Pssst...over here!

Hi there! Just a little reminder that I'm now blogging under my new project The Exceptional Creative (TEC). Subscribe to the RSS feed there to stay in the loop with tips for designers, working with clients and other designer/entrepreneur-centric content.

Today's post is "Your time is your inventory." 

It's a must-read for any self-employed person in a service industry.

Things here will continue peter out as I move my design entrepreneur work to TEC and my studio work to clark-and-co.com. If you have questions about the move, or anything else for that matter, drop me a line and I can fill you in. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Megan

Los Angeles Typography Artwork

This collection of type-oriented photography was taken while I was in LA last October. This piece is the second in a new little series I've been working on.

 Los Angeles Typography Wall Art / ©2011 Megan Clark

I'll be printing up this piece as a 24x24" gallery-wrapped canvas, for anyone interested in acquiring one of their own. Cost: $199. Inquire for purchase details.

Mexican Typography Artwork

This collection of type-oriented photography was taken while I was sailing down the Mexican Riviera last March. I've been wanting to create a montage of these images for a while because they have so much color, real life grunge and meticulous hand-rendered type to offer.

The final product is vibrant and captivating.

(Well, it's captivating in the opinion of a type nerd, at least!)

Mexican Typography Wall Art / ©2011 Megan Clark

I'll be printing up this piece as a 24x24" gallery-wrapped canvas, for anyone interested in acquiring one of their own. Cost: $199. Inquire for purchase details.

I plan to following this up with other location-based, typographic imagery, creating a series of wall art. (Which I fully intend on littering my office space with, by the way. Hopefully my officemates love typography as much as I do!)

new name / new business-y stuff

Oh, change. It's exciting, always. But let's be honest: It also almost always looses it's charm before long. Once I incorporated the studio under a new name, I had to got to tackle the colossal chore of updating all of my business communication documents (that's just a fancy word for things like business cards, letterhead, invoices, envelopes and other business-y stuff). Let me tell you: a dirty chore it is.

Happily, I've waded all the way through and things are looking pretty darn bright from this side of the to-do list.

See those business cards? They're just one of the pieces I'm proud to unveil for Clark & Co. (You probably saw the website placeholder last week.)

Studio Olivine so kindly partnered with me to letterpress the cards; I can now turn my logo loose in the real world. Next time you see me, ask for one. Then, you can turn it into a keychain, necklace pendant, hang tag, gift tag, dog tag or any other kind of tag you'd like. It's ridiculous fun, right? (Read about the luxury and awesomeness of letterpress from some previous client work while you're here.)

Friends and clients, thanks for bearing with me through this transition. Even if we don't work together, I'm (sadly) certain you've been subject to a look and/or word that contained a tinge of my self-inflicted suffering. Being self-employed is hard work! Fortunately, it's also completely worth all the work that's hard. As for the work that's not hard....er....well....that's conversation's for another day.

:)

Clark & Co.

The studio site placeholder's finally up, people. Hallelujah. Who remembers when I had a full portfolio site? Yeah, me either. That day will come. For now, I'm still working through the adrenaline rush of getting my new logo finalized. I'll be moving everything over to clark-and-co.com and theexceptionalcreative.com, but will be sure to announce it all here, too, so you can follow along if you'd like. Until then, let's not let summer run away from us. Go!

The Exceptional Creative

Hello! It's been a long while since I've hung out here on the studiom blog, but it's for good reason. I've been pushing through a few new rhino-sized projects as referenced earlier. I'm thrilled to announce that one of them has launched. It's a website for entrepreneurial graphic designers looking to take their business to the next level. You can read all about it below.

It's official. We've launched.

The Exceptional Creative is built on the principle that success comes from being the exception to the rule. As creatives (designers, copywriters, art directors, photographers, etc), we are the subject of some less-than-savory stereotypes. Let’s face it. We have a reputation for being pretentious, flighty, fragile, stubborn, bitter, bohemian and totally self-absorbed. Insulted yet?

On the other side of those stereotypes lies limitless success. Exceptional Creatives make the most money, get the most interesting jobs, have a never ending stream of referrals and experience the most satisfaction in their work.

A revolution is underway, led by a new generation of creatives who are exceptions to the rule. If you’re serious about getting, doing and keeping exceptional work, please join us. Get on our website, check out the toolkit, and start thinking about what it means to rise above the status quo.

While you're there, be sure to grab our free download and start keeping your clients happy and organized today. If you decide you'd like to purchase the kit, move fast: the first 50 purchasers will get $20 off (use the code HELLOWORLD).

We're happy to have you!

Join us on facebook too: www.facebook.com/theexceptionalcreative

Oh, and Twitter of course: @ExceptionalC

"The Exceptional Creative’s debut project is a downloadable kit, packed with business templates created specifically for graphic designers. With years of experience in exceeding her clients’ expectations when it comes to communication and professionalism, Clark’s toolkit provides designers with the same strong, effective communication and organizational tools she uses every day. Whether you’re a longtime freelancer or newly self-employed, you’ll find all the documents you need to implement a step-by-step professional workflow in A Toolkit for Designers, including contracts, questionnaires, invoices and and even a Client Contract, drafted by a business attorney. The all-in-one kit also includes a PDF guide with instructions, tips and tricks."

