heysusy

WEEKENDER { Get Your Wrap On with Nice Package! }

Feeling uninspired for what to do this weekend? I hope not. But, if that is indeed the case, hop on over to Marichelle and Ez's new website and diy packaging specialty shop, Nice Package.

You probably know Marichelle and Ez from Their respective blogs- hearthandmade and Creature Comforts.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know both of them better over the course of 2009, and I couldn't be more excited to see them launching into a new business idea. 

Both of them are extremely inventive and entrepreneurial, with lots of unique ideas on how to use the internet to connect with their design and handmade-loving audience in innovative ways. NIce Package, filled with pretty goodies, created with love, is probably just the tip of the iceberg for these two style-loving mavens...and I can't wait to see what else they have up their (well-styled) sleeves! For more of what I mean, check out the great tutorials they're beginning to launch on the Nice Package Blog ...with self- styled, beautiful photos, and plenty of pretty ideas for a Sunday afternoon!

Enjoy your weekends! xx s

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS { designers give back }

I love the idea of giving something when I purchase something. Lately, I've noticed several really beautiful new products created with a cause in mind, and I've been thinking of creating a few limited edition products that would benefit environmental and animal-welfare causes.

Businesswise, doing a pro-bono or "proceeds go to" project or capsule collection in your own line is a great way not only to promote a cause you believe in, but to gain positive buzz for your own products. Also, as a designer, I think it's a great doorway into designing something that you might not have otherwise-- and to step outside your usual collection's asthetic and allow yourself to be inspired by something new, while using your signature style to express it. (Diane Von Furstenburg's projects up here are a good example).

Communitywise, donating proceeds from projects to ideas you care about is a way to build connections with other creatives and contacts who are also involved, and to share a common purpose with other people. Anyway, I thought I would share some of them here. You can check them out to see which causes they're giving back to.

Links:

I ADORE Sarah Pinto's 2010 planners and notebooks. This new designer has a small, versatile, and focused line of books. View these products and learn more about Sarah's personally charged cause at See Jane Work

A brand that has always inspired with their one for one policy-- Tom's. I'm really loving their new lace-up Cordones!

Diane Von Furstenburg supports local and worldwide causes with her Proud to Be Woman Tote and High Line Beach Towel

And finally, Etsy is a great place to create buzz around a cause you care about... search for Etsy Project Embrace to learn more about what these smart Etsians are doing with their hearts and hands.

If you have seen any products that have a great cause behind them, post them here so that we can check them out!  : )

MANY THANKS { free download card design }

Hello Sweeties! I wanted to thank all of you who took the time to comment on yesterday's post. I really, really appreciate it, and it made me feel so good to hear from each of you. More and more, lately, I've thought about how great it is to have such a connection with my readers, and my customers, and really it's more than any designer could ever hope for. I'm overwhelmed and heartened by each you who has shared excitement over my designs, and what the designs themselves are trying to evoke...and about this blog, and the type of content I try and write -  a love for style in a way that feels open-ended, healthy and encouraging-- with plenty of room for a sense of humor! I wanted to share that happiness back-- so I made you a card.

Download Free Printable Template for 8.5" x 11" By Clicking Here.

Feel free to use the file any way you see fit, with the exception of printing a bazillion copies and selling them. Ha ha. While the PDF is of a 5" x 5" folding card format (to be printed on cover weight for best results), you can also trim the front panel out on text weight paper to create a print to hang in your space, wrap a gift with.. or just crop it and use the graphic on your desktop.Or....well, I'm sure you've got your own ideas!

Have a wonderful weekend, and again, thank you so, so much. I hope you enjoy the freebie! xx s

Live + Learn { a business tutorial in a decorating tutorial }

  

 

Hey Loves. Something kind of weird happened this morning. And I share this with you because I learned something-- both about myself, and about doing business. Isn't it great how in this day and age you can actually watch as someone blindly feels their way into running a business online?? Sure!

The Live Part:

So, I came across a new article on Redbook.com (which might also be in the print edition) with a How-To. Those of you who know me as a designer also know I love hearing about customers getting creative with their items, and I love hearing your ideas, and knowing people are reusing the products rather than chucking them when they're done.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE A  STENCIL TUTORIAL HERE (photos above via RedBook.com)

The Learn Part:

While I like the article, it really caught me off guard to see such a literal iteration of one of my surface designs. I sent a polite letter to RB and I also called my lawyer to get his take. I posted an angry, gut-level tweet, which in hindsight, I should not have done. Anyway, here's where I'm netting out: given the lovely images, and fun ideas, I think I can live with this! But, as an independent (read...small) business, I need to be careful that I protect my work, but also that I'm open to new suggestions and uses for it.

What I have learned-- and I share it here for any of you independent business people who are interested.

1. Do not start a business without hiring a lawyer who understands the needs of a small business, and can give common-sense advice on  what is truly best for your brand (hint, sometimes it's medicine you don't want to take...see point 3).

2. Have said lawyer draft a letter which you approve, and use this letter, at your discretion, when you send your samples to the press. Just so you are clear about what you expect the item to be used for-- then, you won't run into surprises.

