Neighborhood Group Newsletter Redesign

This fall I had the opportunity to work with the Field, Regina, Northrup Neighborhood Group to redesign their bi-monthly newsletter, "Close to Home." It was great working with Chris, the group's Communication Committee Chair, especially because he found a new printer that allowed us to redesign in full color at a low price!

First, I reworked the group's logo so that it was easier to read and was a better shape for multiple uses (print, large yard signs, website, etc.):

With the logo refreshed, it was time to tackle the 12-page newsletter. Here's the BEFORE:

Using the FRNNG's signature green, some highlight colors chosen by Chris, and full color photos I was able to give the new design an updated look. The "Close to Home" title remained mostly unchanged in order to maintain consistency for readers, and the neighborhood art was recycled on the back mailing panel to honor the tradition of the publication.  Below is the AFTER:

Because the group doesn't always have many photos to work with, color and interest were added by using blocks of color to call attention to particular stories.  Fonts and headlines were also updated and better organized to help readers navigate the large newsletter.  In addition, the mailing panel was refined with the back panel being used to advertise specific stories inside the issue.

I loved working on this project not only because I love a good "before and after" but also because it allowed me to work creatively with a collaborative client.

Water Bottle Labels

For the past few years I have been working with Harford Glen Water, a water bottling company in Ithaca, NY.  Their local artisan water is drawn from a state-of-the-art aquifer 250 feet below the Finger Lakes region, is bottled at the source, and specialized with personalized bottle labels.  That's where I come in.  I always enjoy working with Harford Glen because of the variety of clients they serve.  I've designed labels for ice cream shops, hockey teams, hardware stores, and more.

Theater Posters

I'm back!  The fact that I haven't posted in over two years is quite embarrassing. However having two jobs, taking classes, and then completing a full-time internship tend to keep one quite busy. OK, enough with the excuses!  The good news is that I have quite a few projects to share.

Over the past year or so I have worked with my friend Lee (an inspiring educator and theater director) to create posters for Armstrong High School theater productions. I look forward to hearing how the final posters are received by the student performers—one time they were such a hit that they began disappearing off the walls of the school (students were taking them home as souvenirs)!

Destination: Florence, Italy

With eight family and friend weddings this summer I was bound to be asked to do at least one invitation design. And here it is! Alyssa and Dan met on a study abroad trip to Florence, Italy, so it was only appropriate that their big day have some Italian flair.

 

The invitation typography mimics a ticket or boarding pass with a romantic edge while the customized "Alyssa and Dan" passport stamp and fleur de lis drive home the Florence theme.

Thank You Reader

So, I have at least one reader (or someone who stumbled across my site) out there that I don't personally know! I got a message from someone wanting more info about the Toy Story baby shower! Here are the additional photos that I promised.  They aren't great because the room was uber-sunny, but it's what I have to remember the day by.

 

The shower was a success and both mommy- and daddy-to-be had a great time!  I still find myself looking for Toy Story stuff while shopping and have to remind myself to move on.

It's a Boy!

Today I am co-hosting a baby shower for my friend, Megan.  It's a co-ed party, and because the daddy-to-be is a HUGE fan of Pixar we went with a Toy Story theme.

The invites were fun to make because I love Toy story too.  I also happen to like doing digital illustrations, and Baby Buzz turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself!  I will post photos from the event later so that you can see the diaper cake, favors, and decor that match.

Happy Birthday Dad

This is the invitation that I designed for Dad's last birthday (the BIG 5-0). It was fun to take my mom to Paper Depot to pick out paper, and isn't the picture of little Kenny so cute?

 

Happy Birthday Dad, love you!

Read more about how to do your own invites here.