and their baskets
- [Business gift idea: city guidebook](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/10/26/business-gift-idea-city-guidebook/) - These city guidebooks from Chronicle Books make a great gift for out-of-town clients, as well as locals. With the Moleskine City Notebook Chicago and 52 Adventures in Chicago, your faraway clients can get to know your hometown—while local colleagues can play tourist in their own city. Several other cities are also offered in both series.
- [Neighborhood Networking in November](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/10/22/neighborhood-networking-in-november/) - Neighborhood Networking is thrilled to be a part of the 7th Annual Networking Extravaganza, hosted by the Lincoln Park Business Development Institute. Join us at Goose Island BrewPub on Thursday, November 12th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and network with Neighborhood Networking—as well as 10+ other local chambers and networking groups. RSVP and pay
- [How to design bad direct mail](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/10/15/how-to-design-bad-direct-mail/) - As I've been signing up for industry events lately (as well as planning my big day), there's a ton of direct mail coming through in my mailbox—and along with it, many examples of what NOT to do. Here are a few examples of direct mail DON'Ts: No return address: who is this coming from? Why
- [How to find the work...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/10/08/how-to-find-the-work/) - Hot off the presses... our latest Small Business Tipsheet: How to Find the Work. Nine quick and easy tips for finding new clients or projects.
- [More ways to green up your direct mail](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/25/more-ways-to-green-up-your-direct-mail/) - If your company sends direct mail, you have a great opportunity to educate your customers about being green -- and promote your own environmental efforts. Here are a few tips, inspired by Deliver Magazine: Print a link to Earth911.com, which lists the Post Office locations that recycle direct mail (magazines, catalogs and mixed paper) If
- [Green up your direct mail](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/23/green-up-your-direct-mail/) - Do you work on direct mail programs, but are struggling with the environmental impact"? Ask your designer or printer to look into these two new eco-friendly options for mailers (courtesy of the latest "green" issue of Deliver Magazine) Earth Flex Poly: 100% biodegradable and compostable poly film. Use it to wrap single books or cards.
- [Finally... CRAVE Chicago Guide sneak peek!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/22/finally-crave-chicago-guide-sneak-peek/) - I'm delighted to announce that Lidia Varesco Design will be featured in the very-first edition of CRAVE Chicago! The book, which will be published in November, features 150 female entrepreneurs in the Chicagoland area. I'm proud to be included in this group of talented and enterprising ladies . See a sneak peek of my page
- [Networking with your neighbors tonight!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/16/networking-with-your-neighbors-tonight/) - Join myself and my co-host Elizabeth (Lulu) Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals for Neighborhood Networking TONIGHT! Meet and mingle with fellow businesses and sample appetizers from Chief O'Neill's. This month, we have again partnered with Business by Referral (BBR) to bring you twice the networking fun. (Yes, you can have fun networking!) The event takes
- [Estimated taxes due today!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/15/estimated-taxes-due-today/) - Don't forget! The third installment of estimated taxes are due today. For more information on filing estimated taxes, visit the IRS website, as well as your local state's tax website.
- [Neighborhood Networking in Avondale next week](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/09/09/neighborhood-networking-in-avondale-next-week/) - Neighborhood Networking is ambling to Avondale next week! Join us, along with our co-host Business by Referral (BBR) to meet and mingle with fellow businesses after work, as well as sample appetizers from Chief O'Neill's. As an added bonus: there's lots of free street parking nearby! Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 pm at Chief
- [Be green this weekend!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/14/be-green-this-weekend/) - The first annual Green Music Fest hits West Town Saturday and Sunday. See cool bands, learn how to make your life (and business) more green, and support local businesses. What could be better? Buy your tickets here. The Green Music Fest will be held in Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago Avenue. Brought to you by
- [Vote for me! (or should I say, my photo...)](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/12/vote-for-me-or-should-i-say-my-photo/) - My entry for Placemaking Chicago's "What Makes Your Place Great?” contest made it to the final voting round! Click here to vote. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for my photo of the south end of the lakefront bike trail (shown at right). Voting runs through Sept. 14. Thanks for your
- [Neighborhood Networking in Roscoe Village next Wednesday!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/12/save-the-date-neighborhood-networking-in-roscoe-village-on-aug-19th/) - Neighborhood Networking is heading to Roscoe Village next week! Join us, along with our co-host Business by Referral (BBR), at one of my favorite Roscoe Village spots, The Village Tap to meet and mingle with fellow businesses after work. Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5:30-8:00 pm The Village Tap 2055 W Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618 Register
- [Twitterin'](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/06/twitterin/) - Follow us on Twitter! Just like the blog that shares its name, we'll be tweeting about the bright spots in business (and life).
- [Take a music lunch break today!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/05/take-a-music-lunch-break-today/) - Work downtown? Walk over to Millennium Park and enjoy the sounds of one of my fave local bands, the J. Davis Trio. The hip hop and garage-jazz band is performing in the Family Fun Festival: Chicago Children's Museum presents "Rock 'n Roll Week". Check them out at the North Promenade Stage from 1:00 to 2:30 pm
- [Have you mentored someone lately?](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/05/have-you-mentored-someone-lately/) - The June issue of Natural Health magazine featured an article on mentoring that really resonated with me—enough that I kept it on my desk, dogeared, for 2 months. The article highlights four points to mentoring a fledgling business newcomer: Share your wisdom: in addition to helping someone along in their career, it can also give
- [On the (networking) road again...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/08/03/on-the-networking-road-again/) - Save the date... again! Neighborhood Networking is advancing to Avondale in September. Join us at Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant on Wednesday, September 16th from 5:30-8:00 pm. Connect with other businesses, as well as sample appetizers from the charming Irish pub. Great raffle prizes from local businesses too! Register in advance online for $10 (or
- [Make a trip to the grocery store and help local families in need](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/30/make-a-trip-to-the-grocery-store-and-help-local-families-in-need/) - As we are all aware, the recession has affected many people—especially families. One of my clients, Chicago-based organization Family Focus is helping out by distributing food to local families in need. You can help out by donating food, clothing or baby & household items to one of Family Focus's distribution centers in Evanston, Highland Park
- [Share the (local business) love](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/28/share-the-local-business-love/) - My readers know that I'm dedicated to supporting local businesses. Now you can help a small business grow with the click of a mouse: nominate them in the “Love a Local Business” campaign from Intuit. Typing a few kind words about your favorite coffee shop, painting company, or graphic designer (hint, hint) literally puts them
- [Save the date: Neighborhood Networking on Aug. 19th](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/26/save-the-date-neighborhood-networking-on-aug-19th/) - Save the date! Neighborhood Networking is heading to Roscoe Village! Join us at one of my favorite Roscoe Village spots The Village Tap on Wednesday, August 19th from 5:30-8:00 pm. Connect with other businesses, as well as sample appetizers from the Tap. Great raffle prizes from local businesses too! Register in advance online for $10
