Welcome to Our Negative Space

No, it’s not what you’re thinking - Gilbert & Associates does not foster a negative work environment. We’re actually on the other end of that spectrum and it’s apparent once you step into our office.

I’m talking about good negative space. Believe it or not, there is such a thing. In fact, negative space is celebrated in the world of graphic design. Our award-winning Art Director, Amy Landin, can attest to that.

So what is negative space and why is it so important to graphic design? According to SitePoint, “Negative space is the empty or open space around an object that defines it. In layman’s terms, it is the breathing room around the subject that determines how appealing it looks.”

The importance is beautifully explained in that negative space gives us “breathing room.” I personally don’t know anything more important than that, with negative space or anything else in life. Breathing room gives us balance and time to evaluate what we’re feeling, thinking, seeing, hearing, tasting or touching.

Designs that incorporate negative space creates an opportunity for an effortless analyzation of the art. Intelligent graphic design achieves this by utilizing a healthy balance of open area and a thoughtful design.

Negative space is a design aspect that our Art Department strategically uses. I won’t share all of their graphic design strategies: 1). Because we don’t give all our secrets away and 2). Because how they design so magically and effortlessly is something beyond me.

For our Art Department, creating beautiful, innovative and captivating designs are second nature. We are truly grateful for the talent that has walked through our office doors and we’re anticipating another successful year of design.

Want to see what we’ve been working on? Visit https://www.gilbertadvertising.com/portfolio/ to take a look at our portfolio.

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The Importance of Hashtags & When to Use Them

Hashtags. They're more than just a nuisance. In fact, they play a crucial role in developing interest and gaining exposure for your social media accounts.

What are hashtags?

Hashtags are keywords that relate to your content, preceded with a hash symbol (#). Hashtags enable users to categorize their posts and facilitate a search for it.

Image via Shutterstock

Why are hashtags important?

Utilizing hashtags can assist in increasing your social media presence, reach audiences who are interested in your niche, and create a more recognizable brand image. Ultimately, hashtags help by leveraging your exposure among users and categorizing your content.

Fun fact: In a 2014 study by Simply Measured, they found that Instagram posts with at least one hashtag averages 12.6% more engagement than a post with no hashtags

When and how should I use hashtags?

Although hashtags seem like the answer to all of your problems, proceed with caution. With great power comes great responsibility. Sound familiar? #Spiderman.

Choosing the right hashtag can actually be pretty difficult. If done incorrectly, hashtags defeat the purpose of you using them in the first place.

Hashtags should be used strategically. 

Keep your hashtags short. No one likes seeing #ExtremelyAndUnnecessarilyLongHashtags.

Use hashtags that relate to your content and company. Think of a hashtag that YOU would search for.

Don't overuse hashtags. Stick to an average of two hashtags per post.

Ultimately, how you use hashtags can determine your amount of exposure to your target audience. Research shows that hashtags are effective when used correctly. In other words, don't be a hashtag monster. Use them strategically! 

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Judge's Award at 2018 Pele Awards

We really appreciate the kind words from Jenn Maer, Design Director at IDEO for the "This Card Gives You Gas" gift card! 

We are honored to be one of three recipients for the Judge's Awards during the 2018 Pele Awards. 

Mahalo Jenn!

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The ROI of Social Media

It's one of the most frequently asked questions by clients at Gilbert and Associates. In fact, it's probably the most frequently asked question among all businesses who are focusing more on their investments in social media.

The big question: What's the ROI (return of investment) of social media?

People want to see the measurables, especially those who are a little skeptical of implementing social media into their business plans.

Social media ROI can be seen in various ways, depending on what your company wants to achieve. Achieved social media ROI objectives can be seen in actual revenue generated or in audience reach, engagement, and site traffic.

I can go on and on about the value of social media, but frankly, talk is cheap and stakeholders and clients want to have the ROI of social media in measurable and specific outcomes.

Social media facilitates your business with gaining exposure and meeting those goals.

Using your social media wisely can result in reaching a wider audience in the matter of seconds, keeping in constant communication with your clients or customers, and generating a greater revenue.

Yes, the world of social media is always transforming and progressing. And sometimes it's difficult to keep up with current trends. Using the right tools can facilitate you in keeping track of your social media ROI.

There are so many resources that can be used to analyze data from your social media accounts. Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Facebook Insights, to name a few. Familiarize yourself with those platforms and learn how to recognize what's successful and what needs improvement on your social media accounts.

Analyzing the metrics will really help in gaining social media ROI. The nature of social media is constantly evolving, so don't be surprised when one tactic worked last week and isn't working out so great this week. ROI of social media can be extremely rewarding, you just have to be a little patient and flexible to the nature of social media. Click here to read entire post!

2018 Pele Awards

We are very proud to announce our success at the Pele Awards held this past weekend on Oahu.

As a team we walked away with two prestigious awards:

-Gold in the packaging category for Minit Stop & Ohana Foods gift card “This Card Gives You Gas” 

- We were then very honored to receive the coveted Judges Award, awarded to only 3 candidates and chosen among hundreds of other entries

We are beyond thrilled with the awards and to be recognized among Hawaii's best in design and marketing.

Thanks for the support!!

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SAVE THE DATE!

Gilbert & Associates is proud to support our community as the Public Relations arm of the 93rd Maui Fair! SAVE THE DATE! September 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2015

Maui Fair
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Gilbert & Associates wins another Pele Award

With less than 7 months on the job at Gilbert & Associates, Art Director Amy Mendolia, has won one of Hawaii's top honors at the Pele Awards. The Pele Awards honor for the most outstanding advertising in Hawaii and then goes on to the National venue, the Addy Awards. She was presented the award at the annual event on Oahu held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel May 2nd. The piece she created was a promotional card for the holiday season. "The credit goes to my team at Gilbert & Associates including Shane Fontanilla in the art department" said Amy.

Gilbert & Associates is a full service, award winning, advertising and public relations agency headquartered in Kahului serving clients throughout Hawaii for the past 38 years.

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