Work, Websites, Weddings, oh my!

This week is turning out to be very busy for me, which is always a good thing! Along with my full-time graphic/web designer job, I have a few freelance projects I'm juggling. Plus, I've started my training for the Chicago Marathon. All very time comsuming... if I could only have more time!!

One of the freelance projects I'm working on is designing a new website for a past client. I had designed their website a few years back, and now, it's in much need of a new look. I can't emphasize how important it is to keep a website updated. I see so many sites out there that have incorrect info on it, old images, plus let's not forgot that web design programs change too. I recently upgraded to Dreamweaver 8 from MX, and have had some problems when opening the files saved in older versions. And now, Adobe just came out with CS3! Can I just tell you that I JUST bought CS2 a few months ago!!! It's very frustrating - can I ever keep up with ever-changing software these days!!! NOPE. I remember when I was in college I bought Photoshop 5.0 - yes that's right folks, 5.0!! Seems like ancient history now - and I'm sure all the design college kids these days would laugh about that one. However, I was reading my latest issue of HOW magazine on my way work this morning and they had a very good article on what's new in CS3. Maybe I'll put some of the features they mention in my next blog post.

Anyway, another project I'm working on are Save-the-Date cards. These are going to be letterpressed and I very excited to see the finish product. They are looking to be very cute! We just formalized most the text, so now it's onto deciding ink color and envelope color.

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Fight at Wrigley!

Hi there! Went to the Cubs game today, and of course, they lost. Boo hoo. And just so you know, I have yet been to a Cubs game this year where they have won. This game was very exciting though, because there was a big fight that happened... Check it out here:
Fight At Wrigley

Anyway, no letterpress nor design stuff for me today... tomorrow I plan to work at the press and the type drawers. I need to get more organized.

More to come!!!

Here we go!

I learned to letterpress about 4 years ago when I was in art school. Ever since then, I have absolutely loved it. I'm very fortunate to being living in a city (which is Chicago) that has an excellent letterpress studio. Columbia College maintains this studio and has a variety of different presses... about 6 Vandercooks, a few C&Ps, and even a polymer plate machine. It's great!!

But I've always wanted my own press and, recently (last weekend) that wish came true (thanks to some great support from my boyfriend). Given the size of my condo, I can only manage a small hand press. It's Kelsey 5x8, and in very good condition! I love it! And I will definitely post pics of it later.

It also came with a type cabinet, type, and a collection of odds and ends. I've started to clean this out within the past few days. Boy, this thing is dirty! This guy definitely had a cat because there are clumps of hair everywhere. Anyway, it's also very interesting too.. just take a look at what I found inside these drawers.




































Look at this closely... it's original Kelsey Printing Ink!!!

Hello

I'm very excited to finally have my own blog. Wooo Hooo!

So welcome all to confessions of a designer! I'm a newbie to this blog thing, so please bear with me. Hopefully here I will be able to share thoughts, expand my creativity, and meet others. I work in graphic and web design, but also have a LOVE for letterpress. My posts won't be limited to design, but will sometimes expand onto areas of my life, current events in the world, and probably sports (huge Denver Broncos fan here- just wait until football season starts).

I will leave my first post with one of my favorite works of art... Van Gogh's Sunflowers! Enjoy!