Graphic Artist?
For those that know me, you know I love to be creative. Whether it's with silly crafts, entertaining, decorating, scrapbooking or graphic design. A couple of years ago, my friend Amy noticed the invitations I made for my kids' birthday party and encouraged me to try selling them. I dabbled in that for awhile, and then she hired me to do graphic design for the events company she worked for. I purchased the software I needed and went to work. Although I had a blast, I found it tough to work on such strict time schedules while still being available for my kids. I also didn't have quite the specific knowledge to do some of the things they wanted. It became frustrating, and I had to quit.
But that doesn't mean I don't love to do graphic design work! I used to handmake all of my Christmas cards until one year I went a little bonkers... I lost my mind. My Christmas card in 2005... I made over 110 of these cards. First, getting the kids to pose perfectly; then printing out photos and cutting; then piecing the paper together, folding perfectly; signing each card; making the Top Ten list and printing them out; then punching holes, tying ribbon, and stamping the front; then addressing 110 envelopes and mailing. And yes, my Type A/compulsive/anal-retentive/whatever personality came out... they were mailed the day before Thanksgiving and arrived on Black Friday. After being commended and teased simultaneously by a few friends, I realized I really didn't have to outdo myself every year.
So, last year I figured out a way to design our card (on the computer, not cutting and pasting) and had them professionally printed. Still cool, yet much easier and less time-consuming. I did the same thing this year (front and inside are to the right). I'm considering offering my services to design others' cards as well. (My old card business ended last year when my printer died, and I was too busy to worry about replacing it.) Technology has improved so much to allow us to create our own cards using kids' artwork, photos and more... why not? Rather than signing a hundred cards and printing out "Christmas letters" and kids' photos to stuff in the envelopes, I incorporate it all into my cards. My family-year-in-review, kids' photos, well wishes, and even a 
piece of artwork are all included in one printed card. I can also make invitations, thank-you cards and more. This year, I'm stuffing the kids' stockings with ready-to-go thank you cards (oh, I know... they'll be so thrilled). Here is an example of what I made. If you are interested in learning more about how I can design your card, email me...
But that doesn't mean I don't love to do graphic design work! I used to handmake all of my Christmas cards until one year I went a little bonkers... I lost my mind. My Christmas card in 2005... I made over 110 of these cards. First, getting the kids to pose perfectly; then printing out photos and cutting; then piecing the paper together, folding perfectly; signing each card; making the Top Ten list and printing them out; then punching holes, tying ribbon, and stamping the front; then addressing 110 envelopes and mailing. And yes, my Type A/compulsive/anal-retentive/whatever personality came out... they were mailed the day before Thanksgiving and arrived on Black Friday. After being commended and teased simultaneously by a few friends, I realized I really didn't have to outdo myself every year.
So, last year I figured out a way to design our card (on the computer, not cutting and pasting) and had them professionally printed. Still cool, yet much easier and less time-consuming. I did the same thing this year (front and inside are to the right). I'm considering offering my services to design others' cards as well. (My old card business ended last year when my printer died, and I was too busy to worry about replacing it.) Technology has improved so much to allow us to create our own cards using kids' artwork, photos and more... why not? Rather than signing a hundred cards and printing out "Christmas letters" and kids' photos to stuff in the envelopes, I incorporate it all into my cards. My family-year-in-review, kids' photos, well wishes, and even a 
piece of artwork are all included in one printed card. I can also make invitations, thank-you cards and more. This year, I'm stuffing the kids' stockings with ready-to-go thank you cards (oh, I know... they'll be so thrilled). Here is an example of what I made. If you are interested in learning more about how I can design your card, email me...
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