I realize that I’m always bragging about satisfying the client on the first try. But it’s not always the case. Sometimes I’m way, way off.

Like in the case of this wedding invitation for Lori and Derek*. They came to me with numerous images of bird silhouettes and swirly vines, and I was inspired to go in this direction. It looks like a title page from a vintage book, doesn’t it? It would look so good if it was letterpressed.

Well, vintage title page or not, it wasn’t this couple’s cup of tea. They wanted something warmer, friendlier, more textured and layered. Something more like this.

My work may not always happen so magically, but I’m thankful for clients who stick with me through the creative process, confident that I can bring their vision to life.

*Names will always be changed.

It was so much fun coming up with a theme for a neighborhood family fair. Of course, no one expected a “theme”—they expected a flyer! But I wanted to come up with a concept that could be translated into… well, into possibility.

So I came up with this idea of a purple bus filled with balloons. It’s a little weird but just cute and fun enough to excite the kids. Then the idea totally lent itself to a psychedelic sky, so there’s that.

There are so many more printed components, but since I don’t like to leave original details on my blog, it would have been too much text to change. However there is one more thing I want to show you. Check out this bus “photo booth” that some creative folks made from my flyer. They e-mailed me this photo so I could see my design translated into 3-D, which is exactly the kind of possibility I was hoping for!

I was asked to create a tongue-in-cheek silhouette image of a couple for their wedding day. It was supposed to be literal, but I was certain it was overdone and that I’d be asked to try again.

It turns out it was exactly what my client wanted. She was ecstatic about the result and couldn’t wait to show the couple. But, unfortunately, the groom wasn’t all that thrilled. He also thought it was too literal and just wasn’t feeling the caricature of himself.

This happens in my work sometimes. I’ll feel apprehensive about what a client is asking and try to push back (if it seems appropriate), but if that fails I do my best to deliver.

But what’s interesting about those projects is that, 90% of the time, the client’s apprehension eventually meets mine and the idea gets scrapped completely.

So here’s my most recent scrap.

A friend asked me to design an e-mail inviting her friends and colleagues to a personal concert. When she said that the concert was Mediterranean-themed, ranging from Greek folk tunes to gypsy music, I knew immediately that I wanted the image to draw inspiration from Picasso’s vibrant 1952 painting, Mediterranean Landscape:

So here’s my design, rendered entirely in Photoshop:

I knew the design had to be bold and colorful—after all, it was only going to be sent via e-mail—but I also wanted it to infuse it with a sort of storybook romance, transporting the viewer to a different time and place. We’re all really happy with how it turned out.

*Names and details have been changed.

It has been a while since I’ve posted one of these.

This would be a great fall dress. Tough leather softened up by the flirty shape of the skirt, accented by a spiky geometric neckline to give it pizzazz.

I want to wear it with a cocoon cardigan, teetering high heels, and a spiky bracelet.

I really lucked out with Sooki and Sean* as clients.

They heard about my work through a friend and asked if I would design their wedding invitations. Our initial meeting was extremely successful, not just because they gave me a very clear idea of what they wanted but also because we really hit it off. We’ve since become friends, and they even invited me to their wedding (aww!).

Anyway, they showed me several examples of what they wanted. It was all very pretty, feminine, and elegant. Florals were a big draw, and so was the color lilac.

Here’s a sampling of what we did for their big day.

I was so honored to be a guest at their wedding! I really enjoyed myself.

*Names will always be changed.

I really like how this baby announcement turned out. I’m often asked to design announcements that are less traditional and more graphic, so it’s unusual for me to design something like this—something that feels so… well, for lack of a better term, so baby boy.

I think it’s cute and cuddly; it makes me want to snuggle with a little baby. Totally appropriate for a birth announcement, if you ask me. Sometimes traditional is the best way to go.

Congratulations to Maia and Scott*, who are getting married as we speak!

It was such a joy working with Maia on their wedding invitations. She had a very clear vision of what she wanted and came to me with printouts of images she found online, all of them with three things in common: modern, bold, and floral.

We got it right on the first try. I chalk that up to her knowing exactly what she wanted and doing such a great job communicating that vision to me!

*Names will always be changed.

Remember the penguin birth announcement I did for the Hawns*? Well, Baby Number Three (!) came along, and I was fortunate enough to be asked to design his announcement, too.

But this time I did the illustration myself, and it turned out so cute! This has to be one of my favorite baby announcements to date.

It was the couple’s idea to put the baby in a sling, and I think that element really makes it unique. Babywearing penguins? Don’t mind if I do.

*Names will always be changed.

How great are these wrapping papers? The cheeky lip print looks even more retro next to red-and-white striped ribbon, the punchy floral print gets even more pizzazz with a black-and-white polka-dot, and for more elegant gifts I love the marble print with one of Martha Stewart’s peony bows!

Makes me want to wrap some heart-shaped chocolates!

Wrapping Papers:
Hot Lips Handmade Gift Wrap Paper, Luxe Paperie
Red Roses on Pink Gift Wrap Sheet, Kate’s Paperie
Italian Hand Marbled Gift Wrap Paper, Luxe Paperie

Ribbons:
Monarch Stripe Grosgrain Ribbon, Hip Girl Boutique
Polka-Dot Petersham Grosgrain Ribbon, Cakes Around Town