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

Spring Time, Loved Ones, & Whitney Houston

It's one of my favorite times in the week where I get to share #sweetspots on the blog. Friends, these little posts have been a blessing to me, encouraging me to seek things I can be thankful for in each day. They do my heart good. 

New to #sweetspots? Get a little background on them here and here.

@picatoria I love Spring Training. We had Green Monster seats for the last game of the year. #latergram #redsox #sweetspots

@picatoria I love Spring Training. We had Green Monster seats for the last game of the year. #latergram #redsox #sweetspots

@taylorsschumann My flesh and my strength may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart. #sweetspots

@taylorsschumann My flesh and my strength may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart. #sweetspots

@kaitblanken Today I brought my students "brownies". The look on their faces was priceless. They think I am a hilarious genius now. (I have them real ones too) #browniepoints #sweetspots #literally #pinterestfind

@kaitblanken Today I brought my students "brownies". The look on their faces was priceless. They think I am a hilarious genius now. (I have them real ones too) #browniepoints #sweetspots #literally #pinterestfind

@laurenelizhook Morning commutes with this guy are never dull. This morning he serenaded me with the most ridiculous version of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" while I used the visor mirror to put on my makeup. So much for putting on mascara - I…

@laurenelizhook Morning commutes with this guy are never dull. This morning he serenaded me with the most ridiculous version of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" while I used the visor mirror to put on my makeup. So much for putting on mascara - I laughed until I cried. #sweetspots

@jenntreadway It is finally starting to feel like spring! #sweetspots

@jenntreadway It is finally starting to feel like spring! #sweetspots

@mariellyzoe So happy that my flowers are still looking pretty after an entire week! They've been brightening my days all week! #sweetspots

@mariellyzoe So happy that my flowers are still looking pretty after an entire week! They've been brightening my days all week! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Winding down after a busy week. I can't remember the last time I sat down with my sketchbook and just drew with no agenda. This needs to happen more often. #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Winding down after a busy week. I can't remember the last time I sat down with my sketchbook and just drew with no agenda. This needs to happen more often. #sweetspots

@andreapescephoto Last week was amazing but I'm so glad to be home with these two! Some big and exciting things are ahead and I am reminded just how incredibly blessed we are. People make our lives rich, love makes our hearts full, not things or com…

@andreapescephoto Last week was amazing but I'm so glad to be home with these two! Some big and exciting things are ahead and I am reminded just how incredibly blessed we are. People make our lives rich, love makes our hearts full, not things or completed to do lists. Today is a catchup and recover from traveling kind of day so I need this reminder :) #sweetspots

@jennykayc Happy birthday to my spunky, fun and beautiful niece. You make everything life-filled! We love you and we love watching you grow. #reeseis3 #sweetspots

@jennykayc Happy birthday to my spunky, fun and beautiful niece. You make everything life-filled! We love you and we love watching you grow. #reeseis3 #sweetspots

@sjpeters Spontaneous three mile walk on the Huck in between classes with @bwynfoley because it was just too gorgeous today not to #sweetspots

@sjpeters Spontaneous three mile walk on the Huck in between classes with @bwynfoley because it was just too gorgeous today not to #sweetspots

Thanks again for following along in this year-round thankfulness movement. Happy Thursday, friends!

Simple Project Planning

I have a friend who collects tea cups. She has some that are dainty pink with roses, others that are white with gold handles. They're gorgeous.

When I was younger, my mom would embarrassingly collect all of my artwork, from my caterpillar finger paintings in preschool to nude charcoal drawings in college (the joy of being an art major). 

I've always wanted to be a collector of something, and this week I realized that I already have a collection. But the items I've been collecting aren't as cool as tea cups and artwork... I collect projects. Freelance design work, DIY Pinterest finds, class work, blog posts, home chores & fix-its... the list is embarrassingly never-ending. Oftentimes I take them on without calculating just how much time it will take me to crank them out, and inevitably I end up overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and stressed out.

So I designed a helpful little strategy to keep up with my project collection, and I put it on paper to share with you. Introducing the Daybook Project Planner (a.k.a. my life-support). This simple page has made my life so much easier. 

