pretty pebbles

> I ran across these wonderful "flower pebbles" in my web browsing. I think they're wonderful! You can order flowers, initials, a significant date, or one of several icons. This is a huge improvement on the pet rocks I created as a kid! You can find them here.

delicate design

> I received a birthday gift today: 2 antique handkerchiefs! I'm looking into their "back story", but in the meantime, I wanted to share them here. They are so beautiful and the patterns are so wonderfully designed. They inspire me--I would love this pattern printed, online, and apparently even on something that at one time was intended to blow one's nose into (although I don't know how someone could defile something so lovely!)

another visual pun

> I bought something at Barnes & Noble last night, and guess what the design on the bag is? Yep, another visual pun. I just had to share it since it was only last time that I mentioned how much I love things like this.

mixed messages

> I'm a long-time fan of "visual puns". In fact the first design book I purchased that wasn't required for a college class, was a collection of visual puns used in design. I was fascinated and even jealous of the illustrators and designers who were able to create these types of designs. It's tough enough to come up with a single "really good" concept, let alone two—that make the whole better than the sum of its parts.

> Most designers that I know have respect for the talent of their competitors, and I'm always on the lookout for other designers whose talent and creativity inspire me, that make me think of things in ways that had never occurred to me.

> I was reading through some blogs I have bookmarked, and came across one that mentioned the design company Spur Design. When I started looking at their posters, I remembered seeing their work in design award annuals. I was impressed back then, and it was a treat to find them online and be inspired once again by their creativity and masterful use of visual puns in their posters for their client "Theatre Project". These are two of my favorites.

keep in touch

> You hear this phrase all the time, but not as many people follow up, as say it. As a freelancer or small business, staying in touch is key. In an article (read it here) by Martha Retallick, she says, "A lot of your success as a freelancer will depend on your persistence", and I've found this to be true. She goes on to share the way she keeps her contacts organized, and what she does to follow up.

> I'm big on lists. They work for me, and are an important part of my ability to keep organized and stay on top of things. I have an active do-list with both short-term and long-term projects, assignments, and things I need to take care of. And just as important, (and as Martha's article explains in more detail), I have a K.I.T. list (Keep In Touch). You know when you hear from a client that a job is postponed for a month, or you meet someone who says they have some work, but they're not ready to do anything formal about it yet? Or you send out a proposal to a potential new client...those are all on my KIT list. Depending on the circumstances, I send out an email between 1x/week and 1x/month.

> No one wants to be harassed, but there's a big difference between being persistent and responsive vs. risking a restraining order. A brief email shows them that they are a priority, that you are good about following up, and that you truly are interested.

> I had a little down time this morning, so I followed up with a few people on my KIT list, and one of those has now turned into a proposal. 

the best things in life are free...

> I am an admitted typoholic. I love typography, fonts, letters—all things typographic. One of my favorite new places to look for  fonts (especially trendy ones) is http://new.myfonts.com. There are so many fonts available that it could be overwhelming, unless you don't mind being consumed! You can even select fonts and use their sample text tool to see how the words you type will look using any font. And the best thing is that while most fonts are very reasonably priced, a lot of them are free! Free fonts! It just doesn't get any better than that!

project m

> I was contacted by a former co-worker a couple months ago. She was putting together a collaborative of designers who would contribute to a weekly blog. Here's her vision:

"I think there needs to be a bridge between custom and free. The internet is filled to overflowing with downloads and materials. What people need is someone to filter through the items, find the good stuff, and show them HOW to combine it, personalize it, and use it. I think of all the stuff out there as ingredients. I want to put together a group of designers who will act as chefs so to speak- show people how to combine the ingredients to create unique looks."

> And now, just over a month later, I've just posted my first project and "recipe" on our blog. I think she's got a great idea and I'm excited to be part of this group of talented designers.