Repot

“Repot”, was the term used in Martha Stewart’s book, The Martha Rules, about managing a business; as a reference for a new start, which currently is something I am in the process of doing.

I’m doing a lot of research about building a business. I really would like to understand how to be an employer so I can become a better employee. Before I was one to search for a job and take what I could get, but after my last job I realized I maybe too over qualified and I need to be careful not to step backwards in my career, just to earn a paycheck.

I’ll be honest, my last repotting was pretty displaced, and I left wondering if I still loved my craft. “Should I go into business myself, get my Masters or should I change my career path to find my way,” I wondered.

I was feeling uncertain, but then something happened. My sister called and she needed my help. She was graduating in two weeks and was over loaded with work, her projects’ spark was hard to see and she was zombie-styling the last days of the semester. She asked for my advice.

I took a look at her graphic works for her seminar presentation and Graduate Show, “Not so glittery”. So, I got in my car and drove 400 miles to the big city. I thought I’d go to help my sister tighten the seams, but in the end the experience tighten mine.

I got their on a Friday night, she wanted to party with friends and relax, but I starting working. I told her we can have a cold beer when we can really relax; and I’m not talking about when we get it done, it’s when we get it complete.
I pulled a box from my trunk that was filled with satin flowers, silk fabrics, and a white backdrop. I took her projects set them up on a table, setup the proper lighting and put her camera on the tripod. “There, this is what you needed, a little backup and teamwork”.

She clicked the camera; I directed the shots, the Photoshop-ing, and the layouts. I wasn’t going to do her work, but I was going to make her shine.
After a week and a half of non-stop sweat equity it was a success. Not only did my sister succeed, but I did as well. I put my heart, soul, backbone, and limbs into graphic design again, and it felt good. Being surrounded by others that worked just as hard and produced works with so much creativity really gave me that second breath of fresh air I really needed.

There, I truly understood the importance of support and positive thinking, leadership, guidance, as well as teamwork. I good business has these attributes and maintains them because they are more important them just making a comfortable work environment they also keep great employees on staff, help cushion change, help keep minds healthy and creative, and help your company grow.

I maybe another graphic designer in the pool of unemployment but I’m far from drowning. I’m actually thriving from it. And I can only hope that all this cultivation will help me find a new garden to repot, grow, and really blossom.

Book Review- The Martha Rules

I'm currently reading Martha Stewart's book about managing and starting a business. Although it is a generalized how-to it is quite enjoyable of a read. I was collecting books about how to start my freelance business and picked this one up quickly before leaving the library. (I love that about libraries you can grab books without thinking twice about them.) Martha's book sat on my coffee table for awhile with other books on subjects from business etiquette to Donald Trump, while I tried to read Michelle Goodman's first book, the Anti-9 to 5. I had started reading Michelle's book when I thought I had lost my way, but after my trip to NYC I feel like I could move forward again. Martha Stewart, no matter how much my mother dislikes her, she is a mentor too me, and I thank her for showing the average individual about the important of putting attention to detail.

Spring Jumpology

In the toast of the sweetness of warm spring air, Let's Jump! and take an inspiring look at NY Time Art and Design review of photographer Philippe Halsman's photographer Philippe Halsman's jumpology.

Juicy Finds for May 2010

If you have about two hours, this is an interesting video. Its a discussion from Cooper-Hewitt on "user-centered design" or understanding how ergonomics effects the productivity and enjoyment of a designed work. Jesse Ashlock, former Editor-in-Chief of I.D. Magazine moderated this panel of three: Dan Formosa, founder of Smart Design who has designed work, ranging from kitchen items to medical products mostly recently known for his leafy SmartGauge with EcoGuide on the new Ford Focus, Sigi Moeslinger, co-founder of Antenna Design that combines technological complexity with a sense of humanity; her work on the NYC subways (which with my current trip to NYC I have recently enjoyed) is discussed. My favorite part of this video is listening to the third panelist Neils Differient, most well known for his Freedom and Liberty chair designs manufactured by Humanscale, he is a slow and enlightening speaker that I feel would be a great person to have sitting on my front porch and drinking ice tea with.



Other inspiring finds, this one from Design Milk is PIE Studio’s business card which folds into the shape of a pie slice and the brochure also folded into a slice unfolds out to an entire pie.




