Business, Blogging
Lauren Hooker
40 Ways to Use Adobe Illustrator to Improve ...

Adobe Illustrator is my go-to software for anything and everything design-related. It's the one program I truly couldn't work without.

And while it's easy to assume that the program's primary focus is illustration based on the name, there is so much more to this design software. 

With tools for type, color, photo cropping, image tracing, drawing, and much more, it has innumerable benefits for bloggers and business owners, alike.

To get your creative gears turning, here's a look at 40 ways Adobe Illustrator can take your blog and/or business to the next level.

40 Ways to Use Adobe Illustrator to Improve Your Blog and Business
Blogging, Business, Branding, Design
Lauren Hooker
How to Create Eye-Catching Blog Post Graphics

First impressions are crucial, especially in business.

Potential customers and clients make judgments about your business within the first few seconds of coming into contact with it, whether it’s through your website, your social media accounts, or a simple blog post graphic.

And those initial thoughts - whether they’re spot on or far off from what you want them to be - are within your control. You have the opportunity to make a killer first impression through high-quality, branded visuals.

If your blog is a large part of your business or you’re hoping to drive more traffic back to your site through your blog, you have to have eye-catching blog graphics to not only generate a positive first impression, but to encourage readers to share your posts on sites like Pinterest and be seen by an even wider audience.

So how do you create eye-catching blog post graphics? And better yet, how can you set them apart so they’ll stand out from the rest and be recognized time and time again?

How to Create Eye-Catching Blog Post Graphics
Business, Visual Marketing
Lauren Hooker
40 Easy, Engaging Video Content Ideas for Your ...

“When I discovered YouTube, I didn’t work for 5 days.” - Michael Scott

Video platforms like YouTube (and more recently, Periscope) are easily the world’s greatest time-wasters. We’ve all been guilty of losing track of time on YouTube at least once, because videos are easily consumable, very addicting, and highly entertaining.

As a matter of fact, studies show that a whopping 78% of us watch videos online every week and 55% watch videos online every day.

Which is why Youtube is also the world’s greatest overnight-success-maker. If you’re on the production-side of a video and you’ve come up with a clever idea, you might just have a viral hit on your hands.

Video holds a lot of potential for interaction, engagement, and shares for creative businesses. And for that reason, it’s one of the best visual marketing tools you can use.

But it producing videos can be a little overwhelming, can’t it? Even with helpful video tools out there like Animoto, many of us struggle to come up with simple ideas for video content that would appeal to our audience. 

And that’s where this post comes in. I’ve rounded up 40 easy, engaging video content ideas to help get your creative gears turning. My hope is that you’ll find a few ideas to implement and as a result, bring your business more exposure.

40 Easy, Engaging Video Content Ideas for Your Creative Business
Business, Visual Marketing
Lauren Hooker
Why You Should Be Using Infographics for Your ...

If you’re looking for a good way to kill at least an hour of your time, type in the word “infographic” in the Pinterest search bar.

Thousands of clever graphics will pop up on everything from “how to make a salad taste awesome” to a baby’s first year in a review. There’s even an infographic that answers the pressing question, “Is your dog sleeping a little too much?”

Then, after you’ve admired the genius creativity behind them, take a gander at how many repins and likes each of those infographics receives. Thousands upon thousands.

In fact, infographic volumes have increased by over 800% in 2 years. Publishers who use infographics grow in traffic an average of 12% more than those who don’t. 

What is it about infographics that makes them so appealing? And better yet, how can you come up with some clever infographics for your business so it gains more exposure through likes and shares?

I have all the answers for you in this post.

Why You Should Be Using Infographics for Your Business (And How to Create Them)
Blogging
Lauren Hooker
How to Create Catchy Headlines

Is your headline the first thing you consider when you sit down to write a post?

Probably not, but creating a catchy blog post title is one of the most important aspects of each blog post. It's the gateway to your content; it convinces people to click or scroll right past your latest post'. 

In fact, studies show that 8 out of 10 people will read your headline but only 2 out of 10 will read your entire post. 

Here are a few pointers for drawing in potential readers and a couple "templates" to help you create a catchy headline for your upcoming posts. 

How to Create Catchy Headlines

Coffee Date with Amy McArthur

Today is an Elle & Company first, my friends!

When I asked Amy if she would join me for a Coffee Date this morning, she asked if we could switch things up a bit and record the normal Q&A on video. I excitedly and nervously said yes. (How could I ever pass up a Skype date and a coffee date?) Three hours and countless outtakes later, we finally came up with a blog-worthy video. I'm excited to share it with you today, but I'm even more excited for you to get to know my dear friend, Amy McArthur.

Growing up in the same small town and having several mutual friends, it's hard to believe that Amy and I didn't meet until a year ago. Her witty sense of humor and her dramatic mannerisms made her easy to get along with right off the bat, and she's kept me laughing ever since. 