If you have any questions, suggestions or just plain 'ol thoughts about the new endeavor, please holler. I'd love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Megan

Hiatus

I'm in the thick of a studio re-brand, a rhino-sized personal project (or two or three or four) and what feels like a bazillion other exciting things with my clients, so until I can paddle my way up and resurface with the tide, I'm taking a blog break. You'll still hear from me now and again, but not with the rhythm you normally would. (If you can't bear the thought of my silence - ha - I will still be posting over at hi, friend.) As much as I have disdain for bloggers commenting on their post frequency or infrequency, tardiness and rational for that tardiness, I feel like 1) this little alert is owed to those reading and 2) I won't actually be able to free myself from the compulsion to post unless I make a statement here. Whew. So there it is.

My sincere apologies for those of you who, like me, hate this flavor of commentary.

Now it's over and you can move on with your day.

Oh, but one more thing. That's my new logo up there.

Sincerely,
mc

Restyle Resale + Ellington Handbags

A client of mine, Restyle Resale, is debuting a new brand and product line: Ellington Handbags.

Ellington creates super luxurious leather and fabric products and is based in Portland, OR. The brand being available at Restyle is something to be celebrated, and celebrate we will. The products are being released with a kick-start: A Handbag Giveaway! And not just one handbag, but three. Une, deux, trois!

I'm thrilled for both parties involved. It's going to be a great alliance. And I had a ton of fun working on the promotional design.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway (why wouldn't you!?), simply 'Like' Restyle on Facebook (click here to do that) and post a comment telling us all which Ellington bag is your favorite. The three winners will be announced Saturday, February 12th at 8pm at the shop in Albany. If you don't come for the handbags, come for the appetizers and martinis. Oh la la!

P.S. Ellington's recent branding was done by one of my favorite Portland agencies to work with: 14 Hands. Kudos to you, too!


P.P.S. Restyle is also carrying a selection of hi, friend products, now as well. If you live in the Albany area, pop in to skip the shipping.

"Lee's Week of Eats" Banners

A non-requested project is usually the most fun. This series of banners is for a dear albeit new friend, Leela Cyd. She's traveled the world, writes for The Kitchn and has some serious jazz moves. You can find ravings about her here and in our debut "Lee's Week of Eats" post. She's phenomenally talented and sweet as cupcake frosting, too. We at hi, friend decided to partner with Leela for a weekly menu plan via the blog. That decision flipped the "on" switch in my batty brain and I asked, "What can I design that would be the prefect compliment to this collaboration?" Little blog banners, of course! I tapped Leela on her virtual shoulder and said I wanted to whip something up for all of us to use in this new endeavor. She graciously gave me permission to yank her photo work off her site for my stealth project. And it's a good thing she did or these little strips of design would be lackluster, amen? Amen!

The banners were sized to fit each of our blogs widths perfectly and will provide some color and consistency to the weekly posts. What I've shown above is just a selection from the bunch. You'll have to tune in to the Menu Posts to catch them all.

"Mangia bene, vivi felice"
Eat well, live happily.

Bryan Rupp Photography | Sneak Peek!

This morning I have a little sneak peek for you. It's another letterpress business card and it's for Bryan Rupp, of Bryan Rupp Photography. Bryan and I both went to George Fox University. He transferred in and quickly became known as "Awesome Bryan" across campus because he was just that nice...aaaaand he used the word "awesome" very liberally.

After school Bryan took up photography and his hobby quickly grew into a successful business. I've enjoyed watching Bryan's work (he's really good!) from afar and am now thrilled to be his designer, helping him amplify his brand. He came to me with a logo and we'll be developing even more once the business card is complete. Below you'll see the plates and a preview of both the front and back of the card.

We're running the cards at Brown Printing here in Portland. I'm ever-awed by the letterpress process and especially like working with the crew at Brown. They know their stuff.

It will be really fun to show you the end product. There's a special shape in store for this business card. Bryan and I will reveal it in it's finished form in the new year. Until then, enjoy the holidays!

New Studio Client: Freedom Fashionistas

I'm happy to announce a relatively new client here at StudioM/Clark & Co: Freedom Fashionistas! There's no website to direct you to yet, as FF is a freshly-born idea from Rose Corazza and Niecy Locricchio out of Denver, Colorado. After many logo renditions through the logo development process, we landed on a flair-filled wordmark (using a typeface called Satisfaction by Andrew Leman) as shown above.

Here's an excerpt from the creative brief, created by Jim Terry, owner and copywriter at The Mother Ship:

"Freedom Fashionistas is an organization started in 2010 as a vehicle to provide economic opportunity and stability for women in need by bringing their products to the marketplace. Our goal is to make a difference in the world by focusing on women – particularly women freed from or at risk for Human Trafficking.

Our first project is a sewing center with a product line of pajama pants. FF will provide the fabric and necessary materials to sew the product. The women will receive a fair-wage price for each piece, with an additional amount set aside in a bank account. These funds will be disbursed to the woman upon completing the program being provided by our partner agency – and can be used to help a woman start a business, pay for school, or find housing.

Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, Freedom Fashionistas will collaborate to meet the spiritual, emotional and economic needs of women to offer hope, so that each woman, along with her children, will experience what it means to be truly free."

Several other logo options that came from the exploration:

Mix up your holidays

In lieu of posting some StudioM tidbit today, I'm directing you to hi, friend where I've been pouring every last ounce of my holiday-time design energy. On the initiative of Kirsten of Restored Style, our hi, friend DIY gal, we created three Merry Mixers. They're they yummiest gift for the holiday hostess. And the download is free. Bonus. You'll find it here (recipes, instructions and tips included). The design was a ton of fun. Check it out below.

You can find more information on our blog > Mixer Introduction

At Brooklyn Limestone > Merry Mixer Freebie Feature

And on Restored Style > The How-To Lowdown

Click, download, print and mix! (You know I'll be doing the same.)

Sincerely,

Megan

Simple Identity Design Showdown on Facebook

Friends!

Remember that little shoe company logo I was working on? Okay, so maybe it's not so little. It's actually a really big deal. Round 2's wrapped up and all the logo submissions are officially up on Simple's facebook page.

Visit their "You vs. Agency" tab to peek at them and 'like' your favorite. Enjoy!
(Read more about the competition here, if you'd like.)


Sincerely,
Megan

Simple Identity Design Showdown

The last 6 days have been consumed by Simple. I'm still saying, "Are you kidding me!?" but am happy to announce that I've completed my response to Simple's brief. You can find it posted on Behance, (along with the other contestants' entries) or view it below. Let me know how successful you think my final submission is in the comment section, here or on the Behance project page. Remember to click to appreciate it while you're there! If you do appreciate it, that is.

---------- 

Simple is exactly what it claims to be: simple. As we all know, Simple has always been understated, classic and straightforward. But that doesn't mean they're not creative. They were the trailblazers for the "green" shoe, but they're not the type to get miffed when others followed their lead; they're more concerned about planet than copycats.

Consequently, the logo that I've designed for Simple is approachable and kind. It says, "We're serious about what we do, and we have some serious fun while we're at it."

I was really inspired by this attitude as well as their "less is more" mantra. Therefore, the type is direct, minimal and modern. There are no excess elements. In the icon, the opposing markers not only mimic the treads found on Simple's recycled tire soles, but they communicate the company's movement, progress and enthusiasm. It is also a visual reminder that what you give is what you get. Isn't that what sustainability is all about? (And, if you really want to see it, the brand's initial is in there, too.)

It's a versatile mark that works well large and small. The wordmark and icon are successful together or alone.

Creating something simple is harder than it appears. Using less is more challenging than using more. The process I went though creating this mark is a reflection of the Simple mission. Don't settle. Use less. Do better. Be simple.

Read more about the competition here.

---------- 

A Jewish Calendar of Festive Foods | Completed!

Something pretty exciting came in the mail for me last week: A Jewish Calendar of Festive Foods! A whole bundle of them. And mine was signed. (Last week was a good mail week // I heart books.)

The sneak peek I posted for this project was eons ago it seems, so here's a little reiteration:
"Since December of 2008, I've been working with the author of this unique cookbook, Jane Portnoy, to create a professional and practical book design. But the beginnings of this book came long before I entered the picture. Jane is Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthamology at the University of Pennsylvania. Which probably makes you think, "Sheesh. How in the world does she have time to write and publish a book?" Great question. I still haven't figured that one out! What I do know is that this project is a lifelong dream of hers. One tends to make time for those sorts of things."

And an excerpt from the introduction:

"I began collecting recipes from my mother’s friends when I was about twelve. At first, I collected only desserts. Then, whenever I encountered a special dish, I asked for the recipe. Recipes therefore became much more than food, but also links to special people, places, and memories. And that to me is the real meaning of tradition — taking the best of what you know and linking it to the future. To do this in the context of the Jewish calendar is a rare and special privilege. " (Copy courtesy of Jane Portnoy)

A Jewish Calendar of Festive Foods is an intelligent combination of the traditional foods and calendar of the rich Jewish heritage. After almost two years of testing and editing again and again, the book is complete, printed and ready to be enjoyed. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the book for your own collection, you can do so here...and just in time for the holidays!

Illustrations by Robin Reikes.
Book printed by Jostens USA.
Primary Title Font: Bodoni
Primary Body Copy Font: Avenir

A Bavarian Getaway

Guten Morgen!

The weekend was spent getting my fill of German sights, sounds and tastes at Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA. It's a little Bavarian town in what are called the Washington Alps. It's the quaintest place. And everyone plays along...the outfits, food, signage and even the autumn leaves enchanted us to believe we'd traveled over the Atlantic to a small state of Germany and not just five hours cross-state. Some of what I'm showing you has to do with type and/or design/art, much of it doesn't. It's mostly just some fun, fantastical scenery that will provoke you to visit, too. Just fair warning.

 

 

I'm sold on growing hops at home now, too, BTW. They're so luscious-looking, especially when they're tumbling from a second- or third-story balcony.


Danke schön for the getaway, Leavenworth! We'll be back.