The Vale Design portfolio has been updated with new business identity systems, collateral pieces, concepts and package design work. Come see what we have been working on!
Interested in working with Vale Design? Contact us at evaledesign@yahoo.com
Business
Vale Design Portfolio Update
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Alt Summit For Everyone
I almost dropped my coffee.
If you are like me, a busy designer / mother / person in general, you may not have had the time or finances to attend one of the Alt Summit conferences. Well buckle up buttercups...now we can! Alt Summit is now offering Alt For Everyone. It is their first completely online conference. Per the Alt website, "You can spread your classes out like you would at a traditional conference, or pack them all into one day if you need to manage your work schedule or babysitter availability." Registration is $125.
Conference will offer the following:
- 7 online classes of your choice
- 1 online keynote session
- 1 virtual social meet-up
- a box of goodies right to your doorstep (how cool!)
Check the schedule. Click to register.
I am so excited and I want to thank the Alt team so much for making their informational classes available to all of us.
{image credit Alt Summit}
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The Power of Yes
I live(d) in a semi-state of fear.
My immediate internal reaction to something new was always "hell NO I can't do that!" This fault has caused me to miss some major opportunities in my life (like having one of my finch&hawk® printable designs in a major fashion magazine).
Not too long ago, I was bouncing around Twitter and I stopped on a tweet from the Huffington Post OWN division. It said "Tina Fey's #1 Rule For Success." Something in my gut (love that gut instinct) told me to click on the link. I did...and things started happening. Immediately.
The link was to Tina Fey's Success Secret: 'Say Yes'. It told the story of how in her professional career, when she was presented with a scary new opportunity, she said YES and figured out the logistics later. So simple. Scary, but simple. I thought, "what If I try this?" Then I thought, "Screw it. I AM going to try this."
You guys, I am not kidding, the NEXT DAY I was emailed about a wholesale opportunity for finch&hawk® notepads. I normally do not offer wholesale because it just seemed like uncharted territory, but I responded yes and figured everything out. Set up my printers. Set up my pricing (helpful wholesale formula found in Craft Inc.). Set up my labeling. Hand delivered to client. It was fantastic!
There seem to be 2 types of people in the world. The "Say Yes" people who figure out how to get it done after they commit. And the "Say No" people who are too afraid to even give it a chance and miss major life experiences. I conquered my biggest personal fear (giving birth) and now I get to kiss my little girl everyday. Professionally, I have turned down too many jaw dropping opportunities. No more. I am not saying to say yes to every project or experience, but if your immediate gut reaction says YES! Go for it! I know you can do it. Here is to holding hands and stepping into the unknown together. I bet there is magic on the other side!
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Blog Post Idea Resources
The idea of starting to blog again was intimidating. I sat there a couple of times staring at a blank screen. Nothing. I started checking around my Pinterest Blog Business board for some post topic prompts. I realized that I should start simple. Start with what I know. Myself. I know me. I could start by simply sharing facts about myself. This may sound almost too simple to all of you, but you must know that I am a VERY private person. Think Beyoncé and Jay-Z behind closed penthouse doors. I wrote Year + 1 Month Review. I was close to sweating when I hit post. But the second I hit return and it went live, the post topic ideas started flowing! I had to stash notepads all over the house and in the car! Personal posts, business posts, design posts. They all started to come back.
So, if you are new to blogging or are just having a bit of a writer's block, take a look at these blog post topic resources.
No Fail Blog Post Ideas via Brand Camp
10 (super rad) Blog Post Ideas via Joy the Baker
25 Blog Post Ideas for the Uninspired via Lyssbarn
How Do You Decide What To Post About via Young House Love
Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign
Do you have some sure fire blog topic prompts? Do you know a site that does? Wanna share?
{image credits to their respective A-M-A-Z-I-N-G sites}
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Pinterest Board :: Blog Business
In my year off I have been evaluating my blog. I want to make sure that it authentically represents me both personally and professionally for Vale Design. I have started a Pinterest board titled Blog Business to help keep me inspired and organized. There are amazing resources on there. Examples: why your favorite bloggers blog, free printable blog topic weekly planner sheets, top blog post ideas for writers block, SEO info and much more. I hope you will check it out and find it as helpful as I have.
