Graphic Design help for an amateur?

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Detailed Josh

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Hey guys wondering what programs you use to do graphic design for things like your business cards, websites, flyers, brochures, etc? Yeah I know I could pay someone, but with the need to do changes often, multiple types of things needing designed, and so on it's just not feasible to be able to pay someone at this stage. I am computer savy, but graphic design is definitely not my thing so I have no clue where to start or knowledge so pointers?
 
You could also do a Google image search using the words "Free Clip Art" and add in Var Detailing or cars or whatever

They are usually in a useable format

At very least they may spark you imagination
 
Photoshop is powerful but takes a while to learn. Photoshop Elements is a stripped down version that will do all the basic stuff you need and is easier to pick up. Or, go with Vistaprint like Allen said, they have tons of templates you can manipulate right on the site, even car stuff.
 
I wouldn't worry about designing anything

Wordpress has a bunch of nice templates that are basically plug-n-play

Business cards can also be template based when you're STARTING off

Don't get caught up in the small things

Get people to give you money for your services. That's what matters:dblthumb2:
 
thebamboo23 said:
I wouldn't worry about designing anything

Wordpress has a bunch of nice templates that are basically plug-n-play

Business cards can also be template based when you're STARTING off

Don't get caught up in the small things

Get people to give you money for your services. That's what matters:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

+1
 
The software to do it right costs a lot and takes a lot of time and trial and error to make something decent

I personally use paint.net which is free, but it's not intended for graphic design. It's not a vector graphics program.

I'd suggest hiring someone for a logo on like fiverr for cheap, so you can spend the time making cash instead
 
Gimp isn't vector either. It's more suited as a photo editor too
 
You can get Photo Shop CS2 and Adobe Illustrator CS2 for free. They are full versions, but because Adobe no longer supports the older versions, you can download them for free off their website.
 
I'm straying from using templates, and want to prepare for long term as I know for now that all flashy graphic design stuff isn't needed starting up as some of you said.

Just want to be able to do it the professional way on anything I do. Using examples on detailing, and all other things I listed above.

Being able to do a vector image would be a plus.

Is Photoshop CS2 easy to learn? I looked the other week on Adobe's website and noticed you no longer buy the program but pay a monthly service???? What the heck?
 
Construct a good Facebook page this weekend and go from there

I think you may be underestimating the time and energy involved in learning to do high-level graphic design. As others have voiced, that time would be better spent building your business

I suggest if you want to learn something that will help your detail business presence...learn good basic photography so you can document your work and share it with potential customers.
 
Have a FB page.

I totally aware of the energy is why I'm here lol.

Problem with that last part. Seems like I have to do/know some type of graphic design for things like you said with photography pictures of my work. Inserting my logo/name in photos will help develop branding/etc.
 
I think if you paid for a logo, which apparently can be had for $5 at fiverr, you can slap it on all your documents, pictures, flyers, web flyers etc.

And u can use a free program like paint.net, which is really intuitive and very easy to learn, to do just that. Its like microsoft paint, but with layers
 
Seriously, go with a template for your website...there are very good WYSIWYG products that are good enough for this

Potential detailing clients are not looking for a Graphic Designer who also does details. I don't think they expect some extravagant website with graphics popping out everywhere

Do you think a potential Customer is more like to judge you by the logo on your business card or the pictures of your work on you FB page?

You should add a link to your business FB page
 
There are quite a few Josh's Detailing on FB

Which one is you?
 
^Lol geez dude

No one needs fancy graphics or logos, a website or even a facebook page for that matter. But you posted for help with graphics and logos, not facebook or marketing or websites. And if you were, an enthusiast detailing forum is probably not the best place for business or marketing advice

Did a quick google search, and Inkscape is a popular free vector graphics design program
 
Yeah I'm just trying to start and get it done with. I just want to be able to slap a vector image of my logo, whether I pay someone quickly to design one or make one myself, on images really fast and stuff like you said Kengo123.
 
Most of my customers are repeaters and I have gained more customers from word of mouth than business cards. But here is an idea to help kick-start the business. Make your business cards dual purpose, On the rear offer a "Bring Back" discount of say 10% if used within say 90 days of prior service.

Bring Back Coupon

We at XYZ Details are delighted to serve your car detailing needs. To show our appreciation for your business please present this card for a 10% discount on your next Deluxe, Concours or Ultimate detail package.

Must be presented within 90 days of your last service ___ / ___ / _____

*Only one discount allowed. Discounts cannot be stacked.
 
jfelbab said:
Most of my customers are repeaters and I have gained more customers from word of mouth than business cards. But here is an idea to help kick-start the business. Make your business cards dual purpose, On the rear offer a "Bring Back" discount of say 10% if used within say 90 days of prior service.

Bring Back Coupon

We at XYZ Details are delighted to serve your car detailing needs. To show our appreciation for your business please present this card for a 10% discount on your next Deluxe, Concours or Ultimate detail package.

Must be presented within 90 days of your last service ___ / ___ / _____

*Only one discount allowed. Discounts cannot be stacked.
Click to expand...

Interesting

What is your redemption rate on this offer?

if you offered 20% off, how much do you think the redemption rate would increase?
 
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