- [What's your favorite "great place" in Chicago?](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/23/whats-your-favorite-great-place-in-chicago/) - Is there a park or other public space in your neighborhood that you love? Perhaps you pass a special place on your way to work every day? Nominate it in Placemaking Chicago's "What Makes Your Place Great?” contest. See examples of some of the special places people have already nominated. It's a great way to
- [Change of office scenery, part 3](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/23/change-of-office-scenery-part-3/) - Keeping with this week's topic of staying productive while working from a home office (aka coping with summer fever), check out this article we wrote on Biznik. Several Biznik members have left comments with great suggestions for how they stay motivated and productive in thier own home offices. How do you manage? Read the article
- [Change of office scenery, part 2](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/21/change-of-office-scenery-part-2/) - You have a home office. You've made the effort to work outside of your office at least one day a week. Still feeling disconnected? Miss the creative interaction of co-workers? Getting out there and meeting fellow business owners can help. Where to start? Your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to link up
- [Get a change of (office) scenery](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/20/get-a-change-of-office-scenery/) - It's warm, it's sunny and you're finding yourself staring out the window of your office instead of working (and yes, I'm speaking from experience...). The solution: move your office to a "remote location" for the day. As we mentioned in our Tipsheet about working from home, working outside of your usual office environment can boost
- [Help spread your love of reading](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/18/help-spread-your-love-of-reading/) - Do you love to read? Can you spare an extra hour in your work schedule? Open Books needs you! The Chicago-based literacy nonprofit is seeking volunteers for their youth literacy program, Reading Buddies. Currently there are sites at elementary schools in West Town and Bucktown, more coming soon. Check out the Open Books Volunteer page
- [Have fun while getting organized!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/17/have-fun-while-getting-organized/) - Yesterday I attended an organizing workshop presented by my friend Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals and I now have a new favorite place: @Work Design. This new addition to Madison St. in Forest Park is a dream for anyone who appreciates a well-designed, functional and organized office or home. The stylish shop (naturally,
- [Direct mail that directs you online](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/16/direct-mail-that-directs-you-online/) - Contrary to naysayers, I don't believe print is dead! Though I've been noticing more direct mail that directs you to the web. Take for example, the piece I recently designed for BAI Banking Strategies' new online magazine. A printed piece was mailed to readers who may not be active web users, encouraging them to visit
- [Calling all creative freelancers...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/15/calling-all-creative-freelancers/) - Early registration ends today for this year's Creative Freelancer Conference in San Diego on Aug. 26–28. Having attended last year's conference in Chicago, I experienced first-hand the many positive effects it had on my business, including motivation to start new projects, higher billings, and beneficial business connections (not to mention friendships). Whether you're a print
- [Why shop local?](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/14/why-shop-local/) - If you need a good reason (or perhaps 10) to shop locally-owned businesses, check out this new commercial for Local First Chicago, a network of locally owned, independent businesses and community organizations. In this video, local business owners—including Lidia Varesco Design—talk about the various reasons why we shop local. Being an artist myself, I feel
- [Work from home? Read this.](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/10/work-from-home-read-this/) - Run a business out of your humble abode? Do you find yourself a) spending half your day spying on your neighbors, b) wasting hours on the couch watching bad talk shows or, c) eagerly awaiting the mailman's arrival so that you can carry on an actual conversation with a human being? Visit our updated Tips
- [Take a deep breath...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/07/09/take-a-deep-breath/) - Have you been wanting to try your hand (or should we say, heart) at meditation, but don't know where to start? This month's Meditation Workshops at Victory's Banner Bookstore in Roscoe Village start tonight! Led by Victory's Banner Restaurant owner Pradhan, the casual, friendly classes are open to all, regardless of your reasons for (or
- [Neighborhood Networking is heading south](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/06/17/neighborhood-networking-is-heading-south/) - Neighborhood Networking is teaming up with BBR Chicago and heading to the southside this month... Join us next Wednesday, June 24th from 5-7:30 pm at Cuatro Restaurant in the South Loop (2030 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago IL). Tickets are $10 in advance ($12 at the door). Purchase tickets here. Hosted by Lidia Varesco Design &
- [Pay up...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/06/15/pay-up/) - Second-quarter estimated taxes are due today, June 15th. Visit the IRS e-file page to pay online. See the IRS Tax Calendar for more info and other upcoming dates.
- [More people are going green (literally)](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/06/05/more-people-are-going-green-literally/) - Have you noticed more commercials for lawn care products lately? According to a recent AdAge article, sales in the gardening industry are up. Thanks to the recession (and perhaps the newly-created White House garden) more people are trying their hand at vegetable gardens—not to mention spending more time at home in their own backyard. Coming
- [Got a library card? See free music!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/06/04/got-a-library-card-see-free-music/) - I just discovered the Words and Music program offered by the Chicago Public Library each summer: it gives you a chance to pick up free lawn passes for selected concerts at Ravinia Festival. Just visit your neighborhood library and present a valid Chicago Public Library Card. By the way, if you haven't visited your local
- [Here's a tip...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/27/heres-a-tip/) - Have you seen our Tips page? You'll find our series of Small Business Tipsheets featuring topics useful to small businesses—such as our latest offering, How Do I Navigate an Economic Downturn? Updated Tipsheets are added every month or so, so be sure to check back. And leave your comments too!
- [Being green and helping others](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/21/being-green-and-helping-others/) - It's Green Week at the bright spot and (thanks to a recent Pivot Boutique newsletter) I just discovered a local organization that is doing good for people and the environment. Growing Home provides job training for homeless and low-income individuals in Chicago through agriculture. Participants ready themselves to re-enter the workplace by learning skills required
- [More green inspiration](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/20/more-green-ideas/) - I've been bitten by the Green Bug this week... I can't seem to change the topic! As of late March, the Museum of Science and Industry's "Smart Home" has reopened—with a few changes reflecting the lifestyle of the modern urban couple (the home office has been relocated, and a baby nursery is in its place).
- [Go green, go local...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/19/go-green-go-local/) - Volunteering at the Chicago Green Festival™ this weekend gave me an opportunity to meet lots of local green businesses. As many of us are trying to go green in our offices—not to mention support local businesses—I've decided to share a few of my finds. (I'm a customer of a few of these businesses already!) Green
- [Green Festival this weekend!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/15/green-festival-this-weekend/) - The Chicago Green Festival™ comes to Navy Pier this Saturday and Sunday. You'll have the chance to meet 350+ local and national green businesses, or listen to one of the many well-known speakers. I'll be volunteering Sunday morning at the Creative Pitch booth to help out this great local organization.
