My latest creation for Eastwood’s Butchers. A Valentine’s Day Poster to promote their scrumptious products for all those couples who don’t feel the need to show their devotion in public. Cook yourself a damn good meal at home, crack open a lovely bottle of red/white/bubbles and no need to bother about taxis home. Perfect!
New Year’s Resolutions – Tick (not!)
My first New Year’s Resolution (NYR) for this year was to simply not make any, yet for some ridiculous reason I found myself in the lead up to 31st December 2011, inadvertently making promises about things I would do in 2012. They are resolutions arent’ they? (Is it too weird that Firefox this very minute just sent me an email entitled “Keep your Resolutions with Firefox.”? The cyber spies are watching me!)
The list kept growing, to the point that I really don’t think I can call it a NYR list anymore, it’s just a rather enormous ‘To Do’ list. Adding to this blog at least once a week was up there at the top – already broken that one as this is the first blog for 2012 – rubbish start. Maybe I shouldn’t be too hard on myself and just attempt to write something at least once a month, or maybe I should try to stick to that and actually make the effort to be creative in a wordy way more often. This is supposed to be my design blog after all and I should really just add little bits like I would a diary. Must try harder!
Of course there are the usual obligatory promises like exercising more. I probably should delete the ‘more’ bit and just say exercise, full stop. I bought some very sturdy walking boots before the end of 2011, with all good intentions of doing what they were built for, walking. This has happened twice so far, but not just any old walking – through the woods (otherwise known as Narnia or more commonly, Ashridge) for at least a couple of hours and with the knowledge that there was a pub at the end of the trek. A girl has to have a reward for her efforts. Fortunately I have a few younger friends (you know who you are!) who generally instigate such activities and being much younger, they haven’t got to the age where one feels guilty about rewarding oneself with a glass of wine/beer/cider in the middle of the afternoon or at lunchtime on a weekend. (Why we feel guilty is another blog, another time.)
Work! Work harder, learn more and find a niche. I’m loving the work I’m doing, but I’d really like to find something that doesn’t take a lot of space to create so that I don’t have to convert my garage into a studio (as much as I’d love to, but that requires getting more work to pay for it – can you see the vicious circle, can’t you?). It has to something that calls on the skills that I already have, something that I can do from home and something that has very little overheads. Ho hum! Any ideas greatly appreciated please… (Saying that, I do have one idea that sprang to mind while working on a project for a client recently – I’ve just got to get around to doing something about it.)
Sort out my in-tray. Making a start on this job is a task in itself. I made a reasonable effort to get into it, then stupidly left it for a bit and am now struggling to pick up where I left off and as a consequence, my desk is once again covered with little [organised] piles of paper. Paperwork must be one of the most brain numbing, tedious but necessary evil of life. I must keep on top of it all otherwise life just becomes too stressful – as chaotic as life is, I do like to know where something is. If it’s in the in-tray then I know where it is, then when it’s filed away, I still know where it is and am happy that it is now in its own little paperwork home. There’s something sadly satisfying about that. As tedious a task as it is and as much as I hate doing it, it’s so so so nice to see the bottom of an empty in-tray. Shame it doesn’t last long, only as long as the next post filled with bank statements & bills.
Another brain wave had been to start writing letters again. Inspired by my ‘love letter writing’ day at Homemade London last year, I thought it would be nice to surprise a few people and actually write a few letters. Not sure how likely this one will be as I’m struggling to even find the motivation to write this blog, but it’s a nice idea. Maybe I’ll try it one wet weekend. I wouldn’t suggest watching the post too closely, this might be a resolution that is a mere pipe dream.
Whatever happens this year, I’m promising myself that I will work hard even when I don’t have a lot of work to do. Learn more about my new career and find ways to improve my skills. But, above all, I’m going to enjoy my wonderful children, partner and friends like the end of life as we know really is going to end on the 21st December 2012. Enjoy 2012 everyone! I’m certainly going to.
