What I’ve found when working with clients is that a lot of times they don’t consider the statement that their color choice is making or that they don’t think about the color at all. You can ask them what they were thinking in color, some even say whatever you think works best. While a good graphic designer will make good color choices, it is important to know what they are trying to convey. Without more information from the client we may not be getting the message that they want represented exactly. But the truth is that color plays an integral part of the design. Colors incite feelings that most people don’t think about.

You want your color to represent what your trying to say. Here are some things to think about when choosing colors for your design. If you still aren’t sure about what color to use, tell your designer what your trying to convey.

 As described in more detail in Smashing Magazine here is the major breakdown of color feelings.

• Red: Passion, Love, Anger

• Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality

• Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Deceit

• Green: New Beginnings, Abundance, Nature

• Blue: Calm, Responsible, Sadness

• Purple: Creativity, Royalty, Wealth

• Black: Mystery, Elegance, Evil

• Gray: Moody, Conservative, Formality

• White: Purity, Cleanliness, Virtue

• Brown: Nature, Wholesomeness, Dependability

• Tan or Beige: Conservative, Piety, Dull

• Cream or Ivory: Calm, Elegant, Purity

 It’s just some food for thought the next time your working with your graphic designer. 

Written by: Kim Tomiser

If you are all about going green and are a designer, than keep reading! Being a designer, you create a lot of beautiful pieces. If you are a graphic or web designer, you more than likely print a lot of those beautiful pieces. While searching the internet, I came across a printing company that like TriLeaf Designs is Eco-Friendly. The Advertisers Printing Company is based out of Saint Louis, Missouri. They are a full color, high quality sheetfed printer. Here are a couple of facts I learned about them on their website (advertiserprinting.com):

• Advertisers Printing is committed to sustainability and to reducing our environmental impact on how they do business

• Waste ink is recycled. In 2008 they recycled 4.1 tons of ink. All their inks are heavy in pigment allowing us to use less to achieve color.

• Waste solvent is recycled. In 2008, they recycled 1,141 pounds. • Metal plates are recycled. In 2008, they recycled 7.2 tons of metal. • They use VOC FREE four color process inks on all process jobs printed conventional

paper. • They use low VOC vegetable oil based PMS inks.

The list goes on and on about ways they are Eco-Friendly as a printing company. I think that it is great that so many businesses across the board are going eco-friendly!

Written by: Lauren Schaefer 

Etsy is an online marketplace specializing in the sale of artistic and crafty goods. It is a great resource for designers looking for a way to sell some of their designs.

Getting started on Etsy is easy. It cost 20¢ to list one item for four months. Etsy also takes 3.5% from every sale you make.

Here are some tips to get you started

Tip #1: Keep Your Customers Happy

Etsy has a feedback system where customers can leave reviews of their transactions with you. If you are ripping people off or providing sub-par work, it will quickly show up in your feedback, which will then bring your sales down. On the other hand, if you go out of your way to make and keep your customers happy, then you will receive great reviews and more customers will feel comfortable shopping with you.

Tip #2: Offer Custom Versions

The driving force behind Etsy is the availability of custom products. When they’re not completely custom, they have a unique look that won’t be easy to find anywhere else. Offer your customers the opportunity to personalize their designs, making them unique.

Tip #3: Make Test Prints of Your Designs

Make test prints of your designs before listing them. The way a color looks once it is printed is often different from the way it appeared on screen. Make sure you design will still work once it is printed. If you are not satisfied with the printed design then your customer will not be either.

Tip #4: Write Out a FAQ Tutorial of How to Print the Designs You Sell

Let your customers know that colors can vary from printer to printer and monitor to monitor. Provide basic how to print instructions and suggestions of what paper could be used and where they can get the items printed.

Tip #5: Tag Strategically

Tagging is one of the most important steps when uploading your designs. One of the main ways customers find your designs is through the search engine. If you aren’t tagging your designs properly customers will never see them.

