studiom is now clark and company.

Pssst...over here!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Hi there! Just a little reminder that I'm now blogging under my new project The Exceptional Creative (TEC). Subscribe to the RSS feed there to stay in the loop with tips for designers, working with clients and other designer/entrepreneur-centric content.

Today's post is "Your time is your inventory."

It's a must-read for any self-employed person in a service industry.

Things here will continue peter out as I move my design entrepreneur work to TEC and my studio work to clark-and-co.com. If you have questions about the move, or anything else for that matter, drop me a line and I can fill you in. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Megan

Los Angeles Typography Artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:38:00 +0000

This collection of type-oriented photography was taken while I was in LA last October. This piece is the second in a new little series I've been working on.

I'll be printing up this piece as a 24x24" gallery-wrapped canvas, for anyone interested in acquiring one of their own. Cost: $199. Inquire for purchase details.

Mexican Typography Artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:32:00 +0000

This collection of type-oriented photography was taken while I was sailing down the Mexican Riviera last March. I've been wanting to create a montage of these images for a while because they have so much color, real life grunge and meticulous hand-rendered type to offer.

The final product is vibrant and captivating.

(Well, it's captivating in the opinion of a type nerd, at least!)

I'll be printing up this piece as a 24x24" gallery-wrapped canvas, for anyone interested in acquiring one of their own. Cost: $199. Inquire for purchase details.

I plan to following this up with other location-based, typographic imagery, creating a series of wall art. (Which I fully intend on littering my office space with, by the way. Hopefully my officemates love typography as much as I do!)

new name / new business-y stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Oh, change. It's exciting, always. But let's be honest: It also almost always looses it's charm before long. Once I incorporated the studio under a new name, I ~~had to~~ got to tackle the colossal chore of updating all of my business communication documents (that's just a fancy word for things like business cards, letterhead, invoices, envelopes and other business-y stuff). Let me tell you: a dirty chore it is.

Happily, I've waded all the way through and things are looking pretty darn bright from this side of the to-do list.

See those business cards? They're just one of the pieces I'm proud to unveil for Clark & Co. (You probably saw the website placeholder last week.)

Studio Olivine so kindly partnered with me to letterpress the cards; I can now turn my logo loose in the real world. Next time you see me, ask for one. Then, you can turn it into a keychain, necklace pendant, hang tag, gift tag, dog tag or any other kind of tag you'd like. It's ~~ridiculous~~ fun, right? (Read about the luxury and awesomeness of letterpress from some previous client work while you're here.)

Friends and clients, thanks for bearing with me through this transition. Even if we don't work together, I'm (sadly) certain you've been subject to a look and/or word that contained a tinge of my self-inflicted suffering. Being self-employed is hard work! Fortunately, it's also completely worth all the work that's hard. As for the work that's not hard....er....well....that's conversation's for another day.

:)

Clark & Co.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Mon, 23 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The studio site placeholder's finally up, people. Hallelujah. Who remembers when I had a full portfolio site? Yeah, me either. That day will come. For now, I'm still working through the adrenaline rush of getting my new logo finalized. I'll be moving everything over to clark-and-co.com and theexceptionalcreative.com, but will be sure to announce it all here, too, so you can follow along if you'd like. Until then, let's not let summer run away from us. Go!

The Exceptional Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Hello! It's been a long while since I've hung out here on the studiom blog, but it's for good reason. I've been pushing through a few new rhino-sized projects as referenced earlier. I'm thrilled to announce that one of them has launched. It's a website for entrepreneurial graphic designers looking to take their business to the next level. You can read all about it below.

It's official. We've launched.

The Exceptional Creative is built on the principle that success comes from being the exception to the rule. As creatives (designers, copywriters, art directors, photographers, etc), we are the subject of some less-than-savory stereotypes. Let’s face it. We have a reputation for being pretentious, flighty, fragile, stubborn, bitter, bohemian and totally self-absorbed. Insulted yet?

On the other side of those stereotypes lies limitless success. Exceptional Creatives make the most money, get the most interesting jobs, have a never ending stream of referrals and experience the most satisfaction in their work.

A revolution is underway, led by a new generation of creatives who are exceptions to the rule. If you’re serious about getting, doing and keeping exceptional work, please join us. Get on our website, check out the toolkit, and start thinking about what it means to rise above the status quo.

While you're there, be sure to grab our free download and start keeping your clients happy and organized today. If you decide you'd like to purchase the kit, move fast: the first 50 purchasers will get $20 off (use the code HELLOWORLD).

We're happy to have you!

Join us on facebook too: www.facebook.com/theexceptionalcreative

Oh, and Twitter of course: @ExceptionalC

"The Exceptional Creative’s debut project is a downloadable kit, packed with business templates created specifically for graphic designers. With years of experience in exceeding her clients’ expectations when it comes to communication and professionalism, Clark’s toolkit provides designers with the same strong, effective communication and organizational tools she uses every day. Whether you’re a longtime freelancer or newly self-employed, you’ll find all the documents you need to implement a step-by-step professional workflow in A Toolkit for Designers, including contracts, questionnaires, invoices and and even a Client Contract, drafted by a business attorney. The all-in-one kit also includes a PDF guide with instructions, tips and tricks."

If you have any questions, suggestions or just plain 'ol thoughts about the new endeavor, please holler. I'd love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Megan

Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I'm in the thick of a studio re-brand, a rhino-sized personal project (or two or three or four) and what feels like a bazillion other exciting things with my clients, so until I can paddle my way up and resurface with the tide, I'm taking a blog break. You'll still hear from me now and again, but not with the rhythm you normally would. (If you can't bear the thought of my silence - ha - I will still be posting over at hi, friend.) As much as I have disdain for bloggers commenting on their post frequency or infrequency, tardiness and rational for that tardiness, I feel like 1) this little alert is owed to those reading and 2) I won't actually be able to free myself from the compulsion to post unless I make a statement here. Whew. So there it is.

My sincere apologies for those of you who, like me, hate this flavor of commentary.

Now it's over and you can move on with your day.

Oh, but one more thing. That's my new logo up there.

Sincerely,
mc

Restyle Resale + Ellington Handbags

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

A client of mine, Restyle Resale, is debuting a new brand and product line: Ellington Handbags.

Ellington creates super luxurious leather and fabric products and is based in Portland, OR. The brand being available at Restyle is something to be celebrated, and celebrate we will. The products are being released with a kick-start: A Handbag Giveaway! And not just one handbag, but three. Une, deux, trois!

I'm thrilled for both parties involved. It's going to be a great alliance. And I had a ton of fun working on the promotional design.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway (why wouldn't you!?), simply 'Like' Restyle on Facebook (click here to do that) and post a comment telling us all which Ellington bag is your favorite. The three winners will be announced Saturday, February 12th at 8pm at the shop in Albany. If you don't come for the handbags, come for the appetizers and martinis. Oh la la!

P.S. Ellington's recent branding was done by one of my favorite Portland agencies to work with: 14 Hands. Kudos to you, too!

P.P.S. Restyle is also carrying a selection of hi, friend products, now as well. If you live in the Albany area, pop in to skip the shipping.

The Chair Pair | Sneak Peek of Chair #1

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:58:00 +0000

The opportunity to apply design to life is everywhere. Even in a chair. I have two old chairs that have been begging for new life. I've decided to turn them into siblings. Though the chair styles are different, we'll be redoing them using the same fabric, thus creating a chair pair. Today's post is a glimpse into the process of Chair #1.

Disclaimer: We are in no way, shape, form or stretch of the imagination, re-upholstery experts. What I'm showing you today is likely evidence of that fact (not that I would know how right or wrong we went about all of this), but hopefully that also makes it interesting.

Introducing Chair #1:

The project starts with a chair my parents purchased at an antique store in my dad's hometown, Emery, SD. I recently acquired it and decided it needed a major face-lift (Reason #1 - it's so not living up to it's potential wearing maroon. Reason #2 - I've been dreaming of a white house and the chair with it's grandma qualities simply didn't belong).

And the ripping of fabric begins...

See, this is so grandma-esque.

Lots and lots of little bitty staples and nails.

Dangerous.

The guts revealed!

New Foam = New Life!

A DIY project isn't fun if it's not a mess.

My vision, becoming reality....

The fabric I chose came from Premier Prints

It's from the Netherlands collection.

I chose Cloud Linen. It is heavenly.

I worked, too (not just taking photos).

There will be a reveal of the final product, but only after I've documented the process behind Chair #2 as well. (Slotted for this weekend!) So stay tuned. And thanks for your patience.

Thank you, Simple Shoes!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:47:00 +0000

Simple makes shoes for a happy planet. The team at Simple was kind enough to let me pick out a pair of my own before the holiday season as a thank you for all the work I did for the Identity Showdown.

I got my pair of black BRRogue boots in the mail late last week. They're comfy and chic, two qualities that don't usually get along.

Besides melding comfort and style, Simple is serious about playing nice with Mother Nature. Take just the specifications from my lovely new boots as an example:

Women's BRRogue boot with eco-certified leather and suede uppers (BLC/ISO 14001 certification)
Nickel and lead free buckle detail
The "pedbed" (the cushiony and supportive stuff at the bottom of the shoe) is made of PU and latex foam for comfort
The sole of this shoe is biodegradable! The midsole is made of EVA with BIO-D and the outsole is made of 30% recycled rubber and 70% natural rubber with BIO-D. The BIO-D makes the EVA and rubber biodegrade in 20 years in a landfill or compost heap – not on your feet!
The foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper
The shoebox is made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue

Wow, right? Simple makes shoes for a happy planet and a happy Megan. Thank you, Simple! Now, let's just get some of the other brands we love on Mother Nature's good side...

Sincerely and with happy feet,
Megan

"Lee's Week of Eats" Banners

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:39:00 +0000

A non-requested project is usually the most fun. This series of banners is for a dear albeit new friend, Leela Cyd. She's traveled the world, writes for The Kitchn and has some serious jazz moves. You can find ravings about her here and in our debut "Lee's Week of Eats" post. She's phenomenally talented and sweet as cupcake frosting, too. We at hi, friend decided to partner with Leela for a weekly menu plan via the blog. That decision flipped the "on" switch in my batty brain and I asked, "What can I design that would be the prefect compliment to this collaboration?" Little blog banners, of course! I tapped Leela on her virtual shoulder and said I wanted to whip something up for all of us to use in this new endeavor. She graciously gave me permission to yank her photo work off her site for my stealth project. And it's a good thing she did or these little strips of design would be lackluster, amen? Amen!

The banners were sized to fit each of our blogs widths perfectly and will provide some color and consistency to the weekly posts. What I've shown above is just a selection from the bunch. You'll have to tune in to the Menu Posts to catch them all.

"Mangia bene, vivi felice"
Eat well, live happily.

Uhhhh....

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I spent the week writing proposals, tending to hi, friend and preparing for the super exciting launch of something super exciting that I can't quite reveal yet. All the while I was guzzling coffee, which I've just recently decided deserves a scoop of sugar and a splash of half-and-half. I've made it 27 years (the last 9 being a coffee-drinker) without that common pair of vices. I don't know what happened, but I've embraced them. At least through the weekend...

Quote | Paul Arden

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:48:00 +0000

Free Agent Formula Affiliate

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Ah-hem...I've got an announcement to make!

Here are three of the requirements for becoming an affiliate:

You own a copy of the Free Agent Formula and have personally experienced the program.
You believe in the product and are passionate about sharing it with others.
You either lead or belong to a community of people to which the Free Agent Formula would be relevant.

Check, check and check!

Let me elaborate:

There are actually two copies of the FAF on my bookshelf at work. One I purchased over a year ago and the new, revised edition we used in Modern Entrepreneur.
If I haven't talked to you about FAF, you are in the minority. I recommend it to every entrepreneur I encounter. I've added my official testimonial to my blog, but here it is again: "The Free Agent Formula has revolutionized the way I think about my business. It opened the entrepreneurial part of my brain to countless possibilities and consequently changed the direction of my career and life. I’ve always been fearful that I would make the wrong decisions in my business and end up doing something I don’t even like. Through the FAF, I’ve seen how focusing on even the simplest of ideas can be the key in making my business exactly what I’ve always wanted: satisfying, profitable and sustainable. Cheers to escaping the sorrowful fate of so many who work for themselves!"
Hello, fellow contract designers, copywriters, art directors, photographers and start-up clients! You are my community.

