Young Me - Now Me

I found this on one of my web surfing trips today. I think it is such a cool idea. I'll be digging through the photo albums so I can participate. If you want to join in, click here for more information. To see more examples, check them out here.

Beach Run

The first time I ever ran on a beach was last year. I'm not sure why I waited so long. I've been a gym rat for 11 years now, and have been going to the beach regularly for just as long. I just never put the two together, until last year. My sister was visiting, and we were at the beach. She said she was going for a run, and I said I would join her, not knowing what I was getting myself into. I could run for 45 minutes at that point, so I figured I would be OK.

Running on sand is not the same as running on a treadmill, at all. For one you have the scenery. A horizon stretching out as far as your legs will take you. The sound is not bad techno music like at the gym, but the cresting waves and their hiss as they kiss the shore. The crunch of the sand under foot, and the occasional squawk of a seagull above. And when you reach your destination. When you've run as far as you can. The big blue is just waiting for you to jump in and cool off.

I don't know why I waited so long. Thank you Diana.

Weekend Reading

Hopefully I'll be reading this on the beach tomorrow. It's going to be 90 degrees. I'm convinced concrete holds heat more than any other material, so it's going to feel even hotter. Bring on the ocean breeze.

Personalized

Everyone loves monograming and personalization. It turns a basic product into one-of-a-kind. Now you can personalize your parties. Birthday in a Box offers personalized products for Birthdays and Baby Showers. The Mom-to-be's name on a banner or thank you cards adds that extra special touch to make your party one-of-a-kind.

Stroller Fun

Sometimes when we create a design, we wonder how it'll be received. You should definitely design for yourself, but what you like may undoubtedly not be what an Art Director likes, much less the marketing group, or focus group. And in the end, in this business, the big question is "Will the customer like it?" Sometimes, I think, it's a guessing game, and you just have to go with your gut. I really wondered how this design would be received. I crossed my fingers as it went through the process from 1" sketch to real live product, and happily, it has been well received.

Christmas in June

These are our latest stickers with Mrs. Grossman's. They made their debut at the National Stationary show in NYC last month. From what I heard, they got a great response, and will be making their way to a shelf near you come Christmas.

Mailings...

I have been spending a lot of time at the post office since the Surtex show. Most clients tag which images they are reacting to, and then after the show, the mailings begin. I would usually dread a trip to the post office because of the long lines. After awhile I got smart and brought a book with me, and could usually finish a chapter before it was my turn. But about 6 months ago, they installed the automated machines, and it has been great. Usually there is no one in line, and I can zip in and out. This process should be over in a couple of days, and I will be back with new work.