the strategy - What's so special about you?

You know you provide a fantastic product or service, but what is it that differentiates your offer from that of your competitors?

That’s where your unique selling proposition (USP) comes in.

It’s the one feature or value that is unique to your business, and it’s what you need to be telling your customers about.

By helping you identify your unique competitive strengths and evaluate your marketing initiatives, Zaphren Creative ensures every effort enhances your competitive edge.

Contact us today for a confidential chat about your unique selling proposition on 0416 268 959.


your brand - What is a brand?

A brand is much more than a logo and a selection of attractive images. A brand is how the company is perceived by its customers. Put simply, a company’s brand is its reputation. How a brand is perceived in the marketplace directly influences the profitability of a company and it is often why a consumer chooses one product or service over another.

Successful brands are consistent.

Successful brands speak as one – one voice, one look, a consistent experience and consistent message across many different mediums.

A strong brand:
• delivers clear messages;
• projects credibility;
• strikes an emotional chord;
• motivates your audience; and
• creates strong loyalty.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your business by building your brand on 0416 268 959.


the design
As the saying goes, “A picture says a thousand words” … so too thus with great design.

Not just design BUT communications design.

Graphic design has evolved over many years. Today, it’s not about putting pretty pictures and words together, and it’s certainly not about diminishing your brand by using a website template that you can download via the net – one that hundreds of other businesses may also by using.

It’s about YOU and YOUR business. Communicating your point of difference in today’s market. This is also known as your unique selling proposition (USP).

A well-trained professional communications designer is like a visual interpreter, a storyteller, an artist. He or she will use typography, layout, colours and copy to create a masterpiece. In return, you will see the value in the investment you made by using a design professional for your business.


definition Graphics
Graphics are the production of visual statements on some surface, such as a wall, canvas, pottery, computer screen, paper, stone or landscape. It includes everything that relates to creation of signs, charts, logos, graphs, drawings, line art, symbols, geometric designs and so on. Graphic design is the art or profession of combining text, pictures, and ideas in advertisements, publication, or website. At its widest definition, it therefore includes the whole History of art, although painting and other aspects of the subject are more usually treated as art history.
Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_graphic_design


your identity - Don't I know you?

Whether you are a small or medium business, you need a need a strong corporate image, or identity, to demonstrate your unique style and promote your products and services.

Your company name, logo, tagline and corporate colours and typefaces, used consistently across a variety of mediums, are all elements of your identity.

Make it easy for your customers to recognise you.

At Zaphren Creative we’re enjoy working on both small scale identity projects (involving nothing more than a logo and very basic style guide) and larger, more complex challenges.

We can design a complete package that includes business cards and stationery, templates, packaging design, printed collateral, a website, promotional material, signage and uniforms.

Whether your company is a start-up that needs a professional appearance or an established business that requires a new look and feel, we’re ready to help you establish and maintain your own unique identity.

Contact us today to for an obligation-free chat about a suitable identity package for your business on 0416 268 959.


the words - i before e, except after c ... right?

Nothing damages your professional image more than poorly constructed communication.

Sure, you may be the best person to create the first draft of your copy – after all, no one knows your product or service better than you do. But do you have time to ensure that your text flows well and is grammatically correct?

And when it comes to writing for the web, well, that’s a different ball game altogether.

Writing for the web is not like writing for the print world. Visitors want to know what a page is about within seconds of arriving, so they scan each page, rather than reading it.

At Zaphren Creative, our experienced copywriters will deliver text that meets your objectives, uses an appropriate tone for your audience, is easy to read and understand and complements your corporate identity and existing material - on time and on budget!

Contact us to learn more about words that work on 0416 268 959.


your message - Are they getting the message?

Effective copy engages the reader and ensures that your key message is received and understood.

Your key message is the primary thought that you want your target audience to understand and remember. In the context of a campaign, it could be a call to action or a positioning statement.

With your strategy set in stone, our next task is to help you develop your key messages and apply them consistently across each communication channel. This will ensure that your key messages reinforce your brand.

It’s all part of the service!

Contact us today about generating effective copy to position and promote your product or service on 0416 268 959.

the fusion

The difference is fusion (eclectic mix of strategy)

definition fusion

Noun

The process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity: a fusion of an idea from anthropology and an idea from psychology | malformation or fusion of the three bones in the middle ear.

Derivatives

fusional |- zh ənl| |’fjuʒənl| |’fjuʒnəl| adjective

ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin fusio(n-), from fundere ‘pour, melt.’

Reference : Dictionary © Copyright 2005-2007 Apple Inc., All rights reserved.

At Zaphren Creative, we’ve developed an innovative planning model that ensures we deliver the best outcome for our clients.

It’s based on the principle that each element of a triangle is interdependent on each other part.

We believe that by investing in our eclectic mix of strategy, design and words, you’re investing in communications that work, and keep working over time.

