Hi, I'm Allison, a graphic designer based in Western Massachusetts. I work with entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do. My goal is not only to provide effective graphic design, but be a valuable business resource to my clients.
I’ve long had a crush on Converse sneakers, namely Chucks. That’s why I find it hard to believe that after all of this secret swooning, I got my first pair only a few months ago.
The other day, someone turned me onto the fact that you can actually design your own Chucks now. You control everything, from the outside color, inside lining, laces, even the racing stripe. Whoa! You know I had to give it a go. Here’s my experience. You can try it yourself at the Converse website.
My good friend, and fabulous photographer, Suzanne Larocque, approached me with an idea for a special project last week. She explained that she had many vintage cameras, and would love to set up some still lifes with them and some flowers, do a little work in Photoshop, and get some gorgeous antique-ish images.
So, with Suzanne behind the camera, me as the stylist, and both of us begging photoshop to work what we were trying to do, we came up with a set of four images, that in our own humble opinion, will knock your socks off. There was one point in the photo editing session, where we simultanously jumped up and said “Oh, wow!” It is so awesome to do work that you’re passionate about, and when you get to do that work with friends, even better.
Suzanne and I plan on offering these images as note cards and art prints in the near future, and hope to collaborate on a similar project in the near future. The vintage cameras have an appeal for photographers, but how about us graphic designers? Think type.
So, it has been a while since my last post. Sorry, guess things have been a little busy. But school is over now for the semester, the huge projects are under control, and I felt like it would be the perfect time to share with all of you my latest project.
This year, I decided to do something I told myself I’d do for the last 5 years. Participate in the Relay for Life. Well, this year, I made the commitment. I’m doing it! The Relay for Life is a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society, to help with cancer research, to help cancer patients and their families, as well as support cancer prevention and awareness. This mission is personal to me. In 2001, I lost my grandfather to a brief but intense battle with a rare form of skin cancer, and the next year, lost my other grandfather to lung cancer. He had not smoked in 55 years. I have had many family members struggle with cancer in one form or another, and upon thinking on it one day, realized a startling statistic– 90% of my family who has passed away, has died from cancer. I know that no family should have to go through this, and I also know how important it is to take care of myself, with cancer being so prominent in my family history.
I’ve gotten together with a group of friends to raise money and participate in the Relay. We’ll be walking around the track at Springfield College from 6pm on June 4th to 3pm on June 5th.
Our team has officially been donned “Lulu’s Pie Diner.” (My previous suggestions were Walking Pneumonia and Running with Scissors. No one shared my sense of humor or enthusiasm.)
We were really excited about the possibility of a bake sale in our fandraising future, and I was inspired by the movie Waitress, starring Keri Russell, and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly. The entire premise of the movie circles around pies and baking (delicious pies, with funny names), so it would really lend to branding our team in a 50′s diner sort of theme.
I will be sharing with you more of the design process for our team shortly (did I mention there’s a Tshirt design contest and a tent decorating contest? Eep! It’s almost all I can think about!). But for now I’d like to share with you the latest fundraising item that I have designed. The Lulu’s Pie Diner Cookbook. The cookbook features 6 recipes, for all of the pies featured in the movie Waitress. There’s chocolate mousse, and custard, and other tasty treats to be found inside of these pages.
This is where I ask for your support. Click on the link below, make a donation. I will send you a brand spankin new, hot off the presses copy of the Lulu’s Pie Diner Cookbook.
A link to this shirt came across my Twitter feed the other day, and I did a little happy dance in my seat upon seeing this design. Along with the typographic genius (how many times can you see 2010 and love?), the shirt is a reminder for positive change. Did I mention that it’s only $20.10? Clever and inexpensive.
From the mouths of the designers:
“2010love is a symbol created to inspire people to make a positive change in their own lives and the lives of others, starting now. Spread the word by wearing it.”
For the month of April, the Design Sisters will be donating 10% of proceeds to The Earth Day Network, in honor of Earth Day on April 22.
The newest West Elm catalog recently appeared in my mailbox, and upon opening it, a series of oohs, aahs, and nice’s flowed. I don’t have the luxury of changing the lighting situation in my current apartment (believe me, if I could, I would), which makes these lust inducing light fixtures so out of reach.
This is once again the case of, “I can’t buy it, so you definitely should”.
Print design is my first love. I love the way that holding a book, a magazine, a piece of paper in your hand feels. I love to disconnect myself from the constant world of electronic devices, and flip through a catalog. As newspapers and magazines have begun to die off, I admit to feeling a little nervous. Would I be forced, as a designer, to cross over to the digital side? To give up my love for print?
It’s nice to see that other’s share my belief. Print design will always be around in some form. Some needs just cannot be satisfied virtually.