- [Did you buy your Forever Stamps?](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/09/did-you-buy-your-forever-stamps/) - Mailers take note: new mailing prices go into effect Monday, May 11, 2009. One of the most notable changes is an increase in the cost of first-class stamps (42¢ to 44¢). Forever Stamps will always be valid as First–Class postage on standard envelopes weighing one ounce or less, regardless of any subsequent increases in the
- [SCORE one for your business](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/06/score-one-for-your-business/) - Are you getting SCORE eNews? Yes, I know your Inbox is already crammed with newsletters and other digital ephemera. Not to worry, the small biz counseling organization's monthly newsletter is a quick read, and I always find a useful tip or link in each one. See our Events page for upcoming SCORE Chicago workshops.
- [Quick networking tips from a pro](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/05/04/quick-networking-tips-from-a-pro/) - Networking is more important than ever nowadays. This Advertising Age article lists five easy networking tips that work from marketer Wenda Harris Millard. It's a good reminder to do a check-up on your own networking efforts. How are you doing? Ask lots of questions. Join the associations—and the committees. Don't just go to events; create
- [The spiritual side of entrepreneurship](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/04/29/the-spiritual-side-of-entrepreneurship/) - With the daily barrage of news detailing economic downturns and communicable diseases, people seem to need something positive, something to believe in. The topic of spirituality has come up before in the bright spot (see the post on meditation). And since I've resumed my yoga and meditation practice, it will likely come up again. However,
- [Join us for Neighborhood Networking on Monday!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/04/15/neighborhood-networking-on-mon-apr-20th/) - Join us after work on Monday to meet a nearby business owner or make connections in a different neighborhood -- as well as sample appetizers from a local favorite for BBQ, Smokin' Woody's. Great raffle prizes too! Mon, Apr. 20th from 5-7:30 pm at Smokin' Woody's, 4160 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL. Tickets: $10 in
- [Celebrate spring and get out of your office...](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/04/08/celebrate-spring-and-get-out-of-your-office/) - Check out our brand new Events page featuring upcoming Chicago-area business workshops, networking events and professional development opportunities. And of course, some fun stuff for when you're not working. The list is updated weekly. Hosting an event? Send us the details and well add it to our list.
- [Network with your (business) neighbors on Tue, Mar. 31](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/03/26/network-with-your-business-neighbors-on-mar-31/) - Feel like you’ve met all your local business prospects? Do something valuable for your business: step out of your usual routine and make new connections. Join us after work for Neighborhood Networking in Northcenter. Meet a fellow business owner or make connections in a different neighborhood — as well as sample appetizers from a local
- [Selling or transitioning out of your business?](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/03/25/selling-or-transitioning-out-of-your-business/) - Then this upcoming workshop from the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center may be just what you're looking for. Moving On in This Economy: Everything You Need to Know about Selling or Transitioning Out of Your Business will be held next Thu, April 2nd at the University Center (525 S. State St., Chicago IL). Registration Fee is $35;
- [Illinois Small Business Economic Recovery Forum: Mar. 24](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/03/23/illinois-small-business-economic-recovery-forum-mar-24/) - Wondering how the economic stimulus will affect your small business? Attend the Illinois Small Business Economic Recovery Forum: Bringing Economic Recovery to Small Businesses in Illinois held tomorrow, March 24th at Navy Pier. Visit SCORE Chicago for more info on the event and the economic stimulus.
- [Welcome to the bright spot!](https://lsvdesign.com/2009/03/12/hello-world-2/) - Sharing the "bright spots" in today's design, business & culture. We welcome your comments and additions!

## Pages

- [Home](https://lsvdesign.com/)
- [About](https://lsvdesign.com/about/)
- [A to Z of Design](https://lsvdesign.com/atozdesign/) - With Canva and other digital design tools available to non-designers, it's more important than ever to know your design ABCs. Follow along and learn basic design terminology—from alignment to ZIP—that will make your designs both attractive and effective. A is for Alignment Alignment is the positioning of text, images or design elements in a layout.
- [Content Marketing Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/content-marketing-resources/) - Whether you are new to content marketing or looking to improve your organization's strategy, we have created and curated these useful resources to help at every stage. Worksheets Content Mission Statement Worksheet [PDF] Content Hub Worksheet [PDF] Templates Nonprofit Content Calendar Template [Google Sheets] Social Media Brand Guide Template [Canva] Blogs Curated Reports The 2026
- [Essential Nonprofit Branding Toolkit](https://lsvdesign.com/essential-nonprofit-branding-toolkit/) - Ready to elevate your brand? Effective branding is crucial for ensuring your visuals and messaging resonate with your audience and accurately reflect your organization’s mission and values. A strong nonprofit brand helps build trust and recognition, making it easier to connect with your supporters and amplifying your impact. Boost your brand—get the Essential Nonprofit Branding
- [Marketing Design](https://lsvdesign.com/marketing-design/) - Do you need help expressing your "WHY"? Your marketing and communications are more than just visuals and words—they're how your organization tells its story, inspires action, and shows impact. If your materials feel scattered or off-brand, your audience might be missing the full picture of your mission. At Lidia Varesco Design, we help nonprofits and
- [Branding & Identity](https://lsvdesign.com/branding-identity/) - Does your branding reflect your mission? Your brand is often the first impression someone has of your organization—whether it's a donor considering a gift, a member looking for support, or a partner exploring collaboration. A clear, consistent brand helps build trust, communicates your values, and connects your audience to your purpose. At Lidia Varesco Design,
- [Branding Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/branding-resources/) - Branding Resources Whether you are just developing your organization's brand or refining and enhancing an existing brand, we have created and curated these useful resources to help at every stage. Coaching & Training Canva Branding Quick Start A one-hour session with Lidia to create your Brand Kit in Canva as well as address any other
- [Speaking](https://lsvdesign.com/speaking/) - Real-life branding inspiration from someone who’s seen it all After 25+ years in branding and marketing design, I can safely say I've seen it all. My talks show you how to use branding and marketing to share your organization's message and connect with your donors, supporters, or members. The sessions are fun and collaborative with
- [Toolkits & Packages](https://lsvdesign.com/toolkits-and-packages/) - 0 $0.00 Toolkits & Packages Branding for all. This has been my motto since I started working with nonprofit and mission-focused organizations several decades ago. And now I’ve made it even easier. I’ve taken branding and marketing concepts that seem complicated and made them easy for busy nonprofit and small business professionals to immediately implement. Choose the right solution
- [Solo & Small-Team Marketing Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/solo-small-team-marketing-resources/) - Solo & Small-Team Marketing Resources Blogs Articles 3 productivity habits that are actually toxic (Fast Company) How to Decide Which Tasks to Outsource and Which Tasks to Keep (Ed Gandia) Adding Contractors Into the Mix (David C. Baker) Hiring vs. Outsourcing: How to Recognize the Right Moment to Add Talent to Your Team (Entrepreneur) 14
- [Shop](https://lsvdesign.com/shop/)
- [Branding & Marketing Packages](https://lsvdesign.com/brand-consultation/) - Branding For All. This has been my motto since I started working with nonprofit organizations several decades ago. And now I've made it even easier. I’ve taken branding and marketing concepts that seem complicated and made them easy for busy nonprofit and small business professionals to implement—right away. Choose the right solution for your organization,
- [Social Media Marketing Resources](https://lsvdesign.com/social-media-marketing-resources/) - Whether you are new to social media marketing or looking to improve your organization's strategy, we have created and curated useful resources to help at every stage. Worksheets Social Media Mission Statement Worksheet [PDF] Social Media Strategy Template [Google Docs] Templates Social Media Brand Guide Template (Canva) Blogs Curated Reading List Questions about these resources?