3. Not exactly legal advice, but, don't jump the gun. Learn how to take a compliment. As they say, all publicity is good publicity. Even if you feel icky about it, having your name out there is better than not at all. And the BEST publicity is being polite, supportive, responsive, professional, reliable and easy to work with, no matter what your industry.

Anyway, buy a calendar! Then Show me Your Pillows in 2011 !! Ha Ha. Love, S

BUSINESS PLAN {how to}

Good Morning! I am back from the land of merchandising. Please to view preliminary photos of the booth here.

This week, I've been receiving lots of emails asking  me for help in setting up a business. So, to help, I've created an easy-to use pie chart. Please reference this if you are considering going into business for yourself. : P

After setting up the booth all last week with the fabulous, patient, and capable Carrie and Laurel, I started thinking. One thing I've noticed (and Carrie and Laurel affirmed) is that reading blogs can be...well...weird sometimes. And, it's easy to think that everyone who writes a pretty design blog, or has their own product line, or sells in retail stores etc. has a better, more fulfilling, more positive, and just generally more impressive life than most of us.

Anyway, if you will refer to the pie chart above, perhaps you will be convinced otherwise. We worked our hineys off this weekend, in the cold (hello hobo hands!) late into the night (merchandising into the wee hours) and laden with bags from Home Depot, The Container Store, and Staples (60 lbs lugged down Lexington Ave.) And actually, other than the booth being there, this is pretty much what I do every day, in the name of susyjack* contemporary paper. Worth it? You bet!

Some items you might want to have if you are considering doing trade/gift shows...
1. A good pair of work gloves for inside....fingerless gloves for outside. I like these, which are lovingly handmade by HomeLab
2. A multi purpose tool (among your other tools). If you forget something, like a bottle opener for the beer you brought as an after work treat, use one of these. And yes, they come in pink.
3. A purse / toolbag that can handle the hustle. These are a nice mix of chic and sturdy.
4. A cart or set of wheels. Make sure that the wheels are large...this helps offset the center of gravity and keep all of your boxes solidly on the apparatus. My personal preference is for the classic, wood sided Red Flyer Town and Country, shown above.

GOOD ADVICE {Mel Lim on Sales Representatives}

I really should have posted this sooner-- but, I have been busy lately with some crazy things that have popped up, and I will tell you more about those at a later date. Let's just say my head almost exploded all over the counter at the City Clerk's office yesterday.

After a year in business, I've been approached by sales reps numerous times...and each time...I feel like I have no more information than when I started about what a rep really is, and when/if it makes sense to start working with one. So, when I found Mel Lim's new creative business-centered blog, BACE, through Freshly Blended, I thought, oooh! here's a good place to get the skinny on sales reps from someone who isn't one.

Anyway, I submitted my question and Mel was kind enough to give her experienced viewpoint on the topic in a post. I thought I'd refer you to it, and to BACE because she has some really interesting and enlightening things to say...great to consider if you have ever been, or will ever be, approached by a rep!

Links:
KEENA CO represents all of the lovely wares above...they have a wonderful, and carefully curated variety of manufacturers.
Kobo (love the matches that go with their beautiful candles)
Assouline (publishers of specialty books and sets)
Eloquent Ink (elegant dinnerware with precious metal glazes)
BACE Business and Creative Exchange

NICE LIFE {scott and zoe}

When styling and photography are enjoying a happy marriage, you get clever results like these. As I move forward designing the next items in my collection, I keep thinking about is just *how* to best convey the spirit of the items through my photography. So...I have been keeping track of some of the styling work that pops out at me.

I have always been interested in styling, which brings a note of professionalism and thoughtfulness into presenting a brand, and makes taking product photos a lot more fun (for more on this, take a peek at the article I wrote on the topic at Etsy's storque).

Anyway, what I love the most about the work of Scott and Zoe is how very simple ideas are used to take a photo's subject to a new level. There is a great sense of smart play in all of their work-- and I especially like their shots with just a couple of elements-- like this one up above that makes a fantastic, eyecatching compostion out of a necktie and some paper...or the beautiful effect of draping beads over a bed instead of a headboard-- that's definitely some decor I'm going to try!

Anyway, take a visit over to their site-- and definitely don't miss the still life section-- my personal favorite--- to get some great inspiration for easy decorating ideas, and great insight into how to make your product photos memorable. xx sus

HELLO WORLD! {nss series part 2: during the show}

As promised, it's the second segment in my stationery show series. It took a while to pull this together, because I've been so busy lately, and I wanted to make sure this was organized and thougtful. Hopefully, you'll find this as informative as the last one-- feel free to leave any questions on things I may not have mentioned in the comments section, and I'll try and get back to that topic in more detail!

Again, keep in mind I am in no means an expert, this was just my first year. But, I learned a great deal by participating and I hope it might be helpful to others.

IT'S SHOWTIME {part one of the NSS series}

After the big schlep to get susyjack* to the National Stationery Show, I mentioned that I would blog about my experiences. But, what I didn't realize was that the experience was really so much more than just "The Big Show". So, after thinking about it a little bit, I thought I'd break the post up into three parts....the pre-show, the during show, and the post-show. Hopefully, that will be more helpful to anyone who reads this and is thinking about participating. Keep in mind, I'm in no way the national stationery show expert... but the first time counts for a lot.

