Vale Design : Freelance Package Design & Branding

Lotta Jansdotter

I know I am late to the party on this one, but I am in love with designer Lotta Jansdotter's patterns and prints!

Lotta is a Scandinavian born screen printer, inspired by nature, who uses "earthy color schemes and neutral fabrics." She first moved to California at age 20. By 2002, she had a storefront in San Francisco. In 2006, she moved her operations to Brooklyn, New York.

I absolutely love her design style and screen printing patterns that can be found on bags, baby items, home goods, stationery and products from Chronicle Books. {great CB stationery peek on Craftzine} Check out her books and surface printing workshop classes in her Brooklyn studio. You can also find Lotta on Facebook.

{image credits Lotta Jansdotter} 

mmm...Monday :: Minestrone Soup

INGREDIENTS 

3 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
5 carrots, sliced  {you could use 3 large ones instead}
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4 cups tomato sauce  {I use 28 oz can crushed tomatoes}
1/2 cup red wine  {optional, but I always use it}
1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can green beans
2 cups baby spinach, rinsed  {I rough chop mine into smaller pieces}
3 zucchinis, quartered and sliced
1 T. chopped fresh oregano
2 T. chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS

In a large stock pot, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and saute onion and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery and carrots, saute for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth, water, and tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. If desired, add red wine at this point. Reduce heat to low and add cannellini beans, green beans, spinach leaves, zucchini, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, the longer the better.

You could add cooked pasta at this point. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

**Let me start by saying I do not like minestrone soup, but this recipe is too good not to love! Again, had this at the sister-in-law's house the night before a big holiday meal. {Wish you all could go to her home for any gathering with me! It is like eating at a five star restaurant for EVERY meal. I'm talkin' everything from scratch! Impressive and always tasty.} This soup is great for a soup/salad dinner the night before or after the big holiday meal. It makes for some great leftovers too.

 

mmm...Monday :: Caprese Salad

INGREDIENTS

roma tomatoes
fresh mozzarella cheese  {packaged in water to stay moist}
extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar
fresh basil  {chop into small ribbon pieces}
salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella. Alternate tomato and cheese slices. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with chopped basil. Salt and pepper to taste.

**This dish is SOOO easy, beautiful and delicious. We will usually serve this as an appetizer or a light side dish.

{image credit culinarycory} 
 

freelance101 :: Free Printable Graphic Design Business Forms

The past couple weeks of freelance101 have been intense. To thank you all for your wonderful feedback, comments, and questions, we are going to take it nice and easy with some free printable graphic design business forms. {for a limited time} From me to you! 

+ PRODUCTION CHECKLIST

+ MEASUREMENTS - Print on cardstock & use as tent card by your keyboard.

+ SPECIAL CHARACTERS - MAC quick key reference guide for special characters

+ MILEAGE SHEETS - 6 up. Keep track of your business mileage for expenses and taxes.

ALL PRINTABLES © Vale Design. For personal use only. Not for commercial use. Copying will result in copyright infringement.

 + survey :: I will be posting a survey soon to gather detailed information on what freelance questions or issues you would like to learn more about.

+ remember :: If you have any specific freelance questions you would like to see answered, shoot me an email or write it in the comments section. I will be happy to hunt down the answers.

Also, I just wanted to remind everyone that I am taking all Fridays in March off from posting to work on some personal design projects. Have a great weekend!

{image credit Lost Star and Vale Design}

Orange Beautiful Moving Sale

I am a huge fan of Orange Beautiful. {Gorgeous Chicago letterpress. What is not to love?!} I was so excited to learn that they have recently moved into a new studio + retail space near my old stomping grounds in Chicago. Hello top of my to-do list on my next trip back!

I have been following the OB build-out progress on 4658 n damen. There is something so cool about watching a space change for each new owner. OB is also having a moving sale on Etsy and Supermarket until April 1st. You can also find OB on their blog, the scoop, twitter and Facebook. Congrats ladies! I can not wait to stop in!

{image credits Orange Beautiful}

Vale Design Interview on Modern Emotive

Curious about me, Vale Design, my freelance advice or what a typical day is like for me? Then head over to the modernemotive blog to read my ten question interview. Adele, designer/owner of modernemotive asked if I would be part of her series This Self-Employed Life. I am a huge fan and read every one so of course I jumped at the chance. Thanks A! It was so much fun and I am truly humbled to be included with such talented freelancers! You can find more Adele on her Etsy, twitter, Facebook and formspring.