Do you follow me on Pinterest? I am at evaledesign
Thank you to the talented people who are sharing all of this valuable information with the rest of us. Much appreciated. Do you have a favorite blog information website/post to share?
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Cyber Monday Sale
Cyber Monday is here! Use discount code CYBERMONDAY2011 at checkout to save 50% on all items in the finch&hawk® shop. This sale will run from 7am EST - 7pm EST today only. Notepad supplies are VERY limited!
Click here to learn how to redeem your discount code at checkout.
** Shop will close Dec 2nd {this Friday} for maternity leave **
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Pregnancy Fall Holiday Notepad Sale
finch&hawk® is having our Third Annual Notepad Sale on all notepads! To celebrate Erin being pregnant, we are offering 40% & 50% OFF ALL NOTEPADS! Great for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, lists for new moms, white elephant and office party favors. Get yours while you can! The sale will end on Friday, November 18th at 12 PM EST.
Notepads are professionally printed, 50 sheets per pad and shrink wrapped for added protection.
**We will ship to your PAYPAL ADDRESS**
**If you would like more than the quantity show, convo or email us and we would be happy to add more**
**PLEASE NOTE: The finch&hawk® shop will close for maternity leave on December 2nd**
{BEST SELLER & Featured on Etsy Storque} - 3 Pack - FreakinToDo List notepads
{BEST SELLER} Single - FreakinToDo List notepad
2 Pack - PainInTheGroceries List Notepads
Single - PainInTheGroceries List Notepad
{image credits Vale Design} © Vale Design & finch&hawk®
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Zooklz Square Animals
I freakin' LOVE these animals! My talented designer uncles are at it again. They have just soft launched their new company, ZOOKLZ, "square animals with attitude." Now, of course I am biased, but these just super creative plush animals appeal to the designer in me and the new part of me that is about to be a mom for the first time. I am cramming our nursery full of designy objects for our petite to enjoy!
Each animal body is a 9.5 inch square and is only $20 USD. These would be great birthday or holiday gifts for the kids on your list and a portion of the profits will be donated to animal welfare organizations. My uncles are HUGE animal advocates. These will definitely be pinned on my SMALL board full of cool kids items on Pinterest! {are you following me?}
Click here to get shopping! Good luck boys! The signature five look amazing!
{image credits Zooklz}
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Registered finch&hawk Logo
It only took a year and a half, but my finch&hawk® logo is now officially and legally registered through the US government. Look at that cute ® icon! So excited. If you would like a couple of pointers on how I went about the process, visit this Freelance 101 tutorial :: How to Apply For A Trademark {the basics}.
{image and logo credit Vale Design}
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Introducing Plate Vintage China Rental & Rescue
I detest matchy-matchy stuff, so I was super excited to receive an email from a designer/friend of mine introducing her newest venture, Plate. Plate provides "vintage mismatched fine china available for rent for weddings, showers, parties and other special occasions." This is such a great idea! They are located in the Chicago area, but are willing to travel. Click here to contact them.
{image credits AveryHouse found via The Sweetest Occasion}
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Vale Design on Pinterest
You betcha I'm on Pinterest! From the Pinterest website, "Pinterest is a social catalog service. Think of it as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can post collections of things you love, and "follow" collections created by people with great taste." This site is has come in pretty handy for creating design moodboards for clients. I have used it a couple of times already.
You can follow Vale Design by clicking here or the link in the Elsewhere section top right. Some of the boards I have created so far, Color, Pattern, Birds, Ocean, Quotes, and Tasty Tidbits. Pop over and check out the eye candy!
{image credits Pinterest}
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Bah Humbug + Real Life
Guys, I am sorry I have been MIA lately and frankly, not much in the holiday spirit around here. Life has been exceptionally hectic the past three months. Let's do some catch up:
Vale Design - New client logos, exterior signage, website design and maintenance, package design, catalog layout, production and invitation design...to name a few! Also, I have been contracted to work on-site in Chicago January through March in 2011. Chicago winter...brutal, but I love this client. Keep an eye out for pictures of our latest work!
finch&hawk™ - The Second Annual Holiday Notepad Sale was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who purchased notepads. We hope you enjoy them!
