so a few of you guys have asked which blogs i read. wow. where do i start?
here's a short laundry list below. but first, i must say, that i go through phases. it depends on my mood, the inspiration i want/need, and if i just want to look at pretty pictures :)
so, here we go:
photography
jasmine star photography great design, layout, inspiration, and fantastic person.
sarah rhoads photography quirky. love her & her husband-wife team.
by shea photography met her for a weekend in atlanta, love her style and inspiration.
from me to you awesome photo blog. cool stuff.
inspiration
cup of joe fun giveaways, fun gifts, city life
making things happen sometimes i need a challenge, and lara does it here. must read.
design
oh hello friend funky designer (reminds me of myself) great photography and inspriation
invitation blog great inspiration.
interior design
blue moss seen in a booth once. love the funky eclectic styling
my blog styles change i think weekly, but this is what i'm reading now. i really don't know what i'd do without blogs. sometimes they are my outlet to the reality of my world. does anybody else feel like this? its like you can read and get deep into people and realize your problems just aren't so big, or maybe you can get inspired, have more fun with something, or get great ideas.
any suggestions of new blogs?
COPYRIGHT | PLEASE READ
All images on this blog are copyright Image to Impact. Please do not screen-grab, right-click, or copy and post these to any website, social media site, etc. By doing so, you are violating copyright laws and will be asked to remove them immediately. Only Image to Impact may post these images online. When referencing your proofs, please link to this site. We appreciate your cooperation.Thank you for visiting our site.
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
{tapping into my crafty brain}
i'd like to think i'm a pretty crafty kinda girl. i love reading blogs on how-to's , DIYs, tutorials, and just plain making pretty things. i love to get inspired by somebody's favorite color scheme, ideas, experiences, or anything that makes people happy.
i think my ambition in life is really to do just that. make things that make people happy. in turn, i make myself happy, but other people too. i read a verse that really just kind of captivated me. its this :
i don't know what the future holds. with my field, there is so much out there. there are lots of ways that design and photography can go. as for now, i'll plug on like i'm "pluggin" on. and as for the future, i'll see. but in the now, its the little things that are making me happy. reading blogs. people's experiences, crafting adventures and just their daily lives. its amazing how you can connect.
anyways, my whole point is to say, i wouldn't have the love of photography and design, if i couldn't be hands-on too. i really love the whole aspect of being an artist, that you can change your daily routine. i feed off of using my hands to make things. i'll keep it that way, and i'm sure my plans will succeed :)
as for now, here's a few crafty tutorials that i think i'm going to dig into this weekend!
gettin a little crafty makin' a tshirt
this blog
this girls faith and style
whoah, amazing cut paper artist
i'm working a new weekly feature, called {tapping into my crafty brain} and i hope that you're gonna like it. i'll just be pouring out what's going on with me. hopefully you'll be along for the ride.
and please. be patient.
my new website is coming!
COPYRIGHT | PLEASE READ
All images on this blog are copyright Image to Impact. Please do not screen-grab, right-click, or copy and post these to any website, social media site, etc. By doing so, you are violating copyright laws and will be asked to remove them immediately. Only Image to Impact may post these images online. When referencing your proofs, please link to this site. We appreciate your cooperation.Thank you for visiting our site.
i think my ambition in life is really to do just that. make things that make people happy. in turn, i make myself happy, but other people too. i read a verse that really just kind of captivated me. its this :
it makes you stop, doesn't it? its hard sometimes for us to be selfish and want the things that WE want. we all struggle with that, don't we? i sure do. but this verse really helps me with that. to me, it means, hey - our own worldly desires are not something that we should push away, because if you commit to whatever it is that you do, your plans will succeed. that's why i feel like i really get to my happy place when i make things. when i make people happy. and when i just take time to put effort into my business and the way i want people to see me. i'm real, i am who i am and i'm not going to change my persona to fit anyone elses. that's why i have my favorite colors, my style, my passion and love for photography and graphic design. i've often told people, i would still do graphic design and photography even i didn't get paid to do it. i just love it that much. and one day, my plans will succeed. i don't know when. i know i'm successful at what i do, because people confirm that for me. i get new ideas and inspirations and excitement and that just confirms i'm doing what i need to be doing. my plans are successful.
