Clean & Crafted Design

7 Visual Branding Mistakes That Hurt Customer Engagement (and How to Fix Them)

Small Business Branding, Weekend Post Zach Summers Small Business Branding, Weekend Post Zach Summers

Why Your Font Choice Might Be Losing You Clients (And How to Fix It)

Your fonts are saying more than you think—possibly turning clients away before they even read a word. In this guide, we’ll break down how typography shapes perception, the font mistakes that are quietly sabotaging your brand, and what you can do to fix it. Whether you're DIYing your visuals or refining your brand identity, this post will help your fonts start working for you—not against you.

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Small Business Branding, Tips Zach Summers Small Business Branding, Tips Zach Summers

7 Visual Branding Mistakes That Hurt Customer Engagement (and How to Fix Them)

Think your brand visuals are working hard for you? They might actually be working against you. From mismatched colors to cluttered graphics, even small design mistakes can quietly chip away at your customer engagement. In this guide, we’ll unpack 7 surprisingly common visual branding mistakes — and how to fix them fast. If you're ready to turn first impressions into lasting loyalty, this one's for you.

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Weekend Post, Small Business Branding Zach Summers Weekend Post, Small Business Branding Zach Summers

Branding Beyond the Logo: What Every Business Needs to Know

Most people think branding stops at a logo—but your brand is so much more than just how things look. It’s how you sound, how you treat your customers, and how people feel after every interaction with your business. In this post, we’re unpacking the invisible side of branding—the emotional and experiential layers that make your business memorable, trustworthy, and worth coming back to. If you're a small business owner ready to build a brand that goes deeper than design, this one's for you.

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Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers Photography Prompt, Inspiration Zach Summers

Mirror Worlds Photography Prompt: Create Symmetry by Using Mirrors Creatively

Explore the magic of reflections in this creative photo prompt designed for all skill levels.
In Mirror Worlds, you'll learn how to use mirrors to craft beautiful symmetrical shots, surreal perspectives, and fun photography experiments—all using tools you already have. A perfect starting point for beginners or anyone wanting to reignite their creative spark through playful photo projects.

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Small Business Branding, Weekend Post Zach Summers Small Business Branding, Weekend Post Zach Summers

How Small Businesses Can Build a Strong Brand Presence Online

Building a strong online brand presence is more important than ever for small businesses. Whether you're a local shop, creative entrepreneur, or startup, this guide will walk you through the must-know strategies—like social media branding, website identity, and content creation—that help grow your visibility and trust online. Let's dig into the tools that help your business stand out.

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Trends, Ai Zach Summers Trends, Ai Zach Summers

Integrating AI in Design Processes: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Graphic Design

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the graphic design industry, bringing transformative tools and innovative techniques that streamline workflows and enhance creativity. From automating mundane tasks to generating complex design concepts, AI is enabling designers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In this post, we explore how AI is integrated into design processes, the benefits it offers, and how it is shaping the future of graphic design.

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Encouragement, Inspiration Zach Summers Encouragement, Inspiration Zach Summers

What Inspires Me: My Go-To Sources for Staying Creative

Creativity can be elusive—some days, ideas flow effortlessly, and other times, they feel completely out of reach. When I hit a creative block, I turn to a few key sources that help me stay inspired. Whether it's stepping outside into nature, exploring other design industries, or diving into a daily idea exercise, the key is to cultivate habits that keep my mind engaged. I believe that creativity is everywhere, from the small details in everyday life to the expansive world of poetry and music. In this post, I’ll share my favorite methods for staying creative, including practical exercises you can incorporate into your own routine to keep your ideas flowing.

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Inspiration, Photography Prompt Zach Summers Inspiration, Photography Prompt Zach Summers

Everyday Object, Alien View – See the World Differently Through Photography

Creativity is all about perspective! In this fun photography challenge, we’re taking everyday objects and capturing them up close—so close they become unrecognizable. By shifting your view, you’ll transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Grab your camera, explore textures, light, and angles, and discover the hidden world around you. Ready to see the familiar in a whole new way? Let’s get started!

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Trends, Technology Zach Summers Trends, Technology Zach Summers

The Evolution of Logos: From Ancient Symbols to the Digital Age (and Beyond!)

Logos have come a long way—from ancient symbols carved in stone to the sleek, adaptive designs of today’s digital age. As branding has evolved alongside technology, we’ve seen a shift from intricate medieval crests to minimalist, motion-based logos that thrive on screens. But where is logo design headed next? Will static logos become obsolete in favor of dynamic, interactive branding? In this post, we explore the fascinating history of logos, their transformation through print, TV, and digital media, and what the future holds for brand identity. Read on to discover where logos are going next!

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Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers Inspiration, Logo Prompts Zach Summers

Logo Design Challenge: Echo Nest – Are You Ready to Sketch?

Ready to challenge your creativity? The Echo Nest Logo Challenge invites you to design a unique music technology logo using soundwaves, birds, and nests. Whether you prefer minimalist, abstract, or bold designs, this prompt will push you to think outside the box. I’ve taken the first step—now it’s your turn! Grab your sketchbook and start creating. Let’s bring this concept to life!

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From The Factory Floor Zach Summers From The Factory Floor Zach Summers

Bonehead Seafood: The One That Got Away

Some design concepts linger long after the project fades, and for me, Bonehead Seafood is one of them. With its bold name, a fishhook cleverly merging with the letter 'B,' and a microbrew-style edge, it had all the makings of a standout seafood brand. Though the project never came to life, the vision remains—a reminder that great ideas are always worth exploring. Who knows? Maybe one day, Bonehead Seafood will make its salty debut.

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Inspiration, Drawing Prompt Zach Summers Inspiration, Drawing Prompt Zach Summers

Bringing Blooms to Life: A Fun Flower Sketching Challenge

Want to level up your sketching skills with a fun and creative twist? Try this unique drawing prompt: Sketch a bouquet of flowers from your kitchen—but give them human expressions! Whether you keep it simple or go all in with personality-filled petals, this exercise will boost your creativity and bring your artwork to life. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this playful challenge turns ordinary flowers into expressive characters. Grab your sketchbook and let your imagination bloom!

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Tips, Encouragement Zach Summers Tips, Encouragement Zach Summers

Spring Cleaning Your Portfolio: The Power of Storytelling in Design

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your design portfolio—but it’s more than just updating visuals. By weaving storytelling into your work, you can showcase your problem-solving skills, creative process, and real impact. In this post, we’ll explore how to craft a compelling narrative, curate projects with purpose, and make your portfolio stand out to clients and employers. Let’s transform your portfolio into a story that inspires and attracts the right opportunities!

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