Daisy - For those of you who do not know, my husband and I do not have children. We have a very high maintenance 9 year old Shiba Inu named Daisy. She is a full blown allergy dog {shot once a week} and in early October she was diagnosed with glaucoma. My husband and I were devastated and had to make some very tough, emotional decisions. Daisy went 100% blind in her right eye within a month and was in some serious pain. Her good eye is now starting to show some slight signs of the disease. After speaking with the veterinary ophthalmologist {they exist}, and making one of the most agonizing decisions of our lives, we had her bad eye removed on Tuesday. She is stitched up and will be recovering the next two weeks. Scared, overwhelmed and panicked are just a few emotions we have been going through the past 2 months. This option sounds scary, but it was the best option for her. No more pain and just adjusting to a "new normal." She is already starting to show signs of that personality we fell in love with in the beginning.
If you are thinking of adopting a Shiba Inu, they are gorgeous, wonderful dogs, but please do your research. They are known for allergies and glaucoma. Please make sure you are emotionally and financially invested. If you have any questions about what we are going/went through with her, please email me. I would be happy to discuss. You are not alone.
Holiday - When the heck did this holiday get here?! This is my favorite holiday, but this year, to be honest, I could skip the whole thing. Bah Humbug, I know. I even purchased the letterpress print shown above that I saw on Paper Crave. Snarky reminder of my mood right now.
Please hang in there with me while I get some things back in order. ~ erin
{image credits Tag Team Tompkins}
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Finch&Hawk Holiday Notepad Sale
finch&hawk™ is having our Second Annual Holiday Sale on all notepads! 30% OFF ALL NOTEPADS. Great for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, white elephant and office party favors. Get yours while you can! The sale will end on Monday December, 13th at 12 PM EST. Make sure to check out the USPS Holiday Shipping Schedule.
Notepads are professionally printed, 50 sheets per pad & shrink wrapped for added protection.
**We will ship to your PAYPAL ADDRESS**
**If you would like more than the quantity shown, convo or email us and we would be happy to add more**
{BEST SELLER & Featured on Etsy Storque} - 3 Pack - FreakinToDo List notepad
{BEST SELLER} Single - FreakinToDo List notepad
2 Pack - PainInTheGroceries List notepad
Single - PainInTheGroceries List notepad
{image credits Vale Design} © Vale Design & finch&hawk™
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Zionsville Christmas in the Village
Calling all Indy locals! Did you know this weekend is Zionsville's Christmas in the Village? One of our Vale Design clients, Le Dolce Vita Patisserie is participating.
Visit the Le Dolce Vita Patisserie site for more detailed information.
I can smell the gingerbread cookies already...Good Luck Kelly!
Happy weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!
{image credits Le Dolce Vita Patisserie}
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Shop Love :: Buy Olympia
I LOVE this shop! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Buy Olympia features handmade work from over 50 many talented artists and groups. This shop has just about something for everyone. Books, food related goods, shirts, stationery & notepads, prints & posters, jewelry, kids, calendars & planners and much more! They also have a "Cool Gift Idea" section to help you brainstorm the perfect gift. You just might be able to do all of your holiday shopping in one place. I am loving this Yellow Owl Workshop Color Wheel necklace that I saw featured on an Oh Joy post earlier this month. I might have to keep that one as a gift to myself!
{found via Oh Joy}
{image credits Buy Olympia}
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Shop Love :: Binth
Hello everyone! I am back from a much needed holiday brain break. I am ready to get back to work and the site...well, I thought I was ready until I remembered we have hit "that time of year" again. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have come and gone {sort of}. Gift guides are/will be popping up all over blogs to help direct you to some cool internet gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. I am looking to DIY most of our gifts this year to family and friends. For the gifts I will not be making, I am looking to support some really cool internet shops that feature some unique products. I will be posting some of my favorite shops throughout the month of December.
One of these shops is Binth. They are a Chicago company that features baby books, stationery, home office products, prints and posters. One of my favorite products they offer is the Numbers Poster. Site / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
{image credits Binth}
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The perks of my job
There are many perks to my job as a freelance graphic designer. Freedom. Amazing clients. Flexible hours. Days off whenever I feel like it. The ability to choose who I work for and with. Now I can add DELICIOUS and LOVELY meeting take-home treats from my patisserie client! My meeting consisted of fresh coffee, fresh baked cookies and some of the best macarons I have ever tasted! I am lucky I heard a word she said...
