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Career Day At Cartersville Elementary

By on November 11, 2015

Lara was asked to speak with fourth grade studentsat Cartersville Elementary School on Career Day! She shared her story about entrepreneurship and owning her own business, Lara J Designs. The kids loved seeing her work and even shared interest in becoming a designer some day. They also shared with us some of their artistic ability with awesome thank you notes that we have displayed around the office.

For more information on Career Day at Cartersville Elementary School, check out the link from the Daily Tribune: http://daily-tribune.com/newsx/item/4025-career-week-gives-ces-students-a-sampling-of-potential-occupations

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Is your website mobile-friendly?

By on October 8, 2015

Let’s take a moment to talk about responsive website design.

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 5.38.57 PMWhat does it mean to have a responsive website design? Why do you need it? Does it really matter?

Wikipedia defines Responsive Website Design as an approach to web design aimed at crafting sites to provide an optimal viewing and interaction experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones).

Why do you need a responsive website for your business?

First, it makes “surfing” your website so much easier for your clients when they use a smaller screen (mobile phone, tablet, etc)

Second, in April 2015 Google put out an update to their search engine algorithm that changed the way search results display on mobile devices. This means that if your site is not mobile-friendly, your search rankings on Google will drop if your clients are searching using a mobile device. This can be devastating for a lot of companies.

Is your website mobile-friendly?

If you aren’t sure whether or not your website is mobile friendly, or if you know it is and you want to test it to see what Google sees when it “crawls” your site, visit this link. https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/ Here you can input your website domain name and find out if your site is responsive, and if there are any possible issues with what Google sees.

If your website is not mobile-friendly, Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test will return a result that looks similar to the screenshot below. It will also tell you what issues need to be fixed so that you can let your website developer know.

Google Mobile-Friendly test

Your website is NOT mobile-friendly. Now what?

Our website designers and developers at Lara J Designs are well-versed responsive website design. We can help make your existing website mobile-friendly, or we can help you with a website redesign.  Please call or email us for a quote on your website. We look forward to working with you!

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So… What’s with the Ampersand?

By on September 30, 2015

Lara J is a little ampersand-obsessed. Ok, more than just a little. At any given moment you can walk into the Lara J Designs office and find at *least* 5 ampersands within just a few seconds. You can also find 40 of them on her business cards. There is even a rug and 3 pillows in the office with ampersands. You can also find a 2’ neon ampersand sign in the window. Come visit us sometime and go on a scavenger hunt!

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This obsession started with Lara’s love for typography and fascination with this unique symbol. This is the only symbol in the english language that stands for a full word (that is not a math or technology symbol) To find out more about the history and usage of the ampersand, click here. If you think Lara is just a bit crazy… search Instagram for #ampersand and you will see she is not the only one who loves this beautiful symbol!

“nothing truly lasts forever, but there is always an &”

 

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BARTOW BIO: Graphic designer creates her dream job in Cartersville

By on March 15, 2015

Lara J Designs in the newspaper

The Daily Tribune News
March 15, 2015
by Brandon Davis

Lara Jeanneret is passionate about what she does.

Based in a quaint but spacious office in downtown Cartersville, she works with a team of creative minds to bring new life to businesses through graphic design. Her firm, Lara J Designs, has helped many organizations and entrepreneurs bring their concepts to tangible, visual form.

And, when you do a good job, word gets around.

Jeanneret said she started out her business as a freelancer working solely from referrals. When that took off, she decided to move to her current location, complete with a welcome area, conference room and open-environment work space.

Though work keeps her busy, she manages to find time to stay involved in the local community. In fact, Jeanneret received the Chairman’s Award at the 2015 Downtown Development Authority Annual Banquet on Thursday.  She also serves on the board of directors for the Downtown Development Authority, is the DDA Promotions Committee Chair and a member of the Bartow Young Professionals Leadership Committee at the Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Jeanneret designs and maintains the Etowah Valley Humane Society website and helps many other local non-profits in the community.

