Home

Name: CBH Graphics

Type of business: Graphic Design business

Address: 277 Alpine Way, Woodbridge

Telephone: (732) 582-6775

Web site: www.CBHgraphicdesign.com

Number of employees: 1

Founded: 2008

Top officer: Caryn Davis, owner

How would you describe your business?

"It's a graphic design business, which includes things like logos, pamphlets, brochures, and mailers; if a larger business needs my help I will get it run. I help people design their ads, wedding invitations, fliers, and things like that."

What makes your business special?

"Because it is just me, I get to know what my clients want and I give them what they want rather than what I think they want. Or if they aren't sure of what they want, I can get information from them and serve them by suggesting different options and asking 'How about this?' For instance, if it's a wedding invitation, I get information of what colors the customer wants, or whether they wanted it to be designed as formal or fun. They tell me what they want and I show them options on which way they want to go."

What goals do you have for the business?

"I'd like to grow so this would be my full-time job."

How has your business changed?

"When I started, I was working mainly doing projects for weddings. Now my work is more diversified. I'm also working more with companies than with individuals."

What was your most important deal?

"My most important deal was putting up my Web site, www.cbhgrahicdesign.com, and getting my samples up there. It allows me to show the prospective clients my work. It gets my work up and I can direct clients to it. It has client testimonials about my work from past clients."

What changes do you expect in your business?

"I would expect to have a new Web site offering more Web-designed services than I do now. I also expect to have a larger client base and working with bigger companies."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

The most important thing is to listen to the client. The client knows what they want and there is no way you can convince them otherwise. You have to listen to them and even if you believe the client's design won't achieve its goal, even if they seem to be open to a different option, if the client decides against the design you are offering, then you give the client what is asked."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"They have to keep up with technology and computer programs and also be able to do things by hand. If they enjoy it and want to do it, they should get the education to do it."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. I could do something else, like teaching. I considered being an art teacher. Growing up, I worked in day camps and baby-sat and I loved it, but when I went back to school I took every art class I could. I took every art elective that was allowed in the East Brunswick school system. There were semesters that I wasn't able to fit art in, and I was miserable. When I graduated, I went to The College of New Jersey and got a BFA degree in Fine Arts with a minor in marketing. I don't think I'd enjoy any other profession as much as I do now, working as a graphic designer."