Invitations Galore!

I know it has been a while since my last post...but I have been working like crazy doing multiple freelance projects. I have been working on websites, a logo, and (the subject of this post) invitations! I quickly found out that I really like designing announcements and invitations. Usually they accompany a happy event, and I love channeling that happiness and excitement into my designs.

Here are some examples of things that I have done recently:

This is the invitation I designed for my sister's bridal shower. I wanted it to look classy, but not something you could buy from any store. I right aligned the text for a bit of a unique look, and chose the hand-made paper from hundreds of options a a local art store.

The text is printed on vellum, so the patterned paper shows through. No two invitations are exactly alike!

This is an announcement that I designed for a friend, isn't her kid adorable?
Photography by: Images by Michele


And finally, this is the invitation I designed for my sister's bachelorette party. I printed it on pearl paper, the subtle shine really makes it look great.

Green, Green, Everywhere!

It's no surprise that companies all over the globe are trying to make their products more green to attract more customers (oh yeah, and save the environment too). Recycling has become a lot more cool and attractive in the last few years.

Check out these recycling fashion statements:



Do you know how the recycling symbol came to be? Well, it is an interesting story! According to Wikipedia, "...the Container Corporation of America sponsored a contest for art and design students at high schools and colleges across the country to raise awareness of environmental issues. It was won by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old college student at the University of Southern California whose entry was the image now known as the universal recycling symbol". Way to go Gary! I bet you never thought you would see your design on the front of so many products (or teenagers' T-shirts for that matter!).

Designers have also transformed the Möbius strip-like symbol into new and exciting designs, where will it go from here? There seems to be no end in sight, at least the planet is reaping the benefits of this trend!

A Take on Pepsi's New Logo

Hahaha! I saw this image on How Magazine's blog, and I had to post it up here. Lawrence Yang is the creative talent behind the drawing below. Lawrence, I agree with you, now that's all I see every time I see a Pepsi ad too!


P.S. Coke is better :)

Happy Easter!

Easter is here, and it makes me think of an article that I read last year about a cool and unique way that Hatch design marketed themselves. They sent out Easter egg coloring kits, and allowed people to upload egg designs to their website. What an ingenious idea! Here are a couple of my favorite designs from this year's contest:

Pretty! :)

I can't look at this one too long...its an optical illusion!

Even the president is getting some face time

Math + Art + Simplicy = Cool

Hey, check out these unique pieces by Craig Damrauer. I love the simplicity of them! They are really creative, and they make sense mathematically! Who woulda thought? :)

Hit the nail right on the head with this one! Snacks make any meeting better.

See more at http://www.morenewmath.com/

Photo Shoot 3/20/09

Yesterday Michele took pictures of me for my website's About Me page...and they came out great! I can't even tell you how happy I am with the results! They are creative, but I also look friendly and approachable, which is what I was trying to convey...Michele you are a genius! It is going to be difficult for me to choose which one(s) I want to feature on my website. Here are some of my favorite shots:

Nice composition, the pole and the railing frame me well.

Cool lighting effect. I look like I am at a pier, but I am really over a parking garage... that's the magic of photography!


My husband really likes this photo because 1. I am laughing and 2. You can see a nice shot of the city in the background. I especially like the way the red railing leads you into the photo.


Up up and away, I might fly right out of that alley


Michele put a dream-like effect on this photo, I love it!


Just hanging out at a cafe in Middletown


...and on some stairs, the angles are my favorite part of this photo


Last but not least, a close-up shot

I am so lucky that I have such a talented friend! She has a keen creative eye, and can find beauty and art in everyday settings. She is also a natural at making you feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you are interested in seeing more of Michele's work visit--> www.imagesbymichele.com.

Back to Basics

I was eating breakfast this morning, and I couldn't help but notice the bold new graphics on the Tropicana orange juice package. What happened to the good ol' straw sticking out of the orange? They have stripped the packaged down to the essentials: white background, glass of o.j., and 100% pure statement. Plain and to the point.

Orange juice is not the only beverage that has switched to minimalist packaging. Just look at the new Pepsi can: blue background, stripped down logo, the name, nothing else. Or the Vitamin Water bottle, with is two-toned label and simple text. Kraft has also come out with cleaner packaging. These companies know that simpler is better. Each of these designs practically jump out at you from the shelf.


I have to say, even though it is are so simple, I am visually pleased with this new trend. Maybe we will finally be able to say good bye to the over use of swirls and grunge accents. I hope so. :Z