Typographical Art

Lately I've been looking at artwork to decorate my office space. I need something that expresses my personality, but that looks "designerly" and smart as well. In researching different artists and different types of pieces to hang, I've come across some really interesting work related to design. Check out the work below:


Lisa Whipkey



Lynnette Prock




Pottery Barn




Font Coasters: Etsy: CarolinaCottage



Etsy: YeeHaw



Etsy: thetypejunkie



Etsy: UnknownArtist76

What I've Been Up To

Sorry for not keeping in touch this past week. I've moved into my office and am all settled... well, sort of. I'm still waiting on a few reception area chairs, some artwork for the walls and a dry erase board, but I'm definitely working from my new space.

I sent out an email yesterday using Constant Contact to notify my clients and readers of my new address. The ad I sent out is below:



Since our email boxes are filled with so much clutter day in and day out, I had to make this email campaign stand with an eye-catching design and a somewhat-interesting subject line. Also, I've recently redesigned my website so it was important that this email be reflective of the new site's style (you never know how many people will click) as well.

The homepage of the new site is below. Have a look around!




While I was extremely happy with my previous website, I wanted an opportunity to discuss the green aspects of my business a little more. Furthermore, as beautiful as Flash can be, it's just not search-engine-friendly, no matter how many tricks one has up their sleeve. I think the HTML will be a little more effective in terms of exposure goes. Also, updating the site and making changes will be much more efficient.

So... that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post some pics of the finished office space as soon as I've finished furnishing it. I hate showing a work in progress. Have a good day!

Co-Op America: For Green Businesses

I recently was approved by Co-Op America (...just haven't gotten around to putting that seal on my site yet...) and it's something I'm really proud of. By having this seal and by being listed in the Co-Op America National Green Pages, it shows that I'm a business dedicated to using green practices for a greener planet.

Dani Nordin of The Zen Kitchen in Boston inspired me to apply for my seal of approval. Here's some information for how to do ths for your business (taken directly from the Co-Op America website:

Screening Green Businesses

To become a member of Co-op America’s Green Business Network™, businesses submit an application, or are pre-qualified by Co-op America's Screening Team.

The Screening Team, which is appointed by and reports to Co-op America's board of directors, investigates each applying company to determine: 1) its familiarity with and commitment to social and environmental responsibility, and 2) significant action in terms of this commitment. Our research team also seeks independent data to verify company information.

Specifically, to be qualified to be listed in the National Green Pages™, companies must demonstrate that they:

•Focus on using business as a tool for positive social change.

•Are "values-driven," as well as profit-driven.

•Are socially and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their offices and factories.

•Are committed to and employ extraordinary and innovative practices that benefit:
1) workers, 2) communities, 3) customers, and 4) the environment.

Click here to start your Co-Op American Membership Application: Become a Member

Resources for Green Graphic Designers

In working to keep my business as eco-friendly as I can, I like to pick up a few resources here and there to help generate some ideas, keep me informed and to offer inspiration. As of late, I've come across two new books that I thought I should point out.

The first is one I just ordered (used, of course) and is available on Amazon.com. I haven't gotten the chance to crack it open and really truly read through it yet, but I was very impressed with the full-page design examples they included along with the wonderful reviews it received. If you're interested in green graphic design at all, be sure to check out The Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Design by Poppy Evans.

The second book, which I just found online today, isn't really geared towards graphic design itself. It's more for those who are interested in running their own design shop or business. I haven't ordered this one yet, but it's definitely on my wishlist. Has anyone read Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage by Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston? Can you offer a little feedback?

Last Idea Board: My Office Room

Below is the idea board for my office (last one). I've been picking up great pieces at antique shops, garage sales and off of Craig's List. Buying used items is a great way to find something unique and inspiring for your space while reusing/recycling. Of course, I'm getting a little help from IKEA as well.

Click on the image below to enlarge...

I'm In An Article!

I was asked to do an interview with WorkHomeYou.com's writer Susan Johnston. We chatted about staying busy during the slow summer month's when it comes to clients and projects.

Unfortunately there is no direct link, but I can tell you how to get there, in case you're interested.


1. Go to WorkHomeYou.com
2. Click on "In This Issue"
3. On the table of contents page, underneath "July/August 2008" in bold type, is the feature article titled, "The Heat Is On". Click there.
4. Click past the cover artwork. My quotations are on the second and third pages.

Thanks to Susan for writing a great article and for the opportunity!

Conference Room Ideas

I hope you don't mind my going on and on about my office. I just am REALLY excited about it and want to share the experience!

I've been planning out the conference room. I want it to be welcoming, obviously, but also very classic. It has to be fresh and "designerly" as well...tricky, tricky. Here are my ideas thus far:

Office Space

I promised I would take photos of the office and I did! Sorry I wasn't able to to show you the space from start to finish, but it's definitely still not close to being done. So while you didn't get to see the place before I started work, I will tell you that it was off-white walls with this creamy-taupe wood trim. The carpet is currently brown and so old that it's bunched up in certain areas. My landlord was kind enough to let me pick out some wood flooring to have installed before I move in. That's coming before the 4th...

So, first things first, here's the plan of the office space:


It's three rooms connected together. The main entrance to the office is in the center. I'll be making my office out of the room on the left, and my conference room will be to the right. That little cubby in the back corner there is just screaming mini-fridge and refreshment area.

Now, here's a photo of the conference room. Sorry the angling of the camera sucks. It's hard to take a good pic when there's not much room to work with. Oh, and guess what - Ben's allowed in my office (my dog). Apparently the landlord brings in his dog quite a bit as well. He said it was fine as long as I clean up the hair...



I left the walls the creamy beige color since I was painting the trim white. It definitely made it "classier" feeling, I think.



This is the view of the middle/waiting room as you walk out of the conference room.




Lots of work left to do. The doors will be painted white as well to match the trim.

Oh, and the walls are the same rusty orange as what's in my logo.

This is what you see when walking into my office from the waiting area. I love a light stone gray on the walls with white trim.



And finally, this is what you see when you turn around while in the office and look back at the waiting room. Aren't those windows great? I can't wait to get this office done and to get the wood flooring in.