How Important is Your Brand~ Introducing Sheldon Sneed

The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design intended to identify the goods and services you provide to the market place. Your "Brand" in many cases determines the level of success you will have with your company or product. Who creates your brand becomes the "father" of your BRAND. If you believe these 2 sentences then you must find a creator for your brand who can create what will drive your business. A great graphic artist can draw what you envisioned by listening to the little clues you impart. Sheldon Sneed of Sheldon Sneed Designs personifies living art (by using his creative mind). He is an innovator who consistently builds logos, and ads designed to move your business into the 21st Century.

Recently, I sat down with Mr. Sneed to find out what makes him unique in this crowded world of designers. Read a portion of what we talked about during our interview below...

1. we've been friends for a little over a quarter of a Century Sheldon, however this may be the 1st time our readers have heard of you. Can you tell them who you are?

A: I was born an artist. Ask my mom. She taught me to draw when I was a kid and I ended up taking that skill + a high-imaginative right-brain and making it a career.

2. There are so many good Graphic Artist out there, what makes you and your work unique?

A: It's original. There's a lot of GAs out there like you mention and "we" copy a lot of styles from each other. The thing that sets me apart is adding my own little "twist" design. Sometimes it just using the right colors to capture a "feeling" of design and sometimes it's just flat-out composition. Sometimes, I even hide designs WITHIN designs. LOL!

3. In business how important is it to have the best Graphic works to stay ahead of the herd?

A: My tagline is a very old saying, "Image is everything" I use it because it still rings true.
Every business should operate in the sense that you're going to be seen by thousands or millions of eyeballs every day. AND the first thing they see is your IMAGE. If your image is "low-end," they will view you as low-end. On the other hand, if it's "tight" and impressive, you can have TWO people on your staff but they will think your office is in a downtown high-rise. THAT'S how important your image (marketing materials) is.

4. What area should business owners focus on first if they are limited in the amount of money they can spend?

A: You HAVE to start with your Branding/Logo. That's very key. For instance, how many times have you passed a restaurant or business and didn't like logo on the sign out front? Did you stop?
Your BRAND is the first thing people see. Again, if it's poor quality or "hook-boogie," people will assume you are, too.

5. What should a Good logo Say to the open market?

A: People should "get" what your business is about in two seconds. They shouldn't have to guess. Whether you're using just typography or a symbol of sorts, people need to get it from the jump. That way, they can make an informed decision on using your business...or not.

6. You work for a Newspaper that's owned by a large company. Where do you see the state of the American News Paper?

A: Newspaper are taking a HUGE hit, right now. Mainly because the economy is down and back on a very slow rise. The other factor is the internet. "Papers" have not figured out, jointly, how to make the type money off their web sites like they USED to in print. That window has actually closed. However, for those who think that newspapers will die all together, guess again.
The internet has gathered a huge amount of bloggers and writers but their SOURCES come from...newspapers — with REAL journalists who know how to gather and confirm sources legitimately and ethically.

7. What's up new for Sheldon Sneed in 2011?

A: Expanding the business. In this economy you have to have more than "PLAN A." I've got "A-F." LOL! Participating in forums, like this, also helps. Thanks Klarque!

8. If my viewers would like to sit down with you for advice, counseling, or work where can they reach you?

A: They can shoot me an email at:
shelsneed@yahoo.com or search for me on Facebook by Sheldon Sneed or Sheldon Sneed Designs and they can visit my website www.sheldonsneeddesigns.com

Let's get serious in 2011 about your business. There has never been a more opportune time to create and grow a successful business by developing a superior marketing plan. The aegis of that plan is Sheldon Sneed Designs....if you don't believe me, ask your competitors!

Milano Flacucci~