As funny as Amy is, she's also really thoughtful and hard-working, which is probably why she is so great at her job as wedding coordinator at Sundara, a gorgeous wedding venue in Southwest Virginia. In addition to her roles as a wedding planner and business owner of Amy Kristina Weddings, this gorgeous girl is a Disney and Downton Abbey fanatic, a University of Mary Washington alum, and a crazy cat lady (kidding... sort of). 

Do you have your coffee mug in hand? Let's get this Coffee Date rolling!

AMY MCARTHUR

What is in your coffee cup this morning?

Cinnamon orange tea (I'm not a big coffee drinker). So I guess this would be a tea date!

What does a normal day look like for you?

My days change day-to-day. I usually work 50% from home and 50% from the venue that I'm contracted through. Today I had time to catch up on laundry, answer emails, work on some social media. During the "off-season" I'm doing a lot of marketing, social media and general catch-up work before the weddings kick off. During wedding season, I'm constantly in contact with my brides, finalizing timelines, checking in with vendors, etc. 

Photo credit Sam Stroud Photography

Photo credit Sam Stroud Photography

Life can get stressful. What are some things you do to simplify?

Two things. I use Google Drive a lot. All of my clients have a folder and within their folder is all of their information from photographer, cake, timeline, menu, layout, etc. Over half of my clients do not live close by so it's a great tool for them to access online. We can work together and edit things as we go.

I also have a to-do list that I use ALL THE TIME. I write down everything I have to do and check them off as I go. I also write down how long I think it will take me to do each task, then I time myself as I do each thing. I've found that it doesn't take me as long to get things done and I have more time to take breaks, do laundry, or generally mess around on the internet.

5 years from now, what will you remember most about this season?

I've definitely been learning gratitude and contentment lately. No one tells you in college how hard the transition to adulthood is, so it gets really easy for me to start grumbling about things. But when I talk to those who are older than I am they always say that if they could go back to anytime in their life, it would be right around where I am in life right now. So I have to really take a step back sometimes and look at my life objectively. I really am lucky. I pretty much created my own job. I create my own hours. I'm not married and I don't have kids so I have a lot of freedom to do the things I enjoy. Thinking of it that way, I'm very content with my life and I have a better idea of who I am. I'm extremely grateful for everything.

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And just for fun, what is something you've been loving lately?

I've been listening to a lot of podcasts and one of my favorites lately is The Nerdist Podcast. They interview celebrities and it's not the typical press junket questions. You really get to know them and what they like, and in turn I get to look up new things and get into that. Who knew Tom Hanks likes Storage Wars?

Are you interested in following along with Amy? Go ahead and follow her on Instagram, like her page on Facebook, visit her website, and why not check out Sundara, too? 

Happy Friday, friends! My weekend involves a quick trip to VA, a bridal shower, and a restful Sunday. How about you?

#SweetSpots

I say it every week, but I smile every time I see #sweetspots pop up on my Instagram feed. I love that you have partnered with me on a daily thankfulness challenge and I hope you've been blessed by slowing down to take notice of the small, special moments in each day. I think this was my favorite week of #SweetSpots yet! 

@laurenelizhook A super sweet couple in our church treated us to lunch in downtown Waxhaw today. We left with full stomachs and full hearts. Highlight of our Sunday! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook A super sweet couple in our church treated us to lunch in downtown Waxhaw today. We left with full stomachs and full hearts. Highlight of our Sunday! #sweetspots

@juleahrosefortner "I will greatly rejoice in The Lord; My soul shall exult my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of Salvation;" morning coffee. birthday flowers. Sitting at the feet of Jesus. #sweetspots

@juleahrosefortner "I will greatly rejoice in The Lord; My soul shall exult my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of Salvation;" morning coffee. birthday flowers. Sitting at the feet of Jesus. #sweetspots

@andreapescephoto My mom wrote letters in a journal to me from the day I was born to the day I turned 18. I just found it again after moving some things around and was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. What a treasure my parents are and creat…

@andreapescephoto My mom wrote letters in a journal to me from the day I was born to the day I turned 18. I just found it again after moving some things around and was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. What a treasure my parents are and created for me. Words are powerful, especially ones from the heart. It's good to remember who you are and where you come from. I can't wait to do this for my own kiddos one day! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook When I came home this afternoon, my sweet neighbor was sitting on a bucket by her front door, taking in the sunshine. I joined her for a while and we talked and laughed. As we got up to go inside she gave me a big hug and said, "Some…

@laurenelizhook When I came home this afternoon, my sweet neighbor was sitting on a bucket by her front door, taking in the sunshine. I joined her for a while and we talked and laughed. As we got up to go inside she gave me a big hug and said, "Something great always happens when I go outside." What a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things! #sweetspots

@allyduncan13 I have the best husband ever - sneaking some new socks into my closet, and owls being my favorite. #sweetspots

@allyduncan13 I have the best husband ever - sneaking some new socks into my closet, and owls being my favorite. #sweetspots

@agb1024 Davis is happy to be THREE! So thankful for this little man! #sweetspots

