To Bellyband or NOT to Bellyband, that is the Question...

Here I share with you one of my current invitation projects...I am working with a couple as they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. We decided upon a squared pocketfold invitation. I mocked up two samples for them to see - one with a simple square closure and the other with the same square closure sitting on a stylized bellyband. I like each for different reasons. This invitation to me is simple elegance. The couple is very pleased with both samples, I am anxious to see which one they pick! Which do you like?

Brand Your Business ....

Like what you see? These are just a few of my creations - I have had the pleasure of working with some great small business owners - the previous images are just a few of my designs - but I feel give you an idea of my design style.

Are you looking to take your small business one step further? Research has shown consistency in brand imaging will create increased customer recognition. Obtain an attractive logo - you will gain the attention of others, show increased pride in your product to sell, and enable yourself to reach new markets. Today, social networking is everything!

Use your new logo on facebook, twitter, etsy, etc. You will also be able to use your logo on business cards, postcards, T-shirts, and essentially any other item you wish to create!

When creating a logo the most important thing to keep in mind - KEEP IT SIMPLE! You will want to use your logo over across a variety of mediums. Sometimes too much really IS too much. You will want to be able to use a design that can work in a variety of circumstances - something that is universal. Freestanding logos work best - you may choose to add a border such as a circle or a square. Remember though, what you see on the computer screen is what will print. So, by adding this border, you will end up with a circle or squared logo. Small details and tiny embellishments can get lost in smaller print jobs.

As a designer (and hopefully your designer), I can offer plenty of recommendations. However, you, the customer, have the final say. When creating a logo, I take your thoughts into consideration, and add my own flair and design elements. Because you are the customer, I will do as you wish, but realize that in not taking my recommendation, you are responsible for the final image. Once a logo is finalized, my logo will be removed from the creation - once my watermark is removed (after final logo is agreed upon), it is considered final, and therefore sale is final. If you should require further edits, your image may be subject to additional charges.

All logos are created at 300 dpi in RGB unless otherwise requested by the customer. Final files will be sent to you in jpeg format *unless otherwise requested by the customer*.

I look forward to working with you - logo creation is my favorite thing to do in terms of design work. As a small business owner myself, I understand the importance of creating a unique look - something that will stick with your business for years to come.

I also offer digital files built off logo creation such as:

Business Card Files

Labels/Stickers

Notepads

Postcards

Interested? Send me an email - lizsage@ymail.com

Check out a few of my favorites!

Boobs.

Now that I've got your attention - because really --- anytime you see the word Boobs it makes you stop and read, right?

I've started creating team logos for many fundraising teams... I can create for more than just breast cancer, but this is the group I am featuring today. Many of these teams are using my images for their team shirts. This group (the Rack Pack) in particular has used the image to print on shirts and sell to raise money for their team. I love the creative fundraising ideas many of the teams I work with have.

I do quite a few donations throughout the year. Since I am a one-woman show, I can only take on so much at a time - I WISH I could donate team logos for free - however, at this early stage in my business venture, I cannot do that --- however, I have found a way to give back while designing --- I've made a committment for charitable purposes if you or your team is seeking a team logo/look for a walk or charity - I will still charge my $50 logo/design fee. However, upon payment I will then turn around and donate 1/2 to your charitable organization. Your organization must have a website for me to send payment. Logo must be paid in full before I begin design process or donate back to your charity.

I definitely LOVE to give back and here, I can offer clients a great design/way to display team unity - and give back to support them!

Turn around time varies depending on my workload (I cannot promise a specific turn around time) - feel free to inquire - drop me a message at lizsage@ymail.com

Take a look at this adorable logo I created for The Rack Pack - ;)

Up, Up & Away!

Nothing stops my breath more than realizing my kids are getting older. This is my oldest - who will be turning 6 in late June. I still remember the day Mackenzie was born - I tell her each night, she was my dream come true - she is what I wished for on wishing stars. She is the spitting image of my husband in every way! So, as a Kindergartner, having a first big birthday party with school friends is a BIG deal. Like every little girl, she wants to have a "sleepover" party - I negotiated a PJ party - where all girls go home at 8pm. Photocards are such fun for me - I LOVE to use them as a keepsake - who doesn't LOVE to see a child's face and watch them grow from year to year. So often I design for others - invitations, prints, stationery --- people think my kids have all of this great stuff and that their rooms must be amazing. They think I am a craft goddess who leads weekly crafts at home - truth - I LAUGH at this one. One of the kids in Kenzie's kindergarten class even begged me to come over and have a playdate so we could do a craft. Talk about PRESSURE! This couldn't be further from the truth. I SHOULD do more artistically with my kids...I wish I did do more of that with them, but I kind of lack the patience. Anyhow, I am off on a tangent here. I am trying to put more of an effort to create lasting and fun memories for my own kids and their invitations. I created this with the help of Kenzie - my biggest critic. She told me what to add and what to take out. I need to thank my friend, Jennifer Quinn, with Riley Jolie Photography for taking this beautiful picture of Kenz. I highly recommend her to anyone in the Chicagoland area. She has an amazing studio and also does on location photos for all sorts of events as well as family portraits! I also want to give credit to Zenware Designs for the adorable Slumber Party clipart.

Coloring outside of the lines

I love when a customer asks me to do something new to stretch my creative limits. My most recent project included creating a 5 piece manifesto that she and her husband live by. Within these pieces are sayings/words that have meaning to the two of them. As mentioned in a prior post I have a few favorite things --- fonts, words and color. This current project combines all of the above.