Are you selling on Etsy? What are your thoughts?

Written by: Erica Schramek

One common problem many people have to deal with is having to pay bills, whether for a credit card or utility bills. While it is impossible to ignore these bills, people always find ways to lessen how much they have to pay for their bills. Even though people already reduce their energy usage by doing simple things such as turning off the lights, unplugging appliances, and keeping the heating and air conditioning set at reasonable temperatures, there are also plenty of gadgets out there that are worth investing in to help further reduce energy. Just a few days ago, Kathryn Sukalich from Earth911.com helped to put together a list of gadgets that can help you reduce wasteful energy, but will not reduce your bank account.

1. Nest Thermostat

• What makes this thermostat different from other programmable thermostats is that, after a short period of time, this thermostat can learn your heating and cooling preferences. In addition, the Nest also includes an Auto-Away feature which detects whether or not you are in your home and will change the temperature to save energy. Newer second generation Nests have even more advanced Auto-Away software that changes temperature if it does not detect anyone after half an hour, and it knows to wait for a while longer before changing the temperature if you are home. The Nest will display a leaf symbol when you are saving energy and can be adjusted from your smartphone. The second generation device is currently priced at $249.

2. Modlet Outlet

   • Produced by ThinkEco, the Modlet is a gadget that can either be plugged into a wall outlet and connected to a smartphone or computer. With its web-based software, you can monitor how much energy your electronics and appliances are using when plugged in and set a schedule for turning them on and off. According to ThinkEco’s website, the Modlet can save you up to 10% off your energy bill, and is currently priced at $59.95. If you’re looking for something a bit less high-tech, you can look into the Conserve Socket from Belkin. Priced at $9.99, the device can be plugged into an outlet and set a timer for either 30 minutes, or even three to six hours, which after that amount of time, any device plugged in will stop receiving power.

3. Voltaic Amp Charger

   • Voltaic Systems is a company known for products that store their own power so you can power your devices anywhere, in addition to offering a variety of solar chargers. The Amp Solar Charger is small, portable, and can be used to charge your phone or other compact devices. Having over four watts of solar power, more than many other chargers, this can power your phone for three hours to talk to someone after being charged for only one hour. The charger also comes with many adapters for almost any small electronic device. The charger is especially useful for anyone on the go with its portability, and can also be used around the house. It is currently priced at $99, and Voltaic also has larger solar chargers and charger kits if you are interested.

4. Evolve Showerheads

   • While low flow showerheads, which reduce the amount of water you use, are not uncommon, showerheads that pause while waiting for you to get in are more unique. Evolve’s showerheads and showerhead adapters use ShowerSmart technology, which stops the flow of water significantly when the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The Roadrunner II showerhead can save $246 per year on your energy bill and save up to 8,218 gallons of water. The company estimates that this device will pay for itself within two months, in addition to offering an adapter called the Lady Bug that uses the same technology and helps save $75 per year if you prefer keeping your showerhead. The Roadrunner II is currently priced at $39.95 and the Lady Bug at $29.95, though both options will help using less fossil fuels to hear your shower water.

5. Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector

   • For those who’ve already invested in a smart or programmable thermostat, you are probably trying to find areas where hot and cold air can leak out, thus wasting heating and cooling energy, and wasting money. Something like the Thermal Leak Detector from Black & Decker can help detect hidden leaks around doors, windows, pipes, etc., simply by setting a baseline reference temperature for your room and testing various spots. It can detect whether or not there is a discrepancy simply by changing the light’s color. The device, as stated by Black & Detector, can save you up to 20% in heating and cooling costs, and includes a booklet of tips on how to better insulate and seal your home. It is currently available for $49.

