... that is the question.
I'm not even sure why I am asking this because I already ordered the new Adobe Creative Suite for a mac, so it looks like I already made the decision. I don't know why I am having the hardest time with this purchase. Maybe it's because it's a considerable investment, or because I already have a computer, so I don't neccesarily NEED it, but oh, how I WANT it. I am not sure how long the guilty feelings will last, but I guess I'll find out, because I think we are going to buy it this weekend!
The Simple (Business) Plan
Last week, I attended The Simple Plan, which is a business planning workshop for wedding industry professionals. It’s put on by Michelle Loretta and Kelly Simants, of Sage Wedding Pros. It was, without a doubt, the BEST THING I could have done (and probably will ever do) for my business. I spent two days surrounded by some pretty amazing people – it was so inspiring.
I’ve just been going a hundred miles an hour lately and this workshop forced me to stop and think about just my business for two whole days. Yes, this is a ‘side’ job, and no, it’s not the main source of my income, but I was treating it like the business aspect wasn't important because of those things and I wasn't giving that part of running a business the time it deserved. This workshop gives you tools to write your business plan... and it will change the way you view your business. It gave me such a fresh perspective and got me so excited about the future of Palm Papers.
If you want a little taste of what I learned, check out the Sage Wedding Pros blog. It is full of business information and tools and they explain it so that it’s easy to understand. Michelle even makes accounting simple... okay that might be because I already have a ‘bit’ of a background, but still they are good.
For Japan with Love
The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the country’s ongoing and seemingly endless struggles have been on my mind this week and I feel an overwhelming sadness for the people affected by this disaster. The images are heartbreaking and I constantly am asking myself ‘Why?’ The fact that all I have to do is turn off the news, for my life to be unaffected by this disaster seems so unfair while the lives of those living in Japan are forever changed. I feel silly rushing around preparing orders, going to work, printing and designing with these ordeals happening simultaneously on the other side of the world. It just doesn't seem fair.
Even though it seems like a very small thing, this Friday, I will be participating in the ‘Bloggers Day of Silence for Japan’ in memory of the victims and those struggling with the ongoing disaster. It is hosted by Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, who have created a donation site called ‘For Japan with Love’. Check out their site for information and to donate. You can also donate to the American Red Cross, which I have done, and a variety of other organizations to help the people of Japan. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to give whatever you can. Give donations. Give time. Give prayers. Every little bit counts.
Real Wedding: Laura and Will
Will is my brother-in-law. He met Laura on Match.com and they got married in February at Barr Mansion in Austin. I was so honored when they asked me to design their wedding invitations and paper goods and I loved getting to help in the best way I know how. Their wedding was on the most beautiful Texas day and I can't tell you how deserving they were of the gorgeous day they had. Last summer, the barn, where they hold all of the receptions, was struck by lightening and burned down. Laura handled it with such grace and humor (she blogs and it's a fun read). At the last minute, it all came together and they were able to hold the reception in the slightly unfinished barn and you never would have known. I am so happy they got the wedding of their dreams.
This week, their wedding was featured on Ruffled (!!!!), a gorgeous wedding blog. I was so excited for some of my designs to be included in the feature. I designed her programs, wine menus and wine bottle table numbers. The photos were taken by Jackie Ray Photography. She was such a find and truly captured the beauty of the day.
My Design Style
Lately, I've been wanting to put into words what my design style is... what to call the type of work people can expect to see from me. I am not making any progress coming up with these words (I'm an accountant, not a writer), but I have noticed lately that there is a style that I don't do particularly well and it's bugging the heck out if me... and that's 'cutesy' (this is indeed a word by the way). Not 'that is so cute' cutesy, but 'children's illustrations and themes' cutesy. I am currently trying to come up with some children's themed birthday invitations and having a really hard time with it. I'd like to embrace the fact that this is just not my forte, but I will probably have keep trying my hand at them.For now, I am much better at the elegant style invitation, and I think I am okay with that. And that doesn't mean you can't hire me to design your child's invitation, because maybe my non-'cutesy' style is just what you are looking for. My friend, Viv, says that I 'design for the parents, not the kids.' She's so wise. Maybe someday when I have kids, I'll learn how to design for them...
