Today’s the coldest day of winter this year … -30 degrees Celsius outside my studio. Thought I’d just share the moods and colours of my day here.
winter colours
Small Magazine
Always love the idea of online magazines. Thought it’d be nice to share some of our favourite reading materials on a Monday morning. This is one that we really love … The Small Magazine. “Flipping” through it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy …even though it’s -8 degrees outside.
The Brand Gap
Just finished reading this amazing book called “The Brand Gap” by Marty Neumeier. Must say that it has been inspiring and great for consolidating my thoughts for the design studio. It is a must read for all business owners. If I could send along a copy to all my clients before the project starts I would. It would definitely bring them into focus on what’s important to their business and what good design can do for them. Instead of just looking at how much the postcards/brochures would cost them, with the economy being in the downturn, people need to spend wisely and look at what is worth spending to expand their business.
a new shift in the new year …
Shift studio’s yoga/pilates practice is in a phase of transition right now. So we created a calm, static and rooted image for their one-page website to represent their current state of mind…unflustered and undisturbed.
New Year greetings …
Happy New Year !! The first entry in 2009 is about 6 days late due to all the festivities. We’ve had a good year, with friend’s support and a network of business associates that work hard to help each other. We’re hoping to ramp it up in the new year. Our holiday e-card gives thanks to all who has made our year good. Thanks to my friend Rossana who inspired our illustration of holiday Elfs…
Well, enroute to deliver holiday greetings to clients and friends, we dropped by Quinceflowers to drop off our FAMOUS chocolate truffles. We perfected 6 varieties this year, featuring a laminated wood packaging, printed brown paper wrappers and finished off with baker’s twine and a card made with my new Big-shot die-cut machine. I love the die-cuts …
And coincidentally it was also Rosie’s (Quinceflower’s owner) birthday that day. So it was meant to be and we had to take a shot of the wonderful sign we designed for them.
I think the New Year will be full of such beautiful coincidences….
Stampin’ it
This might sound crazy, but I just got a die-cut machine and a whole set of rubber stamps to make some promotional materials for muun design. Holiday cards, thank you notes and give aways are in the “plan”. It’s going to be fun ! My first project, just to test out the white ink pad and the flourish stamps…was my notepad / receipt file. Love how it turned out, but the ink is still wet after 2 hours, so we have to figure that out.
Construction from Nature’s Point of view
Just completed an ad campaign for the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce, in the Construction Canada Association Magazine. We took inspiration from nature’s hardest working bunch … the worker bees, and played up on the symbolism of the colour yellow (think of Caterpillar trucks, Bulldozers and yellow Construction hats). The ad is meant to convey both the print and online presence of these Construction Newspapers.
Quinceflower’s new website
Congratulations to Quince Flowers on the launch of their new online presence.
They are truly THE BEST florist in Toronto, and now they have a website to match.
www.Quinceflowers.com
New Facebook Group
Just managed to set up a decent group on Facebook ….yes, we are joining the ranks of social networking to grow the business. I guess it’s the cheapest form of advertising and promotion these days, besides calling up all your friends and making sure they give you all the business.
Visit us HERE.
Before and After Branding
Many people are curious what some of the brands we worked on looked like before. So i have compiled a series of Before and After shots for comparison….just like the slimming ads you see on TV.