Toot! Toot!*: Graphic Designer's Guide to BetterBusiness Writing features Jeff Fisher

Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is one of the design industry experts featured in the new book The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Better Business Writing, by authors Barbara Janoff and Ruth Case-Smith. The volume, from Allworth Press, includes case studies, advice and graphic examples from design educators and professionals such as Larry Asher, Michael Bierut, Margo Chase, Cameron Foote, Lee Silber and many others.

The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Better Business Writing teaches graphic designers how to write compelling business communications. Created especially to address the needs of graphic design students and professionals, this handy guide breaks the writing process down into simple, easy-to-understand stages and offers practical writing and presentation models that designers can put to use immediately. Real-life examples cover an array of essential topics: writing winning resumes and cover letters, landing accounts, writing polished letters and reports, creating design briefs, and much more.

Fisher's contributions include an example of one of his "Toot! Toot!*" press releases, a project value sheet presented to nonprofit groups at the completion of pro bono or discounted design jobs, and an example of a logo design sample sheet (below) provided to potential clients. Fisher is also cited in the book, discussing the benefits taking on pro bono design projects and the use of press releases as a marketing tool. His own book, The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success, is listed in the selected bibliography.

Author Barbara Janoff has taught business communications for more than 20 years. As Writing Coordinator at Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, she developed writing courses for graphic designers and photographers. Co-author Ruth Cash-Smith has taught business communications for colleges in the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. A former job search coach, she has written several award-winning handbooks for nonprofit organizations.

Jeff Fisher has received nearly 550 regional, national and international graphic design awards for his logo and corporate identity efforts. His work is featured in more than 85 books on the design of logos, the business of graphic design, and small business marketing.

Fisher is a member of the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board, the HOW Design Conference Advisory Council and the UCDA Designer Magazine Editorial Advisory Board. His first book, The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success, was released by HOW Design Books in late 2004. His new volume, Identity Crisis!, will be on bookshelves in late 2007.

(* If I don’t "toot!" my own horn, no one else will.)

© 2007 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives