Working With a Client

This week's artistic fling has actually taken a few weeks. I got the pleasure of working with Anna and Ryan, a lovely engaged couple. Anna and Ryan are huge Cubs fans and wanted their wedding invites to subtly reflect their Cubs pride. Their wedding colors were red and black and they wanted to have an invite that subtly mimicked a sports ticket.

The best thing about this project was getting to work with a client. I've worked with quiet a few clients through work but this was a personal client. I had to write up proposals, contracts and invoices. I had to give estimates, call printers, order paper, order envelopes and make all the design decisions.  It was great to see the many revisions we went through. I was abe to take my decisions and also take opinions and concerns from the client and put them together harmoniously.

The best part about working with Anna and Ryan is that they were so involved and gave constructive criticism. They let me share with them my ideas and why I made the choices I did. If they wanted something changed or didn't like something they weren't afraid to say it. They were also very respectful of my expertise. They trusted me and would ask me if I thought a decision or edit was acceptable. When they suggested something I didn't agree with it was an opportunity for me to defend the reason I didn't make that design choice.

Now, listen up boys! Ryan sat in on every meeting and helped make choices. He brought up great questions and even gave some great input. I assure you that your fiance will love you more if you are involved with the wedding planning, especially the invitations. He was seriously excited and actively involved in every discussion. Planning a wedding is seriously stressful and helping your bride-to-be will make it less stressful for her and she will constantly be reminded of why she is going to say "I do."

  

Now for the actual invites. Like I said, Anna and Ryan wanted something that looked like a ticket, but not too kitschy or over bearing. They wanted it to be classy. So we came up with a fairly simple and straight forward design. We printed on 80lb cover white linen paper by Neenah Paper.

 The couple also wanted a cost effective way to have RSVP returnable pieces. Instead of making an invitation, a reception card, and an RSVP form, we decided to only make 2 separate pieces and attach the RSVP form to the reception card. Just like a ticket, the RSVP and the reception card would be separated by a perforated line. Guests could detach this piece and send it back with their response. This way we wouldn't have to have 3 separate pieces saving time, paper and money.

These two pieces would be placed inside an envelope and a smaller envelope would be enclosed for guests to send their RSVP reply. The total cost of production of 110 invites , including printing, paper and envelopes came to a total of $111. A lot cheaper than we anticipated. And of course I attached my design fee.

Working with this couple was so much fun and I can't wait to work with my next client.

DisneyLand Paris Metro Ad

This week's ad of the week comes from Paris, France. On the Metro in Paris all the ads are put up with paste. It's not unusual to be walking down the platform and see a ripped off advertisement. Usually the newer ad is ripped off at the bottom with the top of the ad still showing. The bottom portion of the ad is revealing an older ad that was pasted on the billboard weeks ago.

This ad is for Disneyland Paris. It's advertising the 2 days on 1 ticket promotion the amusement park is offering. To show this, the ad looks like it has been ripped down the middle suggesting two different days. The thing I like the most about this ad is that one side is day and the other is night. As a frequent Disney Park guest, this visual suggests I spend the first day enjoying the daylight hours of the park and then I can go home and rest. The next day I can arrive at the park later and enjoy the fireworks tired free.  Or if you're crazy, like I am, you can enjoy two full tired days for the price of one.

This visual also gives the idea of second chances. Any broken ride, character autograph, or experience that was missed can be made up on the second day. For free.

The Things I learned in Europe.

I must apologize for the lack of writing. Instead of having artistic flings, I've been having a fling with Europe.  In the past two weeks I've been able to see Dublin, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, and London. I decided to do the whole trip solo and without my computer (hence the no blogging.) But I am back and ready to continue my life.

While I was in Europe I took the opportunity to observe people and their lifestyles. This allowed me to also make observations about myself as well as America. One of my favorite things to do is make lists. It's a problem, I know, but it's just so much fun. So in honor of my trip, and my love of making lists, I have made a few lists of what I learned while away. 

Things I learned about Europe:

1. Nutella is best on everything.

2. Flights always board late but somehow always get to their destination early.

3. My gaydar only works in America.

4. Free refills is part of the American Dream.

5. Water comes in 2 forms. Specify if you don't want it sparkling.

6. Water is expensive and public drinking fountains are rare or nonexistent.

7. There are lots of 'fish' in the sea. I prefer those that swim around Germany or the UK.

8. There's a lot of bad in the world, but if you look around, there is more good.

9. Europe is a wonderful place where you don't have to tip.

10. Tax is included in merchandise prices.

11. McDonald's is delicious no matter what country you are in. And the menu items vary!

Now, I learned lots of things about individual cities I visited. They need lists TOO!

Things I learned in Berlin:

1. The German people are very humble, grateful, and friendly.

2. Berlin is maybe the most bike friendly city I've ever been to.

3. I felt extremely safe in Berlin.

4. The people are very healthy and fit.

5. The people remember Germany's past but strive to build a better future.

Things I learned in Paris:

1. 'Paris' is an American thing made up by Hollywood and artists.

2. Never sit by yourself if you don't want a gross, creepy, and/or old man to bother you.

3. The Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triomphe, and Notre Dame are breathe taking and photos do not do them justice.

4. Orly airport is probably the least efficient airport in the whole EU.

5. The French are friendly. Sometimes too friendly.

6. Always wear closed toe shoes. Paris is filthy.

7. Everyone, including the pigeons, are extremely skinny.

8. Anything with cream, chocolate, sugar or carbs should be indulged.

Things I learned in Madrid:

1. Madrid is a mecca of Art and Nature.

2. Maybe the cleanest city I've been to.

3. Bull fighting is illegal.

4. The food has no spiciness at all.

5. American Tapas= FAIL!

6. The least expensive metro in the EU. (€1.50/ ticket)

7. There are a large amount of Fanta flavors.

8. Personal bubbles are very small and rarely respected.

9. Seafood and Pork are very popular. 

10. Most seen chain restaurant? Museo de Jamon (Museum of Ham!)

Things I learned in London:

1. Coldest weather, warmest people.

2. Best fashion I saw on my trip.

3. Cadbury Milk Chocolate is the best.

4. Easiest and most efficient Underground system.

5. 85% of young, eligible young men = GORGEOUS!

6. Not everyone with a British accent is exactly a scholar.

7. The British are very patriotic. The Queen and the Union Jack are plaster on everything.

8. A pretty chubby country. I fit in well.

9. I need to live here.

Now time for some self reflection. This means YOU America!!!

Things I learned about America:

1. We have access to lots of excess resources and luxuries.

2. We are stupid for not using the metric system.

3. The 12 hr clock is actually very confusing. 7am or 7pm? How about 7:00 or 19:00?

4. We need to learn more than one language.

5. Our personal bubbles are large and respected.

6. We are a generally happy and carefree society.

7. Our airport security is extremely thorough.

8. Our chocolate sucks.

9. We have a very short history.

10. We are a very young country and we still have lots to learn.

Now for some personal reflection. These are things that I learned about myself. They might seem trivial, vain or mushy but they are things that I was struggling with before I left.

Things I learned about myself:

1. I am independent.

2. I am confident.

3. I am unique.

4. I am a beautiful person and should appreciate my health.

5. I will be ok.

6. I want to travel more.

7. There are more important things in life than material things.

8. I rely on prayer more than I realized. And it works.

9. I believe in my religion although I am frustrated by some of my fellow members.

10. I want to learn more languages.

11. I have a large support system in my life.

12. I miss American culture but still respect, admire, and appreciate others'.

13. There is value in myself and my skills.

14. I really love (and missed) Mexican food.