How did you become interested in design?
My mother was an art teacher so I was introduced to the field of art from a very early age. I took a weekend packaging design course at Art Institute of Atlanta when I was a freshman in high school and from then on I knew that I wanted to be a graphic designer for my career. Graphic Design is on seen on everything that we use day-to-day… It’s inspiring to see how things go from brainstorming, drawings & research, then how it all works together to actually finalize it and see a finished company brand in use on everything from signs to print materials to websites and so much more.

What led you to open Lara J Designs in Cartersville?
The first graphic design company that I worked for was in Kennesaw and I designed promotional products, while I attended school at Kennesaw State University. Then, at that same company, we later started a lifestyle magazine named Magnolia Magazine. Unfortunately, that magazine closed, and at that stage I started a new job at Media Graphics here in Cartersville. I was a graphic designer for them for six years.

When I gave birth to my son, Evan in 2007 I decided that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I stayed home with him and then started doing freelance work – just a few projects here and there. The business continued to grow because of referrals from my initial few clients. I didn’t advertise or do any other additional promotions because I was trying to spend as much time as possible with my little boys (My son Colin was born in 2009). I worked out of my home for the first four years, and then decided to open our office in downtown Cartersville three years ago. I love the downtown area and always knew I wanted to have an office in historic downtown.

What kinds of design does your firm do?
Full branding, logo design, website design, brochures, postcards, rack cards and flyers, business cards, letterhead and envelopes, holiday cards, wedding invitations and baby announcements, museum panel designs, product packaging design, electronic illustration, custom t-shirt design and custom project design.

If you had a dream job, what would it be?
This one. Most of the time( as a graphic designer) you end up working in a corporate environment, where you’re either doing branding for the same company again and again or you’re building a magazine, but your not getting to do a lot of projects for different clients. This is really fun. It’s different every day and we get to meet so many great people.

What is your greatest achievement?
Owning my own graphic design business.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I great up on a farm in Rockmart, and had a horse named Jasmine.

Do you have a personal motto?
Live the life you love.

If you were to write your autobiography or memoirs, what would the title be?
“Nothing truly last forever, but there is always an ‘&'”

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Lara J Designs owner, Lara J Designs, receives award

By on March 12, 2015

Lara Jeanneret recieves Downtown Development Authority Chairman's Award

Cartersville Downtown Development Authority & Main Street Program honor grant and award recipients

Posted on by hometownheadlines

Media release: Approximately 50 people gathered at Louie’s Café in historic downtown Cartersville on March 12, 2015, for the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority& Main Street Program Annual Banquet. DDA/Main Street Program Manager Tara Currier offered an overview of the various accomplishments from the previous year, before turning the program over to representatives of the board of directors to recognize individuals who made financial investments into downtown in the last year, as well as those who have gone above and beyond in assisting the DDA and Main Street Program.

“It was great to see so many downtown business and property owners, as well as others with a vested interest in downtown, at our annual banquet Thursday evening,” said Currier. “The evening serves as an opportunity for DDA to update everyone on the various events, initiatives and activities that have been implemented or completed in the past 12 months. Of course it is not just the work of board and staff, and so it is great to publicly acknowledge other individuals who have assisted in the efforts of making downtown such a great place to live, work and play.”

Notable accomplishments highlighted at the event included the approval of the Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) budget amendment (which lead to the installation of free Wi-Fi around the downtown train depot; a free, mobile app; and the completion of a downtown design proposal); improved special events; passing of the festival ordinance; being named to the National Register of Historic Places; and receiving the Downtown Development Program of the Year award, which is the highest honor given to a downtown in the state. Currier then went on to share some of the goals for 2015, and the changes to the grant program offered through DDA.