- [A to Z of Social Media Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/a-to-z-of-social-media-marketing/) - A is for Algorithm In social media, an algorithm is a set of formulas that determines what you see in your feed. Where feeds were once chronological, now they vary based on “relevance”—which is affected by the user’s usage, interests, interactions, and connections. With the frequent algorithm changes, making authentic connections and encouraging interaction on
- [Judging](https://lsvdesign.com/judging/) - Judging I have been invited to be a judge for various marketing and communications competitions and awards, in industries ranging from parks and recreation and public power to college student competitions. IAPD/IPRA Agency Showcase Awards: 2016–2024 American Public Power Association's Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards (EPPA): 2023 AMA Lincoln Prism Awards: 2023 AMA Collegiate
- [A to Z of Being a Mom in Business](https://lsvdesign.com/a-to-z-of-being-a-mom-in-business/) - A to Z of Being a Mom in Business A is for Ambition When you're going on no sleep or have a sick kid at home, the ambition and passion you have for your small business can be the only thing that gets you through the day. Waking up each day feeling excited and motivated
- [Contact](https://lsvdesign.com/contact/) - Contact Name* First Last Organization* Email* Phone Location* What do you need help with?* What is your project budget?* $1,000–2,500 $2,500–5,000 $5,000–10,000 $10,000+ When are you ready to start?* What prompted you to reach out now?* Any other details to share? How did you hear about Lidia Varesco Design?* Post Title Submit
- [Services](https://lsvdesign.com/services/)
- [Sample Page](https://lsvdesign.com/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger

## Products

- [Branding Buddy: On-Call Nonprofit Brand Strategy & Design Support](https://lsvdesign.com/product/branding-buddy-brand-manager-on-call/) - Your team may not need a full rebrand or an ongoing brand manager—but you may need expert help making decisions, reviewing materials, or keeping your communications consistent. Branding Buddy gives you five flexible hours of brand strategy and design support to use over 60 days. Use your hours for: Reviewing marketing or fundraising materials Strengthening messaging Improving brand consistency Getting feedback on your website, presentations, brochures, or social graphics Updating or creating a brand guide or toolkit Refining Canva templates Creating a simple branded resource Planning an upcoming campaign or initiative Prioritizing future brand updates What’s included A brief onboarding questionnaire One 30-minute kickoff call 5 additional hours of strategy, review, consulting, or design support Email-based requests and communication You have 60 days to use your package. All meetings, preparation, reviews, design work, and follow-up communication count toward the five-hour total. Branding Buddy is a good fit if: You have an established brand, but need help applying it Your small team needs occasional expert guidance You have several focused needs that go beyond a single consultation You want short-term support without a long-term contract Branding Buddy is designed for focused strategy, reviews, and small-scale design needs. Larger projects, such as full rebrands, logo design, websites, or multi-page publications, require a separate scope. After purchasing, you’ll receive a short questionnaire and instructions for scheduling your kickoff call.
- [One-Hour Brand Boost](https://lsvdesign.com/product/one-hour-brand-boost/) - The One-Hour Brand Boost is a focused 60-minute consultation designed to help nonprofit and mission-driven organizations address one specific brand or marketing challenge. Before our session, you’ll complete a short questionnaire and share any relevant materials so we can use our time strategically. During our meeting, we’ll review your challenge, discuss opportunities, and identify practical improvements that align with your organization’s goals, audience, and capacity. Your Brand Boost can focus on: Clarifying your brand messaging or key talking points Reviewing your logo or visual identity Strengthening a campaign or fundraising appeal Improving a brochure, presentation, one-sheet, or other marketing piece Creating a more consistent social media presence Reviewing your website’s messaging and visual brand experience Identifying the most important next steps for a rebrand or brand refresh Troubleshooting another focused branding or marketing challenge What’s included A brief pre-session questionnaire Review of relevant materials before our meeting One 60-minute virtual strategy session Expert guidance from a brand strategist and designer with 30+ years of experience A written recap with recommendations and prioritized next steps This session is a good fit when: You know something about your brand or marketing isn’t quite working, but you’re not sure what to change. You may be preparing for an important campaign, trying to improve brand consistency, or looking for an expert perspective before investing in a larger project. The One-Hour Brand Boost gives you focused, senior-level guidance without committing to a full brand engagement. After purchasing, you’ll receive instructions to complete the pre-session questionnaire and schedule your virtual consultation.
- [Canva Branding Quick Start](https://lsvdesign.com/product/canva-branding-quick-start/) - Ready to elevate your nonprofit’s visual identity? In this hands-on 60-minute session, I will set up your Canva Brand Kit and show you how to apply it to graphics and templates. We’ll also review other Canva Brand features and AI-powered tools. Plus, you can ask questions and get personalized Canva advice. Perfect for nonprofits and small teams looking to streamline their graphics while making a visual impact. After purchase, you'll receive a link to book a date for your session.
- [Essential Nonprofit Branding Toolkit](https://lsvdesign.com/product/essential-nonprofit-branding-toolkit/) - The Essential Nonprofit Branding Toolkit helps you clarify and strengthen your nonprofit’s brand, ensuring it resonates with your audience and reflects your mission. This toolkit guides you through defining key elements like your audience, voice, and mission using seven easy-to-complete worksheets. Perfect for nonprofits just starting out, or those struggling with inconsistent branding and messaging. BONUS: Includes a 30-minute coaching session with Lidia.

