PR initiatives are a key part of any good marketing plan and with good reason. Media mentions typically have a lot more street cred than paid advertising, and on top of that they come without the hefty price tag. So pretty much the coolest way to market your product or service, right? Once you have secured a clipping or two make the most of it and be sure that people see them! Have the clippings formatted into a consistent template and post them on Facebook or Twitter, use them for press kits, frame them in your office and keep a soft copy on hand to attach with any future proposals or pitches.

Pictured above are two fantastic organizations that have been very successful in garnering media attention: Operation Shower is a non-profit organization that honors military families and the sacrifices they make by throwing baby showers and with “showers in a box” for pregnant or expecting military families. Cubes&Crayons is an innovative company in Mountain View, CA that couples flexible office space with drop in infant and childcare onsite.

LLB Designs was asked to work some Photoshop magic with the goal of putting each headshot on a consistent gray background with uniform coloring. 130+ photos makes for a lot of Photoshop time and as anyone that has every tried it knows clipping around hair while keeping it natural looking is pretty tough. But it was amusing to see how the players’ hair styles have changed through time (let’s just say it wasn’t only ladies feathering their hair in the 80’s) and of course it was great fun to work with throwback photos of the likes of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

Out of town events are always a fun excuse for guests to enjoy a little mini-vacation and try out some local fare. LLB Designs “Our favorite spots” cards are a great way to provide family and friends a list of nearby restaurants, stores and nightlife when they come to visit without having to play fulltime tour guide yourself. And out-of-towners always appreciate having a list of “insider” favorites, right?

 The Dallas version above was used in a wedding hotel gift bag and the San Francisco edition was passed out at a graduation party. They are a perfect, cost-effective way to add a personal touch to any important event including weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties and graduation parties. At 3.75″ x 10″, they slip perfectly into a standard gift bag, and digital printing helps keep the printing costs down and allows for some flexibility with print quantities.

LLB Designs again partnered up with Dropcam to update the growing company’s quick reference card, as well as a couple of new projects including a review guide and a packaging sticker. Stylized illustrations emphasize three of the subjects that Dropcam users like to look at most: pets, kiddos and homes, while keeping the overall feel simplistic to mirror the product’s easy-to-use technology. A 3″ circle sticker was also developed for the packaging, a cost-effective way to add a splash of Dropcam branding (and wit!) to the otherwise functional mailing box.

Next up was a review guide, designed to catch the attention of potential reviewers and media and to play up the benefits of the product and technology. Clean design, consistent colors and impactful images compliment clever copy developed by the very fun Stage Two, a bay area strategic marketing and media relations firm that specalizes in consumer technology.

The Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL) is a very cool community service organization benefiting at-risk youth. MVPAL offers recreational and leadership opportunities to kids, with the goal of building understanding and communication between youth and police officers, which in turn diverts the kids from gangs and crime. So again, very cool! MVPAL is holding a fundraiser gala in the fall and LLB Designs was asked to provide design services for some fun pieces including save the dates and invitations. The save the dates, pictured above, were designed to be a simple, cost-effective postcard featuring the organization’s logo and color palette. The theme of the event, “Celebrate MVPAL’s Rock Stars”, is prominent and uses a police badge in the typography to reinforce the backbone of the event. Shoreline Ampitheatre in Mountain View is donating their venue for the event, and a stylized representation of the facility’s distinct silhouette frames the design and adds a bit of visual interest. And to top it all off, the printing was generously donated by Google, which is also based in Mountain View, CA.

Remember this sassy bride-to-be?  When it came time for all of the actual knot-tying to take place some of her nearest and dearest got together to throw her a bridal luncheon the morning of the big day. The dress code was deemed “flip flop casual”, and a request was put in for a “festive wildflowery” invitation. LLB Designs got on it and the result was this floral invite with happy colors and scripty fonts for a look and feel that is casual and whimsical, but of course still appropriate for a wedding day event. Congrats, again, to the new Mr. and Mrs.!

One of the best things about the the San Francisco 49ers is that they are as active in the community as they are on the football field. The 49ers Foundation, whose mission is “Keeping Kids Safe, on Track and in School,” leverages the well known NFL team and players to raise money for community programs for underserved youth in the Bay Area. So tally that up as a win!  LLB Designs was asked to create a little handout highlighting some of the Foundation’s key stats including the $10 million that has been given back to the community, the fun events that make it possible, and the well-deserving organizations receiving grants through the foundation. The 4.25 x 11” card combines football imagery with photos from actual 49ers Foundation events, including a great shot of team owners Denise and John York interacting with the kids. Digital printing with an aqueous coating kept the project both polished and cost effective, and the unique size makes for flexible marketing collateral that can serve as a stand-alone piece and also works well alongside other team and foundation materials.

This little gal has a first birthday coming up, and her active social life officially requires some stationery so she can keep up with her personal correspondence. LLB Designs was happy to help! These personalized note cards combine a cheeky floral pattern and an updated version of the illustration from her blog header and shower invite. The petite size is perfect for a thank you note, to enclose with a gift or a quick hello to a friend. Now all she needs is some help with the penmanship…

Photo courtesy of  www.redframedesign.

This new brochure for the J. Clint Anderson company out of Georgetown, TX combines photography, icons and bold typography for a polished look that emphasizes the company’s messaging. The 5×7 horizontal trifold can be handed out as a stand-alone piece and also fits right into an A7 envelope for mailing, making for a functional and flexible piece. While there is a lot of information included, the information is organized and easy to follow, and the company’s standard simple and effective brand and color palette keep the piece from becoming overwhelming.