The program was then handed over to Design Chair Earline Burke, to recognize those who have made improvements to downtown buildings. Property owner John Lewis received two Design Improvement Grants for work on his downtown buildings, and Lisa Hamilton, owner of Blue Sky Outfitters, received a grant for the new sign she had installed at her business. Individuals who invested $10,000 or more downtown in 2014 were then recognized and presented with a Golden Nail Award. This year’s recipients included Evelyn Edmondson; Muriel Creagan and Mike Spidel of LaVida Massage; and Josh McWhorter of Midas Appreciation.

Lara Jeanneret recieves Downtown Development Authority Chairman's AwardTo conclude the evening, Chair Nancy Jackson presented the final three awards. Recognized for his assistance to the DDA board and staff, and vested interest in seeing positive changes downtown, was Assistant City Manager Dan Porta, who received the Good Government Award. The Downtown Champion Award was given to Sally Anne and Harold Burdette, which Harold accepted to a standing ovation. It is people like Sally Anne and Harold, who have a vision for great business, that make downtowns thrive. The last award of the evening went to Promotions Chair Lara Jeanneret. Receiving the Chairman’s’ Award, Jackson shared information about the work Lara has done to help rebrand downtown, and her leadership with the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival as well as countless other events and activities.

“It is so exciting to recognize individuals who have aided not only the DDA and Main Street Program, but downtown as a whole,” continued Currier. “Having an attractive, safe, well diversified downtown takes countless people with an interest in downtown to happen. We are blessed in downtown Cartersville to have such great shops, services, attractions and restaurants, and plenty of events and activities to enjoy. It’s a privilege to share the passion and vision for a great downtown with countless others in this community.”

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Looking for a great Project Manager (CLOSED)

By on October 31, 2014

Lara J Designs is currently looking for a new project manager to start November 17th.

Lara J Designs Office in Historic Cartersville, GA

Company

Lara J Designs is a small graphic design company located in historic downtown Cartersville, Georgia. We have a staff of four including three graphic designers and a project manager. Lara’s sweet dog, Charlie, also comes to work with her most days. We have a professional, yet creative and laid back environment. We are open from 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday thru Friday.

Position

This is a part-time Project Manager position starting November 17th. The perfect candidate would be one who has excellent customer service, communication and organization skills. Any graphic or web design experience or knowledge is a definite plus. Must be able to work well in a close environment, as we have an “open office” setup with desks all in one large workroom.

Responsibilities

• Client management and communication
• Scheduling of graphic design projects
• Keeping projects on track and organized
• Attending networking functions as a representative of Lara J Designs
• Quoting and invoicing clients
• Web content management
• Managing business Quickbooks account
• Keeping Lara J Designs social media up to date

Required Skills

• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients
• Excellent grammar & spelling

Secondary Skills – not required, but ideal

• Graphic Design experience (previous work experience and/or college courses)
• Website design and/or development experience
• Social Media Campaign Management
• Copywriting (Especially technical copywriting)

Deadline for Resumes

Resume and Portfolio (if applicable) must be sent in via email to info@larajdesigns.com prior to Friday, November 7th for review.

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It has been a real pleasure!

By on October 31, 2014

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Dear Clients & Friends,

As some of you may know, I am studying Finance and Hospitality Administration at Georgia State University. I have recently made the decision to take a position that will help further my career.

This has been the best two years of my life! I have learned so much and met so many great people, but most importantly I have had so much fun doing it. Lara has been such a great leader and it has been a joy to help Lara J Designs grow over the past two years. My team here has become my second family and I will miss them so very much. I have promised to come have lunch with them at least once a month!

To all of our clients, I have enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you. I has been such a pleasure to work with you all. Please connect with me on LinkedIn so we may stay in touch. I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Sincerely,

Taylor Barone

Taylor Barone

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Boxtera Packaging Design

By on August 11, 2014

We hope you are all having a great summer! Here at Lara J Designs, we have been very busy expanding our office space and working on many engaging projects. One of those projects was the Custom Product Packaging Design we did for Boxtera, a local Cartersville company offering a monthly natural snack membership. Their customers choose a monthly subscription of 5, 10 or 20 Boxtera snack pouches which are delivered directly to their door. You can find their yummy snacks at Boxtera.com! This design is the start of a complete rebranding project we will be doing for Boxtera.  The entire piece was first hand drawn in pen by the Lara J Designs team, and then digitized and put in the computer.