As an artist, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to put my creativity to use. Earlier on with my business I started something called "A play on words" - here, a customer could choose between 8-10 words and that I would create meaning in with font choices. Customers could customize to a recipient or a theme *such as ballet, or gymnast, teacher, etc.*

This project reminded me of doing these. I think this is definitely an avenue I'd like to explore in terms of doing more of this.

Exploring!

One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to design invitations. An invitation sets the tone of an event. It's presentation, wording, design - all play an important role. I do a variety of things - logo design, invitations, stationery -- I do all aspects of the print process - from design, to print, cut, embellish, etc. I have to say, If allowed, I could sit at my computer ALL day and design. I love fonts, words, and putting them together to create a feeling. Fonts/Color/Words make me happy. I am giddy over the purchase of a new font. I know... I should maybe also mention I have a small obsession with ribbon - but that's a post for another time.

A great friend of mine asked me to create something for her son's birthday party. It will be held at a nature center where the kids will explore, learn about critters and go on a scavenger hunt. She also gave me full creative reign on the design - I LOVE when customers let me have at it with my designs - I can do custom designs per request - but when someone says - "just do whatever you think" ---I get pep in my step and these designs often turn out best. It allows me to go in with a clear slate and freely design.

I have to say, I am in love with this design. I think it's so adorable and believe it may start a new trend - if there is a spike in nature themed kid parties, I guarantee this invite may have something to do with it! While I do most all of my own design, I do purchase graphics from other talented artists when needed. Within this invitation you will find art from Jessica Weible and Goodness & Fun.

In selling invitation designs, I offer customers a few options. They may purchase the digital file only (where the customer provides me with party details) - I then format it correctly with their information - it's ready to print at a local print shop or as a photocard image. I also offer customers a printed product. If I print the invitations, I also include envelopes. In addition to the main invitation, I can also offer a matching thank you (a fill-in the blank thank you for the younger ones), and even a matching return address label.

Check out my wide range of invitation creations -- the sky is the limit in terms of design. If you don't see what you are looking for - just ask!

Destination Cute!

I've had the pleasure of working with an adorable couple - Kim and Brian. They will be getting married in just over a month - they will be getting married in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. I had the honor of doing their wedding invitations and this weekend I wrapped up creating a few other goodies they will be including - menu cards and welcome cards (guests will receive thoughtful packages from the couple upon check in). The bride wanted to include yellow and fuschia to tie in with her invitation colors. With a sophisticated, yet carefree monogram up top, this menu is perfect to set the tone for their wedding dinner. The black onyx shimmer stock serves as the finishing touch to the presentation of this menu. I can't wait to see pictures of Kim & Brian on their very special day.

The life of Joy

What started out as a simple hobby has evolved into a way of life for me. It all began in college when I took a Photoshop class. I found myself closing down computer labs and doing extra assignments. I had always LOVED art, but to be able to design on the computer was an entirely new world. I was in love. Upon graduation, I continued to use photoshop - to design pieces for my own wedding, create our yearly Christmas card and to enhance photos.

Shortly thereafter, I received requests from friends to create photo-cards.... before long, I was getting requests from friends of friends. I started out doing photo-cards on the side - working nights/weekends doing what I loved. I've always loved words, design, color and fonts. My secret dream was to work for Hallmark, to create my own greeting card line.

I graduated with a Communication degree from Carroll College (now Carroll University) located in Waukesha, Wisconsin where I was also a CHI OMEGA! Upon graduation I had the pleasure of working in a cubicle (ha!), working for others, losing all ability to apply my creative talent. The jobs I held ranged from Human Resources - to working in Higher Education. I definitely gained valuable experience within these positions - learned a lot, challenged myself and learned many life lessons that I never imagined I would. Something always was missing - I have an artistic brain and I see things so different than most. I am a visual learner and LOVE to do things hands on.

Cut to now...I'll be married 10 years in November and have 2 adorable girls - ages 5 and 4. We love any and all things Disney. We live a crazy busy life, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I will tell you that my girls are my biggest critics...they will tell me if any of my designs are less than perfect. If I create a design for a kid's invitation - you can guarantee they are my go - to girls before submitting a proof to a client. ;) The past few years I have grown my hobby into creating invitations/notepads/logo designs. I love the ability to set my hours and still be able to be mom to my two greatest creations to date. I work well into the evening hours - often times through to the early a.m. hours. You'll also find me working through the weekend where my husband is a hands - on dad. It's really the best of both worlds. The best part of what I do is that I get to create for someone - whether a small business logo or an invitation to an event...I get to play a small part in helping them shape their vision. I take my role very seriously and ensure that I my clients love the finished product. I remember my good friend, Kim once told me ---"Creative talent only gets better when you get to use that talent"...Because of endless loyal friends/customers, I've gotten to put that talent to use. I look forward to doing what I love for years to come. Thank you all so very much!

My etsy site has been a great way to meet other artists and have my invitations sell to people all over the U.S. I am honored to say I have many repeat customers and referrals - this is the greatest compliment to me. I love seeing my fan base grow on facebook - social networking has really helped me to take off. I look forward to the creative journey ahead. I hope to launch my web site in the next few months - I am happy to report that wedding season has kept me so busy that it has prevented me from moving forward with the launch!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me -

I'd love to have you follow me -

check out: www.lizsage.etsy.com and www.facebook.com/joylizsage