i don't know what the future holds. with my field, there is so much out there. there are lots of ways that design and photography can go. as for now, i'll plug on like i'm "pluggin" on. and as for the future, i'll see. but in the now, its the little things that are making me happy. reading blogs. people's experiences, crafting adventures and just their daily lives. its amazing how you can connect.
anyways, my whole point is to say, i wouldn't have the love of photography and design, if i couldn't be hands-on too. i really love the whole aspect of being an artist, that you can change your daily routine. i feed off of using my hands to make things. i'll keep it that way, and i'm sure my plans will succeed :)
as for now, here's a few crafty tutorials that i think i'm going to dig into this weekend!
gettin a little crafty makin' a tshirt
this blog
this girls faith and style
whoah, amazing cut paper artist
i'm working a new weekly feature, called {tapping into my crafty brain} and i hope that you're gonna like it. i'll just be pouring out what's going on with me. hopefully you'll be along for the ride.
and please. be patient.
my new website is coming!
COPYRIGHT | PLEASE READ
All images on this blog are copyright Image to Impact. Please do not screen-grab, right-click, or copy and post these to any website, social media site, etc. By doing so, you are violating copyright laws and will be asked to remove them immediately. Only Image to Impact may post these images online. When referencing your proofs, please link to this site. We appreciate your cooperation.Thank you for visiting our site.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
quirky me.
I decided since I love love love reading bio and info from fellow designers, I'd do one on myself. I hope you find it as fun to read as it is to figure out myself! I'll also follow up with myself as a photographer.
At age nine, what did you both want to be?
A teacher. Every year on "career day" I dressed up as a teacher. In highschool I explored art. Loved it all. Thought about being a drafter for a good year, but soon realized it was not for me. I couldn't be creative enough and I love pure color so much I couldn't stand it.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?
I guess my mom and grandma tried to tell me this for years. I remember being in elementary school over at my grandma's house drawing on left over mill paper. And in church, drawing things and passing them on to little men that sat behind us. My grandma and mom always saved my work... never knew why. My grandma told me she always knew I'd be an artist... and its funny the colors I used back then I still love. But designer vs artist? I love fashion, and its my quirky way out of it. I knew when I realized how excited I was studying fonts, and color relationship and shapes.
Do you have any formal design training?
Yes. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Pretty crazy and strategic program there that was very difficult... but well worth every tear and stress.
What tools, techniques, and mindsets do you find absolutely essential?
Visualization. That's the first key... to know in your head what you have in your mind. I've found if I go with that first its normally the best starting point. I'm not one to start with a blank canvas and throw stuff on there. I'm all about conceptualizing and planning. I usually have a color scheme in my head going in to it.
Do you have a favorite font?
Favorite? I have several. Right now I'm really digging Hypatia Sans Pro. I love Champagne and Limosines, and Futura. I love mixing serif fonts w/ sans serifs. A few of my favorite serifs are adobe garamond and adobe caslon.
What are the easiest and the most difficult aspects of the design process for you?
Easiest... Layout. I usually have in my mind what I'd like for the design to look like. I worked a lot in college about size relationships and teaching graphic design classes (now that I think about it) seems like that's all I harped on. Hardest... Sometimes I wish I were more edgy about my work... but some projects don't allow it. So, the hardest part is... "Staying back." Being a little more conservative and being ok with it.
How many iterations does it take for a design to become final?
Depends... usually a good 3. This is great though... it forces me to be better at what I designed, push it and really solidify the design.
How do you come up with such different stuff?
I read blogs. I look at inspiration... I get inspiration. I love anything nature related and the colors you find in it. Trends in fashion also influence my designs as well.
Did you have any other paper products in your wedding?
I did. I designed our save the dates (printed with my own gocco printer) on recycled paper. They had a funky fun finish. I designed our wedding invitations (which were gatefold and had a fun belly band.) Also, each candy card at the candy bar, name tags, and gift tags for the candy bar. My favorite was our programs. I think my hand still hurts from punching all those holes.
Favorite design tool?