HOW TO {mindful inspiration with feel boards}

I was hoping to write this article for the etsy storque...but they haven't gotten back to me, so...I'm taking things into my own hands. I hope to post more how-to's in the future!

This summer,  the 'inspiration board' was all the rage on blogs like decor8 and style me pretty. I was thrilled to see something that has long been a tool for designers reaching into the craft/handmade community. I loved reading the articles, and looking at the boards people submitted, so, I wanted to contribute in my own way with a how-to on creating inspiration boards that are not only beautiful, but also useful.

Inspiration boards (I call them feelboards or moodboards) are something I have used for a long time in the 'design discovery' phase for clients. They serve as a guide not only to kickstart the creative/design process, but also to remind, as that process branches out, what the core ideas are. They are like a compass, helping you be sure that you are going in the intended direction. Above, you can see a few of my inspirations...what I am using currently, and used to create the new susyjack* website and identity.

Daily, we see so much that sitting down to create one's own work can feel a little bit like fighting through the weeds with a machete. That's where feelboards come in: combining materials, images, and words which map the terrain and guide us through!

Getting Started:
Spend some quiet time thinking about what's been on your mind lately. What's popped out at you? What's made you say 'wow' during your day to day. Some people find it's helpful to carry around a digital camera, sketchbook, or to keep a list of moments where they encountered something that really 'spoke' to them. These are moments of inspiration, as quick as they may be! Capture them.

Make a list of what feelings, things or qualities you were drawn in by. Just keep it loose...don't censor yourself. Maybe it's words like, 'nature, beauty, children, happiness' or 'relaxation, calmness, soothing' or 'colorful, unique, freedom'. It could be any combination of words which remind you of what sang to you.

Imagery, Textures, Objects:
Over a week or so, collect images and objects that you feel correspond with your inspirations. These may be images which you seek out, or, they could be images which already have a place in your heart. These are your 'compass' images. Don't worry about whether they match, or whether they include your friends or family...These are just for you. Each one should have special meaning, and be true to what you notice in life...not just what's in style, but what you feel has meaning and calls out to you.

Collaging:
Begin combining the images. Don't glue them down right away, but move them around on a board. Which combinations work for you? Why? Use the process as a tool for thinking more about what you are enjoying visually. When a certain couple of images get together, does it make you feel excited? Good! That means it's working. Don't forget your words....make sure that they make it in there. Looking and reading will simultaneously re-enforce your inspiring ideas.

Remember: It's okay to take your time. I've worked in design studios where we worked on feelboards for a couple of weeks...and it was worth the wait, they were precise, inspiring and communicative. The process is part of revealing what you are really getting at. The point is not to create perfection, but to reveal a unique vision...yours.

Presenting:
When you think you've got a palette that is working, make it permanent. Stick those images down, and hang up your board in your workspace. When you get flummoxed, go grab a snack, take a break, then come back and look at your board. Use it as a jumping off point...or, take a look at your work and double-check that it's going in the direction that your board/compass expresses. This is especially helpful when you're creating a collection and have multiple pieces to create and develop.

Taking it Further:
Mood Boards are not only useful for interior design and things visual; they can be extremely helpful as a tool for self-discovery. I have seen people create moodboards for everything from figuring out a new career to planning their next vacation. A successful moodboard transcends style and communicates. It has meaning over time. Mood Boards are also really useful to bring along if you are pitching a product, showing inspiration to a client, explaining your process and ideas, or creative directing someone (for example, if you are hiring someone to do your website or photography).

Keeping it going:
I have folders in which I put images I feel are really calling out to me, both in my space, and on my hard drive. Every now and then, I ramble through and remind myself what I liked about them, and they make a great source for new ideas. If you find an image that you really enjoy, but it doesn't fit with your current vein of thinking, save it. You never know, it could come in handy when you're planning your next collection or idea! Or, if you don't feel like getting out the glue, try shelving it. This can be a great, quick, and flexible way to show off your creative favorites.

Resources:

For more on inspiration boards, check out these blogs and tutorials:
decor8's styleboard contest winnners from last summer's competition...the winner is a must-see, love the way she has used the folder as a background 
style me pretty inspiration board contest
ihanna's article on building a reusable frame for pinning up your ideas.
bella dia's series mood boards on her blog
absolutely beautiful things makes frequent use of moodboards in her interior design work.
Abigail Beal has written a VERY basic tutorial on making a mood board-- what materials you might want to have around etc
inspiration boards group on flickr...where I found a bunch of great examples, including ways of creating change-able boards with clips, frames and shelves! Check out the fantastic sculptures/collages of Lisa Temple Cox while you're there!

UPDATE! I realized there's a link I forgot...if you don't have time to do any of the above...or, just need a way to get yourself started, you can always download the design for mankind ezine. The third issue is out as of yesterday!

 

Well, I really hope this was useful. I certainly have enjoyed writing it. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions, or to show off your own inspiration boards. I would love to see them.