Le Dolce Vita Patisserie packaging is almost done and the shop will open in a couple of months. Let's just say I am glad that the bakery will be one city away from my office. Otherwise, this graphic designer would gain some serious weight!
Thanks Kelly for the tasty treats! They were good and they are gone! ~ Erin's stomach :)
ps Pictured above is Vanilla, Chocolate and one of their seasonal flavors, Pumpkin Spice. These would wow any guest at any party or holiday gathering! **INDY LOCALS ** Contact them now to plan your event. They are booking up quick!
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Halloween + Design + Fall Favorite Links
Finally feeling like I have some time to get in the Halloween spirit! Isn't that little designy ghost so cute?! Today's links are focusing on my passions of the moment. Halloween. Design. Music.
// FALL FAVORITE LINKS //
+ Great Etsy Storque Guide to Photography
+ How to organize your finances when you're a freelancer {via mint}
+ LOVE this song. Love her.
+ Can't get this song out of my head {that kid has some serious "IT"}
+ Creepy, but pretty poster
+ New favorite jeans that fit like a glove
+ SCARIEST Haunted House I ever went to!
+ The BEST free printable Halloween round-ups here, here and here {via Paper Crave}
+ Robot, Monster & Ghost Co {via FPO}
+ Really like this new logo
+ Halloween goodies are so cute they should be framed!
+ Made this for dinner last night
+ GAP does something right
+ Rifle Paper Co Business Series new post
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ Legend of Sleepy Hollow Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
+ Shots in the Dark at the IMA
+ Andy Warhol Enterprises at the IMA
+ Haunted Places in Indiana
Have a great and scary weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday!
{image credits Robot, Monster & Ghost Co. via FPO}
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Jungle + Summer Lovin' Links
It's a jungle in here! My husband has quite the green thumb outside so I figured maybe we should add some of that lush greenery inside! Meet our new kids! {All plants purchased from Lowes in the indoor plant section. ps those three big lovelies in the back were only $9.00 each!}
// SUMMER LOVIN' LINKS //
+ my new favorite home inspiration site {thanks M for the tip!}
+ House plants that make you healthy {inspired my plant shopping trip}
+ How to clean house plants
+ Free DIY hanky printables from Eat Drink Chic {Amy you have done it again! Lovely}
+ Before & After Michael's Farm packaging {via The Dieline}
+ Great free printable round-up {via Paper Crave}
+ Bakery Half Dozen Fall Course open registration {I did this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND}
+ Part II of the copyright and trademark questions {see Part I here}
+ My Beach Bedroom Bathroom inspiration boards
+ Gold mine of professional inspiration boards {via Young House Love}
+ LOVE this logo {combines my love of design and birds}
+ John Derian collection at select Target stores and online starting this weekend {sneak peek}
// LOCALS // {Indianapolis}
+ Get messy at Rib America
+ Check out the new bar Ball & Biscuit on Mass Ave {I have been there. Swanky and Cool!}
+ Bella Chic Interiors in Carmel. {Gorgeous, unique, antique furniture at insanely good prices. Facebook updated with latest auction goodies}
+ Groovin' in the Garden at Easley Winery
+ America We Remember at the Garfield Park Conservatory {conservatory closed Labor Day}
Have a great, safe long weekend everyone! See you back here WEDNESDAY!
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Logo Lounge Master Series: Shapes & Symbols
At the end of my very emotional week last week, I received an email informing me that a logo I designed will be published in the Logo Lounge Master Library Series, Volume 3, Shapes & Symbols. I am very honored to have been chosen. Click here to see more of my work. **Please note: packaging samples are currently being re-shot.
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Post Facebook Like Button
Some of you may have noticed our new Facebook button at the end of every post. When you love a post and click the "Like" button, the post title, link and website address will appear on your Facebook wall and it will be shared with all of your friends! How social network-y awesome is that?! See below for an example of how it works.
