Social Media is a big part of SEO and gaining attention for your brand. I'll be putting some statistics together in nice little infographics to help you decide where to concentrate your efforts. Who is your target audience and are you reaching them effectively?


Haven't figured out who's your target audience? Well, there's one way to do it quickly and effectively and that is by linking your website with Google Analytics. It's free and officially out of beta testing. Here you can learn about bounce rates, returning visitors, demographics and more. Link your page to Google+ and verify your authorship with Google and increase your organic Google rank. 

If you've got questions or need help with SEO I'm always available to help! Comment on this blog post or email me directly at info@nouvellegraphicdesign.com. 

Wanna follow me on Instagram? Here I am! http://instagram.com/elle_halls My profile is set up for MOBILE VIEWING. Once you check out the page, you'll see why! 

Elle 

rendering process that takes more than a couple of steps to create your favorite voodoo tonic, I recommend skipping that treatment and trying something natural first. Worst case scenario you go back to your expensive creams. 

If you've never heard of Witch Hazel it is a natural astringent or skin toner made from the Witch-Hazel plant and its leaves and bark. It was used by the Native Americans for its healing properties and is used for treating skin irritation, redness, swelling, swelling of the eyes, and bruising as it balances the PH of your skin without over drying as it locks in moisture. I recommend soaking a cotton ball or square with Witch Hazel and applying it after cleansing both day and night. You'll see any residual dirt or make-up removed after cleansing, and it will heal the redness and any dryness on the face, neck and decollate. I also use it on fresh tattoos as it helps reduce both swelling and redness while soothing.

Witch Hazel is widely available in both brand name and store brand varieties. It is often sold in the pharmacy area of your favorite mega store or grocery chain. Look for where you would also purchase rubbing alcohol or peroxide and there should be at least a couple of options for you to choose from. The average purchase price for 16oz's should be about $1.60 depending on what area of the country you're looking to buy. You should also find Witch Hazel at your local health food store or co-op. One bottle of Witch Hazel lasts me about 60 days and I also use it to make a natural eye make-up remover. 

Here are some more uses for Witch Hazel: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-227-WITCH%20HAZEL.aspx?activeIngredientId=227&activeIngredientName=WITCH%20HAZEL

Tea Tree Oil is what it sounds like, an oil made from the leaves of the Tea Tree. It is often used to treat a variety of skin aliments. While it's not recommended that you ingest Tea Tree Oil, it is used to treat tooth and mouth infections so we're still okay with our beauty rule of thumb. 

Specifically you can use Tea Tree Oil to treat acne, ingrown hairs, cold sores, and allergic reactions. It needs to be diluted for proper application with another oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or grape seed oil. The recommended dilution level is 5%. A good rule of thumb is 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil per 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil. You can store your mixture in a small jar, and apply with a cotton swab directly to any acne break outs or skin irritations. This mixture can also be used to heal "strawberry legs" or ingrown hairs. Use it instead of your moisturizer after shaving, twice daily until the problem areas have healed. 

Tea Tree Oil can be found at your local pharmacy and in some cases your favorite mega mart store in the vitamin isle. It will most likely run you about $11-$12 for a 1-2oz bottle. That sounds expensive, but you're only using a couple of DROPS to make a couple of weeks worth of spot treatment. Again depending on how many areas of the body you're treating a bottle of tea tree oil will last me several months. If you're concerned about budget for this item stay away from the health food stores and co-ops, I've noticed in my area that they charge a couple of dollars more than the pharmacy chains. 

I also use Tea Tree Oil to make my all natural, biodegradable multi purpose house cleansers. It smells wonderful and cleans and disinfects. I'll be sure to post that recipe soon.

For more information and uses of Tea Tree Oil: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-113-TEA+TREE+OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=113&activeIngredientName=TEA+TREE+OIL&source=2&tabno=2

I bet you just thought I was crazy when you read "baking soda" for your face as a natural beauty treatment. But if you aren't aware of the many uses of baking soda, allow me to enlighten you. Baking soda is the best natural exfoliant around. It's inexpensive, readily available and doesn't rip or tear your skin when used as an exfoliant. You only need to mix baking soda with water to make a paste to use for the entire body. It also helps alleviate ingrown hairs, and soften your bath water. 

I use baking soda for everything. Cleansing the sink, toilets, as a water softener and fabric softener, for heartburn (my favorite use by far) and for an exfoliant. Baking soda is SO CHEAP! And it's so good for such a large variety of uses that I purchase it in bulk. I'll go more in depth on the wonderful things you can use baking soda for in another dedicated post but for today I want to stress that if you're breaking out try exfoliating twice a week with baking soda paste and see if that doesn't expedite the skin healing process. 

