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

Monday's Letters

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Dear Mr. Hooker, we spent the weekend riding bikes on the greenway, prepping our cute little garden, washing cars, and snacking on freeze pops. Summer is right around the corner, my dear, and I can't wait to spend it with you!

Dear Harris Teeter produce department, you have officially been trumped by the cute little produce stand down the street. Four ears of corn, a huge carton of strawberries, two bell peppers, and a bag full of red potatoes for a grand total of $8? That just can't be "beet" (couldn't help myself).

Dear MacBook, I was sitting in class with you on Thursday diligently taking notes when you randomly went into a coma. You missed out on several big plans that I had for you that day: a class assignment, a blog post, several emails, some design work. No more sick days, my friend - my grades and my sanity can't handle it. 

Dear Jake, the best part of waking up isn't the Folgers in my cup; it's the handsome man who brews it for me every morning. It might be because you've mastered the creamer to coffee ratio or because you have it ready right as I'm getting out of bed, but coffee always tastes better when you make it for me. Regardless, I'm spoiled rotten.

Coffee Date with Jill Atogwe

Oh friends, I've been itching to share this morning's Coffee Date with you for weeks! 

A couple months ago, I was blessed to receive an email from an Elle & Company customer who just so happened to be another creative business owner. We continued to message back and forth and eventually set up a FaceTime meeting to talk about business things. I was blown away by how genuine and kind-hearted Jill is, and I was sweetly surprised when she asked how she could be praying for me before we ended our chat. 

Jill Atogwe is a lady who needs to be shared. Her artwork is amazing, her photos are gorgeous, and she is stunning, both inside and out. I have so enjoyed getting to know her better and I have a feeling you will, too. Friends, meet Jill!

What's in your coffee mug this morning?

A half cup of hazelnut coffee, a little bit of milk and an embarrassing amount of chocolate almond milk.

What is the first thing you did today?

I wake up, read my devotional, pray and head to the gym where my husband is my trainer. This hubby-trainer business was a trial-and-error effort that has taken three years to perfect! Something about testosterone and estrogen in the gym just don't always mix that well... After a quick shower, some speed makeup and a breakfast of egg whites, two tortillas and sriracha, I'm off to work as a personal stylist at Anthropologie (This is a rare day, I only work at Anthro either once or twice a week).

What's one thing you've been loving lately?

As an artist, the shift from death to life in Spring is just almost too inspiring to bear. Seeing little buds form on trees, shorter hemlines in my magazines and that extra hour or so of sun every day really just does something in my soul. I have to be careful not to be distracted all day long because with this mind, that totally happens!

What is something you struggle with, and what are you learning as a result?

I struggle with distraction. Did you like that little segway there? I usually feel pulled by my emotions so what I want to be doing (well, what I'm usually doing mentally) pulls my focus from what I'm actually doing. It gives a sense of "I should be doing something else!" at all times. I'm learning that I need to be present and content with exactly where I am. Doing something halfway can't be an option for me, so I won't commit to doing something unless I'll be all in. Even if it means I'll be thinking about making pop tarts again while doing the laundry - a girl's gotta commit!

Life can get busy and stressful. How do you simplify?

I simplify with an exchange: the Word for Social Media. This sounds a little foolish but I can get so wrapped up in Social Media and all the facets of it, especially now that I am creating a brand, that it becomes all encompassing. This beautiful place that was meant to connect ends up serving as a breeding ground for envy, dissatisfaction, comparison, and pride. Those are some yucky words that I don't want to swim around in, so whenever I feel weighed down I simply exchange time for time. When I would normally be reading blogs, checking Instagram or scrolling through Facebook, I reach for the Bible instead. In the end I feel like a brand new woman.

What's one thing that made you smile this week?

My husband makes me smile every day of my life. I am so blessed by this goofball and the way he loves the Lord and, in turn, loves me.

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Oh, and I had gluten-free pizza this week. That got a pretty big smile too!

Jill's new site is almost up, so be sure to keep up with her on Instagram to see all of the wonderful things she has in store! And to see her most recent blog posts, visit her current site here. 

Happy Friday, friends! I hope your weekend is blessed.

Don't Sweat It

With so many lovely home photos, clever DIY projects, and organizational how-to's swirling around Pinterest, it's easy to come down with a case of comparison fever. I know far too well those mixed feelings of inspiration and envy, and for a perfectionist like myself, it can leave me feeling inadequate.

I can't be the only one who feels the weight of disappointment and stress when my home doesn't look quite the way I want it to. Do you fret about your space? 

"My house isn't Pinterest-worthy."

"I have a junk drawer... or two."

"My house isn't spic, span, or spotless."

"My list of home projects is never ending."

Today I'm putting my own spin on the normal home "before and afters" by replacing those negative thoughts with positive truth. Let's weed out the unrealistic expectations about our homes and throw them out the window. 

Whew! Because mine doesn't either. As gorgeous as the homes in those photos may be, we can't possibly hold ourselves to such a high standard. Projects like those require experience, time, and a pretty penny - and I don't know about you, but all of those are sparse for this gal. 

So instead of getting green with envy or blue with despair, why not choose to see this as an opportunity to get creative? After all, a change of heart goes a lot further than a change of circumstances. 