Allow me to walk you through my project planning strategy.

This week I started designing some collateral pieces for a photographer friend. After our Skype meeting on Monday, I immediately pulled one of my Project Planner inserts out of my Daybook and got to work planning out the project from start to finish.

I began by filling in the simple details, like the project name and description. Then I listed the deadlines we discussed in our meeting.

The-Daybook-Planner-The-Daybook-Planner-0130.png

The Action Step section helped me think through each step in the project and estimate how much time it will take me to complete it. Once I had every project step accounted for, I penciled each step into my Daybook Planner (keeping project deadlines in mind, of course).  

This Action Step section has been helpful in so many ways:

  1. It helps me assess and plan for how much time a task is going to take.
  2. It keeps me on task and prevents me from getting lost in the details.  If I set a specific time to get a task done, I'm challenged to complete it in the time that I've designated.
  3. It helps me determine how much I'm getting paid per hour for design work. When I detail out each step, I have a better idea of the total time a project will take.
  4. It trouble-shoots. When I take time to think through the entire project, I usually come up with steps that I hadn't otherwise considered.
  5. It keeps me from taking on too many tasks and overcommitting. When I write out each step and visually account for it in my planner, I can see just how much time it's taking out of my day. 
  6. It prevents procrastination. I hate feeling rushed and having to play catch up, don't you?

And last but not least, I use the little note section at the bottom to catch important links, reminders, and other helpful resources as I'm working on the project.

I know that I'm a little biased, but I love the Elle & Company Project Planner insert. It encourages me to stay on schedule and gets me excited about keeping up with my 'project collection'. A little organization goes a long way.

Now it's your turn, friends! How do you plan for projects? Are you prone to collecting projects like I am? Which planning tips will you try to implement the next time a project comes your way?

Weekly Truth

Lately I've been reflecting on how my time is spent each day, weeding through and discerning what is important and time-worthy, and what is fleeting and insignificant. After all, isn't that what simplifying is all about? 

By no coincidence, I stumbled across this verse in 1 Peter. God's Word remains forever. One thousand years from now, no one will know my name. That's a humbling thought, considering how much I like to make of myself each day. But God's Word will always hold true; His Kingdom endures forever.

And wow, has that been stirring my heart and changing my perspective on how I spend my time. In all of my laboring, am I seeking to glorify the One who remains forever? Or am I working for things that won't matter 100 years from now (i.e. my happiness, comfort, wealth, appearance...) 

This week, I'm praying that we all get a better grasp of what is truly meaningful.

Click here to download this week's verse for your iPhone background.

Happy Tuesday, sweet 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, you've come to know my odd quirks a little too well, and you've started to use them to your advantage. Last week you talked me into doing all of the dishes because I wanted you to eat ice cream with me (Lauren Quirk #582: Ice cream is much better - and less regretful - with a friend). You made me listen to some awful scream-o music on the way to church yesterday because I wanted you to put on your seatbelt (Lauren Quirk #123: The seatbelt must be on before the car starts moving). Oh, this is getting old.

Dear aerobics, ever since I stopped teaching classes a year and a half ago, I've dearly missed you. Exercising is much more fun when it involves 90's pop hits and sweaty people in spandex (kidding). This week is our long-awaited reunion - I got the go-ahead for teaching classes twice a week at our seminary. Oh man, it's going to be so fun!

Dear RTS Charlotte Counseling Program, you officially launched last week. I've had a heart for Christian counseling since it changed my life in college - God used it to reach me and heal me in areas where I was struggling (more here). I'm so grateful for the opportunity to pursue an M.A. in your program and possibly play a part in someone else's testimony. I'm excited for these next 2 years!

Dear Jake, we passed a woman riding a bike last week who had a ginormous tree branch stuck in her spokes. You grinned really big and said, "That's literally you on a bike." Of course I denied it but wouldn't you know: I got a huge tree branch tangled up in my bike wheel when we went trail riding this weekend. I tried to discretely get rid of it before you noticed, but between my uncontrollable laughter and the noise of the branch in my wheel, you quickly saw what happened. I will never live this one down.