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Design Marketing

The Top Graphic Design Trends of 2023: A Mid-Year Review

In recent years, graphic design has become an increasingly important aspect of modern communication. With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, businesses and individuals alike are in constant need of visual representations that convey a message or emotion. As a result, the field of graphic design has seen many trends emerge, each one bringing something unique to the table. From minimalist designs to bold color choices, there is no shortage of innovation happening in the world of graphic design.

As we walk into the second half of the year 2023, what can we expect to see in the realm of graphic design? In this article, we will explore the latest trends and predictions for how this creative field continues to evolve.

  1. Bold Typography: Large, bold typography with unique fonts and creative layouts is expected to continue to be a popular trend in 2023. This expressive approach to typeface works well for making a strong impression and allowing text to stand out against busy backgrounds.
  2. 3-D Design: The integration of three-dimensional elements into graphic design adds depth and dimension to designs. These elements can range from photo-realistic renderings to hand-drawn illustrations with a sense of volume and contour. Expect this trend to gain traction as designers further explore the possibilities it offers.
  3. Minimalism: The minimalist design philosophy centers around clean lines, simple shapes, and limited color palettes. This enduring trend streamlines visual communications, helping viewers focus on critical messages without unnecessary distractions.
  4. Gradients: Gradients have resurfaced as a vibrant way to add subtle depth without interrupting design simplicity. Their popularity shows no sign of waning come 2023 – watch for gradients to be incorporated alongside bold typography or 3D design for a modern look.
  5. Sustainability: Green thinking influences not only materials but also the aesthetic choices of designers. Sustainable design practices are becoming increasingly important as businesses seek Eco-friendly solutions that strike a balance between style and environmental responsibility.
  6. Abstract Art: Abstract art in graphic design brings an experimental edge to creative work with geometric shapes, bold colors, and unconventional compositions. Some designers find inspiration in abstract fine art movements, incorporating aspects of these styles into their creations for a distinctive look.
  7. Hand-drawn illustrations: Hand-drawn illustrations add a personal touch to designs and are expected to remain popular in 2023.
  8. Retro-inspired designs: Nostalgia for past decades is expected to continue to influence graphic design trends in 2023, with designers incorporating retro-inspired elements like vintage typography or color schemes into their work.

As we move further into the future, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into the world of design. AI will play a crucial role by automating certain tasks and helping designers to streamline their workflows, allowing them to focus on creativity and innovation.

Our Graphics Design team is here to help your business enhance its visual aesthetics. Schedule a no-obligation call today by clicking here.
Categories
Food & Dining Marketing

Heart-Warming Christmas Foods & Drinks that we Love!

White Christmas is definitely delightful. A cold one, not so much. A reason why we have put together our 5 favorites for this time of the year.  They will not only warm your heart, but also your body and soul.

HOT CHOCOLATE

The yummilicious beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayan around 2,500–3,000 years ago. The cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, and they referred to it as xocōlātl. The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico to the New World and has undergone multiple changes since then. To have this prepared with water or milk tends to be a personal preference, and I like both. But when it comes to hot chocolate add-ins, nothing beats traditional marshmallows or whipped cream. The lightness and creaminess created by melting marshmallows or whipped cream into hot cocoa beautifully balance the thickness and richness of the chocolate perfectly.

PECAN PIE

Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be dominated with pie capturing nearly 87% of the market share. Not surprising, considering the two holidays revolve around food; a meal incomplete without dessert. During winter, dry fruits become an essential part of the diet which is why a pie made of pecans is given. This delicious, and mouth-watering buttery sweetness does well warm with a scoop of ice cream.

CHRISTMAS CAKE

Christmas cake is an English tradition that began as plum porridge. A traditional English Christmas cake is made with moist Zante currants, sultanas (golden raisins), and raisins that have been soaked in brandy, rum, whisky, or sherry. The cake may be covered in layers of marzipan, then icing, and is usually decorated, often with plaid ribbon bands and Christmas models such as snowmen, fir trees, or Father Christmas. In certain parts of the world, soaking fruits in alcohol is celebrated as it marks not only the start of the holiday season but a reason to be joyous, and merry.

EGGNOG

Here is another drink that I particularly look forward to during the holidays. It is popular during this time of the year because of its warm temperature and flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean are all synonymous with Christmas. Alcohol could be added and the preferred choices include brandy, rum, bourbon, or whisk

A tried and tested Eggnog recipe

And finally,

WARM APPLE CIDER

Now that I have not had it in a while. The fragrance of cinnamon lingers at home hours after the drink has been prepared and consumed. Its warmth and coziness bring a smile to the frosted lips and cheeks that otherwise would have taken their own time to be thawed.

 

Related: Foodie Tour in Costa Rica

Categories
Food & Dining Korea (South) Marketing

4 Must-Do Healthy Activities in Korea

  1. Jimjilbang literally means ‘heated rooms’, a place where locals come to unwind, engage and hang out while enjoying a host of health and beauty rituals that go beyond a quick soak. The cost to enter a jimjilbang is between ₩7000 and ₩20,000 (CAD 7 – CAD 20) and it varies based on the day of the week, the time of the day, and its location. Koreans have long believed that perspiring in these hot rooms has a medicinal effect and could help improve blood circulation, reduce stress, clear out the pores and possibly help with weight loss. They certainly make for a great place to meditate, relax, and unwind especially for tourists who may have spent a long day exploring the city.
    Suggested article for a first-timer at a Jimjilbang
  2. Korean Ginseng is a bitter-tasting root with a strong flavor whose shape resembles that of a human body. It is said to contain plenty of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, including saponins or ‘ginsenosides’. Ginsenosides are known to boost immunity and help fight cancer as well as provide a quick recovery from fatigue. Korean Ginseng is a high-quality souvenir and can be purchased in department stores, supermarkets, road shops, and ginseng specialty shops when in Korea.
  3. Makgeolli has the longest history among all of Korea’s traditional alcohols. Made by mixing steamed glutinous rice or wheat with nuruk, a fermentation starter culture, and water, the mixture is left to ferment. Extremely nutritious and low in calories, Makgeolli is 80% water and 6–8% alcohol. An unfiltered beverage, it contains lactic acid and lactobacillus bacteria, at the level found in yogurt. It also contains dietary fiber. All in all, it aids digestion, improves immune function, and slows the aging process
  4. Temple Stay is a unique opportunity to experience Korean Buddhism, its daily lifestyle, rituals, and spirituality. It entails staying at a Buddhist temple and engaging in daily monastic activities, a wonderful way to rediscover oneself. Imagine waking up to the sound of temple bells that sweep through the mountains, rendering peace in the hearts of temple visitors. A temple stay provides sanctuary from city life and offers space for meditation and holistic healing. A typical temple stay program includes a Buddhist service, seon meditation, the 108 prostrations, and communal work. Some programs also educate participants on monastic meal offerings and tea ceremony rituals.

 

We recommend seeking medical consultation from your doctor before engaging in any of the suggested activities while in Korea. A doctor knows what is best for you!

Categories
Food & Dining Marketing

Foodie Tour in San Jose Costa Rica

The farm-to-table experience in San Jose is nothing short of a MUST DO when visiting Costa Rica.

A globetrotter, I appreciate the gastronomic diversity and as a foodie, I love it! If you are considering a night or two in San Jose, make sure to add this experience to your itinerary!

This journey began at 4:00 PM when we met the organizer and our guide for the evening, Adri who took us to our first spot – Cabra Negra.  Here, we met the Coffee Brew-master who walked us through the process that a coffee bean endures, the types of filters & coffee apparatuses one could use, and that of extracting the most flavor from your ground coffee. OMG to say the least!

DID YOU KNOW? Coffee drinking in Costa Rica is more of a social 4 PM event, unlike here where it is a ‘wake me up’, the daily morning requirement of the sleep-deprived desperate worker bee.

The varying texture of the filter and the number of drip holes makes the world of a difference to the taste, something I got to learn that day. 3 different types of coffees were paired with delicious appetizers.

Just as we were getting ready to head, we were surprised with a cold brew containing a hint of rum and mint. Exactly what the taste buds needed to help us through till the next stop – Arbol de Seda.

Veg CevicheOffering vegetarian food, the Chef aims to show the world that ‘meatless’ food could be tasty too. True that! The vegetarian ceviche was a scrumptious blend of flavors where the softness of avocado mixed with the crunchy coconut crisps blended in the coconut milk made tangy by pineapple chunks; all of which came through in every bite. This unexpected goodness left me craving for just a little more.

To wrap up our stop, we were served baby corn in tempura(ish) batter (image above) and corn tortilla topped with mushrooms, onion, and avocado. Our hearts gleamed, once again, just as we were setting foot to leave, a door opened to reveal a secret room and the tastiest drink of my life. The Astral Speak Easy Bar is a great spot for individuals that savor a good mix based on astrological signs. I sure did end up spending a lot more time chatting with the bartender here! (follow her on insta @la.bruja.de.la.barra)

“Vamos vamos” I was told, “the hosts at Isolina are on hold”.

A home turned restaurant, they have maintained the original elements which gives this quaint restaurant a homely feel. Focusing on farm-to-table, they use local ingredients. To my surprise, the local potato-like starchy appetizer was the perfect tastebud refresher to the main course which was sweet potato, baked & served with cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. Despite a full stomach, I managed to make a little more space for desert.

What a night! And we were not done yet. To shake things around, our last stop (finally!) was Zuntra where we learned the art of being a bartender mixing our own drink. Unfortunately, we were under supervision. No drink is complete without the Cacique in Costa Rica and a small pour is all a fable drinker needs.

Thinking back and to this day, I salivate as the tastes still linger in my mouth. An experience that still warms my heart. And the stomach, which still craves for a little more.

In gratitude to the tour host, the chefs, and the servers, all of whom came together making my journey through San Jose a memorable one!

Something else you may want to check out – 7 Good Things To Know About Kimchi
Categories
Destination Marketing Slovenia

Slovenia – A Hidden Gem Worthy Of a Detour

This green country is tucked away in Central Europe offering something for every traveler and lots of love for everyone.

Its diverse topography consists of four major European geographic landscapes – the European Alps, the karstic Dinaric Alps, the Pannonian, and Danubian lowlands & hills, and the Mediterranean coast. A reason why landscape tends to change every 10 minutes of driving. The green heart of Europe shares a 670 KM long border with Croatia, making it an ideal dual destination combination.

Whether you are about being one with nature or are a wine connoisseur, you will leave Slovenia satiated. One can enjoy a green holiday in Slovenia as much as a gastronomical or wellness experience. The unique ways to explore the destination include active holidays, spa & health resorts, food & wine journeys, culture, and romantic getaways to name a few.

When one thinks of nature, limestone caves are the first to come to mind. After all, there are over 13,000 caves across the country and nearly 200 open to the public. Of these, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are must-do attractions.

Known for its diverse gastronomy, Slovenia’s culinary scene is influenced by its neighboring countries – Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. One can taste dishes from no less than 24 gastronomical areas and 3 wine-growing regions. There is keen interest in its local micro-breweries too. Slovenia received its first Michelin star in 2020 and the latest edition of the guide features 58 Slovenian restaurants. Local ingredients transformed into unique culinary creations.

No matter when your travels take you to Slovenia, it is a gem worth the detour. Imagine a private saxophone concert in a Karst Cave or a winemaker that surprises your clients after a long cycling tour. Every experience made possible by Roundabout Travel Experiences, a Slovenian incoming operator specializing in awe-inspiring journeys across Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

Saleint Marketing Agency is managing the North American Sales office for Roundabout Travel Experiences.

Categories
Destination Hotel Korea (South) Marketing

Feel At Home With Fairmont Ambassador

Why is it that you feel right at home when you’re in South Korea? Because even though it’s more than 8,000 Kms away from Canada, Seoul is one of the most modern cities in Asia that mixes class, culture, and technology in its main cities. Get ready to check into The Fairmont Ambassador Seoul experience!

Located at walking distance from parks and metro stations, this modern venue can easily accommodate people from all over the world in over 300 spacious rooms. With ballrooms and meeting rooms ready to welcome large parties, there are various possibilities for events of all sorts. Whether you’re planning a corporate event or a wedding celebration The Fairmont Ambassador Seoul offers elegant options that are both modern and classically influenced.

Download the hotel brochure

No lasting experience would be complete without having a taste of superb meals at one of their four restaurants. Guests can enjoy an all-day culinary experience, either when having lunch at Spectrum or The Atrium Lounge and when gazing at the city skyline from Mariposa or M29 for dinner.

Since The Fairmont is part of Accor Hotels, you also get to accumulate your meeting planner points as a bonus. That is certainly a reason to break out your Gangnam Style dance moves.

* Fun Fact for impressing people – Did you know that Gangnam Style literally means “South of the River Style” which is a region that is one of the richest and most glamorous places in Seoul. This classy district of Seoul is notorious for people displaying their trendy and hip lifestyles.

If you want to find out more about how you can plan your next meetings and events close to a Convention Center and create a lasting experience with super delighted clients, visit Fairmont.com/seoul

View the meeting specs

Categories
Destination Food & Dining Korea (South) Marketing

MishMash – Restaurant With A Hanok Vibe!

Enter a world of taste in a place that fuses gourmet dishes with the delicious flavors of Korean Cuisine. MishMash offers its visitors a distinct experience, both in architecture and its characteristic menu. If you’re looking for a unique venue that offers a mix of culture, taste, and convenience, book your next big meeting at MishMash, a restaurant with a Hanok vibe.

Hanok is a traditional Korean house made up of a wooden framework that varies in shape depending on the region. The term was used to refer to houses built in the Korean architectural style in comparison with Western-style buildings.” The word is a combination of two Chinese characters, han (韓, meaning “the Korean people”) and ok (屋, meaning “house”). Hanoks can be divided into several types according to their layout, like U-shaped hanoks, as well as L-shaped, square, and straight-lined.

Much like in business, you should plan and book your spot on this popular venue because it’s frequented by all types of business people.

→ Read the entire article curated by European Chamber of Commerce in Korea by clicking here

Whether you choose lunch or dinner, you will always have an option to the Chef’s Choice. And who is the Chef? None other than Ecole Ferrandi alumni Minzi Kim Wind, whose worked at several Michelin restaurants in Denmark, France, and Spain. What makes her style unique is the delicate balance of maintaining a traditional Korean taste when introducing new flavors and dishes. Perfect for all occasions.

This means that guests can travel through the rich taste of traditional Korean cuisine that meets modern techniques and plates for a delicious journey without leaving the Hanok, all while enjoying views of the Palace which is located nearby.

MishMash offers groups reservations open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, which gives you a lot of room to plan the best meeting and pair it with the perfect restaurant.

Categories
In the news Marketing

Marketing Agency Designed For The Travel & Tourism Sector

Saleint’s Founder and Chief Brand Ambassador, Mahima Tripathi was interviewed by Ms. Divya Sharma of Morning Laziness for their rule breaker series.

Read the article

Saleint began its journey in 2013 as a sales & marketing agency promoting tourism based organizations to the travel advisors & meeting planners in the Canadian marketplace. As 2022 rolled around, the agency transformed itself to become a full-service marketing agency designed exclusively for the travel, tourism & hospitality industries. The suite of services include digital marketing, graphic designs, website development and so much more.

Check out some of our services

This article is a good insight and an introduction to Saleint. Hope you enjoy reading it! For questions or additional information, please reach out to us at ambassador@saleint.ca

Categories
Food & Dining Korea (South) Marketing

7 Good Things To Know About Kimchi

Kimchi is Korea’s unique ethnic food, and historical records showed that kimchi was invented around 4,000 years ago (ref. Science Direct). Fermented food, Kimchi is packed with vitamins and minerals with several health benefits including better gut health. Lactobacilli bacteria is found in Kimchi, which is what makes it an excellent probiotic. Here are some fun facts to impress your colleagues, friends, and family with when it comes to Kimchi:  

  1. An average Korean consumes about 40-57 pounds of Kimchi a year. It is an essential side dish served with almost every meal.
  2. Kimchi has been taken to space by Yi So Yeon, South Korea’s first astronaut. South Korea spent millions of dollars to create Kimchi that would be suitable for consume-in space.
  3. There are over 200 types of Kimchi and with that many variants, not every Korean has tried them all.
  4. Kimchi may aid weight loss and also help reduce body weight, body fat, and blood sugar levels.
  5. Most Koreans have a special kimchi fridge with a more humid environment and less moving air to help maintain the freshness.
  6. Taking photos in Korea? Don’t say cheese, say Kimchi! Many South Koreans go with Smile, Whiskey, or LG.
  7. A kimchi museum was named one of the world’s best food museums by CNN

Curious about more fun facts? Check out K-Pop Foods or Hey Explorer.

Related: 4 Must Do Healthy Activities in Korea

Categories
Destination Korea (South) Marketing

5 Questions Planners Ask About The DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (Known as the DMZ) is widely considered a must in the bucket list of anyone visiting South Korea. As more people arrive each year, planners are usually faced with several questions. Here are the Top Five Answers to the most commonly asked questions:

  1. Is it safe to visit the DMZ? Absolutely, yes. While the DMZ in Korea is considered by some “the world’s most dangerous border,” there is no threat to any civilians or visitors. Tourists entering the DMZ go through a routine briefing that covers the do’s and don’ts of the visit. Although a safety waiver is required to visit the JSA (joint security area), where the North Korean and South Korean forces stand facing each other, the briefing will cover everything you need to know to better enjoy the experience.
  2. Are there any steps that I need to take before the visit? All you have to do is book your visit! It’s that simple. You can even do it from your couch. After you book, a DMZ travel operator will get in touch with you to cover all the details of your visit.
  3. What should my delegates be aware of before the visit? You cannot be part of this experience if you don’t bring your passport. Also, out of respect for the local culture, the dress code should be at least smart business casual. What does this mean? Absolutely no torn jeans, no shorts, and no open-toe footwear. Dress as if you were attending a business networking event. There will be several checkpoints along the way where military people board the bus; this is normal protocol.
  4. What’s the ideal budget for this experience? The Price points start around CAD 175.00 per person. The costs may vary on each day of the week, time of the year, exclusive bus/coach requirement, pick-up points, meal(s) needed kind of meal required, and so on. For an incentive group, we recommend budgeting CAD 500.00 per person in order to offer a more elaborate meal. Prices change and we recommend connecting with the tour organizers before submitting the final budget for approval.
  5. Are there any other unique experiences in the DMZ? Visiting the DMZ is a unique experience by itself. And yes, there’s a chance you get to capture everything that’s unique about this area, including an interview with the North Korean Defector. This interview is conducted in Korean with a translator and a guide. Delegates and attendees can come up-close and hear first-hand for as little as CAD 150 per person for this tour.

You might wish to check out a sample waiver form as you plan the visit to the DMZ.