6. Maestro Room Occupancy Sensor

   • If you and your family have a bad habit of leaving the lights on, room occupancy sensors, such as the one from Maestro, turn on and off your lights depending on whether or not you are in the room. Maestro has made sensors for incandescent bulbs, LEDs, and CFLs, and they even have sensors that can even sense ambient light from windows and can leave your lights off unless necessary. They work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways at home, and in communal areas such as conference rooms at work. The Maestro Occupancy Senors are currently priced at $29.

     Written by: Matthew Lowrey

Sustainable Graphic Design means to think about the environment and the effects your design might have on it. This includes using non-toxic recyclable materials and saving on energy and resources. The ultimate aim of practicing sustainable design, is to reduce waste, use as little resources as possible, and the resources that are used, should be safe for our environment and re-usable.

As a graphic designer, your job is to produce creative ideas to promote your client’s message effectively. By promoting a greener image, you are adding value to your client’s relationship with consumers. Consumers have never decided against a product because it is green, but they have and will decide not to buy it if it isn’t. In fact, 82% of consumers are focused on buying green products and services. Customers are becoming more drawn to going paperless, recycled products, bio-degradable products and low emission products.

When Designing:

When you receive a project, how it may affect the environment should be something considered at every step of the planning.

Factors to consider include:

Are the materials you’re using recyclable? What will happen when the user no longer needs this piece?

– Are they designed for re-use?
- What is the maximum shelf-life of your design?

– Can it be turned into something else?

– Is it something that people would want to hang on to?

– Can it be recycled?

Compare the impacts of each concept you develop.

– Scrutinize the efficiency of your selected method.
- Do your proofing on-screen.
- Eliminate blank pages in your booklets and brochures.
- Are the materials coming from somewhere nearby?

– Are the materials non-toxic?

– Can you use fewer materials?

– Can scrap materials be used?

– If printing, are the inks vegetable-based or soy-based?

Around the studio:

Start by evaluating how much paper you use and how you could reduce.

– Send your proofs via pdf in an email.
- Use office scrap paper or a tablet for sketching and brainstorming.

– Print on both sides of pieces of paper.

Recycle all of your computer equipment and ink cartridges
Arrange your desk to maximize natural light.

– Turn off the lights on sunny days.

Change some of your eating and drinking habits.

– Bring reusable dishes.
- Go vegetarian at lunch.
- Get a filter and drink water from the tap

Reduce your dependency on motor vehicles.

– Walk to meetings, ride a bike or take public transit.
- Limit your use of motorized couriers.

Tells us about some great sustainable design you have seen recently.

 Written by: Erica Schramek

]]> http://trileafdesigns.com/blog/1-picture_perfect/3-green_design/sustainable-graphic-design/feed 0 http://trileafdesigns.com/blog/4-everything_environmental/going-green-for-spring-cleaning http://trileafdesigns.com/blog/4-everything_environmental/going-green-for-spring-cleaning#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:32:24 +0000 KellyTodd http://trileafdesigns.com/blog/?p=10451 I do not know about the rest of you but I am already ready for Spring to get here! I am ready for nice weather and my spring wardrobe. Although, everyone knows that when Spring arrives so does Spring cleaning! I am going to give you a few simple tips that will make your spring [...]]]>

I do not know about the rest of you but I am already ready for Spring to get here! I am ready for nice weather and my spring wardrobe. Although, everyone knows that when Spring arrives so does Spring cleaning! I am going to give you a few simple tips that will make your spring cleaning go a little more green! The key to going green in most ways is using natural ingredients.

1. Air dry laundry- Back in the day before a laundry dryer was even invented how did people dry their clothes? There was no laundry mat down the street to use and you certainly did not have a washer and dryer in your house. So how did you dry clothes? An easy way to go green with your laundry is to hang up a clothes line outside and let your clothes air dry. Although, it may take a little longer, it will be worth it if you are trying to go green. Just do not depend on this way if you are trying to dry your little black dress for a date tonight!
2. Air out your house- While we are on the topic of air drying, why not air out your house? If you are like me, you will love doing this! I love just turning off the AC and opening my windows. The feeling of the fresh clean air coming in is the best feeling. Besides me loving the feeling, it is all natural too!
3. Cleaning Products- Now everyone knows that those cleaning products found in stores are extremely strong! More often than not the chemicals are very strong and sometimes it is even hard for me to use them with the smell being so overwhelming. Why not just use a little baking soda and vinegar? It will do just about the same job as the store bought cleaning products.