 

 

Boxtera Packaging Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lara J Designs team also had the opportunity to help paint the walls of the Boxtera office to match the new branding. Casi Cline (Fellow LJD employee and artist) drew the pattern on the wall and Lara, Steven, and Taylor went over it in paint. Even the owners pitched in! Check out Casi’s artist page at ephemeralityart.com

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Downtown Cartersville Prepares for Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival

By on October 16, 2013

Full day event of bluegrass and folk music, and a kids’ corner

CARTERSVILLE, GA – Cartersville Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program are finalizing plans for the first ever Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, in downtown Cartersville. Presented by Cohutta Fishing Co., the all-day festival will feature two stages of entertainment including bluegrass and folk music, as well as a kids’ area, complete with bounce house, and various games and activities. Held from 11 AM to 7 PM, the event is open to the public and free of charge.

“Buzz about this event has been so exciting,” said Cartersville DDA/Main Street Manager Tara Currier. “The 14 band slots were filled in just a few short weeks once word got out about the event. Band members, music stores throughout the region, the SouthEast Bluegrass Association (SEBA), and people attending other bluegrass festivals in the area have all been helping to spread the word about this event. Couple that with the posters we have all over downtown and getting out throughout the county, and the advertising for the event, and I anticipate we should have a great turnout for this festival. My hope is that downtown is covered up with people, and that all those attending patronize the many great shops and restaurants we have here.”

Music begins at 11 AM on October 19 on two stages – the Main Stage, which will be located in Friendship Plaza next to the train depot, and the Firehouse Stage, sponsored by J.B. Henderson Properties, which will be in the bay of the old fire station next to City Hall. While the Main Stage will feature mostly bluegrass bands and musicians playing 45 minute sets, with a new band going on at the top of every hour until 6 PM, the Firehouse Stage will feature a mix of bluegrass and folk music, with a new group taking to the stage at the top of every hour until 4 PM.

Check out the complete lineup, as well as bios of all the bands, at www.cartersvillebluegrass.com. And be on the lookout for posters, t-shirts, event program guide and other marketing material provided by Lara J Designs.

The Kids’ Corner, sponsored by Coosa Valley Credit Union, will be held in the parking lot next to the fountain in downtown Cartersville, and will feature a variety of activities and games for children to enjoy from Noon-5 PM. Visit the website to download a coloring page for your child 12 or under, and bring to the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival to be entered in the People’s Choice Award and have a chance to win a guitar and one month of free lessons from Southern Guitars.

Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival would not be possible without the financial contributions of all our sponsors. In addition to those listed above, a special thank you to Johnny on the Spot, Terry Reid Hyundai, Bartow History Museum, Century Bank of Georgia, Denham Chiropractic, Jefferson’s Restaurant, Jordan Scott Salon, Hometown Financial Services and Nix and Frix.

And while the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival ends at 7:00 PM, there will be plenty more fun to enjoy in downtown Cartersville. At 7:00 PM, Tribute – the music of the Allman Brothers, will perform at The Grand Theatre. Tickets are on sale for $15, and can be purchased at The Grand Theatre Box Office. Also on sale now, are tickets to see local talent Kent Hughes perform at The City Cellar & Loft at 8:00 PM, followed by Atlanta based rockabilly/roots band, Cigar Store Indians at 9:00 PM. The $20 tickets can be purchased at Cohutta Fishing Co. or The City Cellar. Limited tickets are available. And at E Street Tavern, DJ JUS CLAE will be spinning beginning at 8:30 PM.

Be sure to check the website, www.cartersvillebluegrass.com , often for updates and news on the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival, or call 770-607-3480.

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