## Portfolio

- [Disciples Home Missions](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/disciples-home-missions/) - Branding & Identity Disciples Home Missions equips and empowers Disciples to change the world by engaging in coordinated missions on behalf of the whole church. We created a logo and brand identity that highlighted the four areas they focus on: mission work, programming and education, advocacy, and congregational support. Placing the chalice of the Christian
- [Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA)](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/ceilings-interior-systems-construction-association-cisca/) - Proudly collaborating since 2016 Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA), the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings, and acoustical treatment industry, needed overall consistency in its branding and marketing, as well as a more effective way to show members and prospective members the benefits and value of CISCA membership. CISCA Publications
- [English Honor Societies](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/ela-honor-society/) - Proudly collaborating since 2023 The English Honor Societies, a nonprofit organization based at Northern Illinois University, represents four distinguished academic honor societies dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the English language arts and literature: ELA Honor Society (middle schools), NEHS – National English Honor Society (high schools), Sigma Kappa Delta (two-year colleges) and Sigma
- [Hope for Widows Foundation](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/hope-for-widows-foundation/) - Proudly collaborating since 2019 Hope for Widows Foundation, a nonprofit founded by widowed women for widowed women, aims to offset the emotional and financial challenges of widowhood by building an active and supportive community of widows worldwide. I have been working with them to create mission-focused and shareable branding and digital marketing materials, allowing them
- [New Moms](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/new-moms/) - Proudly collaborating since 2019 New Moms partners with young moms as they take powerful first steps toward achieving their goals and constructing strong foundations for the future of their families and communities. Their “2-Generation” approach puts moms in the driver’s seat as they construct the foundation for their family’s well-being. Strategic Plan 2022-26 New Moms
- [Tribe Wellness](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/tribe-wellness/) - Tribe Wellness was a woman-owned business that offered health coaching for families with a mission of tackling the issue of childhood obesity from a holistic perspective, offering tools and support to the entire family. I developed branding based on the Tree of Life that highlighted their mission of creating healthy families, including a logo with
- [The Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC)](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/the-association-for-library-services-to-children-alsc/) - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. From creative programming and best practices to continuing education and professional connections—ALSC members are innovators in the field of children's library service. National Institute Branding & Marketing ALSC’s National Institute is a professional development opportunity
- [Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM)](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/helm/) - Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) works with wider church and higher education partners to develop and nurture Christian leaders who are transforming church, society, and the world. They focus their mission on three areas: Leadership Programs, Colleges & Universities, and Theological Education. Branding & Identity We worked with HELM to develop new branding and
- [Growing Hope Globally](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/growing-hope-globally/) - Founded as Foods Resource Bank in 1999, Growing Hope Globally has helped more than 2 million people in need. They help subsistence farmers grow their own food and earn an income. And through their Growing Project model, U.S. farmers work with churches and surrounding communities to become part of the solution—raising money and awareness to
- [All Stars Project of Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/all-stars-project-of-chicago/) - All Stars Project of Chicago works in Chicago neighborhoods that have been hit the hardest by violence, bringing youth programming such as neighborhood talent shows as well as opportunities for young people to partner with business leaders and learn to perform as professionals. Nonprofit Education Conference The 6th Annual Afterschool Development Conference brought together over
- [Volunteers of America of Illinois](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio/volunteers-of-america-of-illinois-voa-of-il/) - Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA of IL) had a problem: they were growing quickly but their print marketing materials couldn't keep up. I created new messaging and branding ("the building blocks of change") which we carried throughout their print and digital marketing. The result has been greater name recognition in the community and a

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://lsvdesign.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Graphic Design](https://lsvdesign.com/category/graphic-design/)
- [Small Business](https://lsvdesign.com/category/small-business/)
- [Networking](https://lsvdesign.com/category/networking/)
- [Creativity](https://lsvdesign.com/category/creativity/)
- [Branding](https://lsvdesign.com/category/branding/)
- [Marketing & Communications](https://lsvdesign.com/category/marketing-communications/)
- [Fundraising](https://lsvdesign.com/category/fundraising/)
- [Work/Life](https://lsvdesign.com/category/work-life/)
- [Local (Chicago)](https://lsvdesign.com/category/local-chicago/)
- [Community Outreach](https://lsvdesign.com/category/community-outreach/)
- [Featured Design Project](https://lsvdesign.com/category/featured-projects/)
- [Workspace](https://lsvdesign.com/category/workspace/)
- [Time Management](https://lsvdesign.com/category/time-management/)
- [Social Media](https://lsvdesign.com/category/social-media/)
- [Mompreneur](https://lsvdesign.com/category/mompreneur/)
- [Biz Mama](https://lsvdesign.com/category/biz-mama/)
- [Small biz spotlight](https://lsvdesign.com/category/small-biz-spotlight/)
- [10-Minute Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/category/10-minute-marketing/)
- [Content marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/category/content-marketing/)
- [Behind the scnees](https://lsvdesign.com/category/behind-the-scnees/)
- [Content Calendar](https://lsvdesign.com/category/content-calendar/)
- [Website](https://lsvdesign.com/category/website/)
- [Holiday](https://lsvdesign.com/category/holiday/)
- [Membership](https://lsvdesign.com/category/membership/)
- [AI](https://lsvdesign.com/category/ai/)
- [Email marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/category/email-marketing/)

## Tags

- [age inclusive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/age-inclusive/)
- [equitable](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/equitable/)
- [disability inclusive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/disability-inclusive/)
- [diverse](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/diverse/)
- [inclusive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/inclusive/)
- [stock photography](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stock-photography/)
- [Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/chicago/)
- [design](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/design/)
- [economic stimulus](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/economic-stimulus/)
- [SCORE](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/score/)
- [Small Business](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/small-business/)
- [business](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/business/)
- [Coleman Center](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/coleman-center/)
- [Lincoln Park Chamber](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lincoln-park-chamber/)
- [selling](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/selling/)
- [workshop](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/workshop/)
- [Networking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/networking/)
- [Northcenter](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/northcenter/)
- [Columbia College Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/columbia-college-chicago/)
- [association](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/association/)
- [branding](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/branding-2/)
- [nonprofit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonprofit/)
- [organization](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/organization/)
- [package](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/package/)
- [brand](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/brand/)
- [Green](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/green/)
- [events](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/events/)
- [Columbia College](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/columbia-college/)
- [meditation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/meditation/)
- [photography](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/photography/)
- [stock](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stock/)
- [Neighborhood](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/neighborhood/)
- [entrepreneurship](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/entrepreneurship/)
- [Spiritual](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/spiritual/)
- [art](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/art/)
- [Ad Age](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ad-age/)
- [eNews](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/enews/)
- [newsletter](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/newsletter/)
- [Forever](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/forever/)
- [increase](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/increase/)
- [mail](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mail/)
- [stamps](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stamps/)
- [USPS](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/usps/)
- [Creative Pitch](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative-pitch/)
- [Green Festival](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/green-festival/)
- [businesses](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/businesses/)
- [green office](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/green-office/)
- [Smart Home](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/smart-home/)
- [Growing Home](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/growing-home/)
- [fundraiser](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fundraiser/)
- [Lidia Varesco Design](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lidia-varesco-design/)
- [small business tipsheet](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/small-business-tipsheet/)
- [Chicago Public library](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/chicago-public-library/)
- [Ravinia Festival](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ravinia-festival/)
- [gardening industry](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/gardening-industry/)
- [marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/marketing/)
- [contest](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/contest/)
- [direct mail](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/direct-mail/)
- [summer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/summer/)
- [estimated tax](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/estimated-tax/)
- [South Loop](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/south-loop/)
- [Victory's Banner](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/victorys-banner/)
- [home office](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/home-office/)
- [working from home](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/working-from-home/)
- [commercial](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/commercial/)
- [Local First Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/local-first-chicago/)
- [Creative Freelancer Conference](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative-freelancer-conference/)
- [campaign](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/campaign/)
- [online](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/online/)
- [print](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/print/)
- [web](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/web/)
- [book](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/book/)
- [@Work Design](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/work-design/)
- [office](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/office/)
- [organizing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/organizing/)
- [literacy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/literacy/)
- [Open Books](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/open-books/)