Although, the list to going green goes on and on, doing the three steps above will put you on the right track to going green! Happy Spring Cleaning!

Written by: Lauren Schaefer

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: the three R’s to help planet Earth. These eco-friendly actions are mentioned in a countless amount of articles which promote green use. For now, let’s use the first R, Reduce, in our list and attempt to enhance the air quality in our atmosphere. The office is where many people spend nearly a full day of the five-day business week and using plants in the office helps reduce the carbon dioxide.

Here are a few ideal plants for the new, green office in no order that may suggest a best result:

1)    Peace Lilly

Peace Lilly, also known as Spathiphyllum, is one of the great indoor plants that allow for blooming- this natural process occurs during the springtime. It is known for its fortitude during times when water is forgotten. Luckily enough, the Peace Lilly will begin to droop in circumstances due to thirst. Another reason for its exemplary performance includes its ability to retain sufficient light by staying indoors. This plant requires indirect light consistently throughout its life, so find an area that can shed just enough to maintain its life. After all is said and done, this plant will provide clean air to those around.

2)    Phalaenopsis

This pretty orchid can be a fantastic presence in the office for its blooming consistency. While this plant demands moderate light, its floral beauty is worth the work. The regular time for blooming is between Winter and Spring or as Fall transcends away from the heat. While there is work needed to obtain moisture levels, the Phalaenopsis is one of the prettier office plants.

3)     The Devil’s Ivy

When browsing the forums of home and office plants, the Devil’s Ivy has made many reviews for the simplest plant to clone and propagate- to propagate means the reproduction of itself from cutting the stem. How simple? It is very common around the green community and may be seen dangling from banisters and ceiling racks. This plant makes a wonderful design for the office, and filters the office!

4)    African Violet

Despite the use of “African” in its name, African Violets survive in comfortable environments at around 70 degrees (Fahrenheit). It, like most plants on this list, requires moist, but not soaked, soil. Cold shocks may damper this flower’s mood, so air circulation is vital to its life- a variable to consider for your office. The African Violet is another beautiful plant to improve oxygen levels in your office while requiring moderate, indirect light.

Written By: Peter Travis

More than half the United States is currently in some stage of drought. This is the largest percentage of affected area since December 1956. Although there is no clear cut way to defeat this drought going on in the Midwest, there are steps we all can take to realizing our current resources and not wasting them.

1. After having that summer barbecue, be careful of where to throw the hot coals. Try to avoid leaving hot coals at the base of trees.
2. Unlike lawns which only need a brief but frequent watering, trees require a slow, thorough soaking at least once a month. If you want to water a tree, concentrate on the radius from the tree trunk to the tips of the tree branches. Water is absorbed by the tree’s roots from 6 to 12 inches beneath the soil.
3. Appling a little bit of mulch around root zones of trees and plants can make a big difference. As little as 2 to 4 inches of mulch minimizes evaporation of soil moisture as well as protects trees from mowers and weed trimmer damage.
4. Be aware of how much water you use on a daily basis. High quantities of water are used for unnecessary things like washing cars and long showers. It is easy to conserve water by simply washing things only when you feel is absolutely necessary. Washing the dishes only once a week instead of three times could potentially save a lot of water.

After becoming more aware of the current drought, we all can take certain precautions to help the environment. You can see how much water you consumer by checking out this interactive infographic: http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1204/your-daily-dose-of-water/flash.html

Can you think of more things we should be doing during this dry time? Let us know!

