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're fast approaching the end of our first semester in seminary and you have not one... not two... but five 10-page papers due in the next couple weeks. FIVE. Not to mention studying for final exams, working part-time, and interning at the church. You're something else. 

Dear Summer, you are already chock-full of fun adventures. An annual family beach trip and the Gospel Coalition conference in June, a beach trip with friends and numerous family birthdays in July, a small anniversary trip at the end of August, and new product designs sprinkled in between. I can hardly wait!

Dear Miss Ann, you walked over to the Suite on Saturday afternoon just as I was unloading all of my green-leaved Lowes goodies. You pointed out where I should plant each one, told me I looked like a pro (even though I hadn't the slightest idea what I was doing), and prayed over every tomato plant. Visits with you do my heart good.

Dear Jake, our history of picking on each other goes way back to the fourth grade. So in a conscious effort to be more endearing, we came up with a little game: for every not-so-affirming thing we say to each other, we have to pay each other two compliments. Sorry love, but I'm afraid "you have a ridiculously handsome husband" doesn't count as a compliment. Nice try ;)

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness. To see past letters, click here.

Coffee Date with Rachel Brock

Have you ever had a friendship come into your life at the just perfect time? Three years ago, God gave Rachel and I mutual friends, similar circumstances, and a random weeknight coffee date. The rest was history!

I could totally get all mushy and gushy on this one, but for the sake of my tears and your time, I'll refrain. Just know that I am oh so thrilled to feature Rachel this morning - when I think of encouragement, she quickly comes to mind. She's been my maid of honor, my confidant through one of life's most difficult seasons, my running partner, and my best friend. I just know you'll love getting to know her this morning! Friends, meet Rachel.

What's in your coffee cup this morning?

Within the warm circular shell of my insulated mug swims a deep, dark roast... Ha! Yeah right. I have the lightest, girliest drink available. It is commonly known as the "White Chocolate Mocha," and unfortunately for me, it costs a pretty penny. I was never really a coffee drinker until I married my husband, Matt. My marriage plus the fact that there is a Caribou Coffee shop conveniently located across the street is a dangerous combination, my friends! I have made the White Chocolate Mocha my traditional Friday morning treat.

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What is the first thing you did today?

The first thing I did today was take my puppy, River, outside to potty... in the pouring rain. Mind you, it was 5:30 am. I had not yet looked in the mirror at my hair, nor did I take the time to put my glasses on. Yikes! I ended up cooking breakfast before I went back upstairs to shower for work and no, I still had not looked in the mirror, nor taken the time to put my glasses on... Take a moment and imagine such a sight. I did, however, manage to successfully make breakfast sandwiches and keep River from eating our kitchen table. This was a successful morning!

What is something you've been loving lately?

Lately, I have been loving swimming. You see, I am a runner and spent the better part of this freezing winter training for the marathon that I ran in March. Training was such an intense commitment, both for my body and my schedule, that I have enjoyed exercising leisurely again. Matt and I joined the gym across the street and I have been trying to swim 2-3 times a week. It is a wonderful full-body workout, without the pounding on my joints or the stress of training and competition!

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

I must admit that I struggle with the concept of identity. Being satisfied with myself, just as I am, has always been an area of difficulty for me. With the Lord's help, I have been able to manage a positive perspective until very recently. I got married this past summer and since then, I moved to Northern Virginia. Over the past year, I have experienced "newness" in a way that I have never experienced it. I have a new husband, a new name, a new family, a new church, a new city, a new job, new friends, new colleagues, a new house, and a new dog. Whew! That awkward feeling of stepping out of your comfort zone has been a "groundhog-day" experience for me over the past 9 months. I have truly struggled with feeling like I belong in many of these places. Back home, in Salem, I knew who I was and where I belonged, I was confidently serving in the church, hanging out with friends, and contributing to the community. Now, I struggle to figure out what I'm good at, what I'm known for, what I bring to my family, friends, students, and the world. It's like I have to find myself again. I have discovered, though, that this current state of mind is something to be thankful for. I feel confident that the Lord has brought me to this point in my life to help me see that my identity can only be found in Him and Him alone. If I found my identity in running, or teaching, or something else I was exceptional at, it would distract me from seeing who I truly am - a child of the King. My friends, what could be a better "identity" than that?

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

Simplifying life is one of the most difficult things for me to do. My husband is an incredible "simplifier" and I am learning from him daily. He helps me practice calming myself during stressful situations and he helps me to take hold of the idea that some "to do" list tasks can wait until another moment or another day. The scripture found in Matthew 6:33-34 comes to mind often and I know that it is the gentle voice of the Lord calling me to simplify my life by worrying only about today. It says, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all the things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I know that focusing on today and living in each moment would certainly alleviate stress by simplifying my world-view.

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

My dog, River, always makes me smile. She certainly makes me frown, too, but she's 100% puppy and that's a story for another day. This past weekend, Matt and I took River hiking in Great Falls. She's a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and is bred to swim and hunt water fowl, so I've been working with her, trying to get her comfortable swimming in deep water. On the hike, we stopped at various points along the Potomac River to let her swim. She loved it! She had her first "real" swim, and was fetching sticks out in the water within minutes! Watching her do what she was made to do is one of my favorite things. As we continued to hike along the trail, we came to a little bridge that covered a small creek, and I remember thinking, if I love watching my puppy do what she was made to do, how much more does God enjoy watching his children do what they were created to do? He is always teaching me something! Lots of smiles that day!

Happy May Day!

It's hard to believe that it's May 1st already! With each new month, Elle & Company sends out a new newsletter with simple tips & ideas, shop updates, and occasionally a little gift (or two).

For those of you who aren't on our list, here's a glance at what you're missing out on! Be sure to add your name and email to our sign-up form in the right-hand column of the blog to receive a little Elle & Company love in your inbox next month.

And yes, the offer at the bottom applies to you too! Be sure to visit the shop today and fill your cart with some organizational goodness. Free shipping on ALL orders, but don't delay! Offer ends on Sunday. 

I'm so grateful to have you following along, friends. Happy May!

Time Well Spent

Friends, it's about time for another Be A Blessing Challenge! These little monthly activities have inspired me to be more intentional about loving others well. They're teaching me that it doesn't have to be exhausting or expensive to serve people; all it takes is a little bit of creativity and a good amount of love. 

 

This month's Be a Blessing Challenge is to pay someone a visit.

It could be the elderly lady in the house next door whose family doesn't visit very often. Or maybe your best friend is working the late shift this week and could really use a grande latte and a hug. Whoever it may be, surprise them with a smile and an hour or two of your time. 

Oftentimes one act of kindness can start a chain reaction, encouraging others to join in. So be sure to share your experience! Tag #elleandcompany on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and/or leave a comment on this post. How did you get creative with this challenge? Did you end up enjoying the visit more than you anticipated? What was the reaction of the person you visited? 

I'm excited to hear about how this challenge plays out for you this month! And as always, I'm looking forward to seeing how our hearts will be transformed in the process. Happy serving, friends!

 

 

Weekly Truth

Claps of thunder from a summer storm. Colorful blooms splashing color on the trees. Cotton-like cloud formations stretching across the sky. 

Last week I randomly realized that I could never create, maintain, or prevent any of these things. If you asked me to design a gorgeous sunset, I wouldn't even know where to start. But God makes it all seem so effortless, doesn't He? 

Psalm 104 gives a beautiful description our great Creator. It details His mighty works in creation and ends with fireworks of praise. My prayer this week is that every budding tree, rain cloud, and inchworm would remind us of how great God is and leave us echoing the words of the psalmist in verse 33.

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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.