I really stand strong with a mix. I love photoshop for the fun things you can design and make... and accidents that become some of your stronger work... but then illustrator for drawing... and indesign simply because of all of your printing options. i suppose i couldn't pick just one.
What designers do you really admire? Do you have a favorite graphic designer? Fashion designer? Furniture designer?
Jessica Hische. She's fantastic with her typography... something I wish I could get a better grip on. I love simple, fun clean designs.
What advice would you give a new designer?
1. Push the envelope. Its better to be pulled back than to be conservative about everything.
2. You have to be able to take harsh criticism. At the time I hated it, but thank you Winthrop for running all our designs into the ground. I wouldn't be able to stand up for myself or even know what I was doing had I not had that experience.
3.Design for you, not for the "world." Its hard to do this sometimes but you will be happier with the end result.
Do you have an online shop?
Yes... www.imagetoimpact.etsy.com
Lots of fun things added often... cards, stationery, and custom designs. Check it out!
At age nine, what did you both want to be?
A teacher. Every year on "career day" I dressed up as a teacher. In highschool I explored art. Loved it all. Thought about being a drafter for a good year, but soon realized it was not for me. I couldn't be creative enough and I love pure color so much I couldn't stand it.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?
I guess my mom and grandma tried to tell me this for years. I remember being in elementary school over at my grandma's house drawing on left over mill paper. And in church, drawing things and passing them on to little men that sat behind us. My grandma and mom always saved my work... never knew why. My grandma told me she always knew I'd be an artist... and its funny the colors I used back then I still love. But designer vs artist? I love fashion, and its my quirky way out of it. I knew when I realized how excited I was studying fonts, and color relationship and shapes.
Do you have any formal design training?
Yes. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Pretty crazy and strategic program there that was very difficult... but well worth every tear and stress.
What tools, techniques, and mindsets do you find absolutely essential?
Visualization. That's the first key... to know in your head what you have in your mind. I've found if I go with that first its normally the best starting point. I'm not one to start with a blank canvas and throw stuff on there. I'm all about conceptualizing and planning. I usually have a color scheme in my head going in to it.
Do you have a favorite font?
Favorite? I have several. Right now I'm really digging Hypatia Sans Pro. I love Champagne and Limosines, and Futura. I love mixing serif fonts w/ sans serifs. A few of my favorite serifs are adobe garamond and adobe caslon.
What are the easiest and the most difficult aspects of the design process for you?
Easiest... Layout. I usually have in my mind what I'd like for the design to look like. I worked a lot in college about size relationships and teaching graphic design classes (now that I think about it) seems like that's all I harped on. Hardest... Sometimes I wish I were more edgy about my work... but some projects don't allow it. So, the hardest part is... "Staying back." Being a little more conservative and being ok with it.
How many iterations does it take for a design to become final?
Depends... usually a good 3. This is great though... it forces me to be better at what I designed, push it and really solidify the design.
How do you come up with such different stuff?
I read blogs. I look at inspiration... I get inspiration. I love anything nature related and the colors you find in it. Trends in fashion also influence my designs as well.
Did you have any other paper products in your wedding?
I did. I designed our save the dates (printed with my own gocco printer) on recycled paper. They had a funky fun finish. I designed our wedding invitations (which were gatefold and had a fun belly band.) Also, each candy card at the candy bar, name tags, and gift tags for the candy bar. My favorite was our programs. I think my hand still hurts from punching all those holes.
Favorite design tool?
I really stand strong with a mix. I love photoshop for the fun things you can design and make... and accidents that become some of your stronger work... but then illustrator for drawing... and indesign simply because of all of your printing options. i suppose i couldn't pick just one.
What designers do you really admire? Do you have a favorite graphic designer? Fashion designer? Furniture designer?
Jessica Hische. She's fantastic with her typography... something I wish I could get a better grip on. I love simple, fun clean designs.
What advice would you give a new designer?
1. Push the envelope. Its better to be pulled back than to be conservative about everything.
2. You have to be able to take harsh criticism. At the time I hated it, but thank you Winthrop for running all our designs into the ground. I wouldn't be able to stand up for myself or even know what I was doing had I not had that experience.