If you've heard of FAF before or this time is the first, and your interest is piqued, give me a holler and I'll tell you all the more you'd like to know before you commit to buy your own kit and start your own entrepreneurial transformation. Trust me, if you work for yourself, this is the most relevant piece of literature you may ever find.

If you know all you need to know from me and just want to get on with it, click here to visit The Free Agent Formula.

Lan Su Chinese Garden | Free Admission

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

For eight days, Lan Su Chinese Garden here in Portland, OR is offering free admission in celebration of the new year. Granted, three of those eight days are over (the invitation is valid January 2-9), but you still have five to scoot down to Chinatown and enjoy the winter phase of the Chinese wonderland.

The guide they give you at the entrance, shown above, is beautifully designed and executed, but is only a hint of what's inside the garden walls. I thought of posting photos of the interior, but decided against it because A) I'd rather not spoil it for you and B) they'd really not do it justice. Below is a map to give you and idea of the layout (it takes up an full city block), but that's all you're getting.

This afternoon, after a full morning of bustling work, I met a friend at the Lan Su Chinese Garden Tea House for a cup of tea. (Who else but Becki from Shopping's My Cardio? It was her idea, and a brilliant one as per usual.) It was the most enjoyable, relaxing experience I've had in a long time. And yes, we did just come back from the holiday, but when you're self employed, holidays are always...interesting (in other words, the opposite of relaxing). If you go, be sure to study the pond for koi. They hibernate during the winter season (Brrrr...I wish I could, too!) and that means they're so still that they look frozen in time. Think of the work of the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia. On that note, venture out to take advantage of this special time at Lan Su Chinese Gardens, but watch out for the bitter cold. A cute hat and mittens should do the trick.

The Design Entrepreneur. A book review.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Design Entrepreneur by Steven Heller and Lita Talarico

Truth be told, I haven't probed this publication yet. My dear sister-in-law gifted it to me for Christmas and the package yielded large eyes and a smile. Design. Entrepreneur. Two of my favorite words.

The book was published in 2008; I'm not sure how it's been overlooked in my quest for design literature. Happily, it's to be ignored no longer. The title's tagline is "Turning Graphic Design into Goods That Sell" and the back cover boasts this statement (also seen below): "Designers are used to working for clients, but there is nothing better than when the client is oneself. Graphic and product designers, who are skilled with the tools and masters of aesthetics, are now in the forefront of this growing entrepreneur movement." If that was true in 2008, it's only more true as we break into 2011.

I can't speak for all designers, but I know that I have an unrelenting desire to find myself at that forefront, the one that involves two of my favorite words: Design. Entrepreneur. Through the text, 50+ designers/studios are profiled, each study showcasing their commercial creations. The book is practically jumping off my desk, powered by inspiration. All the written words around these designers' energy and innovation seem to give it life, a vivacity I'm dying to lasso and convert into my flavor of fire. I've got a plan or two up my sleeve for 2011. At the moment the before-mentioned plans are simply burning a hole in my sweater. If you're a designer and you have some ideas about how to navigate through this uncharted territory, or don't have any ideas but would really like a few, join me in reading through these case studies. Then let's chat.

Type Tour | Uptown Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Late last week I took myself on a walking type tour through my office neighborhood. It was the perfect antidote for the lack of focus that inevitably occurs the day before a holiday break. Below is the evidence of the fun I had, with a couple of shots I took at Pearson Field before the flight last week. Enjoy...and don't hesitate to let me know what you think of such a geeky activity. If you want to join the club, just holler. *Grin*

Bryan Rupp Photography | Sneak Peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

This morning I have a little sneak peek for you. It's another letterpress business card and it's for Bryan Rupp, of Bryan Rupp Photography. Bryan and I both went to George Fox University. He transferred in and quickly became known as "Awesome Bryan" across campus because he was just that nice...aaaaand he used the word "awesome" very liberally.