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Bakery Now Accepting Copyright & Trademark Questions
The uber-smart ladies of Bakery, Erin of Design For Mankind and Jaime of Design Milk, are now accepting copyright and trademark questions that they will pass on to their legal source to be answered in a follow up post. Now is you chance! Ask away! Thanks ladies. Being an artist on the internet, I can not wait to read this helpful post on how to further protect my work. {be sure to read their legal disclaimer}
{image credit Bakery}
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Creature Comforts & Design*Sponge Blogging Tips
Ez at Creature Comforts has started a free Guide to Better Blogging Series. As a huge fan of her site, you can bet I will be checking in often.
Grace at Design*Sponge is now offering one-on-one blog consulting. This service is not free, but judging from her site, experience and knowledge, I am guessing it will be worth every penny!
{image credits Creature Comforts and Design*Sponge}
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New products: Luxe Gable Box & Seed Packet Printables
Introducing our new pattern at finch&hawk™...LUXE. This pattern is elegant and versatile and has been applied to our signature printable DIY gable box and seed packet templates. Perfect for setting the right tone at your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or swanky soiree! Luxe is available in all of the finch&hawk colors.
Find the finch&hawk Gable Box - Luxe printable right here.
Find the finch&hawk Seed Packet - Luxe printable right here.
Save yourself some ink! Let us print your chosen printable for you with our WE PRINTS option!
© Vale Design. COPYING WILL RESULT IN COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.
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Cool Business Card Designs
It is that time again...time for new Vale Design business cards! Usually, I would be procrastinating this small design task. Most designer will tell you that designing cards and logos for themselves can be a daunting task. However, I have been doing some visual research and have been quite inspired by some of the amazing designs out there. I need to get started because I have a deadline...I will need to bring them with me to the 2010 National Stationery Show in NYC.
Yes, I will be going to the show this year with Kristen of Paper Crave, Domestifluff, Craftig and Nonpareil fame. We are so excited to walk around, be inspired and to meet all the talented designers we admire. {if you are showing, please provide Kristen your booth number so we can stop by to meet you!}
Business eye candy links below:
/ Daily Poetics / My FAVORITE by far! Unbelievable visual collection. Goes on forever!
/ here / here / here / here / here / here / here / here / here /
{image credit dailypoetics}
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New products and colors at finch&hawk™
The wait is finally over for the SINGLE FreakinToDo list notepad offering!
Find the finch&hawk™ SINGLE FreakinToDo list notepad listing here.
Love our DIY printable favor designs, but don't want to use all of your printer ink? We will print them for you! Introducing WePrints in 10 Pack and 25 Pack quantities. Choose from any of our customized color DIY printable favor options. {editable options Wedding Floral and Wedding Circles not available yet}. We will print and ship them for you to assemble at your leisure!
Find the finch&hawk 10 PACK listing here.
Find the finch&hawk 25 PACK listing here.
We have expanded our DIY printable favor color palette options to include all the latest trends! Stop over and check out all of our new finch&hawk products!
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Work In Progress
Wrapping up a freelance project. See you all back here tomorrow for freelance101! Thank you for your patience.
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The Decision
You may have noticed that I have been absent here on Fridays. I have been busy working on some personal and professional design projects. I have also been participating in life! I am taking walks through art museum gardens with my mom {pictures above}, re-introducing myself to Indianapolis and spending quality time with friends and family. I realized that I do not miss my little corner of the internet one little bit on Fridays! So, I have come to a decision. I do not plan to have anymore Friday posts. Some may sneak in here and there, but for the most part I will be using that time for design and growth for Vale Design, finch&hawk and myself. Thank you for understanding and see you back here Monday through Thursday! ~ erin
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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!
+ 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}
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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}
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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}
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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.
+ 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
Continue reading "Freelance101 :: How to Calculate Your Hourly Rate" »
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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}
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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.
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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}
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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}
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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}
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Two new weekly features
Happy Friday everyone! I am excited to announce that I will be introducing two weekly features. The first will be on Monday and I am aiming for the second one to be on Thursday. I am very excited about them both, but it is the Thursday one that has my desk covered in Post-It® notes.