@agb1024 Davis is happy to be THREE! So thankful for this little man! #sweetspots

@jennykayc Joy unspeakable! Heart is so full from a weekend in my favorite city #sweetspots

@jennykayc Joy unspeakable! Heart is so full from a weekend in my favorite city #sweetspots

@picatoria I just can't get enough fresh flowers in my life! #sweetspots

@picatoria I just can't get enough fresh flowers in my life! #sweetspots

@jenntreadway Snow, sunshine, and swells! #sweetspots

@jenntreadway Snow, sunshine, and swells! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook I may be a little biased, but I don't think nieces and nephews come much cuter. Seeing them made my week! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook I may be a little biased, but I don't think nieces and nephews come much cuter. Seeing them made my week! #sweetspots

Are you new to #sweetspots? Click here to get a little insight on what inspired me to start this challenge. Happy Thursday, friends!

Let's Write Some Letters

Last month I introduced the Be A Blessing Challenge, a monthly act of kindness to bless others. I'm an idealist who loves hearing about ways to help others, but I rarely take time to pencil specific service opportunities in my Daybook and act on them. The mission of Elle & Company is to encourage simplification, but not to simplify so that we can add more to our plate. My hope is that we simplify to glorify, to clear the clutter in our days so that we can serve others and focus less on ourselves.

February's challenge was to love on someone who lives alone and invite them over for dinner. Did you participate? If you did, I would love to hear about it (and I'm sure that other ladies would too!) 

For March, I'm challenging us to take a little time and write an encouraging letter to someone. It could be a letter of support to someone who is going through a trial or a letter of gratitude to someone who helped you recently. Maybe it's a letter of encouragement to a missionary or a soldier overseas. Or if you're feeling generous, it might just be all of the above!

Will you donate a couple hours of your time this month and participate with me? I know God will use this challenge to encourage the hearts of people we write and transform our own hearts in the process. Happy writing, friends!

Weekly Truth

Scripture is one of my greatest sources of encouragement, but I'll admit... I'm not the best at memorizing verses. So I've come up with a couple creative ways to sneak a verse into my day in the hope that seeing it often will etch it into my memory.

The first is a "verse section" in the weekly view of the Daybook Planner, and the second is an iPhone background with a new verse each week. Every Tuesday I share a new wallpaper on the blog for you to download, set as your background, and hopefully be encouraged, too.

WeeklyTruth_Elle&Co_Mar4.png

Click here to download this week's verse.

Some of you know that in addition to designing and blogging for Elle & Company, I'm taking classes part-time with my husband at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. Jake is pursuing pastoral ministry and we both believe that it would benefit our ministry together if I took classes for Christian counseling. And friends, I love it! I'm trying to soak up every second.

We are currently going through the book of Psalms in my Hebrew poetry class, and I've been fascinated to learn the background of the psalms, the various kinds of psalms there are, and how the psalms were intended to be used. One of those ways is through worship and song; another is through prayer.

So that is my hope in posting Psalm 51:9-10 this week, that we would memorize these verses in order to pray them day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment.

And as always, I hope that this small gift from Elle & Company will serve as an encouragement to you this week. Happy Tuesday, friends!

Note: Since tilting your iPhone re-adjusts the background, iOS7 automatically zooms in on background images. The text may seem small on the downloaded image, but once you set it as your background it will size correctly. 

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, long car rides are so lonely without you; I've gotten far too accustomed to your DJ skills, dance moves, and hilarious observations. I know I say this every week but it's true: you make my life so fun.

Dear Mom, you didn't expect to see me on your birthday now that I live 4 hours away, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to surprise you. So I drove to Allyson's house on Tuesday afternoon, parked around the corner, and hid in the bathtub with my little nieces and nephews when you arrived. You thought it was just a normal game of hide and seek when you pulled back the shower curtain, and oh how I wish I captured your reaction on video! One fake scream when you saw the kids and one real scream when you saw me. Surprising you was the highlight of my week.

Dear Charlotte, you were never near the top of my list for areas that I wanted to live, but these last two months have completely changed my mind. The more I see of you, the more I fall in love. There's so much to do, great shopping (hellloooo Ikea!) and your surrounding areas are gorgeous. You're starting to feel more and more like home.

Dear Jake, we've developed an unhealthy addiction to weight loss shows thanks to Hulu and Amazon Prime. It's both comical and embarrassing to admit that they have inspired us to get back in shape and eat healthier. So thank you Chris Powell and the participants of Extreme Weight Loss for the motivation and the entertainment.

Photo credit: Michaela Noelle Designs

Photo credit: Michaela Noelle Designs

Friends, today is an exciting day for Elle & Company! Michaela Noelle Designs is featuring our Daybook Planner on her blog today. And the best part? She's hosting a giveaway for a FREE Daybook, complete with a planner and Daybook inserts! Head on over to her site for details on how to enter. And if you aren't already, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin'. She's one of my very favorites.

Happy Monday!