After school Bryan took up photography and his hobby quickly grew into a successful business. I've enjoyed watching Bryan's work (he's really good!) from afar and am now thrilled to be his designer, helping him amplify his brand. He came to me with a logo and we'll be developing even more once the business card is complete. Below you'll see the plates and a preview of both the front and back of the card.

We're running the cards at Brown Printing here in Portland. I'm ever-awed by the letterpress process and especially like working with the crew at Brown. They know their stuff.

It will be really fun to show you the end product. There's a special shape in store for this business card. Bryan and I will reveal it in it's finished form in the new year. Until then, enjoy the holidays!

New Studio Client: Freedom Fashionistas

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

I'm happy to announce a relatively new client here at StudioM/Clark & Co: Freedom Fashionistas! There's no website to direct you to yet, as FF is a freshly-born idea from Rose Corazza and Niecy Locricchio out of Denver, Colorado. After many logo renditions through the logo development process, we landed on a flair-filled wordmark (using a typeface called Satisfaction by Andrew Leman) as shown above.

Here's an excerpt from the creative brief, created by Jim Terry, owner and copywriter at The Mother Ship:

"Freedom Fashionistas is an organization started in 2010 as a vehicle to provide economic opportunity and stability for women in need by bringing their products to the marketplace. Our goal is to make a difference in the world by focusing on women – particularly women freed from or at risk for Human Trafficking.

Our first project is a sewing center with a product line of pajama pants. FF will provide the fabric and necessary materials to sew the product. The women will receive a fair-wage price for each piece, with an additional amount set aside in a bank account. These funds will be disbursed to the woman upon completing the program being provided by our partner agency – and can be used to help a woman start a business, pay for school, or find housing.

Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, Freedom Fashionistas will collaborate to meet the spiritual, emotional and economic needs of women to offer hope, so that each woman, along with her children, will experience what it means to be truly free."

Several other logo options that came from the exploration:

Lessons learned from a failed event

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

During an event I attended this past year I had a conversation with a friend via text. (Gasp! I know, so disrespectful, but you'll understand why shortly.) It went a little something like this:

Me: D-R-Y
Her: And way overscripted
Me: Painfully. Yikes.
Her: Should have brought coffee. Yawn.

As you could probably gather, the event basically bombed. I left feeling super disappointed and (as illustrated by the texting) am certain I wasn't the only one. They say you learn more through your mistakes than your successes. I've decided that whenever possible, I'm going to learn more from others mistakes so I can avoid making my own. Smart, right? Thanks to my mentor's encouragement, I've taken the time to analyze what didn't work at this so-called failed event so I can do just that.

Disclaimer: My point here is not to be cynical and nit-picky, but to provide some relevant thoughts for those of us who do public speaking from time to time, particularly as creatives.

Before diving in, here's a brief synopsis of the event components:

Presentation on design/marketing/branding
Real life case studies
Q&A

And now, the lessons:
------------
1. Engage your audience.
My dad's done a ton of public speaking. Growing up, I sat through countless previews. The one thing he was always sure to do was engage his audience. Many times this included a story about myself of my sister; the fact that they were personal and sometimes embarrassing made them all the more engaging. This Speech 101 principle is easier said than done, admittedly, but there are many ways to accomplish it. (When all else fails, give away money!) The presenters at the event did everything but engage the audience. They read from a script and, well, other points to follow.

2. If you love what you do, it should show.
Design, marketing and branding are fun. Talking about it should be, too.

3. Be transparent.
As previously mentioned, a couple of case studies were featured and the documents involved in the study were referred to but we didn't get to see a single one. Instead of just referencing what you studied and learned, show your audience. (Think photos, charts, videos, stories and hard facts.) They're hungry for it and likely paid good money to be privy to it. What you give your audience in being transparent is the marrow of your presentation. They'll connect to you and connect with what you're saying...and isn't that the whole point? I've decided that the "show" in "show and tell" is first for a reason.