{image credits modernemotive and Vale Design}

finch&hawk papernstitch exhibit

Have you noticed the new little button in the Vale Design section? I am so honored and excited! finch&hawk™ was chosen to exhibit on papernstitch! If you are unfamiliar with this site, papernstitch is "a community of buyers and sellers showcasing the best in art, handmade, and vintage." One of the curators, Brittni Mehlhoff, must "hand-pick" your shop for the site. finch&hawk will be exhibiting March 22nd through April 25th. Please stop by to check out all the beautiful shops and support handmade. You can also find Brittni on the papernstitch blog, twitter and facebook. Thank you Brittni for this wonderful opportunity!

{image credit papernstitch}

mmm...Monday :: Raspberry Vanilla Smoothie

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup apple juice or cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes. Pour the cooled syrup into a blender. Add the yogurt, raspberries, apple juice, vanilla and ice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick. Pour into glasses and serve.

**Let's keep with the berry theme today! The husband and I are currently in a smoothie phase. Saturday we drove all over Indy looking for the best smoothie place. We settled on Zoe's Yogurt Village. I finished my strawberry banana smoothie before we walked back to the car! This recipe is courtesy of my favorite, Giada. Smoothie is super tasty.

{image credit beebo wallace} 

mmm...Monday :: Blueberry Coffee Cake

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 {8 oz} container sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pint fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
4 teaspoons milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and grated lemon rind, beating until smooth. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Pour batter into a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan. Combine blueberries, pecans, sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes, Remove from pan and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

**My amazing sister-in-law made this recipe for us one weekend and it has become one of my favorite coffee cakes to make for weekend or holiday guests. Super easy, beautiful and delicious!

{image credit J. Pollack Photography} 

Freelance101 :: How to Calculate Your Hourly Rate

Determining your freelance rate can be intimidating, confusing and personal. Today we will discuss a couple of basic ways to determine this number, how to understand the process and some helpful resources. Don't panic right brainers! This left brain math is pretty easy. Plus your reward is a free printable at the end!

• Research what the competition is charging in your national area and for the level of experience. These numbers are usually annual median salaries broken out by region. {see + rate equations for how to use these salaries.}

• Try using a salary calculator. These online resources will let you plug in numbers and they will spit out a suggested rate.

• After your research, my recommended place to start is using basic math rate equations. Desired annual salary divided by realistic billable hours in a year.

• Learn how to keep track of your time, whether it is on paper or electronic. Once you have established an hourly rate, you will be more prepared to bid and provide estimates per project to clients.

**helpful hint** My word of advice on setting your rate, BE REALISTIC! DO YOUR RESEARCH! Please do not tell a client that you are going to charge them $200 per hour with only 3 years worth of design experience. I can almost guarantee they will not end up as your client. The mission is "marathon" or long term clients. Not  "sprint" or one time clients.

+ research :: Check out the online salary surveys for your area. These surveys are released annually and provide median salaries for a range of design positions for various regions in the US. These may refer to freelancers as solo designers or independents.

• AIGA/Aquent salary survey

• Coroflot salary survey

+ salary calculator :: These tools help you figure out a rough number for your hourly rate. Down side to this method: they might ask you to enter numbers that you may not know yet about your freelance business. Overhead, equipment, insurance, etc.

• Freelance Switch salary calculator

• Simply Hired - freelance graphic design - type in your city, state or zip code

• Coroflot –  Corculator

Happy St. Patrick's Day free printable

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! This cute free mini holiday printable is compliments of one of my favorite ladies, Kristen of Domestifluff,  Paper Crave and Nonpareil. Thanks K!

© Domestifluff. For personal use only. Not for commercial use.

{image credits Domestifluff} 

Tutorial :: How to Password Protect Your Illustrator PDF

Designers, there are a lot of unethical people out there who are trying to use, duplicate and flat out steal your work. I just read a great post over on Decor8 about people who think DIY means "Duplicate It Yourself." The post received a lot of comments and I am not surprised. This subject seems to be on the design/art community mind lately. Please double check that your PDF's are protected. Do not forget about the option to copyright and trademark.