Jake and I lovingly referred to our first rental as "the Cottage", but that description was far too generous. That little shack was a far cry from any magazine spread! We filled it with wedding gifts, inexpensive Target finds, and mismatched furniture that friends and family donated to our Desperate Newlywed Fund. The type-A designer in me had many grand ideas for that space, but the limited 22-year-old in me did the best to make due with what we had. 

There wasn't anything super special or valuable about the structure or the contents of the Cottage, but it sure was lived in and loved on. It may not have been perfect for a family of 4 (or for people who enjoy air conditioning) but it was perfectly ours. 

I truly believe that designing within our means and embracing what we have translates into a cozy, homey space that's distinctly and uniquely our own. And those pristine designer rooms ain't got nothin' on that. 

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I believe that a junk drawer is sign of a house that's being used. I've finally come to grips with the fact that not everything has a place (or maybe it does, and it's place is the junk drawer!)

Instead of forbidding the use of a junk drawer, why don't we set a more realistic goal of cleaning it out and weeding through it every once in a while? 

Not to worry. So is John and Sherry's.

Young House Love is my favorite daily read. John and Sherry have my dream job of renovating a house and blogging about it, and they're currently in the process of transforming their third house. Yesterday they shared their list of completed and future projects, and oh my word, it overwhelmed me. Humor me by checking it out.

Once I recovered from the initial shock, their list set my heart at ease. Friends, it is totally normal to have things that you would eventually like to change about your space.

If you're like me, you might be a little/lot antsy to splash some paint on your walls and spend your entire savings account on a shopping spree at IKEA. But my more rational state-of-mind knows it doesn't have to be done in one day, one month, or even one year. And to be honest, it makes the changes so much more fun when they finally do come around. 

My best friend Jenny visited us in Charlotte a couple months ago, which was the perfect opportunity for a trip to IKEA. Somehow I was able to exercise self control and walk away with a couple fun throw pillows, two sets of lovely white curtains, some dark woven placemats, and a couple cute plants. It didn't break the bank, and wow! What a difference it made in our Suite.

Was I able to cross every project off of my to-do list after that trip? Of course not. Two windows still have blue curtains, my shop supplies are in need of a clever storage solution, and my desk looks oh-so boring. But I'm slowly making it ours, one IKEA trip at a time.

I'm realizing that our home is going to change as we change. Our tastes will change, our family will grow, our needs will be different with each season of life. There will always be projects on that Home Project To-Do List, so I'm choosing to embrace it.

Good news, my friend! You're normal. There's only one person in my lifetime that even came close to achieving spotless perfection in her home: my childhood next-door neighbor, Ms. Alice.

Ms. Alice ran a tight ship, from her perfect 60's hairdo to her so-clean-you-could-eat-off-of-it garage floor. White carpet, white sofa, white countertops, white hair, white pants, white car, white dog (not even kidding). I held my breath and watched my step during the off-chance I was ever allowed to set (bare) foot in her sterile home. That house was paralyzing, stark, and uninviting.

Don't get me wrong - it's a great thing to keep a house clean. But it's another thing to stress and obsess over it. The truth is, you could be cleaning your kitchen this very moment, but dust would still be accumulating on the dresser in your bedroom. 

Come up with a realistic cleaning routine that works for your schedule and do your best to stick to it. When life gets busy, cleaning might get postponed and that's okay. Do your best, don't stress about the rest. 

Maybe more important than all of the home projects are the bigger heart projects of contentment and thankfulness. 

Your house may not look like a magazine spread. You might have a junk drawer (or two), crumbs on your countertops, and a wish list full of home projects. Don't sweat it, friends! We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can absolutely change our outlook on them.

Weekly Truth

God, whom no one has ever seen, is made visible by our love for each other. If we could love one another the way God wants us to, someone who doesn't know God should be able to see Him in our interactions with each other. That's a pretty amazing (and frightening) thought, isn't it?

We know that this love doesn't originate with us and that it doesn't come from our own works; we are able to love others because of Jesus' work on the cross and by the working of the Holy Spirit. But I pray that this little phone background will help you reflect on these words throughout your week. 

When people spend time with you, do they get a glimpse of Him?

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

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. 

For instructions on how to change your iPhone background, click here.

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, it's impossible for you to accomplish any task without creating a playlist for it. I will admit - washing the dishes, cooking dinner and getting ready in the morning are much more entertaining when you're breaking it down to "Chocolate" by The 1975 (especially when you try to mimic their English accents). Oh, you make me smile.

Dear cheeks, I don't think you've ever been rosier than you were last week at our seminary picnic. I could have sworn I knew the name of a faculty member that sat at our table, and I kept calling him by name in conversation... until my husband oh-so-sweetly corrected me. You continue to turn bright red every time he not-so-sweetly reminds me of that moment. So embarrassing.

Dear Elle & Company, each time someone asks me what I do, my heart skips a beat. Thank you for allowing me to combine my favorite loves and call it "work". I am one blessed girl.

Dear Jake, your parents made a short trip to visit us this weekend and it was so fun to show them around our new town. Even sweeter was their excitement for us and their joy at how everything has played out. More affirmation that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.