Brand Launch // Hilltop Shoppe

We're thrilled to launch the new branding for Hilltop Shoppe. This adorable, new shoppe is opening soon on Magazine Street in New Orleans. I'm really hoping that Bruner and I can sneak away to New Orleans for the Grand Opening party in mid-September…

We're thrilled to launch the new branding for Hilltop Shoppe. This adorable, new shoppe is opening soon on Magazine Street in New Orleans. I'm really hoping that Bruner and I can sneak away to New Orleans for the Grand Opening party in mid-September. Plus, I'd love to finally meet these fabulous owners (Rosalind and Mary-Martin) for the first time in person! New website is in the works...

New Branding: Blair Weddings + Events

So excited to share the new branding for Blair Weddings + Events! Blair is fabulous and brilliant at what she does. Website coming soon, but for now, you can follow her on insta @blairevents

So excited to share the new branding for Blair Weddings + Events! Blair is fabulous and brilliant at what she does. Website coming soon, but for now, you can follow her on insta @blairevents

Stationery and other collateral graphics are in the works...Plus, she's been SCOUTED for The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. Super excited about that too!

Stationery and other collateral graphics are in the works...Plus, she's been SCOUTED for The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. Super excited about that too!

P.S. My portfolio is very behind, but hope to add my new work there soon....blog is easier for me for now!

business + social media

I've had this blog post in my head for a while, but haven't found the time to think it through or make it happen. Yesterday, I had a work meeting with my good friend and client, Sarah Otts. Sarah is a talented artist (follow her on instagram @sarah_…

I've had this blog post in my head for a while, but haven't found the time to think it through or make it happen. Yesterday, I had a work meeting with my good friend and client, Sarah Otts. Sarah is a talented artist (follow her on instagram @sarah_otts_paintings). Her work is gorgeous! I respect her opinion, and we were talking social media. I asked what motivated her to step-up her social media game, and her answer was pretty simple: the more you share the more business increases, if it's done well. I've seen this first-hand too, but sometimes I go into a rut. She encouraged me to go for it. What's there to lose? 

Every time I speak with a client, especially small business owners and artists, social media comes up. Most clients feel overwhelmed by it. I can tell its personal and that it bothers them, and I feel the same way lately. It has changed our ways of thinking and how we do business. “Our feed” represents us in a very public and vulnerable way.  

Here’s some of what I tell my clients: Everyone is different. Don’t force anything. Be you. That works. If you’re overwhelmed put it down. If you find it fun and want to share, do it. Don’t overthink it. It’s social media. But at the same time, if you post regularly, do think it through. What do you have to lose? 

But, sometimes it's easier to coach than it is to play. And quite honestly, social media is a tough beast to figure out. I struggle with it all too, and have by NO means mastered it. I have a love/hate relationship with it, especially when it comes to my business. It’s confusing to know which way to go. I'll be honest, sometimes I say screw social media. I second guess myself, become insecure and think: “What if no one likes it? No one cares. It's annoying. It’s too much of a distraction from all of the work I have to do. It isn’t perfect … Blah blah blah. This negative talk makes it overwhelming, and I'll just put it down.

And other times, I’m more carefree and enjoy sharing my work and inspiration. I have so many projects I haven't shared, and I take pictures of everything that inspires me creatively, so why not share some? When I worry about boring people with my logos and design work, I remind myself that they can easily unfollow the page. This is a design page for people who are interested in graphic design and branding. Just like when you follow a painters page, you follow because you want to see painting and it inspires you.  

My goal is to be intentional in my business posts. And to enJOY it too. The bottom line is, the more you share, the more new business you get. The more emails that come in. So, I like that part. It’s free, it works and it can be fun. So, my advice is to GO FOR IT. I hope I do the same. And most importantly, I hope this helps at least someone get out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams. It can be scary, but very rewarding too. 

 

This year, I hope to write more about various subjects to help other designers, freelance artists and small business owners. I’ve learned a lot over the years and am still learning every day. Oh, and please kindly ignore any typos. I tried my best to spell check and proofread, but I have kids to pick up and deadlines to make now. :) Thank you for reading!

New Branding: Toss Waste Solutions

I recently finished the branding for Toss Waste Solutions, which is a Doorstep Waste and Recycling Service based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. The TOSS RESIDENT REWARDS PROGRAM engages your community to become part of the "Green Doorstep Initiativ…

I recently finished the branding for Toss Waste Solutions, which is a Doorstep Waste and Recycling Service based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. The TOSS RESIDENT REWARDS PROGRAM engages your community to become part of the "Green Doorstep Initiative." With community and recycling at the focus, we wanted the brand to reflect that mission. After all, trash can be beautiful too.

New Branding: Collective

We've been working on this rebranding for a while now, and I'm absolutely thrilled to launch the new store name and new look for the Collective. Formerly known as Carter and Company, Sarah Thomas, the store owner, was ready for a new look and n…

We've been working on this rebranding for a while now, and I'm absolutely thrilled to launch the new store name and new look for the Collective. Formerly known as Carter and Company, Sarah Thomas, the store owner, was ready for a new look and new branding. We met at a local coffee shop months ago and tossed around ideas. We decided it was also the perfect time to rename the store, and to start fresh and new. The new store name came together that day, and the design quickly followed. After visiting the store, I was inspired by the beautiful medallions on either side of the store door (image below). We loved the idea of incorporating a similar design in the logo and branding.

The Collective's focus is on "The Gift of Giving," and Sarah's store truly has the perfect gifts for ALL ages. Everything about the Collective and Sarah's style is fabulous—you just walk in and you're immediately in a better mood. Every time I visit, I'm amazed at the new inventory. It just keeps getting better and better...

The Collective is connected to the Holiday Place in the heart of Spring Hill. Definitely a must-see in Mobile and Spring Hill. 

Look out for our ad in the upcoming November issue of Access magazine.

Look out for our ad in the upcoming November issue of Access magazine.

Huge thank you to Hannah Stinson Photography for these beautiful images. Hannah's photgraphy studio is located in The Holiday Place as well, and is directly above the Collective. What a great group to work with!

Huge thank you to Hannah Stinson Photography for these beautiful images. Hannah's photgraphy studio is located in The Holiday Place as well, and is directly above the Collective. What a great group to work with!

Follow their instagram and Facebook page for more information. New website and much more in the works....

New Branding: Rayford & Associates

Love giving an old logo a new look...

Love giving an old logo a new look...

Not only is the team at Rayford & Associates WONDERFUL to work with, but the work that they do is the best around. They are top of the line. We're excited about everything else to come. Here's a description from their website (which will be updated eventually too). 

"Rayford & Associates, Inc. are distributors of contract hardware, architectural flush wood doors,  hollow metal doors & frames, construction specialties, and residential bath fixtures and accessories. For over 60 years, Rayford & Associates has been serving Mobile, Alabama and the surrounding Gulf Coast Region."

PS...I am way behind on the old blog. I have so many projects going on, that I've neglected this space lately. Maybe some day I will make time to elaborate and share more here. But for now, I'll keep it short and sweet...