Client Interview: ColoRADogs & Graphic Design

by: Lisa Slagle

Featured Story:  10 Questions with ColoRADogs, Fort Collins, CO

Check out the ColoRADogs at:
www.coloradogs.org
and their facebook page: HERE 

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ColoRADogs is a rescue, advocacy, and outreach organization for dogs, especially Pit Bull type breeds. Wheelie Creative Design has worked with them on some design projects, and they are an awesome nonprofit run by great people and great dogs. I had the opportunity to ask the ColoRADogs founder and dog advocate extraordinaire, Nancy Tranzow, some questions about her experience working with designers and running a nonprofit.  Read her answers below. Thanks, Nancy!

Name: Nancy (Pants) Tranzow
Company: ColoRADogs
Location: Fort Collins
Job Title: Founder/President/ Head Crazy

1. What does ColoRADogs do?
We are a rescue, advocacy, education and outreach organization. We rescue all breeds but our focus is on “Pit Bull” type dogs. We advocate for breed neutral laws, educate about responsible ownership and reach out to at need communities to provide resources to dog owners so they can keep their buddies.

2. Well that's rad. What is your specific role within the company?
I’m the Founder/President and head crazy of the group. I am the go to girl and where the buck stops. I am in charge of getting out our message, fielding inquiries and coordinating rescues, especially in the case of cruelty/fighting cases. I am also in charge of making my Board feel supported and cheering them on as they do amazing jobs in their roles.

3. What projects have you worked on with Wheelie Creative Design?
Our branding, cards, brochures and getting great advice about wording and communication.

4. What has been your favorite part about working with a designer?
They know their job and are professionals at what they do. I did not have to worry about that aspect of our organization and my design is unique to us, noticeable, and isn’t some lame self-developed logo that is obvious that a non-professional developed it.

5. What have you learned about design or working with a designer?
That they are worth every penny! A designer can help bring your organization to the next level through personal branding that shows the public who YOU are.

6. Why or how do you think design is important to ColoRADogs?
Because we work with Pit Bulls, and often fighting victims, our logo needed to be welcoming, fun and cartoonish which is what our dogs are despite what their past is. People KNOW who we are through our logo and it has helped make us more approachable and brought a lighthearted aspect to a sometimes difficult endeavor.

7. What upcoming projects or events are happening at ColoRADogs?
We are in the process of finishing a “mini-barn” so we have a place for dogs to decompress while they wait for fosters. We are at local dog related events and will be participating at the first annual Colorado Mountain Dog Festival. We are also working to develop laws to present to area councils where BSL is present in order to try to replace them with breed neutral legislation.  

8. How can people get involved and help more dogs?
We need people to become more educated about Pit Bulls and how abused they are as a breed instead of the usually “monster” myths. But for all dogs, consider fostering for a group if you have room. If not, donate what you can. Make sure they are reputable. Ask to walk a dog. If you have a neighbor who is struggling, help them out so they can keep their dog with them. Sponsor the cost of a spay/neuter. The way to truly make a difference is to keep dogs out of the shelter and in their original homes with people who love them. But, money always helps. It is our biggest struggle to keep funding coming in.

9. What is your favorite aspect of running a non-profit?
We are helping people and dog, and making a difference one pup at a time. Nothing feels better than saving lives and changing hearts and minds…nothing!

10. What's your advice to other companies when hiring a graphic designer?
Look at their previous work. Make sure you “click” and that you communicate well with each other. Find the designer that does the type of work that fits your company and finally, appreciate them and PAY them well. People look at artists/designers as somehow not being as valuable as say, their bookkeeper. But they are far more valuable. They will brand your company and that is a huge part of what will help you be successful. They are worth every penny! Best believe it!

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Check out the ColoRADogs at: www.coloradogs.org
and their facebook page: HERE 

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