We’ve all seen those motivational posters hanging in offices and breakrooms across the country, exclaiming things about customer service, and excellence. Do they leave you feeling very motivated? Yeah, me either.
Maybe what we all need is a dose of tough love, to throw us from our procrastination and bad attitudes. Someone to say “Quit Your Bellyaching” or “Get on with it”. These gocco prints from OrangeBeautiful are the kick in the butt we all seem to need. They are also available as notepads (in case you need a portable reminder), or as notecards (if you want to send a friend a not-so-subtle hint.)
It’s high time we redefined creativity. You don’t need be an artist, a musician, or writer to be creative. We were all born with the capacity to be creative. Let me say this another way. You are creative. And I can hear you saying, “No, I’m not.”
Creativity is all about coming up with new ideas. It’s about seeing, experiencing, and savoring the world around you. It is a way of life.
The Born Creative workshop series will be starting on March 4, 2010. This 4 week course aims to help people reconnect with their life through creativity and curiousity. Even for those of you that say you’re not creative. Especially for those of you that say you’re not creative.
Take a stroll on over to the Born Creative Facebook Fan Page. Once you’re there, become a fan! You won’t just get boring old updates about the course (because the course is fun and exciting!), but also fascinating information on how people are using creativity in ways that you never imagined.
Below you’ll find a list of the workshop descriptions, and all the necessary details. If you know someone in the Western MA area that would be interested in being happier and more effective in their career (isn’t that everyone you know?) then forward on the details!
Schedule
Thursday, March 4 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Overcoming Obstacles to Creativity
In this class we redefine creativity, conquer old stories and beliefs, bust through creative roadblocks, learn to trust our ideas, and grow through play.
Thursday, March 11 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Developing Awareness
Learn valuable techniques to help you become
more mindful in your everyday life, and how paying
attention and being an active learner can increase your joy and creativity.
Thursday, March 18 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Gaining New Perspective
Begin to see different possibilities and points of view. Understand how looking at things from a new angle
can aid in generating new ideas and in building and maintaining relationships.
Thursday, March 25 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Creative Problemsolving
Creativity isn’t just for artists. Pick up new
brainstorming strategies to assist with challenges at
home, and in the workplace.
Pricing
Classes are available in a 4 week package for $100,
and can also be purchased individually for $25*.
All prices include materials.
Please call to reserve your space.
Limited seats are available.
*we recommend the package plan (like people, the classes work better together!)
To sign up for this workshop series, simply send me an email at BornCreativeWorkshops@gmail.com.
Payment will be accepted through Paypal, cash, or check.
This legwear is sure to grab attention. I’m not sure if I have the guts to don a pair myself, but I sure am attracted to the clever idea. Available from Les Queues de Sardines.
On Friday, February 18th, I will be participating in a roundtable discussion at the Womens Business Owners Alliance monthly breakfast meeting. My ten minute workshop is entitled “Finding Your Business Identity.” As a graphic designer, I have had many potential clients come to me for logo and branding design, but had no idea what message they wanted to send their customers. I will go over the important questions every business owner should ask themselves before developing their brand, and the most effective ways to express these ideas.
I will be joined with four other experts in this roundtable, each sharing valuable knowledge in their field. Take a look at the program below. For more information on attending, visit the WBOA website at www.WBOA.org.
February 18, 2009 – 7:45 – 9:30am
Holiday Inn at Ingleside, Holyoke, MA
$15 in advance, $18 at the door
Susan Kelley: Is It Deductible? A Savvy Businesswoman’s Guide to Tax Planning
· How to set up your business so the IRS treats it as a qualifying business for tax breaks.
· What you need to survive IRS scrutiny of your deductions
· Claiming a home office – red flag or legitimated deduction?
· Why hiring your spouse or child may be a good idea, and how to do it legitimately
· Maximizing tax savings through individual 401ks
Allison Biggs: Finding Your Business Identity
• Learn important questions you should ask yourself before developing your business’s logo and brand
• Find out what you are saying about your business without words
• Gain useful tips on how to convey an effective and professional message
Gena Rotas: Branding… How Will the World Know You
· A brand is a collection of perceptions in the mind of the consumer.
· A brand is an intangible asset
· A brand is defined by your customer
· Advertising influences people’s perception of the products and services offered and thus helps define a brand.
Marie Sheedy: De-Clutter, De-Stress
· What is clutter?
· How does clutter affect your brain?
· What can be done about clutter?
· How can “sweeping” improve your life?
Amy Greenbaum: Integrity and Self Image
· Meaning of inegrity and its general sense
· Having the lack of integrity for ourselves
· The affects of lack of integrity
· Enhancing our own self worth