Tutorial works well for

• free printables you offer on your website or blog
• printables that you are selling on Etsy or Big Cartel 
• PDF artwork approval to an unpaid client

ILLUSTRATOR CS3 TUTORIAL ON HOW TO PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR PDF'S

1. Save Illustrator artwork file as a PDF.
**After I save the PDF, I always open it in Illustrator and outline all the fonts and flatten the artwork. This way you will not accidentally outline your Illustrator file. Then I do a "Save As" PDF and do the following steps:

mmm...Monday :: Steak Fajitas

INGREDIENTS

Marinade
1 orange, juiced
2 limes, juiced
3 T canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 T fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 t cumin
1 t salt

2 1/4 pounds of skirt or flank steak, trimmed of fat
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
12 flour tortillas, warm

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Places steak in a shallow container, and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight to tenderize meat. Drain the marinade from the meat. Grill the steak in a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat for 4 minutes each side. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let stand. In the same pan with the steak juices, add the bell peppers and onions. Saute the mixture for 3 minutes until the vegetables are limp. Thinly slice the steak against the grain on a diagonal. Spread some guacamole on a tortilla, top with a few slices of steak, peppers, onions and salsa. Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling. May also serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.

**When my husband needs some healthy and tasty protein, this recipe is one of his favorites! {Found online and prepared for my husband the first time by the amazing cook that is my sister-in-law!}

{image credit Mark Sunderland} 

Freelance101 :: Resources and References

Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, it is always a good idea to have some go-to references. Here are some of my favorites! 

+ books & e-books ::

/ The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career /  Jeff Fisher
This was the first book I purchased and it has been invaluable to me ever since. I have mentioned this book many times on my site. I recommend it to everyone contemplating freelancing. It is a small book, quick read, provides form examples and straight to the point references. Plus his personality is a bit snarky and I love that!

/ How To Start a Freelance Design Business /  Freelance Folder e-book
$12. Includes: 2 page "Getting Started Checklist" and a 45 page PDF with an appendix full of resource links.

/ The Unlimited Freelancer /  Freelance Folder e-book
$19. 200 page PDF e-book. Pretty much covers anything and everything in the world of freelancing.

/ Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers /

/ Creative Inc. /  Authors Joy Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco
This book is scheduled to be released Fall 2010 by Chronicle Books. I am very excited about the collaboration potential from Joy and Meg. Plethora of information between the two of them.

Joy is a well known freelance designer with a popular blog, Oh Joy and products in Anthropologie. I am very excited to read about her personal freelance adventure and her advice on running a freelance business. She answers formspring questions in great detail. I love reading them. You can also find Joy's answers via Twitter and Facebook.

Meg authored Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business and Craft Inc. Business Planner. I have and use both books for my product based packaging and paper goods business, finch&hawk. These books are full of helpful resources for crafters looking to turn their talent into a business.

+ web :: There are a ton of helpful websites on the internet, but these are the few I check on a regular basis.

/ Freelancer Folder /  Love all the different categories on this site. You can find the answer to pretty much any freelance question and the forums are a great way to stay in touch and get helpful advice from other freelancers.

/ Freelance Switch /  Very similar to Freelance Folder. Love the 101 Essential Freelancing Resources link!

/ Just Creative Design /  Covers a variety of design topics

/ DesignLuv /  A bit new to me, but seems to have some interesting articles.

/ The Savvy Freelancer /  I particularly like the 31 Days to Start Freelancing link.

+ remember :: If you have any specific freelance questions you would like to see answered, shoot me an email or write it in the comments section. I will be happy to hunt down the answers.

Also, I just wanted to remind everyone that I am taking all Fridays in March off from posting to work on some personal design projects. Have a great weekend!

{image credit AnouckS}

Freelance101 :: Getting Started

The number one question I am asked is "How do I start my freelance design business?" This can be an overwhelming question. It can even make people too afraid to begin. I had no idea where to start! Four years ago, I grabbed a Starbucks, sat down and jotted out a business plan to do list. I decided I would tackle three main components first. Finance, Branding and Legal. {This one is long, but worth it. Hang in there! Stay tuned later today for my favorite freelance references.}

+ finance :: Have money set aside and/or hold a part time job for start up costs. Here is a list of what you will need to begin your design company.

/ Savings /  Consult your spouse or your checkbook to make sure you are financially ready to take on feast or famine living. I am married to a "Normal" so we have one steady paycheck coming in.

/ Computer /  I started with a laptop to be more mobile for onsite work. Now I have a laptop and a 24" iMac. When I work out of state, I can work in the client's office during the day, then go to the hotel and continue to work on the laptop for my other clients.