3.Design for you, not for the "world." Its hard to do this sometimes but you will be happier with the end result.
Do you have an online shop?
Yes... www.imagetoimpact.etsy.com
Lots of fun things added often... cards, stationery, and custom designs. Check it out!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
.. up to lately
Well hi! Its been quite a while, I know. I'm sorry for all of you guys who faithfully look forward to my post.
So what have I been doing? Transitioning. I've been working as a full time graphic designer with my side stationery/photography business. Its fun and full of lovely art. I wouldn't have it any other way.
So, here's 2 of my past projects.
First off, all the blue. The bride wanted a pretty light blue flower worked into all of her designs. We had so much fun with the paper stock. Its hard to tell, but its a stark white metallic paper. Such fun. It was backed with a cardstock and then assembled with the embossed "M" stickers on the back. Such a cute and creative finish to their custom wedding stationery. I was also given the priviledge to create their save the dates (previous to their invitations) and their wedding books as well.
Secondly, the beach wedding. What a gorgeous wedding this was. Sunrise, mimosas and all. The theme was the sand dollars and rich browns. Turned out great. The bride gave me the honor of creating wedding invitations, thank you cards, and tags for the gifts. Such fun.
To leave you with two bands/songs I'm crushing on right now...
Phil Wickham's music.
Sanctus Real : Lead Me http://www.sanctusreal.com/
So what have I been doing? Transitioning. I've been working as a full time graphic designer with my side stationery/photography business. Its fun and full of lovely art. I wouldn't have it any other way.
So, here's 2 of my past projects.
First off, all the blue. The bride wanted a pretty light blue flower worked into all of her designs. We had so much fun with the paper stock. Its hard to tell, but its a stark white metallic paper. Such fun. It was backed with a cardstock and then assembled with the embossed "M" stickers on the back. Such a cute and creative finish to their custom wedding stationery. I was also given the priviledge to create their save the dates (previous to their invitations) and their wedding books as well.
Secondly, the beach wedding. What a gorgeous wedding this was. Sunrise, mimosas and all. The theme was the sand dollars and rich browns. Turned out great. The bride gave me the honor of creating wedding invitations, thank you cards, and tags for the gifts. Such fun.
To leave you with two bands/songs I'm crushing on right now...
Phil Wickham's music.
Sanctus Real : Lead Me http://www.sanctusreal.com/
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Current wish list...
Just a few things I'd like to have right now...
A damask stencil. We've decided to stencil our master bedroom in damask on one wall. It will be a glossy look but the same color as the wall [light blue].
Gocco lamp bulbs.
I really miss working with my gocco. If only I could get a few more bulbs, I'll be able to get going again!
A mighty mouse for my mac.
Ok ok, I know the reviews aren't lovely, but having a mouse that currently will not scroll, or right click or be able to pinch the sides to clear the screen, just isn't working for me now! I just. want. this. mouse.
Those are professional things I'd like, now personals... hm.
A new fall dress.
This would go just great with my new cowboy boots. I couldn't be more excited. [and i even have that belt too]
New flats in my favorite fall color: plum.
I can't get enough of this color.
Lastly, a new wallet.
This one is cute, but I found an even cuter one at DSW.
For those of you who know me... you know exactly why I NEED a new wallet. Just sayin.
A damask stencil. We've decided to stencil our master bedroom in damask on one wall. It will be a glossy look but the same color as the wall [light blue].
Gocco lamp bulbs.
I really miss working with my gocco. If only I could get a few more bulbs, I'll be able to get going again!
A mighty mouse for my mac.
Ok ok, I know the reviews aren't lovely, but having a mouse that currently will not scroll, or right click or be able to pinch the sides to clear the screen, just isn't working for me now! I just. want. this. mouse.
Those are professional things I'd like, now personals... hm.
A new fall dress.
This would go just great with my new cowboy boots. I couldn't be more excited. [and i even have that belt too]
New flats in my favorite fall color: plum.
I can't get enough of this color.
Lastly, a new wallet.
This one is cute, but I found an even cuter one at DSW.
