:: web inspiration ::

Posted in inspriation, notes from krysten on December 18th, 2009 by krysten

They say that to learn something, one can mimic others they admire. In my case, my web knowledge is still evolving (as I think is true of anyone’s profession and life in general), and in light of a new web project coming up, I have been scouring the web for… well, more web. I’ve found some interesting sites I would like to share with you.

Green Street Development

Green Street Development

Green Street Development: I like this site because it’s clean and simple yet interesting. The colors accurately reflect the company, and the graphics are a combination of organic (which makes sense) and photography. It’s easy to read and navigate, and has plenty of information so the viewer isn’t left wondering what Green Street is all about.


Softio

Softio

Softio: Although it’s in a different language and I have no idea what they’re saying, this site appeals to me. It’s elegant yet exciting. As you can probably tell from my Web site, I do like reverse typography (light text on dark backgrounds). The font is modern, which matches the design of the site, but clean as well. Reverse text can be difficult to read, particularly on screen, but this company has chosen easy-to-read text that’s not overwhelming.


Fresh Not Canned

Fresh Not Canned

Fresh Not Canned: This site is just fun. It’s colorful, lighthearted and aesthetically pleasing. I love the color scheme of cyan, blue, lime green and orange; and the repeating elements (such as the square tiled background, the whimsical icons, the dotted lines, and the speech bubbles) make the site very interesting. It’s fun to look around and even to read, and as such, I find it to be a very compelling Web site.


Marie Moore | Web Designer

Marie Moore | Web Designer

Marie Moore | Web Designer: Another example of a fun Web site. While it is interesting to look at, it is also informative. The designer’s writing style is as fun as her Web site design. It holds the reader’s attention because it is more than the “I know this, and I know that” spiel. It proves to the viewer that she isn’t merely trying to sell herself when she says her designs are never boring — oh, yeah, and that she knows what she’s doing.


Always looking for new designs, so if you find an interesting URL, send it my way…

Until then —

k-sig-pink-on-black

:: social networking ::

Posted in fyi on June 17th, 2009 by krysten

Friends,

Please add  kp creative to your social networks, and invite your friends and family to do the same! I am on the following social networking sites:

Happy networking!
k-sig-pink-on-black

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:: the art of typography ::

Posted in fyi on February 13th, 2009 by krysten
One great way to improve your craft — be it writing, design, photography, or any number of creative endeavors — is to study and even mimic work you admire. I’m not saying you should go out and plagairize someone whose work you really like, but rather try it out sometime for practice and find ways to change the style and make it your own.

One of my favorite parts of graphic design is innovative and creative typography. I like to surf the web, read magazines, and collect samples of interesting and eye-catching typography to use as inspiration in future projects. Below you will find a few awesome examples of creative typography that appear in my inspiration box.

 

open

Si Scott

 Great example of how type really can be beautiful. (All my grad school profs would talk about type being beautiful, and while it sounds cheesy, I totally agree.)

 

Wieden + Kennedy, London

Wieden + Kennedy, London

Type can be set to look like an image. Another great example of that found below.

 

micheile

micheile

 This really is a beautiful illustration — and it’s constructed entirely of type!

Studio Pin-Ups

Studio Pin-Ups

Who knew typography could be erotic? This series won the 2006 Epica Awards. You may not approve of it, but you’ve gotta admit it’s pretty darn creative. You can see more if you’re interested here.

More later…
k-sig-pink-on-black

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:: new portfolio pieces ::

Posted in new stuff on December 7th, 2008 by krysten

Hi All,

Just a quick update to let you know I’ve added a few new portfolio pieces. Be sure to check them out — and please let me know what you think!

Best,

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:: new services ::

Posted in new stuff on December 1st, 2008 by krysten

Hello friends!

Just a quick note to update you on a few new items on the kpc site.

I have added four new services:

  1. Menu Design
  2. Newsletter Design (e-news or paper!)
  3. Calendar Design
  4. Portfolio Design

Use the link above to easily navigate to the services page so you can read about these great new additions.

I also added one new package that I think could be a big hit: The Blue-Plate Special. Got your curiosity piqued? Check out the description by clicking the link above.

Until next time…

Best,

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:: bid on kpc services ::

Posted in need to know on November 24th, 2008 by krysten

Hello Friends!