/ Software /  Always own your own software. You never know when your computer will crash and you will need to rebuild it. Trust me. It will happen.

/ Printer /  I would recommend investing in a laserjet. Quicker prints and high quality proofs to show your client.

/ Scanner /  This one may be optional depending on your design process and if illustration is required.

/ Point-n-shoot Camera /  When used correctly, pns cameras can take stunning portfolio pictures. Also good to have for sneaky in-store competitive analysis. {phones work well also}

/ Website URL /  These days it is imperative that you have your work online. Social networking is very important and you must have an online presence. Most of the blog software can "domain map" or push your .blogname.blogprovider.com to just your .designcompanyname.com url. In my opinion, it looks more professional. GoDaddy offers inexpensive URLs. 

Supermarket Finds :: Great Design Straight From Designers

If you have not wandered around the Supermarket lately, head on over. For those of you unfamiliar with the Supermarket, it is an e-commerce site, with a gallery feel, featuring inexpensive stunning products from designers, photographers and artisans. Just make sure you do not have anything to do for the rest of the day!

1 ::  plastique*  2 ::  mina georgescu  3 ::  labokoff  4 ::  yumi yumi

{image credits Supermarket}

Crafting an MBA

As I mentioned earlier, this year is going to be more business driven for me. The design comes naturally, but the business side is always changing and can be confusing and challenging. While doing some research, I was very happy to stumble onto Crafting an MBA. This site is the brainchild of Megan Auman, a designer, business consultant, jewelry business owner {her Etsy shop was a featured seller in March 2009} and natural teacher. The site is business advice geared toward crafters and designers. Imagine, great left brained advice from another right brained person! 

The site offers informative links to other business posts around the web, recommended reading and a business book club with a discussion based CMBA Book Club blog. The categories alone are worth checking out. Some examples :: wholesale, business basics, e-commerce, marketing + manufacturing and numbers + finance.

You can also follow Crafting an MBA on Facebook and Twitter.

This site has become a daily must read for me. Thank you Megan for sharing the nuts and bolts! 

{image credits Crafting an MBA} 

mmm...Monday :: Hearty Tomato Soup

INGREDIENTS
2 T unsalted butter
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
1 (15 oz) can cannellini (white) beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
3 c. chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2 t minced fresh rosemary
1/2 t red pepper flakes
3/4 t salt
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
2/3 c. heavy cream
zest 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of the rosemary and the red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, covered.

Purée the soup in a blender in batches, being careful to remove and discard the bay leaf. Return the soup to the soup pot and keep warm over low heat. Season with salt and pepper.

In a medium bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks, Fold in the lemon zest and remaining teaspoon of rosemary. To serve, ladle the soup bowls and dollop each bowl with the lemon-rosemary whipped cream. Serve immediately.

**REMEMBER THE WARNING ABOUT BLENDING HOT LIQUIDS! I LET THE SOUP COOL BEFORE I BLEND IT. This is another Giada tasty favorite of mine. Most weekends, I will make one or two soups to put into the freezer for a late, lazy night where I do not have the time or energy to make dinner. This is one of my go-to soups. The beans give it a nice thick consistency.

 

Freelance101 :: Background, Experience & Job Listings

Welcome to Freelance101. This is a weekly feature that I am introducing in response to the numerous freelance questions I have been receiving lately. Freelance101 will be on Thursdays and will focus on aspects of my own personal freelance journey and knowledge attained. I will be providing links to freelance references around the web and offering a free design printable here and there. Freelance is personal and everyone's experiences are different. Hopefully, mine can help you along your freelance design path.

+ my background :: I graduated from Purdue in 2000 with a Visual Communications Design degree. I spent six years in Chicago, working my way through the package design field from junior designer to Art Director to Design Manager. I started to notice the more I was being promoted, the more unhappy I was becoming. Kind of the opposite response! I realized that I was designing less and less. My main responsibility had turned into overseeing other designer's concepts and process. I decided that I needed a break. I left my job for a four month hiatus. That lasted about three weeks. A previous client contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a couple of freelance projects. My freelance company, Vale Design, began at that moment and I have been working as a freelancer both onsite {in my client's office} and offsite {in my home office} for the past four years.