A Day of Indulgence…
Yesterday was my annual pilgrimage to The Sanctuary, with my dear friend Jan. This is a day we look forward to every year, once we have managed to synchronise a day in our diaries that we can both be in the same place at the same time (twice yearly if we’re lucky & organised). The whole point of the day is to do nothing, or as little as possible, depending on your definition of ‘nothing‘. Starting with a morning of doing very little but chat on a lovely, comfy sofa in the Koi Carp Lounge, followed by a light lunch accompanied by bubbles (mandatory for reaching ultimate relaxation mode), a facial, an infra-red treatment (interesting experience, hot, hot, hot! and rather worrying red marks on my back that eventually did disappear, thankfully), then a swim and dip in the hot tub. Our day in this place of ultimate relaxation finishes with a few more bubbles, lots more chat and then retreating to the showers to make ourselves beautiful for a night out in London.
We went to a fabulous restaurant called Les Deux Salon, not far from Charing Cross Station, recommended by foodie Nigel Barden (Thanks for the tip Nigel – fabulous restaurant!) The food & service were both amazing, a great place for a special night out, a pre/post theatre meal or just a drink at the bar. Sitting in a lovely restaurant for around three hours, more chatting, Red Wine for me, Margaritas for Jan, was the perfect end to our day of pure self indulgence. Pushing the boat out just a little bit more, we treated ourselves to a taxi to Euston, rather than joining the masses on the Tube. The obligatory people watching in the train station lobby while waiting for the platform announcement provided twenty minutes of entertainment. Giggling at the obscene height of heels worn by the twenty somethings, and grimacing at the inappropriate lengths of skirts on the muttons dressed as lamb who are old enough to know better, we decided that we must be perfect, as the rest of them obviously weren’t. (Of course we don’t really think that, that would be far too boring.)
The eventual announcement of our train leaving from platform 5 saw a barrage of drunkenness all fleeing like prisoners to an open door to freedom. Fortunately we managed to grab a seat thanks to elbows and a bit of ducking and diving between those in a far worse state than ourselves. A relief not to have to stand up for the next 40 minutes being buffeted by burger wielding, Christmas jumper wearing lads – as sweet as they were.
An exceptional day, great company and just the tonic to help us get through the silly season ahead. Although not the cheapest day out, it’s certainly worth every penny – treating ourselves once in awhile can’t do any harm . The Sanctuary tradition will hopefully continue for many years to come. Cheers!
Eastwoods Christmas Poster
Eastwoods Xmas Poster 2011
My latest advertising poster for Eastwoods Butchers in Berkhamsted. A Christmas theme to tempt people into Eastwoods for their special purchases for the festive season. I experimented with creating a Christmas tree & background in Photoshop and then produced the poster in InDesign.
To produce this A1 poster I had to contact the relevant companies to source photographs of their products. I am only too happy to do this for my clients as it allows me to liaise with people directly rather than through my client. This simplifies the process and saves time for my client.
If your business needs something similar, please get in touch to discuss what you might need. I can produce something like this quickly and cheaply.
RTS Waste Management Christmas E-Card
- RTS Waste Management Christmas E-Card 2011
I was recently commissioned to produce an e-card for RTS Waste Management in London. They required a Christmas Card that they could email to their clients, rather than post – a message in itself, being the sort of business they are in. The e-card option saves on paper, postage and is a quick way of getting your message to your clients. The e-card can be easily edited if necessary, i.e. if you need to have different versions for different clients. It is an effective and simple option to the traditional Christmas card and shows commitment to good practice with regard to environmental issues.
RTS allowed me to produce something that I thought would be appropriate for their business, but with some guidelines to follow regarding some of the imagery and the text that they required. They were happy with the end result, which is always the most rewarding thing about producing anything for any client.
Get in touch if your business needs an e-card for any occasion.
Sally Elvin Photography – Business Card & Packaging
A Business Card & Packaging project for wedding photographer Sally Elvin.The Business Card needed to be simple, classy and portray the professionalism of my client. The final product ticked all those boxes and Sally was very happy with the outcome of all aspects of the project.
