Redesigned New Classic Book Covers

Just came across these awesome unofficial re-designed book covers from M.S. Corley.  So cool, right? Check out more of the sets on his blog [HERE].

 

Walk Fit Logo Giveaway

Time for another URL & Logo giveaway!  The URL is walkfitonline.com and logo combines a walking figure into the typography of the letter "a".  Could be used for a fitness group, online magazine, blog...  Know anyone who'd be interested?

If you could use this logo/url combo, please leave a comment by Thursday March 5, 2009 and I'll announce the winner on Friday.  [UPDATE: no takers on this logo by the deadline. I'll just leave it open here.  If you are interested, email me.]

Why am I giving away logos? Read this [POST] for more info.

Logos after the Recession

This has been emailed and blogged around but I though I'd share it anyway. I wish I knew who the artist is of these funny parodies so I could credit them.  If it's you, let me know! These are good for a quick laugh! Enjoy!

Wireless Photo Cards

I wanted to share some of the cool companies I discovered at the Mom 2.0 Summit. The first one is called Eye-Fi.  It's a wireless memory card for your digital camera.  Catch that? Turns your camera into a photo Wi-Fi.  Cool, huh!

Depending on the plan you select, you can instantly transfer photos from your camera to any home computer file, including straight into iPhoto, or into an online photo sharing site such as Flickr , Photobucket , etc...

There was a photographer at the summit taking photos that were automatically uploaded to a Mom 2.0 Flickr group. Everyone in the group had immediate access to the photos.  Eye-Fi is great for big events like this- but would also be fun for reunions, parties, school functions... loving the possibilities.

Back to SCHOOL

I love the design elements of the School Bakery & Cafe .  Menus on lined notebook paper & clipboards, bookshelves, blackboards, school house clocks... I LOVE companies that take their brand into the smallest details. They even extend their fun aesthetic to their simply cool website.

A great lesson can be learned from School...  Ha Ha! Really though, how far can you go with your brand? Are you willing to make the effort to create memorable experiences for your customers? Check out School and get inspired.

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Mom 2.0 Report

I just returned on Sunday night from trip to Houston, Texas for the Mom 2.0 Summit.  Put on by the lovely ladies of Kirtsy and OpMom, it was a great event full to overflowing with information sharing & networking.

I brought my hubby and he was so awesome to hang out with me and a bunch of other marketing/ designing/ blogging women. Although the event was called "Mom 2.0" really the information presented was for everyone. We both really learned a lot. I plan on sharing a bunch of cool links and finds from the conference in upcoming posts. But for now-

Here are my top 3 takeaway lessons:

1.  Don't be ashamed of who you are and what you offer.  Guy Kawasaki mentioned that a lot of moms and other work-at-home types put a qualifier on their success or their opportunities. Be who you are and don't make apologies.
2.  Find your cupcake. Holly Buchanan reminded us that everyone is drawn to the dessert- the emotional connections we have with each other.  It's what makes life sweet. Find what your cupcake is and share it.
3. Create opportunities for yourself. The general feeling of the event was that there is opportunity out there- plenty to go around. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Make goals and set steps to achieve them.

I loved meeting new friends and getting to know others better. Thanks for the great event!

 

Color Scheme Designer

Fun color inspiration site. Check it out [HERE] and have fun playing with mono, complement, triad, tetrad, analogic, and accented analogic color schemes.

Great Quote

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Kogi Kulture

From the LA Times:

The Kogi Korean BBQ taco truck. (@kogibbq on Twitter) After celebrating a Nov. 20 soft opening, the roving vehicle has emerged as a social-networking juggernaut, drawing 300 to 800 people each time it parks (often several times in an evening) and spawning a burgeoning cyber-hippie movement affectionately referred to as "Kogi Kulture."

Roving Korean BBQ + Twitter = WOW! I wonder what it could do for your business?

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Finding my way

I LOVE design. But sometimes I get overwhelmed with possibilities. I want to do everything. I'm still trying to find my way and create a place for myself in design. I see things others are doing and feel like I have to do it all. I know I want to keep doing my custom work. I love designing for my clients. I love helping start ups get solid branding. But beyond that, I'm all over the map. I need to just start the journey and see where it leads.

So, have you seen my shop link? You don't need to click on it yet- there's nothing there. Can you help me? If you were to purchase cute stuff from the MEMO shop, what would it be? Any ideas? Stationery, Announcements? Printable PDF's? What do you think? Where should a girl start?

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I really like this font

It's called Kewl Script and you can buy it [HERE]. Isn't it lovely?

Creating Your Social Media System

I'm no social media expert. In fact, I'm pretty much a beginner. However, since diving in to a few things, I'm amazed at the potential and opportunity available through social media channels. The first thing people say when I tell them about some of these things is "I don't have time to do that" or "I hardly have time to check email."

For business- especially small businesses and start-ups, you really need to jump in and just do it. You are missing out on potential clients, feedback, advertisers, etc... It really will be worth the time you put into it.

I came across an article today about Creating a Social Media System for yourself. It has some great tips and breaks tasks up into daily, weekly, monthly. I like this idea. It takes some of the addiction or random "brain-surfing" as I heard it called, out of it and puts it into a plan of action.

I've scheduled time into my day to answer emails, twitter, read blogs, and update profiles. I need to do better at sticking to the schedule I've created. Do you have a plan for yourself? What's your system?

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And the winner is...

Casey Stanton who said...

Casey, you win the ownership to the One Green Butterfly logo and URL onegreenbutterfly.com! I'll be in touch shortly to transfer the URL ownership to your name and send you the logo files.  Best of luck to you in your endeavors!

Watch for another logo giveaway soon! Remember you can sign up for my mailing list to receive advance notice of giveaways and other freebies.

One 2 One Network

Here's a really cool business- I love this idea! Barbara Jones created a network of women to are willing to try, test, taste and then pass on their opinions to their friends. She has fun projects and works a lot with the music industry. For example, they have a promotion going on right now with the "He's just not that into you" movie soundtrack. They provided CD's to their network for reviews, giveaways, and more.

If you are seeing buttons, widgets, and giveaways relating to this soundtrack, there's a good chance the host is a member of the One2One Network. For joining, not only do you get to participate in fun promotions and events but you win prizes and other fun stuff. Great idea to harness the power of women bloggers! Women between the ages of 21 to 70 who want to join can sign up on their website [HERE].

If you are a company with products targeting women– what a great way to get your product into the hands of potential customers and watch the good news spread.

Matchmaker Matchmaker

A little matching game for your time wasting enjoyment from Sodapix , a stock photo company. Cool idea!

Pantone color of the Year 2009

Mimosa, Pantone 14-0848 is the color of the year. From the Pantone website: "In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow."

What do you think?  Like it?

Social Media Explained

I just came across this great video explanation of social media and how it can benefit your small business from Common Craft.  Have a look-