4. People are (generally) smart.
There are way too many buzzwords in the world. It seemed we heard practically every one on that wearisome day. I'll admit that I too have had some fun with my marketing dictionary, but that's something I can do on my own time. When I've come out to hear experts in the industry speak, I want to hear new ideas, not text-book tactics sandwiched between buzzwords. Blech.
------------

The failed event was unfortunate, but I feel lucky to have been there. A) Because I learned more from it than what I might if it had just been okay. B) It was a great reminder to feel fortunate to have been able to attend several fabulous presentations over the last couple of years (by Devin Liddell, Aaron Draplin, Frank Chimero, Jelly Helm, Sumner Stone and others), all of which have given me some lofty standards. Disappointment only proves you were once satisfied.

Photo credit: Li Song via Flickr (type overlays by yours truly)

a birds-eye-view

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Things always look a little different from above. There's something about an aerial view that inspires awe, curiosity and a new-found perspective on life. I had the privilege of getting just such a view last week. My husband, the proud holder of a private pilots' license, convinced me to play hooky from work on Friday morning and take a flight with him. After weighing the pros and cons (which included but were not limited to the following: cool photos vs. missed client calls, time with the hubs vs. wearing a rented headset, sunshine and beauty vs. the ever-present fear of crashing) I decided to go. And a new level of trust was born.

There are some gorgeous views from the ground in the Northwest. Those views only get better from 3000 feet in the air. Plus, the birds-eye-view makes one notice pattern, texture, light, line, contrast and other things that would otherwise go unseen. And that would be a shame. So, enjoy these (many!) second-hand flight visuals and don't forget to play hooky.

the current reveals itself

Mount St. Helens on a clear day

reflective

foreboding fog

lumber commerce in action

repetition is abundant in nature

maps are amazing

no wonder so many rivers go by 'snake'

a river bed

the coastline at astoria

mountainous majesty

layering

land, organized

this is where all the rain goes

what makes the water different colors?

a grown-ups' sand box

home

I designed a terrarium.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:26:00 +0000

I made this at Artemesia last night at a Make-Your-Own-Terrarium workshop. It was super fun and I highly recommend you do the same. Building a composition and laying out a tiny ecosystem requires creativity (and small fingers!), but offers peacefulness and calm to those who spend time doing so. It's a natural, three-dimensional version of what us designers (or any creative individuals working digitally) do every day.

You can read more about the experience here.

Officially Official

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:38:00 +0000

The name is on the door. And that means it's for real. StudioM is Clark & Co. (Never mind that our website, blog, business cards and business documents don't bear the new brand yet. That time will come.)

While my office mates and I ogle at the door, check out their stuff, too:

Amy Pearson Photography

Sproutbox Media

Mix up your holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:12:00 +0000

In lieu of posting some StudioM tidbit today, I'm directing you to hi, friend where I've been pouring every last ounce of my holiday-time design energy. On the initiative of Kirsten of Restored Style, our hi, friend DIY gal, we created three Merry Mixers. They're they yummiest gift for the holiday hostess. And the download is free. Bonus. You'll find it here (recipes, instructions and tips included). The design was a ton of fun. Check it out below.

You can find more information on our blog > Mixer Introduction

At Brooklyn Limestone > Merry Mixer Freebie Feature

And on Restored Style > The How-To Lowdown

Click, download, print and mix! (You know I'll be doing the same.)

Sincerely,

Megan

Type Americana: Part 4 (Font Workshop)

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Clark) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:06:00 +0000

This is the fourth and final post in the Type Americana four-part blog post series. The last workshop was Think/Write with Sumner Stone. Mr. Stone spoke the day before about his time at Adobe. Above is a slide shown during his lecture of him, sketching. During our time with the renown type designer, we sketched out several strokes, scanned them and imported them into Type Tool (font software) and created our own custom fonts, with hand-written qualities. It was so fun! Even with a measly two hours in the lab, many of us were able to complete a majority of the alphabet. I even squeezed in some punctuation characters, like the comma, question mark and period.

My font friends, Laura and Glenn. Remember Glenn from Part 3?

A sample of my very first font, 'Clark'. Creative name, right?

We wrapped up the afternoon with a short critique with Sumner, part of which I captured on video and have shared here. The video also includes some of the introduction session. Enjoy! (I certainly did.)

Thanks again SVC. You're the best.