Stories :: Compartmentalizing

When you have as much going on as I do (and all seemingly at the same time), I find it best to compartmentalize. This is a lesson that I have to be reminded of regularly because it is easy to fall into the trap of letting the day swarm up around me and cause me to meltdown. The last few days have been especially difficult. It is simply not possible to be a full-time mom and also run a small business without structuring my day more carefully, otherwise tasks sort of all get thrown into the jumble and I become a crazy woman. NOT good for me, certainly not good for the littles, and not good for my productivity.

So, thank you Universe for reminding me to compartmentalize. I made a fabulous structure today comprised of playdates (conference meetings), design work, meal planning, chores, and blogging. Though all those "to dos" are still there hanging over me, at least I have a plan for getting them crossed off. If I forget, at least there is a good stiff drink to help me cool off after a rough day.

{image, layout by Keely Reyes}

Mix It Monday :: Negative Space + Whimsy

I have a thing for negative space, I always like to add large areas of space in my own work, so it makes sense that I am drawn to it in other people's work as well. Space adds drama and room for your viewers to breathe. Add some whimsy, whether it be a touch of subtle humor or a unique typeface, and you have yourself something pretty amazing. This week I've rounded up a few pieces that I think balance both in their own ways. 

I really love the giraffe, it is so sophisticated and lovely. I do love pops of color, but the black and white really makes it stand out. All of these have wonderful spirit, I hope you enjoy!{Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

Stories :: Vacation

I hope you all had a good week while I was away. I am back from vacation, and while I thought I would be refreshed and relaxed, I am feeling sluggish and sleepy. I definitely enjoyed myself and got to have some much needed down time, but I am also coming home to a very big list of "to do" items. It feels like I have a mountain to climb and tackle. It is just like when you get a massage and it feels great, but then the minute it is over you are back to where you started. I'm doing my best to hold on to those calm feelings. I got lots a gorgeous beach shots while I was away, which I'm thinking of posting above my desk so I can remind myself what it felt like to be relaxed. Maybe I can force myself into a relaxed state just by that one visual memory, I can almost hear the ocean now. Here's to hoping! I will have a brand new Mix It post for you next Monday and you can find me over at Rena Tom's blog on Wednesday with another cool creative exercise! Have a great week!

{photo by Keely Reyes}

Stories :: Rocket Dog Rescue

Last month I was approached about donating some shop items for a very good cause benefiting Rocket Dog Rescue. I have heard about Rocket Dog for years, ever since my days working as a Veterinary nurse, so I jumped at the chance to help! They get dogs out of over-crowded shelters and also find homes for them. It is a cause close to my heart because I always want to rescue all the dogs I see. I'm totally the girl who melts at the sight of any animal in need. Sometimes I dream of having a big ranch full of rescued pets, If only we could take them all home. I don't think Will would like that dream scenario so much... Most of us can't take them home, but helping out with a donation is still a boost to the karma! Shelters are getting hit harder than ever with more dogs than they can manage so organizations like Rocket Dog are what they need to find homes. If you are interested in helping out the event is FREE, and you will even have a chance get my donated items, one set of Quirky dog cards, and one block printed Whale print. If anything you will have a fun night out, this Tuesday at Blu Bungalow, check it out, here!

{photo of our beloved Cooper by Keely Reyes}

New Work: A Hand Lettered Thank You

I'm very excited to share one of my latest projects with you. It's not very often that you get a project where you get to be as creative as you like, so when they come around, designers get a sort of creative "high." I was also able to use some beautiful letterpress and offset printing on this one, so the finished project was that much more special. Anywhere you can add letterpress, do it, it is totally worth it.

My clients, a newlywed couple, were in need of a very special and unique thank you to send to their wedding guests. The wedding itself was something really special, check it out here. Instead of gifts the couple asked for books from their guests, and they amassed quite an extraordinary library. The 200+ titles range from fictional novels, to travel, art, and even children's books. Visra and Chris knew they wanted aspects of their life included in the piece, a new SF city life, and their beloved dog Snoop. I got to meet Snoop, by the way, and he is a total love!

After a few brainstorming meetings we settled on using a poster format, there were a lot of books after all! I wanted this piece to be as special as possible and rather than just listing the books, I wanted the character of each book to stand out. Hand lettering seemed like an obvious choice, though I must say my hand was a little weary toward the end. But it was totally worth it.

The final piece included a poster with all the titles and an illustration of Visra, Chris, and Snoop inside a tent looking out at SF, Sutro tower behind them. Their wedding was a 3-day camp out, so the tent was a nod to the spectacular event. Oh and yes, your eyes do not deceive you, that is a llama. Also at their wedding :) I wish I had a great full size shot for you, but it is so big I will have to figure out the best way to shoot it, stay tuned.

The secondary piece to this was a letterpress enclosure for Visra and Chris to write their personal thank you as well as a detachable bookmark. I did a little doodle of a book attached to a balloon, which was also a little nod to the wedding itself. I know I am an illustrator "officially," but sometimes I still feel like a "doodler."

This was a project I feel very fortunate to have been a part of. It is so rewarding to have creative freedom and to see your finished product at the end, something I don't always get to be a part of. Visra and Chris were awesome clients to work with, too, which always makes a project worth doing. I'm off for a much needed vacation, but I will be back with a fresh perspective, and hopefully some new inspirations to share with you!

Photography by Will Reyes

Printing
Poster: Lahlouh, offset 
Enclosure: Dependable Letterpress

Mix It Monday :: 5 :: Faded/Relaxed

Vacation is on my mind! This week we have Independence Day to celebrate and next week I am off on a real vacation. I'm so excited that I want to start packing now, is 10 days too early to start? We all need time to wind down and relax, whether at home or somewhere exotic. Though I most certainly not relaxed as I write this post, I am certainly aspiring to be!

This week's Mix It is all about faded and relaxed. I love the look of faded, soft light photography, even more popular since Instagram. Ombre on its own is so popular and I love how these images have an the effect on top of beautiful imagery. This is what vacation is all about.  Just looking at them give you a relaxed mood.

{images: 1, 2}