- [volunteer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/volunteer/)
- [cafe](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cafe/)
- [connecting](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/connecting/)
- [Biznik](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/biznik/)
- [productivity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/productivity/)
- [Placemaking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/placemaking/)
- [north](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/north/)
- [Roscoe Village](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/roscoe-village/)
- [Love a Local Business](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/love-a-local-business/)
- [small](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/small/)
- [J. Davis Trio](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/j-davis-trio/)
- [Millennium Park](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/millennium-park/)
- [Family Focus](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/family-focus/)
- [food drive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/food-drive/)
- [Neighborhood Networking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/neighborhood-networking/)
- [Avondale](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/avondale/)
- [mentor](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mentor/)
- [Twitter](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/twitter/)
- [green music fest](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/green-music-fest/)
- [cards](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cards/)
- [recycled](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/recycled/)
- [case study](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/case-study/)
- [portfolio](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/portfolio/)
- [process](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/process/)
- [client](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/client/)
- [work](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/work/)
- [management](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/management/)
- [time](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/time/)
- [estimated](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/estimated/)
- [quarterly](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/quarterly/)
- [tax](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/tax/)
- [media](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/media/)
- [social](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/social/)
- [bad](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/bad/)
- [CRAVE Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/crave-chicago/)
- [communication](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/communication/)
- [direct](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/direct/)
- [eco](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/eco/)
- [friendly](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/friendly/)
- [environmental](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/environmental/)
- [find](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/find/)
- [tipsheet](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/tipsheet/)
- [card](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/card/)
- [holiday](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/holiday/)
- [gift](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/gift/)
- [Chamber](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/chamber/)
- [Extravaganza](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/extravaganza/)
- [LPBDI](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lpbdi/)
- [corporate](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/corporate/)
- [basket](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/basket/)
- [Indie Biz Chicks](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/indie-biz-chicks/)
- [shopping](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/shopping/)
- [flash drive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/flash-drive/)
- [digital](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/digital/)
- [paper](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/paper/)
- [printing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/printing/)
- [poster](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/poster/)
- [ad](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ad/)
- [catalog](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/catalog/)
- [dog](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/dog/)
- [cookie](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cookie/)
- [2010](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2010/)
- [calendar](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/calendar/)
- [goal](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/goal/)
- [creative](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative/)
- [West Loop](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/west-loop/)
- [taxes](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/taxes/)
- [blog](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/blog/)
- [HOW](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/how/)
- [conference](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/conference/)
- [identity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/identity/)
- [Lakeview](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lakeview/)
- [Wishbone](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/wishbone/)
- [donate](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/donate/)
- [supplies](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/supplies/)
- [April](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/april/)
- [greeting](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/greeting/)
- [HOW magazine](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/how-magazine/)
- [March](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/march/)
- [website](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/website/)
- [Grateful Dead](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/grateful-dead/)
- [graphic](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/graphic/)
- [Creative Freelancer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative-freelancer/)
- [DesignCast](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/designcast/)
- [insight](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/insight/)
- [ideas](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ideas/)
- [sketch](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/sketch/)
- [urban](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/urban/)
- [inspiration](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [urban gardeness](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/urban-gardeness/)
- [#ThanksTuesday](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/thankstuesday/)
- [thank you](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/thank-you/)
- [air](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/air/)
- [houseplant](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/houseplant/)
- [Chcago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/chcago/)
- [Crescent Hill Books](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/crescent-hill-books/)
- [packaging](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/packaging/)
- [award](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/award/)
- [promote](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/promote/)
- [publication](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/publication/)
- [anniversary](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/anniversary/)
- [cool](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cool/)
- [hip](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/hip/)
- [modern](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/modern/)
- [color](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/color/)
- ["10 years"](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/10-years/)
- [interview](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/interview/)
- [community](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/community/)
- [service](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/service/)
- [X "Make a difference day"](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/x-make-a-difference-day/)
- [CFConf](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cfconf/)
- [move](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/move/)
- [10th anniversary](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/10th-anniversary/)
- [loan](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/loan/)
- [resource](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/resource/)
- [handwritten](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/handwritten/)
- [note](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/note/)
- [kindness](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/kindness/)
- [local](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/local/)
- [Saturday](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/saturday/)
- [shop](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/shop/)
- [2011](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2011/)
- [Pantone](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/pantone/)
- [email](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/email/)
- [inbox](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/inbox/)
- [follow-up](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/follow-up/)
- [blizzard](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/blizzard/)
- [SNOMG](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/snomg/)
- [ergonomic](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ergonomic/)
- [healthy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/healthy/)
- [graphics](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/graphics/)
- [year](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/year/)
- [365](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/365/)
- [gratitude](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [tips](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/tips/)
- [spring](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/spring/)
- [CSA](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/csa/)
- [eat](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/eat/)
- [industry](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/industry/)
- [manage](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/manage/)
- [app](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/app/)
- [vendors](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/vendors/)
- [#HOWLive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/howlive/)
- [fascinate](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fascinate/)
- [memorable](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/memorable/)
- [stick](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stick/)
- [baby](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/baby/)
- [leave](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/leave/)
- [maternity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/maternity/)
- [mompreneur](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mompreneur-2/)
- [schedule](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/schedule/)
- [books](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/books/)
- ["Month of Letters"](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/month-of-letters/)
- [LetterMo](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lettermo/)
- [event](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/event/)
- [book review](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/book-review-2/)
- [Visual marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/visual-marketing/)
- [#typeinthecity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typeinthecity/)
- [typography](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typography/)
- [#mothersday](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mothersday/)
- [mom](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mom/)
- [Creativity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creativity/)
- [retail](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/retail/)
- [store](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/store/)
- [city](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/city/)
- [found](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/found/)
- [reading](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/reading/)
- [#bizmama](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/bizmama/)
- [wellness](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/wellness/)
- [Biz mama](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/biz-mama-2/)
- [kids](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/kids/)
- [founding moms](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/founding-moms/)
- [preparing for meeting](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/preparing-for-meeting/)
- [prospect](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/prospect/)
- [story](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/story/)
- [Inc](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/inc/)