+ second weekly feature - I have always been a little vague on this site, not going into too much detail about my freelance business, Vale Design. Yes, I have shared my finished projects, after all, this is a designer's portfolio site. However, I have never shared my personal design journey, my process and my freelance business discoveries along the way. Due to the fact that I have received an astounding number of emails regarding freelance questions, all of that is about to change.
**p.s.**Thank you to every person who visits this site. I am truly humbled by all of your comments and emails. When I started this a little over a year ago, I did not know if I would like being "on the grid." I am a very private person. Thank you for welcoming me and reaching out to me. I have "met" so many kind, talented people/designers. You have pushed me to work harder and trust just a little more. See you all here Monday! Happy weekend!
**p.p.s.** During March, I will be taking Fridays off from posting. I have some personal design projects that need some undivided attention, i.e., portfolio update, website re-design and diving into a special project.
{image credits f-l-e-x}
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Vanity Barcodes
Discovered via The Dieline, Vanity Barcodes is founded/designed/managed by the geniuses that are Reuben Miller {Share Some Candy} and Yael Miller {The Dieline and Miller Creative LLC}. I have been a package designer for 10 years. I have seen a lot of techniques, design styles and bells and whistles. Vanity Barcodes is such a simple and effective memory device for the consumer. Just a little something extra to help them remember a specific brand. Vanity Barcodes offers both stock and custom designs. They also offer multiple barcode testing and scan compliance. Genius.
{via The Dieline. Image credits Vanity Barcodes}
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AIGA Aquent 2009 Survey of Design Salaries
Whether you own your own design business or work for someone else, it is always a good idea to stay in the know about design rates and salaries for your region and specific level {Solo Designer, Creative Director, Web Designer, etc.}. Every year AIGA and Aquent publish a Survey of Design Salaries. It is an intricate breakdown ranging from bullet point ideas from top design firm owners to compensation overviews and ranges broken out by design title. A definite must see if you are contemplating asking for a raise or if you are just checking that your rates are current for your area. Great design bookmark.
Click here for 2009.
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Design Sponge: Biz Ladies series
Happy Monday everyone. I spent some time this weekend catching up on the Design Sponge Biz Ladies series. These are great informative articles for business owners ranging from subjects such as trademark 101 for designers, copyright 101 for designers, tax info for small businesses, wholesale, and logo design. There are so many more that are also worth checking out. These will help you begin to answer some business start up questions and help you work through the right questions to start asking.
{image credit Design Sponge}
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Logo Lounge
If you are a graphic designer, than you are probably familiar with LogoLounge. This site is a great way to stay current with what your peers have been working on, research for new logo projects and to showcase your own logos. I have always flirted with the idea of joining, but for some reason I never have. Recently, a respected designer mentioned to me that she has been very happy with her membership. Then, someone else mentioned to me on Twitter that I should submit the finch&hawk logo for their book, "The Best of LogoLounge 6." Ok, twice in one week. I did some research.
It is only $100 for an annual membership and all logos submitted before February 15, 2010 are automatically considered for Book 6. I joined and I will be uploading all of my freelance logos very soon.
{image credit LogoLounge}
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Bakery online business course
One of my goals of 2010 was to focus more on the "business" side of my companies, Vale Design and finch&hawk. The creative side comes easily and I am always interested in learning and educating myself more on the business aspects. As a result, you will be seeing more design business oriented posts this year. What I learn, I will be happy to pass on. Give and give back!
I recently signed up for Bakery's Half Dozen online business course. This is a 6 week online course provided by the company Bakery {run by the Erin and Jaime, the geniuses behind Design for Mankind and Design Milk}. The seats are limited and a bit pricey, but I am guessing it is going to be well worth it. You can sign up online and pay via PayPal. The course runs from February 1st through March 12th. Topics included are: Business Plans, Marketing Plans, Media and Press Kits, Public Relations, Advertising and Social Networking. They will be providing multiple template downloads, tips, media etiquette and interviews with top bloggers. By the end, they state you should have enough information for your own Bakery Half Dozen course binder. I am really looking forward to utilizing all their knowledge and experience. Thanks ladies. This is perfect timing!
{image credit Bakery}
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- © 2008-2013 Vale Design. Do not use or reproduce any image or graphic without the permission of Vale Design.
