Creative Commentary: Logo Rules - 6/30/16

Now, I know that custom graphic design is expensive. I can understand that as a start-up, there is usually not enough in the bank account to justify such a large expense. You have options, but there are definitely a few things to consider when it comes to commissioning the face of your business and building your brand identity.

1. Clipart is a bad choice in creating a mark. Clip art is used to add some interest to an office document, not distinguish your brand. Thousands of people use clip art every day, and ideally a logo should be unique and original to you and your business to stand out from the crowd. Besides, designing a logo in Microsoft Word doesn't usually work. Word is designed for text, not imagery, and there are not adequate modifiable options for visuals in this program.
2. Craigslist is not the way to go when looking for a designer. You will get what you pay for, and your business will suffer for it.
3. Avoid premade logos. Like clip art, someone else will buy it. They are a little nicer, but they are still not unique to your business' identity. Let's say you are a coffee shop, and you buy a premade logo. Chances are other coffee shops have purchased that same logo. This creates confusion, as your shop is not easily identifiable and does not stand out from the crowd. Do you want your customers to confuse you with someone else?
4. Proceed with caution when asking a friend to make your logo. I've made logos for friends before, and it was a great way to add some work to my portfolio and make a little money. Working with friends is not always the best choice, but I always make sure I work with friends who I know are not expecting a discount, are professional, and respect my work and knowledge as a designer.  I will consider trades in lieu of cash as long as I know that I can count on them to hold up their half of the deal. If you do decide to ask a friend, do it because you like their portfolio of work and want to give them business.
5. If you hire a student or new designer, always check their portfolio. Quality matters, and at any level you want to shop for the design and not the price.

Remember that your logo or mark is the face of your business that allows it to be recognized by consumers. It is one of the most important business investments that you'll ever make, because it is often a lifelong aspect of your brand, and I will say this again...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

xx emily

PS: Enjoy these terrible logos I found on the internet. Don't do this to yourself. <3

A look into the mind of a Boudoir Unicorn (Pre-Photo Shoot) - 6/28/16

July 10th is coming up, so this is when I really begin to make preparations for a Boudoir Day. One of the ways I do this is by getting a feel for how each unicorn might be feeling prior to her photo shoot. This is important to me because everyone's comfort levels and personalities are so different. If a unicorn is nervous about her shoot, I want to know this so I can take extra measures to help her loosen up and have fun. If she's feeling confident, we can talk about what she'd like to accomplish in the shoot and perhaps she'd like to push herself a bit in terms of posing and looks.  Nervousness and confidence are definitely on the same spectrum, though, so it's really a matter of finding out how much of each exists relative to each unicorn. My understanding of her particulars also helps with styling the shoot and catering to each unicorn's particular tastes and ideas.

I interviewed one of our unicorns that is getting photographed at A Midsummer's Boudoir Day on July 10. This lady is bleeding with confidence, and hopefully that amazing characteristic of hers is infectious to other prospective boudoir clients.

PS: She's nervous too!

When and why did you first become interested in boudoir?
I've always really liked boudoir photos. They're always beautifully done but still plenty sassy!

Why are you getting these photos taken?
I'm getting them done for myself, and well, I suppose for my husband too. ;-)

Are you nervous about any aspect of the shoot? If so, what specific concerns do you have?
I am nervous for sure. I'm very self-conscious about my post baby belly so I'm hoping this will help boost my confidence back up!

What kind of look are you going for?
A badass pinup!

Are you interested in any of the fairy accessory add-on options at this event?
I'll try anything once! Well, maybe not anything, but you catch my drift!

Do any women inspire you as body-positive role models? If so, who are they?
I don't have anyone specific in mind, but I have mad respect for any woman that is confident about themselves!

How would you define boudoir without Googling it? 
Elegant, fun, sassy, perhaps a bit provacative; bedroom photos!

Did you ever have any reservations about boudoir? If so, what were your reasons?
Not really, I'm excited and nervous but once I get comfortable it'll be tons of fun I'm sure!

What are your overall opinions of boudoir right now, prior to shooting?
I dig it.

Do you have any expectations?
I expect to have fun.

Do you have any questions?
Not really, but I'm sure I will when the time comes.

Lastly, are you excited?
Very much so!

Monster Monday: The Mendota Lake Monster aka "Bozho" - 6/27/16

Does a monster lurk in the murky waters of Lake Mendota? There have been no sightings since the late 1940's, but accounts of the Lake Mendota monster were reported on by the Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, The New North, and the Racine Daily Journal. It was described as a giant fish-like serphent 25-30 feet long, a head ten inches wide, and a tail studded with horns. The creature was nicknamed "Bozho" after an Ojibwe folk hero, Winnebozho.

