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Creative uses of QR codes

Creative uses of QR codes

QR codes seem to be the hot new thing that forward thinking marketing agencies are buzzing about, and it’s important to understand why so many businesses are so interested in this emerging trend – mobile internet usage is expected to surpass desktop internet usage within 5 short years. It’s essential for businesses to stay at the forefront of this technology shift by establishing their mobile presence early for their audiences.

Since they bridge the gap between printed marketing materials and interactive media, QR codes are helpful tools for this. They provide a direct link for compatible mobile devices (most smart phones with a camera) to access websites, view videos, and more, without forcing the user to remember to look for it later or remember a web address for when they are next at their desktop. Scanning the QR code on the user’s mobile device gives anytime, anywhere access to a variety of functions, such as:

  • Taking the user to a website, or bookmarking a website
  • Storing contact details via VCARD, MECARD or BIZCARD
  • Accessing device-specific content, such as connecting to the App Store or loading videos in a YouTube app
  • Accessing or respond to a calendar event
  • Delivering pre-formatted content to social media networks
  • Pre-dial a phone call or pre-type a SMS text message
  • Process payments via PayPal

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Posted by Gareth | Sep 29, 2011 | Marketing, Miscellaneous, QR codes, Tips | 2 Comments

Customizing QR codes

By default, QR codes aren’t particularly pretty to look at, and have a tendency to look drastically out of place with their cold, technical appearance. The good news is that QR codes don’t necessarily need to be so hard on the eyes, and can actually be customized (within reason) to not only match a brand, but even to stand on its own to represent a brand.

Basic Rules for Customizing QR Codes

  • Never invert QR codes

    Never invert QR Codes
    QR codes can never be inverted to a negative image. What is black in the standard QR code must always be darker than the background (white in a standard QR code). They will not be readable by scanning software if the actual “code” (the black squares) are lighter than their background.

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Posted by Gareth | Sep 26, 2011 | Design, Marketing, QR codes, Tips, Tutorial | 7 Comments

A graphic designer’s guide to applying for jobs

How not to apply for a graphic design position

It’s no secret that graphic designers, artists and other creatives are often introverts and may lack a certain level of social skills that come naturally to others. I’m putting together a simple checklist of do’s and don’ts that may hopefully help aspiring design students who may be looking to apply for a design internship, part time work, a contract position, or freelance opportunities.

For starters, let me start by saying that I don’t work in human resources, and I’m not a hiring manager. I was however recently tasked with reviewing resumes of applicants for a graphic design internship at the company I work for, and I must say I was actually quite surprised at the lack of common sense in around 70% of the responses I received. I’m not an expert on the subject of resumes or professionalism standards, nor do I claim to be, but the majority of applicants I received led me to believe that this is apparently not common knowledge. I am just writing about my personal opinion on the majority of the responses I received, and sharing tips from one designer to other designers. If nothing else, this can be used to understand how your application may be received and interpreted by the person who is reviewing it.

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Posted by Gareth | Aug 4, 2010 | Design, Tips | 1 Comment