it’s a wrap!
Feb
26
I can’t believe the last week of February 2010 is coming to a close. Why is it that when you are so young time seems to crawl by and when you are old older, time seems to fly and you just beg for more hours in the day?
It has been an extremely busy week here at the studio. Some things i can share, some things i can’t {yet} but don’t worry they will be worth the wait. 
I’m practically busting at the seams to share!
In the meantime, here is a quick recap of the week:
* For some stylish office organization, check out these links.
* For some new letterpress business card collateral, check out these designs!
* Oh boy… a simply beautiful beach themed invite sneak peek here.
* This week’s designer file featuring Jessica Constable and her amazing jewelry was featured yesterday.
I also wanted to share this site i recently stumbled upon featuring some gorgeous handmade items. I hope you enjoy it!
I hope you all have a great weekend with lots of fun plans. See you all next week!
I have been pretty excited to share today’s Designer File with you. I first “met” Jessica when I started reading her blog, Makeunder My Life. I then realized that holy moly… she designs fabulous jewelry as well and is also one of the creative minds behind Spring. We have become friends and hope to meet next time that I am in Chicago. I am truly inspired by Jessica’s work ethics, value on life, love and business and so i was thrilled when she agreed to take time out of her hectic design life and interview for a designer file. I hope you enjoy!
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
Actually, I never set out to start a business. When I was 15-years-old, I was making ankle bracelets for myself at a pool and some ladies approached me and asked to buy them. I spent six hours making them ankle bracelets and earned $30. It happened so naturally, that I decided to continue to make jewelry and sell it to fellow students, teachers, and friends. And the rest is history!
Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t know if I have just one favorite designer. I would have to say my top picks would be Jeanine from Aphro Chic , Michelle Adams from Rubie Green, and surprisingly, Nicole Ritchie’s new jewelry line, House of Harlow. All of these designers have a crisp, modern vibe while still maintaining a pretty classic edge. Any of their pieces will still look fresh in years to come.
How do you define success?
I think success is finding the ability to design one’s life as they would like, while still being thankful and flexible during the bumps along the journey. Life will never be perfect, but if we discover our purpose and then begin to pursue that vocation, I believe we will discover joy and unforeseen blessings. In order to reach these goals, I think one needs to be brave and stay faithful during the darker moments.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
As a morning person, I strive very hard to maintain a quality of life that is in my personal best interest. Which means I generally work from 8:30-6:00 Monday through Friday. Sure there are exceptions to this every now and then, but overall I reserve my nights for fun, friends, and Erwin, my boyfriend. I find I am better able to stay motivated and energetic during the day.
What should we expect to see from Jess LC as your business grows?
Great question! In April you will see a very different Jess LC than you do now. Sure, most of our styles will carry over, but we will be launching a brand new collection with new techniques I’ve never done before with sterling silver pendants and a new logo and website. Even our colors will be getting a makeover. Out with the sage green and in with a bold coral. I intend to pursue PR for the first time, reach a broader audience, and really make a splash in on the jewelry scene. Of course my focus will be on continuing to develop an online clientele worldwide. It’s a lot of work to get everything ready, but the reveal will be quite dramatic.
Here are some of Jessica’s fabulous pieces!
I also have to give Jessica a huge shout-out for designing an amazing bracelet for me. If you have been reading along, you might remember the launch party for Clark + Walker Studio that i sponsored? I got in touch with Jess and she made the coolest bracelet for me. I wear it all the time! I just had to add this photo. It was tricky to photograph because of the crystal, but it is just perfect!
Thanks again to Jess and I hope you enjoyed this Designer File! Be sure to check out all of her goodies at Jess L.C.
sneak peak
Feb
24
Do you remember me posting about these save the dates and invitation mock-ups? Well, the invitations are assembled, the envelopes addressed and one last thing to do is add some twine and put them in the mail! Here is a teaser photo though of the finished product. They are so beautiful, I can’t wait to share!
business card reveals
Feb
23
I have been working on two different business card designs simultaneously. The best part about it? They are so different it goes to show the extreme opposites of projects i work on, which i love!
The first is Deborah’s cards. I had her cards printed on double thick, smooth white stock. They are letterpressed on both sides and i just love how the pink pops off of the white paper! We agreed on a square card and to have the right hand corners rounded to compliment the ‘D’ in her logo. The back is a beautiful flourish repeated. We are going to use that in other aspects of her collateral and website, which I’m excited about.
The second cards shown are for Ketan Vakil, an online marketing strategist based in NYC. Designing for social media, web analytics and information architecture was so different then for Deborah- but that is where the fun of research and brainstorming along the way comes in! Ketan’s are also letterpressed front and back. The fun difference is that the back of his have a full coat of color, which in turn makes the text feels embossed because the blue is pressed into the paper. I love that effect!
office organization in style
Feb
22
So aside from being an obvious paper and shoe addict, I’m an office organization addict. Did you know that Staples has a paper clip bar? You can actually pick your container (much like the olive bar at the market) and fill accordingly. It is like an organizer’s dream! Seriously.
I love to organize and reorganize my studio and office. I’m in the process of it now… again. I thought I would share some fun things i found along the way. One of my favorites is the quotation dry erase board. What a great way to put something positive and different in front of you everyday!
sources: [1] utility task clips – Paper Source [2] dry erase board – Paper Source [3] file tote – Paper Source [4] lifestyle tote – See Jane Work [5] magazine stand – All Modern [6] ring bound pad – Myndology [7] ladies laptop bag – Theresa Kathryn
Once i am done reorganizing my office and studio, i’ll be sure to share some photos so you can see where i work each day!
it’s a wrap!
Feb
19
So the first week of the Olympics is wrapping up and I have to admit, I haven’t watched much at all. I’m a tad sad, but there are some good reasons why! I can’t say why (yet) but you will understand when I do! How was your week? Any big weekend plans?
* This week, I received both Deborah’s business cards and business cards that I designed for Ketan Vakil in NYC. Birds of a different feather, so I’m anxious to share the contrast. I didn’t want to post them just yet, because Ketan just received his last evening and Deborah is getting hers today.
* The beauty of an ampersand is right here!
* And speaking of text and fonts…get your helvetica cookie cutters here. I know my name is on the wait list!
* A Real Party: Baby Shower reveal was just plain ducky. Check here for the details.
Have a magnificent weekend everyone and enjoy yourselves.
Next week i’ll be showing off the business cards, a sneak peek at some new work, and also a quick peek at a beach wedding in May!
helvetica cookie cutters
Feb
18
Could you die? Do you love type as much as I do? Mix that with baking (OK..I can’t lie, i can’t bake although i enjoy trying…. well, more like eating all of the batter when I try) but really, how cute are these?
You can get yours by Beverly Hsu. They have been so popular, so you’ll have to put your name on a wait list, but i think they would be worth the wait. I mean, imagine all the events you could use them for? Showers, birthday’s, thank-you, I’m sorry…. the list can go on and on!