For more information and uses of Baking Soda: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate

As always if you have any questions in regard to the content of this post please comment. If you like the information please share! Elle 

I recently worked with Max again to capture some new images to create his comp card for IMTA. I do offer this service for both new models and those who have been working in the industry. Comp cards are a great way to network, and gain new business. 

What is a comp card? It's a business card for models. It contains a small selection of images from the model's portfolio and lists vital statistics such as height and sizing information. Comp cards typically also contain any agency information for booking purposes. If the model is unsigned or non-exclusive the agency information can be left off of the comp card. 

There are a couple of things your comp card should contain. The first is a focused selection of images showing range and flexibility. The images ideally can be from previous tears or printed work. If you don't have printed work the images should have a minimum of 4 different looks. The main image on your comp card is your head shot. The back of your comp card should have no less then 3 images and no more than 4 images. The back of your comp card is where you should include at least one full body image and some 3/4 shot images. I do not recommend completing a comp card primarily of head shots. 

Your comp card should also contain accurate, and up to date contact information. The comp card has two main purposes, conveying size and measurements and phone and email information. You want to ensure that a casting director is able to contact you easily. Do not hide or mask this information with fun graphics or design. Your comp card should be neat, clean and easy to read. 
Do include:

• height
• chest/bust
• waist
• hips
• weight
• hair color 
• eye color
• shoe size

Comp cards are typically 8.5"x5.5" and printed on high quality card stock. Do not print comp cards on photo paper, which is thin and appears to be cheap. Ensure you're using a good quality paper with substantial weight. You're making and leaving a first impression, make sure it's a good one! 

If you have any questions in regard to comp cards or this service please feel free to comment or email me. Thank you! 
Elle 

1) Your image needs to be the correct size. 

Images should be square. If you do not have editing software, ask your photographer to size your chosen profile image for you. I include this service for every LinkedIn portrait session. 

LinkedIn's help desk advises image sizing as:

• 200x200 pixels at the minimum and 500x500 pixels at the maximum
• file size should be no larger than 4MB
• file should be in JPG, GIF, or PNG format

Here are a couple of rules to follow for your LinkedIn image:

• Do not use an old photo. I recommend a new head shot every 6 months. You want to be easily recognizable in your image. When you meet someone for the first time face to face you don't want to surprise them with a completely different look in reality. 
• Use a photo of only you. Not a photo of your family, garden, kids or cat. If you're being photographed outdoors, keep the background simple and as minimal as possible. 
• Your image should include your head and your shoulders. Much like the examples provided in this post, ensure you're easily recognizable and in focus. 
• Correct lighting is critical for your photo. If you cannot afford to hire a professional for your photo, try to use natural light either early in the morning or mid to late afternoon. I am currently running a special on LinkedIn portraiture for just $75 all summer long. 

Here are a couple of tips to help you achieve an approachable photograph

• Smile! This seems obvious, however this means a natural smile. I'll say something ridiculous to a client to get them to laugh or smile naturally in order to capture that radiance. 
• Wear plain clothing, nothing heavily patterned or brightly colored such as neons or plaids. If you choose an accessory ensure that it's simple, and doesn't detract the eye from the face. 
• Try to be relaxed and confident. Think positive and that will resonate in your image. 
• If you're not great with make-up application consider a pro. Otherwise keep your application simple, and use a setting spray to ensure that your application remains on your face for the duration of your photo session. I recommend Graftobian's setting spray ($7.99 for 2oz www.graftobian.com) 
• Keep retouching to a minimum. A professional portrait for LinkedIn shouldn't contain a lot of blur or other "retouching". You want to avoid a "Glamour Shot". Also if you've got a mole on your right cheek, it should remain in the image. Again once you meet your potential employer you don't want to give your interviewer any surprises in person. This may cause them to wonder "what else you're hiding". 

After you've received your images from the photographer have a trusted friend or co-worker help you choose which image makes you look the most relaxed and approachable. Once you've decided on the image that best represents you and your brand, upload it right away! Start making new connections and perhaps land your dream job! 

If you have any questions please comment or email me directly. Good luck on your job search and I would be delighted to capture your next profile image. 

Retouching is part of any photo session purchased through Nouvelle Design Studio. I work hard to learn the newest editing techniques that allow me to exemplify perfection while maintain skin texture and overall quality of the image. I'm always learning and trying new techniques to make sure my final compositions are unique and engaging. If you have any questions in regard to what is included in your photo session for final editing or if you have a specific look you'd like me to recreate please send me an email and let's start planning your photo shoot!