I recently discovered an auction site similar to eBay, only it’s for services. It’s called Azizzle Auctions and it’s completely free! You just sign up for an account and you can start listing or bidding. It’s not nearly as big as eBay, but I think the concept is great!

So, I’ve listed a couple services on Azizzle — and at a heavily discounted rate. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about signing a contract with me, now’s the time to reconsider.

You can check out my auctions on the site under the “Columbus” drop-down menu, listed under the “Business & Professional Services” heading. If any of these auctions are what you’re looking for, by all means: Start the bidding war!

Best,

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:: client spotlight: Bride Ideas LLC ::

Posted in need to know on November 11th, 2008 by krysten

In my first of (hopefully many) upcoming client spotlights, I would like to feature a company that is near and dear to my heart: Bride Ideas — my first client.

Bride Ideas is the brainchild of Kelsey Reckless, whose dream is to plan weddings — ironically, not her own. (She already did that.)  In fact, it was during the process of planning her own wedding when she discovered her passion for creating memories that would last a lifetime. She realized she wanted to help other couples experience what she had: Their very own dream wedding. And if she could help lower stress levels, she could make the experience even more amazing.

Since that day in May of 2006, Kelsey has become a certified Bridal Consultant and a member of both the Association of Bridal Consultants and Columbus Bridal Consultants. She has built her own small business from the ground up, starting with the seemingly simple task of naming the company (Reckless Weddings was immediately vetoed, and with good reason!) to finally planning her first clients’ wedding. All the weddings she has helped plan since Bride Ideas’ inception have met her two-fold goals of (1) creating the perfect wedding for couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together, and (2) doing all within her power to alleviate stress so these lovebirds can actually enjoy the day that is undubitably the happiest one of their lives.

Please stop by Kelsey’s Web site at www.brideideasllc.com to see what she’s been up to recently. You can view photos from weddings she’s planned, read and comment on her blog, and check out what her clients have had to say about how wonderful she is!

Cheers to Kelsey!

Best,

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:: the creative geniuses program ::

Posted in notes from krysten on October 26th, 2008 by krysten

 

Hello to my creative friends!

 

As part of a developing project, I am establishing a Creative Geniuses Program, the goal of which is to provide discounted services and other perks to members of the program. The basic idea is simple — to help out ambitious (and perhaps struggling) entrepreuners such as yourself — and even better, it doesn’t cost a thing to join. If you run a small business that offers creative services — such as (but not limited to) photography, event planning, interior design or t-shirt design — you are eligible to join.

 

As a member, you may offer any sort of perk you see fit to other members of this program. For example, you might offer 10 percent off a certain package, or maybe a $25 coupon for a service you offer.  You might provide a free professional photograph or a customized ad for a fellow creative genius. And in return, if you ever need a creative service from someone else in the CG circle, they will offer you a discount on the service you are seeking as well.

 

If you would like to receive discounts on services provided by other Creative Geniuses like yourself, as well as provide discounts on your own services, please e-mail for more information and answers to your questions. Anyone who wishes to join will be featured here in my blog in my upcoming Creative Geniuses Spotlight. It’s one way I can give back to you — a little free online advertising.

 

Hope to hear from you soon!

 

Best,
~K

 

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:: referrals ::

Posted in notes from krysten on October 5th, 2008 by krysten

Hello friends!

I would like to make a proposition to my past, present and future clients. As a thank-you for your business, I am offering incentives to anyone who refers a client to kp creative!

When you send someone to kp creative for graphic or writing services and they sign a contract with me, I will give you a 10 percent discount on your next project. For each person you refer after the first, I will give you another 5 percent off.*

Now you can get the best of both worlds: you can save money on a great service, AND you can help out a fellow small business owner/friend!

Questions? You have my e-mail.

Best,
~K

*The fine print: Maximum discount you can receive is 50 percent on one service within a 12-month period. Referrals must have signed a contract with me prior to beginning your next project with kp creative; not available on previous purchases. Still … If you think about it, that’s not too shabby, eh?

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:: contact form ::

Posted in notes from krysten on August 27th, 2008 by krysten

Long time, no see — I know.

Just a quick update for those of you who may have given my contact form a test drive: It is now fully functional! It’s not exactly what I wanted, but given that I’ve had very little formal instruction on html coding, I am just happy that everyone can reach me now.

One of my next self-taught topics will have to be an overview on forms… Until then, though, this will do.

Best,
~K

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