The packaging brief required sourcing a packaging design company who could produce a bespoke, sophisticated, professional looking box to hold a USB memory stick. The USB would be used to store the photographs for Sally’ clients. The box and USB had to reflect the high standard of Sally’s photography and represent her professionalism. I worked with Emma Edwards at Design Trifle and together we managed to design and produce a suitable box to house the USB – the results, I’m sure you will agree, ticked all the boxes.
Sourcing a USB with specific criteria proved to be quite a task, however, after much searching we came across one from Integral Memory. The whole process was quite frustrating, especially when the USB supplier sent the order back to Far East because they hadn’t been printed the details we had requested on both sides of the USB. They didn’t bother to check with us first to see if this would make a difference. The issue was eventually solved, but the order was obviously delayed and Sally was inconvenienced. I managed to negotiate a discount and some free USB’s to compensate for the poor communication & inconvenience. Fortunately Integral Memory redeemed themselves and when we finally received the finished product we were very pleased with the choice we had made. It was necessary that the USB also reflected Sally’s business in a professional manner. The final coupling of the USB and the packaging worked perfectly and were very happy with the outcome.
Gary & Karen at the Royal Albert Hall!
Off to see the great Gary Barlow at the Royal Albert Hall tonight, with my dear friend Karen. We hardly ever get together these days, living on one side of London to the other, but it’s great to catch up when we can, especially if there’s a ‘Take That’ element to our meet up. I just wish we could see each other more often, our lives are so busy and time just flies by far too quickly.
Very excited about the concert and seeing Karen, a fab night ahead!
Another week gone…
Well, it’s the end of another busy week. Busy doing what? Goodness knows, but I always find that I’ve no time for anything else. A bit of work, paid & unpaid this week. Am working on my lovely daughter’s school Christmas Bazaar programme and fundraising recipe book. Although these are both unpaid work, it is nice to produce something that I have completely free reign with the design. Without going overboard I also set myself a few little learning curves when doing freebies as it gives me the opportunity to experiment a bit and try out a few new things. Non-paying clients are a good thing sometimes, but of course don’t pay the bills.
Also been busy with more decluttering, got rid of my old PowerMac G4 – it was a very good friend and got me through two of my four years doing me Graphics Degree, but it was time we parted so onto Gumtree it went. Needless to say, it was a bargain and was snapped up quickly. It’s nice to know it’s gone to a good home for some little kids to discover the wonders of Apple. Always good to introduce youngsters to the world of Apple, such a nice place!
A few thoughts about Christmas shopping entered my mind on the odd occasion and even the tedious card writing task was given a fleeting moment of brain space. The decision on that will probably end up being as it has been for the past x number of years, don’t write cards. I’m all for saving the planet so my little bit of laziness is my contribution to global survival. No cards = fewer trees lopped. Another e-card a day before the big event again I suspect. Watch this space!
Must sign off now, off to watch my darling children swoosh down the slopes at the Snow Centre. Have a great weekend.
Planking!
What a mad evening out on Friday with my dear friends, Jan, Philippa & Clare. Far too much red wine and bubbly cocktails lead to discovering the delights of ‘planking’ – crazy behaviour, but lots of giggles and fun. That’s what a good night out is all about isn’t it. Having fun with friends, being a bit mad sometimes and just enjoying the moment. For anyone who doesn’t know what ‘planking’ is, it’s basically lying down as flat as possible, anywhere. Not very exciting you are thinking, but actually it is a lot of fun, provides a lot of laughs and many photographic opportunities. As I don’t want to cross the line with the said friends and discredit their perfect reputations by providing the photographic evidence of their planking achievements, I’ll share a couple of my attempts at our newly discovered late evening entertainment.
P.S. Said friends gave full permission for me to add their planking attempts to my pics, thanks to them I now don’t look quite so stupid. Cheers girls!