- [review](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/review/)
- [Jamie Saunders](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/jamie-saunders/)
- [Neenah Paper](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/neenah-paper/)
- [Crate & Barrel](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/crate-barrel/)
- [storytelling](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/storytelling/)
- [UPPERCASE](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/uppercase/)
- [kid](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/kid/)
- [home](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/home/)
- [Mercury Organizing Professionals](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mercury-organizing-professionals/)
- [entrepreneur](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/entrepreneur/)
- [Halloween](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/halloween/)
- [toddler](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/toddler/)
- [daily monster](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/daily-monster/)
- [stefan g. bucher](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stefan-g-bucher/)
- [vote](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/vote/)
- [voting day](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/voting-day/)
- [Creative unConference](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative-unconference/)
- [start-up](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/start-up/)
- [The One Show](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/the-one-show/)
- [bridal](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/bridal/)
- [make-up](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/make-up/)
- [Visage Joli](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/visage-joli/)
- [Wendy Kimmell](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/wendy-kimmell/)
- [years](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/years/)
- [designer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/designer/)
- [Ilise Benun](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ilise-benun/)
- [Marketing Mentor](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/marketing-mentor/)
- [Mom Inc](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mom-inc/)
- [slashie](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/slashie/)
- [Creative Bloq](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creative-bloq/)
- [Typography in the City](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typography-in-the-city/)
- [2013](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2013/)
- [goals](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/goals/)
- [learn](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/learn/)
- [2012](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2012/)
- [highlights](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/highlights/)
- [Alisa Bonsignore](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/alisa-bonsignore/)
- [Clarifying Complex Ideas](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/clarifying-complex-ideas/)
- [copywriter](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/copywriter/)
- [announcement](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/announcement/)
- [minted](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/minted/)
- [new](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/new/)
- [failure](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/failure/)
- [opportunity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/opportunity/)
- [creatives](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/creatives/)
- [cupboard](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cupboard/)
- [coworking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/coworking/)
- [happy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/happy/)
- [working mom](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/working-mom/)
- [be](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/be/)
- [prepared](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/prepared/)
- [book publishing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/book-publishing/)
- [Everything Goes Media](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/everything-goes-media/)
- [Lake Claremont Press](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lake-claremont-press/)
- [Sharon Woodhouse](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/sharon-woodhouse/)
- [Heather Lins Home](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/heather-lins-home/)
- [National Small Business Week](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/national-small-business-week/)
- [boys](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/boys/)
- [clothing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/clothing/)
- [Red Tricycle](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/red-tricycle/)
- [totally Awesome Awards](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/totally-awesome-awards/)
- [working](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/working/)
- [financial](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/financial/)
- [logo](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/logo/)
- [social media](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/social-media-2/)
- [stories](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/stories/)
- [daily](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/daily/)
- [day](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/day/)
- [routine](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/routine/)
- [launch](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/launch/)
- [product](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/product/)
- [typebaby](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typebaby/)
- [making ideas happen](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/making-ideas-happen/)
- [offcie](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/offcie/)
- [13](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/13/)
- [planning](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/planning/)
- [preparation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/preparation/)
- [writing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/writing/)
- [PR](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/pr/)
- [statement](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/statement/)
- [vision](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/vision/)
- [target](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/target/)
- [tip](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/tip/)
- [posittioning](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/posittioning/)
- [free](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/free/)
- [POD](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/pod/)
- [point of difference](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/point-of-difference/)
- [worksheet](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/worksheet/)
- [self-promotion](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/self-promotion/)
- [linkedin](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/linkedin/)
- [pattern](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/pattern/)
- [research](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/research/)
- [10-minute marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/10-minute-marketing-2/)
- [essentials](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/essentials/)
- [techniques](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/techniques/)
- [archive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/archive/)
- [mentions](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mentions/)
- [press](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/press/)
- [blogging](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/blogging/)
- [editors](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/editors/)
- [new year](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/new-year/)
- [relationship](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/relationship/)
- [HOW Design](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/how-design/)
- [trade](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/trade/)
- [colleague](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/colleague/)
- [recommendation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/recommendation/)
- [clients](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/clients/)
- [customer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/customer/)
- [10 minute marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/10-minute-marketing/)
- [DIY](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/diy/)
- [scheduel](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/scheduel/)
- [time management](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/time-management/)
- [whiteboard](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/whiteboard/)
- [list](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/list/)
- [accomplishment](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/accomplishment/)
- [listmaking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/listmaking/)
- [lists](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lists/)
- [to-do list](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/to-do-list/)
- [email sig](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/email-sig/)
- [email signature](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/email-signature/)
- [notifications](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/notifications/)
- [prospects](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/prospects/)
- [100 days of art](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/100-days-of-art/)
- [100 days of at journaling](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/100-days-of-at-journaling/)
- [100daychallenge](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/100daychallenge/)
- [100dayproject](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/100dayproject/)
- [art journal](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/art-journal/)
- [the100dayproject](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/the100dayproject/)
- [accomplishments](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/accomplishments/)
- [end of year](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/end-of-year/)
- [reflect](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/reflect/)
- [reflection](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/reflection/)
- [hiring](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/hiring/)
- [2017](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2017/)
- [word](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/word/)
- [challenge](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/challenge/)
- [children's](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/childrens/)
- [PiBoIdMo](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/piboidmo/)
- [questions](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/questions/)
- [survey](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/survey/)
- [surveymonkey](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/surveymonkey/)
- [typeform](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typeform/)
- [profile](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/profile/)
- [ask](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ask/)
- [Cars 3](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/cars-3/)
- [freelancer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/freelancer/)
- [lessons](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/lessons/)
- [life](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/life/)
- [movie](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/movie/)
- [small biz](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/small-biz/)
- [CRM](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/crm/)
- [leads](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/leads/)
- [new business](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/new-business/)
- [tracking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/tracking/)
- [craft](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/craft/)
- [donation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/donation/)
- [supply](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/supply/)
- [graphic design](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/graphic-design/)
- [hex](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/hex/)
- [entreprenur](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/entreprenur/)
- [Facebook](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/facebook/)
- [nonpofit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonpofit/)
- [services](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/services/)
- [nonprofits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonprofits/)
- [digital marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/digital-marketing/)
- [Digital Summit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/digital-summit/)
- [email makreting](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/email-makreting/)
- [2018](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2018/)