For those of you who know me... you know exactly why I NEED a new wallet. Just sayin.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Garden Invitation Design
Inspired by fall and all of the new & fun fashion colors coming out this season, I've designed a new collection based on the garden. Fully customizable!
See below, contact me for details!
Also, I can provide a cute little portfolio design so that all of your items arrive safely without damage!
See below, contact me for details!
Also, I can provide a cute little portfolio design so that all of your items arrive safely without damage!
New Portfolio site!
Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know I now have a new official portfolio site! Here you can see new designs posted often and share with your friends my work! Enjoy!
http://imagetoimpact.carbonmade.com
http://imagetoimpact.carbonmade.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Exciting things coming this week!
Whoah. Has it been a while since I've last posted or has it been a while?
Things have been a little crazy around here. Trying to work on a few things and getting our new house together really just takes up all your time. Anyways, I just wanted to post a few things that you can look forward to seeing this week. And promise me, I'm going to need you to tell at least 3 friends about my blog. I'd love for my work to get out there, people are just missing so much! Seriously! Get ready, here it comes!
New Etsy items:
-Wedding invitations by style
By this I mean: I'll have a few new samples provided for you to choose from. I've found that most brides have an idea in mind, but just can't quite put their hand on it. This way, this will eliminate a lot of the "I just don't know what I want." They will be unique and generic designs, and even samples can be purchased if you're interested in just seeing if you like it. The purchased sample will serve as a credit towards your order.
-Wedding programs by style
Same thing goes here. Why not just go with one designer if you know she's got all the supplies to make your wedding pieces match blissfully? By have the expertise of weddings, planning my own, and loving the industry, I can help you find exactly what you need and create something you can only imagine.
-Wedding thank you cards
Same as before. Thank you cards are so special, especially in the south. And since I'm a true southerner, I know how much a simple note in the mail means to someone buying you a gift or even just because. So, why not make them special and have them match your wedding? Who wants a wedding just thrown together piece by piece?
-Wedding stationery packages
In this I will offer many solutions to help your wedding planning go just as smoothly as possible. In this I will provide options such as invites, response cards, accommodation cards, direction cards, all envelopes, printing options, thank you cards, programs, save the dates, and even name place cards.
-More photography (by myself of course)
Look forward to more baby photos, portraits, and even fun stuff I do from time to time!
-More inspiration
I know some of my favorite blogs I read [daily] have lots of photos. And, I'm not going to lie to you... I'm a designer and photographer... I love photos. I love examples and that's how I enjoy to spend my time... not reading, but looking. Inspiration is what feeds us designers... so to add to my new [Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple] subscriptions for my recent birthday gift ideas, I'm posting many new things on this blog.
-More about my life.
I know most designer and photographers web blogs I read, they let you in. But just a little bit. I'm sure some of you guys want to know just a little bit about me, so I'm interested in telling. But just a little. :)
-A DAILY BLOG POST.
Yes. I said it. And I mean it. And, I'm being serious this time. :)
So, to leave you with a photo because I have to after I made such a fuss about the photos, here you go.
Great blog. Photo credit belongs here. http://clothedmuch.blogspot.com/2009/08/ive-been-flower-ed.html
Things have been a little crazy around here. Trying to work on a few things and getting our new house together really just takes up all your time. Anyways, I just wanted to post a few things that you can look forward to seeing this week. And promise me, I'm going to need you to tell at least 3 friends about my blog. I'd love for my work to get out there, people are just missing so much! Seriously! Get ready, here it comes!
New Etsy items:
-Wedding invitations by style
By this I mean: I'll have a few new samples provided for you to choose from. I've found that most brides have an idea in mind, but just can't quite put their hand on it. This way, this will eliminate a lot of the "I just don't know what I want." They will be unique and generic designs, and even samples can be purchased if you're interested in just seeing if you like it. The purchased sample will serve as a credit towards your order.
-Wedding programs by style
Same thing goes here. Why not just go with one designer if you know she's got all the supplies to make your wedding pieces match blissfully? By have the expertise of weddings, planning my own, and loving the industry, I can help you find exactly what you need and create something you can only imagine.