Written by: Katie Coughlan

Going green can be an expensive and takes a lot of effort but here are some tips to make going green cost effective and without a lot of effort on your part.

1. Stop idling in your car- it is a waste of gas and adds wear and tear onto your vehicle.
2. Turn off your computer at night- turning it off at night saves energy and can save you about $90 a year on your energy bill total.
3. Green energy- by signing up for green energy which is an option given by most utilities companies in the U.S. to see if you eligible click here.
4. Turn down the thermostat- every degree you turn down your heating in the winter you save 1-3% on your heating bill. Do the opposite in the summer for your cooling bill.
5. Laundry- if you wash your laundry in cold water you will save energy. 90% of energy in a washing machine goes to the heating of the water.
6. Pay bills online- Paying your bills online saves tons of paper and trees and also saves on fossil fuels needed to get all the bills to you and back.
7. Junk mail- 100 million trees are used to send junk mail every year. You can stop 75% of unsolicited mail by registering on the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association website here.
8. Printing double-sided- printing on two sides obviously saves a lot of paper and trees. The U.S. alone uses 4 million tons of copy paper a year.
9. Carpool- carpooling saves fossil fuels and you will save almost 10% of monthly carbon emissions by carpooling.
10. Choosing hormone free milk- it is healthier for you and better for the cows.

I feel doing these 10 tips will help the environment and they are too tough or expensive to do. What do you think? Do you have any green tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below.  For more Green tips go to http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/

Written by: Bryan Scally

With summer in full swing here in St. Louis, it is hard to imagine living without the air conditioner. Since May, we have had many record highs shattered. We are in a severe drought. The average temperature for July will be about 100 degree. With little to no relief outside, you have to go inside to the air conditioning to seek relief. This is causing electric bills to pile up. Here are a list of 10 tips compiled by Treehugger.com to help you reduce your use of air conditioning:

1. Know How to Dress- I know we have to look nice and sometime it can be hard in the summer to get comfortable with what you are wearing. Wearing light colors will help deflect the sun and keep you cool. Women, try wearing dresses and skirts.
2. Install Awnings- These shade the window and keep the sun out. Simple. Most people don’t favor awnings because of how they look. The Department of Energy estimates that awning can prevent the amount temperature rises by about 65% depending on which direction the window is facing.
3. Plant vines- Climbing vines can dramatically reduce maximum temperatures by shading walls from the sun and can reduce temperature fluctuation by up to 50%. Vines can also keep your home warm in the winter.
4. Plan a tree- Trees provide us with shade in the summer and sun in the winter.  It is estimated that by planting a tree, energy savings can be as high as 50%. “Trees provide a cooling bonus. To keep themselves cool, trees pump water from the ground into their leaves. As this water evaporates from the surface of the leaves, it cools the tree. This “evaporative cooling” cools the surrounding area, too,” said Oikos.
5. Tune your windows- If you have double hung windows, open the bottom section of the upwind side of the house and the upper section of the downwind side, and the low pressure will suck the air through your house.
6. Install operating shutters- Shutters are a great way to adjust the temperature of your house from the outside. They are often overlooked by Americans, but are a great invention. They provide ventilation, security, shading and storm protection in one simple device.
7.  Install exterior blinds- These are very hard to find and get in America, but they are all the rage in Europe. Like shutters, they keep out heat while protecting you from the outside elements and give you increased security.
8.  Get an attic fan- Attic fans provide good ventilation and eliminate the need for air conditioning most evenings.
9.  Don’t cook hot food inside- Grilling is great for the summer. There is no reason to use the oven or stove when it is so hot outside because it heats up the kitchen and then the house causing you to use more air conditioning.
10.  Make the right choices- You have the choice whether to let the sun in or not. Tape up your ducts, turn off your computers and save your money. The simple, low-tech tried and true methods cost less, save more energy and work forever.

Do you have any tips or trick you use to conserve energy during the summer? Share them here!

Written by: Alyssa Shyken