+ experience :: I am always surprised when designers right out of college ask me if they should start freelancing. I know the market is tough right now, but I always advise them to take a full time job first. College experience is not the same as real world experience. Not even comparable! Here is what an office has to offer:

/ Hierarchy /  Owners, Creative Directors, Art Directors and designers have a plethora of knowledge, stories, tips and tricks. Plus, it is crucial that you learn to critique, discuss and debate in design terminology.

/ The Brief /  These documents are often wordy and confusing. You will need to learn how to interpret all the marketing language to find the project's main objective.

/ Brainstorm /  Brainstorming in a group is a great way to "get outside the box." Different brainstorming techniques are good to have in mind when you are designing alone as a freelancer.

/ Presentations /  Imperative that you learn to communicate your design objective to your client.

/ Production /  Final file preparation, printer jargon and printing procedures are a large part of the design process. Clients may contract you for Phase 1 concepts only or all the way through to the press check. Make the printer your ally!

/ Mistakes /  Everyone makes them. They are tough, but necessary for learning.

+ job listings :: These are some great places to look for freelance, full-time or part-time positions.

/ coroflot / creative hotlist / craigslist {I found my favorite and longest client here} / aiga design jobs / simply hired / smashing magazine / freelance folder / freelance switch / krop / the dieline

If you have sent out your resume and have not found a job yet, start offering your services to family and friends. Logos and business cards are a great way to keep building your portfolio and keep you in touch with your local printers. If there is not a job out there, create one!

+ questions :: if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. More than likely if you have the question, someone else does as well.

+ coming up :: my favorite freelance references for getting started and my own start-up plan.

{image credit weeping willow}

New product: Seed Packet Printables

Just in time for Spring and Summer wedding receptions and garden parties! finch&hawk™ introduces Seed Packet favors in four modern patterns. Designer, budget-friendly, do-it-yourself printables that can be customized to coordinate with your event colors. Purchase the design, print onto cardstock, trim and assemble. Be simple, stylish and earth friendly at your next gathering!

 

Printable DIY Seed Packet - 2 STRIPES - Customized Color :: {option to remove center copy. This would allow you to handwrite or stamp your guests' names or your event date and use the packets as seating cards}

Printable DIY Seed Packet - Buttons - Customized Color

Printable DIY Seed Packet - 3 Stripes - 3 color options :: {choose either "Thank You" or "Welcome" copy}

Printable DIY Seed Packet - Scroll - Customized Color :: {coordinates with our printable Scroll Gable Box and Nonpareil Swash wedding invitation printables}

Graphic Exchange

Gorgeous work found on Graphic Exchange. Graphic Exchange was founded by talented French designer, Fabien Barral and features all aspects of graphic design, i.e., packaging, print, identity, etc. If you are a designer and have not visited...shame on you! Get over there! 

 {image credits Graphic Exchange}

mmm...Monday :: Chicken, Artichoke & Cannellini Bean Spezzatino

And for dinner tonight...Spezzatino. Spezzatino is Italian for stew. I watched Giada make this recently on Giada at Home. Looks like a great one pot dish. Those are always the best on a busy weeknight!

**I am going to make some small revisions to her recipe. I am planning on adding roasted chicken instead of raw. I will add it right at the end, just to heat it through. Husband likes it better and it will save me some time. I am also going to add one of my favorite vegetables, zucchini.

mmm...Monday :: Texas Caviar recipe

Ingredients 

:: Chop Fine ::

1 green pepper

1 red pepper

1 yellow pepper

1 c. celery or onion

:: Drain & Rinse ::

1 can white corn

1 can pinto or black eyed peas

1 can black beans

:: Mix. Boil. Cool ::

3/4 c. apple cider vinegar

1 c. sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 c. olive oil

Directions

Cool above mixture and pour over peppers and bean mixture. Refrigerate overnight. Drain and serve with Scoops® or crackers.

**Welcome to mmm...Mondays! For anyone new to this site, welcome! I am an Italian and love to cook and bake. I have been posting my favorite recipes since the inception of this site. mmm...Mondays will be a tasty way for all of us to start the week. Every Monday, I will be sharing my family's recipes, recipes that I have tried over the weekend and/or recipes that I have scheduled to try out that week. There may even be a free printable along the way! Get your taste buds ready!

**Texas Caviar was introduced to our family by one of my cousin's girlfriends. It has been a staple at every family holiday gathering ever since. Our family get togethers are known for lots of filling foods and this little snack is healthy, vegetarian and light. Always a crowd pleaser!

{image credits Blue Swallow}