We call this the fusion model, and we’ve successfully built our business using this tool.

It worked for us and it can work for you too.

why design?

How can professional communication design help my business grow?

Congratulations. If you’re running or managing a successful business, or even at start-up stage, you’re already way ahead of the game when it comes to identifying an opportunity and filling 
a need.

We know that you know that there are three ways to grow your company:

• encourage your existing customers to buy more;

• encourage your existing customers to buy more often; and

• attract more customers

As business owners, managers and marketers we’re all pretty savvy when it comes to the first two points (relationship marketing program anyone?), but many people are not so familiar with the concept of investing in an overall communication design package to attract new customers. Attracting new business is all about capturing and maintaining attention in an over-crowded market place. It’s vital that your marketing materials create an appealing initial visual impact − before the user reads the information or explores the website.

The right design will do that.

A mismatched collection of poorly constructed and executed marketing materials will not.

For professional results, it’s vital to invest in the skills of a professional designer – someone who will take into account your business’s overall goals and objectives and target market and come up with an innovative ‘big picture’ or holistic solution to your communications needs.

Someone who will find the most effective way to clearly communicate your brand, the value of your offer and, very precisely, persuade your target audience to act.

And someone who is an expert in graphic and written communications, printing, technologies, business management strategies and branding and company image.

After all, brands are not just for large organisations. Positive branding and company image can make smaller businesses stand out from the crowd and can play a significant part in helping your business or services become the first choice for customers. Existing customers trust strong brands because they know exactly what to expect and will keep coming back to you.

In order to build and maintain a strong company image you must convey a consistent message to your customers across every medium you use, from your business card and stationery to your website and advertising materials.

A professional graphic design service will provide high quality graphics which can be adapted for use on your website as well as in all your printed materials such as business stationery, letterheads, business cards, brochures and flyers.

At Zaphren Creative, we want your business to succeed, and we truly believe that an investment in professional communication design is an investment in your future.

And, by the way, if you need help designing an astounding relationship marketing program to cover off the first two bullet points – buy more and buy more often − ask us for a strategy today!

remarkably green

At Zaphren Creative, our vision is a greener and safer world for future generations.

That’s why we’ve hand-picked a range of suppliers who share our vision and encourage our clients to consider the benefits of environmentally-responsible purchasing.

For example, some of the initiatives our printing partners now offer include:

• waterless printing technology;

• a variety of quality recycled papers containing both post-consumer & pre-consumer waste;

• carbon neutral paper;

• organically based inks;

• 100% biodegradable plastic wraps; and

• plants that are powered by 100% renewable energy

Talk to us today about how you can demonstrate your company’s commitment to a sustainable future by simply making environmentally-sound choices for all your printing and promotional product requirements.

who we are
Zaphren Creative is a Melbourne based Communications Design Studio that offers a holistic approach to marketing, from initial brief through to the printed or published material.

Director Elizabeth Cagorski is a strategic Creative Designer with a wealth of experience in design agencies and the corporate world. In a remarkable career spanning some 16 years, she has worked for some of Australia’s best known brands including COLES, Amcor, Cadbury Schweppes, Foster’s Group, Moonee Valley City Council, The Body Shop, Green Bag Pty Ltd and RACV.

Today Elizabeth prefers to work with smaller organisations where she can assist them to not only develop cost-effective marketing communications, but to build their brand and corporate identity.

Elizabeth is passionate about sharing her extensive knowledge of cutting edge design principles and best practice. She enjoys coaching her clients to achieve their objectives and is an enthusiastic lecturer in digital media, graphic design and advertising at the Whitehouse Institute and Australian Academy of Design.

To stay ahead of the rapid changes occurring in the world of marketing communications, Elizabeth is currently undertaking the Master of Design (Graphic Communication) course at RMIT. This course is designed to afford students a deeper understanding of communication, and the new technologies and business management strategies that are a necessary part of the new global multidisciplinary face of design.


definition zaphren – what Zaphren means
The word Zaphren is Elizabeth’s own invention. It’s a fabricated word, lovingly crafted from the word Zephyr.

A zephyr is literally a refreshing breeze.

The origin of the word Zephyr is found in ancient mythology: Zephyr was the god of the west wind. The west wind was considered the gentlest wind, heralding the beginning of the spring season.

To Elizabeth, the word Zaphren represents a fresh start.

It’s about nature, movement, inspiration and innovation − themes that she is passionate about and weaves into all her creations.


why the dragonfly?
Although the symbolisms of the dragonfly vary from culture to culture, traditionally the dragonfly is the symbol of renewal and strength.

The dragonfly demonstrates adaptability and grace as well. No bird or other insect has the flight manoeuvrability of the dragonfly, which can quickly alter course when necessary.

Dragonflies can also signify the sense of self that comes with maturity and, as creatures of the wind, often represent change.