Monster Monday: Something New - 6/20/16

Today we have something a little new and different for Monster Monday, as you can see! This little lake monster is actually MOVING!

I don't think the Lake Mendota Monster was seen as a plesiosaur, but who knows what lurks in those waters off the isthmus.

Happy Monster Monday!

xx emily

Team Staley Logo - 6/24/16

Above is a logo I developed for an up-and-coming law firm in Madison called "Team Staley." The client showed strong preference for working with individuals and small businesses, and creating a community he can work with and help. The idea for the mark came from combining the Scales of Justice with the initials of the law firm's name. We came up with something we are both happy with, and here it is.

Do you need a logo for your small business? Check out this page for more information.

xx emily

Creative Commentary: Addressing "Pinterest Brain" - 6/23/16

Happy Thursday,

This week I thought I'd talk about the popular visual-bookmarking social media application and website, Pinterest. Creating boards for slow-cooker recipes, a virtual wish list for your wardrobe, or the do-it-yourself projects you'll never make are certainly the most commonly "pinned" items, but for a creative professional, Pinterest is an excellent tool from which to gather inspiration. I've also used this app as a tool to talk through photo shoot ideas with wedding clients.

There is something to be careful about with Pinterest, though, and I jokingly address this as "Pinterest Brain." This mindset can happen with clients and yourself. When gathering inspiration for a project, it is important to remember that inspirations are meant to lead to unique ideas for individual creations. With photography, what I took from inspirational images that clients sent to me was posing and prop ideas. Being that they are different people than in the example photograph, and everything about their day is different, an image will often be different than the one in the mind of the client. Perhaps you think you found a solution for a project, but you aren't happy with it because you just keep remembering the inspiration you gathered and wish your project were like that. It will never be exactly like the inspiration, so thank the work and move on to your own idea. You can't force your own work to be the same as someone else's. It's alright to have images in your head of others' work and be inspired by it, but you have to remember that you can mimic the result but not the creativity.

Keep your ideas original, surround yourself with inspiration everywhere, and always remember to educate your clients about gathering inspiration.

xx emily

PS if you want to follow me on Pinterest, please do!

Your Boudoir Session: Do's & Don'ts - 6/21/16

Hello Ladies,

A Midsummer's Boudoir Day is less than a month away, and now is a great time to really get going on the preparations. I thought for today I'd come up with a quick list of do's and don'ts to consider when preparing yourself for your session! Also, July 10 clients: our wonderful hair and makeup artist Kerry Conway is offering discounts on haircuts and color at Hybrid Salon in Madison for all boudoir clients! This way you can have a fresh 'do for your session!

DO

• Bring at least 3 outfits to your session
• Come with a clean face and clean hair
• Arrive early 
• If you need to go shopping, please do so at least a week ahead. This way you are not rushed and have time to try things on. 
• Peruse your closet for wardrobe options.
• Bring as many outfits as you want, we can go through them.
• Get a mani/pedi and fresh haircut! Kerry even offers discounts to all clients!
• Choose outfits that will show your best assets and are comfortable wearing.  Please inquire with us if you have any questions on boudoir style tips!
• Bring jewelry, accessories and shoes to match your outfits.
• Come plenty hydrated, drink lots of water before and during your session.
• Talk to your makeup artist if you have any questions.
• Bring a friend for moral support
• Ask your photographer any and all questions.
• Eat before your session!

DON'T

•  Get a tan too close to the session in case you burn. Don't overdo it, dark tans on Caucasian skin can occasionally look orange.
• Eat heavy meals before your session if you are concerned about bloating. Consider leaner meals in the 12 hours before the session.
• Don't be late! We charge a late fee and this will also cut into your shoot time!
• Don't be afraid to ask for specific poses, we love to hear your ideas.
• Don't worry about being uncomfortable, it's totally natural. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
• Don't be afraid to ask for changes to your hair and makeup! We want you to look how you want to look in your photos.
• Don't come in tired! Be at your best and alert, tiredness can show in photos.
• Don't be nervous. We're here to ensure your comfort and give you the best experience possible, so please let us know what you need!

One thing I always repeat to clients is that you shouldn't feel afraid to ask any questions. There is no such thing as a silly question! The last time we had a session, one client was concerned about the temperature of the room. I was happy to bring a space heater for her. Myself and my team are here for you, and we cannot wait to take your picture!

See you July 10, or another day maybe! <3

xx emily