Foosball has entered my life recently, after introducing my husband to a great old fashioned style bar in the heart of Buffalo, with delicious brews and a huge game room, Foosball is becoming an enjoyment. My friend Kevin even got a table for his basement. And although I'm not that good at it, others are and it shows in this creative football coat hook.

2010 NFL Draft Picks

The start of the 2010 NFL Draft was yesterday and to celebrate the newbies to the NFL, Davey Designs has decided to design business cards for several of the new players. These business cards represent the future and past for these players; NFL business card design commentary below.

We'll start with Sam Bradford, the first pick and good pick for the St. Louis Rams. But Sam you're going to start and it is going to hurt. I always feel bad for the new quarterbacks that come right from college into playing. There is a lot to learn in a short amount of time, not to mention the sacks your going to have to take will be the worst of your life. For this Davey Designs is going to pray for you. With that said, we've designed a business card with double the helmets, we know your a ram and you'll tough it out, but a little extra protection never hurts. Creative design told us to print it on paper made from old turf. The same specs of recycled turf that so many QBs have planted their faces on.

I feel that we have to talk about Tim Tebow. First round, wow! Everyone has a piece of heart for this boy? We watched him be a great leader in college and we can't wait to see him get great in the NFL. So, we have designed him a simple business card. Strong with branding, side-by-side support reaching out for something good. I have faith that he is a good 2010 NFL Draft pick for the Broncos and I am excited to see him, a couple of years from now, really know how to throw that ball like its nobody's business.


To close today's blog Davey Designs has designing a meaningful business card for Dez Bryant. A boy who dropped to his knees to become a cowboy of a new color with a sweet paycheck. Davey Designs designed a business card representing the Cowboy you were and the Cowboy you will become. It's clear you have heart for this team, since you were subconsciously wearing cowboy colored shirts on draft day, we'll give you a big star for more reasons than one.

Freelance Career Starts Next Monday

So, I'm quitting my job this week, Friday is my last day. I will be starting my freelancing career! I have to say I'm a bit nervous about the obvious things like money, but I'm going to try to stay positive and work through it. Hopefully I can kick my butt into gear and try to get over what's going down at work and focus on what is happening here in my life, a new beginning/ a new chapter. I'm currently reading a great book from Michelle Goodman called the My So-Called Freelance Life to advise me through the start up of my freelance life. Its a great read so far. She is also known for her first book, The Anti 9-to-5 Guide.


Do-to list to start Davey Designs
1. Design business cards, just a few cause I need to wait until I have my most desired url. Expiration date already on the iPod Touch calendar.
2. Design up Davey Design's Design brief, and Letter of Agreement forms.
3. Start sketch for new website design.
4. Clean the Office
5. Make a list of clients I want to work for.

Anthro's Best in Show Blouse

"Resplendent plumes sit atop the manes of grand fillies on Odille's embellished silk wrap. " Its sounds delightful, oh, Anthropologie....

Found something Foxy today..

While reading articles on the HOW magazine website I found a fun link for "Top 10 Sites for Designers. Honestly, many of the designers I viewed were illustrators, but all were quite talented. Good news is I believe this list gets up dated monthly; very exciting and a great way to keep up on style trends. See Ty Wilkins fox and other "designs".

Two Loons for Tea

Two Loons for Tea, Album Nine Lucid Dreams

Music is what has being keeping my mind in check. My lastest favorite station created in Pandora is Two Loons for Tea Radio. Click here to see if you can listen. Want to know more about the band visit the Two Loons for Tea webpage.

Kettle Delicious

I thought I hated Kettle corn Popcorn. I realized People are just making it wrong. I ate the most delicious popcorn from our work's Christmas gift basket today. Its from Dale and Thomas Popcorn. They say something cute about being the flavor of Popcorn, Indiana but it distributed from NJ. Oh well, this is still quality and its natural. Simple Ingredients of this Kettle Corn Popcorn, Canola oil, Sugar, sea salt, and Soy Lecithin. Not to mention their cute package design.
Other flavors to check out: Movie Theater Popcorn, Smoked Cheddar cheese, Summer Picnic BBQ, Chili Con Queso, Sea Salt, and Caramel. Fantasic Treat to my Wednesday!