Craig Martin Simon Design, Collinsville IL

Craig Simon

Craig Martin Simon Design

Collinsville, IL
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Refer
Recommendations Given (3)
"My wife and I have stayed there a number of times. It's a beautiful house with wonderful antiques..." Read more "My wife and I have stayed there a number of times. It's a beautiful house with wonderful antiques with a beautiful view of the country side. The food is great too."
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Recent Activity
What are some of the best sources you've found for business advice?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on January 23, 2020
That's simple, from the clients I service. Most of my clients will tell you that we enjoy more than a business relationship. Many have become very close friends and, being friends, they share with me their thoughts on my service, approach and practices. I find their suggestions insightful and... (more) That's simple, from the clients I service. Most of my clients will tell you that we enjoy more than a business relationship. Many have become very close friends and, being friends, they share with me their thoughts on my service, approach and practices. I find their suggestions insightful and helpful and I credit them for my on-going success.
What has been your biggest success as a business owner?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on January 16, 2020
It depends on how define success. I have produced a number of projects that have made me and my clients a lot of money or that met or surpassed the goals and objectives of the project and I have won national awards for my work. Personally, I think my biggest success is how long many of my clients... (more) It depends on how define success. I have produced a number of projects that have made me and my clients a lot of money or that met or surpassed the goals and objectives of the project and I have won national awards for my work. Personally, I think my biggest success is how long many of my clients have trusted me with their marketing efforts. I have clients that I have serviced, and still service, for over three decades. To me, that is my proudest accomplishment.
What are your toughest marketing challenges?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on November 21, 2019
First of all, you have to understand that I'm an "old school" marketing professional. I believe in applying the "personal" approach. I don't believe in e-mail pitches (although I have done them) but I prefer sending letters or hand-written notes when marketing to a potential client. E-mail is an... (more) First of all, you have to understand that I'm an "old school" marketing professional. I believe in applying the "personal" approach. I don't believe in e-mail pitches (although I have done them) but I prefer sending letters or hand-written notes when marketing to a potential client. E-mail is an "interruption" to a person's busy day while a letter is an "invitation" to open it at their leisure. I prefer meeting with a prospect especially when submitting a proposal. I won a large account where with all bids being relatively equal in our respective proposals, I won the account because I delivered my proposal in person and answered all of their questions that day. Today, my challenge is how the "buying" industry has changed. Most prospects are my son's age and they prefer to work with someone their own age even though they aren't as experienced. I recently lost a publication that I designed and produced for nearly ten years (it won several awards and was well-read by the audience) to a college graduate because she was "cheaper." The first issue she designed, the production quality was so poor that the printer had to fix it so it could be printed. The third issue, page one was upside-down.
What's something you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on November 07, 2019
That's easy. I wish I knew more about "estimated taxes." My first year in business I was naturally not making a lot of money but the second year I got a huge project which doubled my income. My accountant wasn't aware of my change in income and I got hit with an enormous tax bill. After that we... (more) That's easy. I wish I knew more about "estimated taxes." My first year in business I was naturally not making a lot of money but the second year I got a huge project which doubled my income. My accountant wasn't aware of my change in income and I got hit with an enormous tax bill. After that we agreed that I would send him quarterly statements so he could suggest quarterly payments. 
If you had to give a public talk today for half an hour, what would you speak about? What's your area of expertise?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on October 25, 2019
My "go-to" subject is how to work with a creative services agency. As a 40-year graphic design professional, my regular challenge is "teaching" clients the proper methodology in creating a marketing program. Early in my career many of our clients (when I worked for an agency) were well-versed in... (more) My "go-to" subject is how to work with a creative services agency. As a 40-year graphic design professional, my regular challenge is "teaching" clients the proper methodology in creating a marketing program. Early in my career many of our clients (when I worked for an agency) were well-versed in the process and our job was easy. However, in the mid eighties there was a recession causing in a nation-wide layoff of "middle" managers. The result was the middle manager's superior or the middle manager's subordinates took control of the marketing. Neither of which new the marketing process or how to work with a creative agency. To this day, I have a few clients that have to be "guided" through the process. Just recently, I lost an opportunity because the person didn't understand the printing process and was shocked by the cost to print his project (he only wanted 200 pieces and couldn't grasp the concept that the unit cost goes down with larger quantities. I used to teach public relations students at Saint Louis University so they could be better equipped as they entered the industry.
In your experience, do you and most of your customers use a cellphone to find a business rather than a laptop or desktop?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on October 22, 2019
That's a good question but I think it varies from business industry to industry. In the creative field, referrals are very common since a client doesn't want to risk an image on an unknown source. Most of my clients were referred, then contacted me by telephone (some by traditional mail) but most... (more) That's a good question but I think it varies from business industry to industry. In the creative field, referrals are very common since a client doesn't want to risk an image on an unknown source. Most of my clients were referred, then contacted me by telephone (some by traditional mail) but most by email. Typically, they visit my website or ask for samples of related projects. Depending on the size and scope of the program, this process can be expedited in a few weeks or drag on for months.
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Do you think you can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on September 20, 2019
I agree, especially in the graphic design industry when software programs are constantly being upgraded so your hardware many times also needs to be upgraded or even forcing you to buy new equipment.  (more) I agree, especially in the graphic design industry when software programs are constantly being upgraded so your hardware many times also needs to be upgraded or even forcing you to buy new equipment. 
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Where has your most unique referral or opportunity come from?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on August 29, 2019
I don't how "unique" this was but certainly it is the most memorable and profitable. I had done several standing exhibits in buildings but I was referred by AAIC, Inc. to design a "mobile" exhibit commemorating the anniversary of Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery expedition. Lewis & Clark College... (more) I don't how "unique" this was but certainly it is the most memorable and profitable. I had done several standing exhibits in buildings but I was referred by AAIC, Inc. to design a "mobile" exhibit commemorating the anniversary of Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery expedition. Lewis & Clark College purchased a 40' recreational vehicle and asked me to convert it to a mobile exhibit. We redesigned the interiors with maps, models and statues and the exterior we applied compelling and historic images from history. It would tour the U.S. for the entire year of the anniversary. I would garner other exhibits and vehicle designs from this project.
How do you deal with jealousy from competitors or other businesses?
Craig from Craig Martin Simon Design Answered this on August 27, 2019
Honestly, I haven't experienced that, at least not that I know of. For years I belonged to different art-directors clubs and attended design conferences so I always felt a sense of camaraderie with competitors and others in the marketing/public relations field. I even at one point called a... (more) Honestly, I haven't experienced that, at least not that I know of. For years I belonged to different art-directors clubs and attended design conferences so I always felt a sense of camaraderie with competitors and others in the marketing/public relations field. I even at one point called a competitor who was hired by a former client. I called him urging him to document all of his time and invoice her on a timely basis. She was a slow pay and I had to file a lien to get reimbursed for all my fees. He thought I was just upset that he won my former business. Six months later he called me to apologize. Everything I warned him about, happened. 
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