Wowee, I haven’t posted in a few days! Sorry about that, but I do have some very exciting news! I’ve held my position at the fast growing company Mutual Mobile for 8 months now, and I am proud to finally share with you my first project released to the public! While the app was just released 3 months ago, it took about 3-4 months to complete from start to finish. I’m happy with the results and know that I can do even more with this company. Enjoy this live demo video made by our client, Blinds.com

If interested in screenshots of the design, visit the iTunes store.

Now that the wedding is over, I finally have some time to post some photos and behind the scenes projects from our special day! I must start by saying that it was incredibly important to me that I make as many things as time permitted.

One of my main focuses was, of course, the invitation design. Much like our Save the Dates, the design look and feel was consistent, and mimicked a “little package” concept. To save money, I printed all of the sheets at home. All paper used, including envelopes are from Paper Source. Luckily, the USPS just released Love Stamps that matched our exact color scheme!!! This excited me beyond belief.

Enjoy!

Where all of my art and crafting takes place! Here you will see some of the little details that made this little package standout.

A simple, detailed design can speak words. I battled with the idea of letterpressing, but knew it wouldn’t be appreciated, it was important for me to hit my budget on the nose. I saved money, time and anticipation by printing myself.

I printed ON the outer envelope (it took about 10 “re-do’s!”) to add more detail and surprise for the receiver. I wanted my friends and family to take the envelope out of the mail and say “It’s here!!!”. On the back of the envelopes I stamped a light teal scallop decoration. The more details card was also made special, with a heart-shaped hole punch!

To finish the look, I compiled all the pieces and bound them together with a very small rope; purchased from JoAnn.

All-in-all, I’m pleased with my results. I definitely recommend getting an artsy friends advice when designing your own invitations. There is a special art in wedding invitations, but the best part is that you can Do It Yourself!

Getting started with a client.

I have many years of experience working with clients. All kinds: The friend, the acquaintance, the entrepreneur, the small business owner, the mega business owner, the musician, the roadie, etc etc. I see them all as equals no matter the scale, and I have always approached them the same way; with a series of questions that will help me get started on their project.

Some things you should know before you take on any client:

1.) Something nice to say — Your [potential] client knows a lot more about what they do than yourself, compliment them. Study up, know your stuff about their field before throwing proposals at their feet. This will show you are professional and care about what they are looking for. You should also at this point, get to know your client. This will establish a relationship, but also an idea of their personality — what you can expect in the long-haul.

2.) Contracts, Contracts, Contracts — Freelance ain’t free, but it will be if you don’t have something on paper to back you up. Write up something, ANYTHING that shows on paper that you have both agreed on a scope of work for a project. Dates, description and signatures are recommended, and don’t hesitate to pass it along to “the friend”. Those types are usually why a contract is needed. I send out invoices to all clients, if a website is needed, I send out several documents to make sure my ass is covered AND the client gets more deliverables.

3.) Get their feedback — Get to know what they want, need, and may be interested in. Freelance work isn’t always about money, it’s about providing a service that people need — they may not always think they need it; but that is what you do. And you’re good at it! That’s why it’s best to approach someone who is looking, in a calm and open manner. Ask them what their ideas are, what they like, what they do, who they are targeting. It all factors in your ultimate decision in making them look good.

4.) Know what you charge per hour — It took me years to come to this conclusion. What am I worth? The simple answer is: A LOT. It’s not vain, selfish or greedy. It’s true. How many people have the skill to create a vision that another person has? It’s not only about the value of your talent, but the value of the product that you are creating for someone.

5.) Be prepared for confusion — Be as clear as you can in emails, phone, and meetings. Always recap at the end, always send follow-up emails and update emails. Keeping your client in the loop is part of the job.

After your initial meeting and agreements are made, you are now ready to start on the research of a project! My favorite part. Design isn’t just about photoshop. It starts with a pencil and paper.

Watch me illustrate a shoe. Here’s a close-up of it: http://dribbble.com/shots/201473-Shoe-App-Icon