- [one word](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/one-word/)
- [word for the year](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/word-for-the-year/)
- [audit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/audit/)
- [associations](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/associations/)
- [International Women's Day](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/international-womens-day/)
- [SheSays Chicago](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/shesays-chicago/)
- [women empowering women](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/women-empowering-women/)
- [1st grade](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/1st-grade/)
- [quote](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/quote/)
- [fonts](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fonts/)
- [font](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/font/)
- [typeface](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/typeface/)
- [assocaition](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/assocaition/)
- [nonporfit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonporfit/)
- [organziation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/organziation/)
- [solstice](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/solstice/)
- [consulting](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/consulting/)
- [detox](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/detox/)
- [thrive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/thrive/)
- [unplugging](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/unplugging/)
- [vacation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/vacation/)
- [limits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/limits/)
- [mission](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mission/)
- [#GivingTuesday](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/givingtuesday/)
- [fundraising](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fundraising/)
- [parks](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/parks/)
- [recreation](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/recreation/)
- [DEI](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/dei/)
- [diversity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/diversity/)
- [equity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/equity/)
- [inclusion](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/inclusion/)
- [racial equity](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/racial-equity/)
- [brand review](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/brand-review/)
- [performance](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/performance/)
- [touchpoints](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/touchpoints/)
- [email marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/email-marketing/)
- [content calendar](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/content-calendar/)
- [Google Sheets](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/google-sheets/)
- [Trello](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/trello/)
- [audience](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/audience/)
- [strategy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/strategy/)
- [efficient](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/efficient/)
- [consistent](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/consistent/)
- [relevant](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/relevant/)
- [impact](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/impact/)
- [template](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/template/)
- [templates](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/templates/)
- [google](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/google/)
- [podcast](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/podcast/)
- [scheduling](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/scheduling/)
- [evergreen content](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/evergreen-content/)
- [color coding](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/color-coding/)
- [SEO](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/seo/)
- [content marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/content-marketing/)
- [brand strategy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/brand-strategy/)
- [organized](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/organized/)
- [engaging](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/engaging/)
- [strategic](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/strategic/)
- [KPIs](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/kpis/)
- [content](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/content/)
- [framework](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/framework/)
- [channels](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/channels/)
- [guidelines](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/guidelines/)
- [brand guide](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/brand-guide/)
- [Content Mission Statement](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/content-mission-statement/)
- [engage](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/engage/)
- [organizations](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/organizations/)
- [design templates](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/design-templates/)
- [speaking](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/speaking/)
- [talks](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/talks/)
- [insights](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/insights/)
- [advice](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/advice/)
- [designers](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/designers/)
- [college](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/college/)
- [Winge Design Studio](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/winge-design-studio/)
- [marketer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/marketer/)
- [top](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/top/)
- [bookshop](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/bookshop/)
- [Canva](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/canva/)
- [adobe express](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/adobe-express/)
- [brand audit](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/brand-audit/)
- [logos](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/logos/)
- [photo library](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/photo-library/)
- [assets](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/assets/)
- [palette](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/palette/)
- [generator](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/generator/)
- [color wheel](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/color-wheel/)
- [color palette](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/color-palette/)
- [Coolers](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/coolers/)
- [Adobe Color](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/adobe-color/)
- [Canva Color Palette Generator](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/canva-color-palette-generator/)
- [coordinate](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/coordinate/)
- [non-designer](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/non-designer/)
- [principles](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/principles/)
- [guide](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/guide/)
- [play](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/play/)
- [basics](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/basics/)
- [nature](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nature/)
- [words](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/words/)
- [Etsy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/etsy/)
- [passion](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/passion/)
- [celebrate](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/celebrate/)
- [enough](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/enough/)
- [fortune cookie](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fortune-cookie/)
- [word of the year](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/word-of-the-year/)
- [2023](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/2023/)
- [mindset](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/mindset/)
- [abundance](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/abundance/)
- [theme](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/theme/)
- [affirming](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/affirming/)
- [universe](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/universe/)
- [atomic habits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/atomic-habits/)
- [James Clear](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/james-clear/)
- [habits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/habits/)
- [outcome](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/outcome/)
- [processes](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/processes/)
- [define](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/define/)
- [obvious](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/obvious/)
- [attractive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/attractive/)
- [easy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/easy/)
- [satisfying](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/satisfying/)
- [habit stack](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/habit-stack/)
- [law of behavior change](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/law-of-behavior-change/)
- [temptation bundling](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/temptation-bundling/)
- [good habits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/good-habits/)
- [bad habits](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/bad-habits/)
- [productive](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/productive/)
- [personas](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/personas/)
- [practices](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/practices/)
- [company](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/company/)
- [demographics](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/demographics/)
- [behaviors](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/behaviors/)
- [effective](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/effective/)
- [visual](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/visual/)
- [icon](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/icon/)
- [ambassador](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ambassador/)
- [webinar](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/webinar/)
- [trainings](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/trainings/)
- [keela](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/keela/)
- [iwave](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/iwave/)
- [ACN](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/acn/)
- [Axelson](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/axelson/)
- [Classy](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/classy/)
- [The Communications Board](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/the-communications-board/)
- [NeonOne](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/neonone/)
- [Nonprofit Hub](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonprofit-hub/)
- [Network for Good](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/network-for-good/)
- [Nonprofit Learning Lab](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonprofit-learning-lab/)
- [Nonprofit show](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/nonprofit-show/)
- [Qgiv](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/qgiv/)
- [a to z](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/a-to-z/)
- [emotion](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/emotion/)
- [experience](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/experience/)
- [definition](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/definition/)
- [Fans](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/fans/)
- [growth](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/growth/)
- [AI](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/ai/)
- [artificial intelligence](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/)
- [resources](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/resources/)
- [articles](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/articles/)
- [webinars](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/webinars/)
- [strategies](https://lsvdesign.com/tag/strategies/)

## Product categories

- [Uncategorized](https://lsvdesign.com/product-category/uncategorized/)

## Portfolio Categories

- [Conference & Event](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/conference-event/)
- [Branding](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/branding/)
- [Social Media Marketing](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/social-media/)
- [Logo Design](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/logo-design/)
- [Marketing Design](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/marketing-design/)
- [Infographics](https://lsvdesign.com/portfolio_categories/infographics/)