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A lot of people have asked what my college design program looked like. What do you actually learn in a Graphic Design program? Answer: SO much! We started with the basics: composition and layout. Then there was design history, covering everything from ancient hieroglyphics to printing presses to modern designers. More specialized courses covered the nerdy details: when to use an em dash instead of an en dash. Kerning, leading, ligatures, serif classifications. But the really good stuff didn't come from a textbook. The good stuff came from immersing myself in a world of design inspiration. Being a sponge. Soaking up every ounce of inspiration and wisdom from my professors and insanely talented classmates... Developing taste. That part of my education is truly irreplaceable. Then we'd turn all that knowledge into something tangible: a slew of portfolio projects brought to life over late-night brainstorming sessions and far too much coffee. Let's not forget the most intimidating part: presenting our work to our peers and guest critics. No learning experience can quite compare to standing in front of an industry leader hearing them say that your work is shit. (Literally. