Mike Henden
Mike is a Wellington, New Zealand-based graphic and digital designer who helps small businesses to look sharp and communicate clearly, both online and in print. With years of experience creating brands, websites and marketing designs that actually work in the real world, Mike combines creative thinking with practical know-how to produce work that feels right, looks great and gets results.
Posts by Mike Henden for Things you need to know
How Much Should You Really Budget for a Website in NZ?
Wondering what a small-business website in New Zealand should actually cost? We unpack the real numbers — design, development, hosting, content and the bits nobody else tells you about.
Read more about 'How Much Should You Really Budget for a Website in NZ?'...
What Should Your Brand Kit Include?
When you started your business you had your logo professionally designed. You did things properly. You went straight to a real Graphic Designer and parted with some real cold, hard cash. So did you get the tools you needed to build a ‘brand’ for your business? Or did you just get a logo design?
Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer (and not just use your smartphone)
In a world where nearly everyone has a smartphone and thousands of photos sitting in their pocket, it’s tempting to think: “Why hire a professional photographer when I can just take the photo myself?” Here’s why...
Brand Amplification in the Age of AI-Powered Search
Publishing new content is the key to staying relevant online. But if AI is answering people's search queries, how does your content get seen? The short answer: Brand Amplification.
Read more about 'Brand Amplification in the Age of AI-Powered Search'...
Why Your Website’s Content is as Important as Coffee on a Monday Morning
Thought you’d nailed your website content, right? So how come people aren’t sticking around?
Read more about 'Why Your Website’s Content is as Important as Coffee on a Monday Morning'...
Good Design: The Secret Sauce Your Business Didn’t Know It Needed!
Good graphic design isn’t just about making things look fancy; it’s like the secret sauce that makes your business irresistible. Whether you’re starting fresh or levelling up, great design can do wonders.
Read more about 'Good Design: The Secret Sauce Your Business Didn’t Know It Needed!'...
Why Being the Swiss Army Knife of Graphic Design is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
Let’s face it, in the world of graphic design, you’ve probably heard the saying Jack of all trades, master of none. It’s usually said with a bit of a sniff, as if dabbling in multiple skills is somehow a crime. Well, the fact is being a graphic designer who can juggle print, web, social media and video design is like being a Swiss Army knife.
Are ‘Buyer Personas’ Just Marketing Bullsh*t?
Let’s be real – the term ‘buyer personas’ sounds like marketing jargon, doesn’t it?
Read more about 'Are ‘Buyer Personas’ Just Marketing Bullsh*t?'...
Why it’s so Important to give your Graphic Designer a Complete and Well-defined Creative Brief
Think time spent writing a brief is wasted, or believe “I’ll know what I like when I see it”? A clear brief for your designer is essential for any design project.
Why Graphic and Web Designers Are Still Relevant: A Deep Dive
In today’s digital age, it might seem like graphic and web designers are becoming less relevant. But let’s take a closer look at why graphic and web designers are still very much in demand and essential for creating truly standout visuals and experiences.
Read more about 'Why Graphic and Web Designers Are Still Relevant: A Deep Dive '...