-Wedding thank you cards
Same as before. Thank you cards are so special, especially in the south. And since I'm a true southerner, I know how much a simple note in the mail means to someone buying you a gift or even just because. So, why not make them special and have them match your wedding? Who wants a wedding just thrown together piece by piece?
-Wedding stationery packages
In this I will offer many solutions to help your wedding planning go just as smoothly as possible. In this I will provide options such as invites, response cards, accommodation cards, direction cards, all envelopes, printing options, thank you cards, programs, save the dates, and even name place cards.
-More photography (by myself of course)
Look forward to more baby photos, portraits, and even fun stuff I do from time to time!
-More inspiration
I know some of my favorite blogs I read [daily] have lots of photos. And, I'm not going to lie to you... I'm a designer and photographer... I love photos. I love examples and that's how I enjoy to spend my time... not reading, but looking. Inspiration is what feeds us designers... so to add to my new [Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple] subscriptions for my recent birthday gift ideas, I'm posting many new things on this blog.
-More about my life.
I know most designer and photographers web blogs I read, they let you in. But just a little bit. I'm sure some of you guys want to know just a little bit about me, so I'm interested in telling. But just a little. :)
-A DAILY BLOG POST.
Yes. I said it. And I mean it. And, I'm being serious this time. :)
So, to leave you with a photo because I have to after I made such a fuss about the photos, here you go.
Great blog. Photo credit belongs here. http://clothedmuch.blogspot.com/2009/08/ive-been-flower-ed.html
Monday, May 11, 2009
Drawing frogs...
Just wanted to share a little drawing I just finished up. Shortly, it will be part of Prosperity, SC's (my home town) new brochure. Once the brochure is up and going I'll post a few samples of it. The brochure will be in rest stops and shops throughout South Carolina. For now, enjoy the frog. And later, I'll show you why Prosperity is known for frogs!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The lovely GOCCO!
Well, I finally put my awesome gocco to work. And boy, does it take some practice and patience. Anyways, I'm going to attempt to explain how this thing works as best I can. So, here's the machine:
Its a small Japanese printer that you ink yourself after your burn the image onto a silkscreen. This is a photo of the gocco opened up. It requires 2 flash bulbs and a new screen each time you burn an image onto the screen, which is inserted into the small light blue area.
After you burn the image to the screen by exposing it with flash bulbs, you ink your image. After inking the image, your screen looks like this:
A mess. Its pretty much magic I'd say... how this thing works. For my first project I think I was pretty successful. However, this is actually a dual post... announcing our ENGAGEMENT!!! Since I am a designer, of course everything in our wedding will be designed by me (and the help and input of my wonderful fiance). Let me know what you think of them! Here's the final project, in its mass :) and also the hand-made envelopes that I made to complete the unique design for our party!
Please feel free to contact me for a special and unique project!
Its a small Japanese printer that you ink yourself after your burn the image onto a silkscreen. This is a photo of the gocco opened up. It requires 2 flash bulbs and a new screen each time you burn an image onto the screen, which is inserted into the small light blue area.
After you burn the image to the screen by exposing it with flash bulbs, you ink your image. After inking the image, your screen looks like this:
A mess. Its pretty much magic I'd say... how this thing works. For my first project I think I was pretty successful. However, this is actually a dual post... announcing our ENGAGEMENT!!! Since I am a designer, of course everything in our wedding will be designed by me (and the help and input of my wonderful fiance). Let me know what you think of them! Here's the final project, in its mass :) and also the hand-made envelopes that I made to complete the unique design for our party!
Please feel free to contact me for a special and unique project!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Target Makes Me Happy
Ok, so let me explain. Back in the 'ol college days when a certain friend of mine and myself were unhappy about something, bored, or in a "funk," we'd take a little trip to Target. We'd call it the "Target Makes Me Happy Run." More often than not, we'd buy ourselves something $10 or less, (we had to set a limit, we were poor college kids) to brighten up our day. It really works, and it may just all be in my head, but I still use that tactic today. Just try it out, if your in a funk... run to Target. Get you something that you didn't really need, but you wanted. See if I'm right.
So, I did a little run online... to put together a new mini office that I'd really like to see happen in my place. My theme is black and lime green, with aqua accents. [More photos to come later.] Enjoy for now.
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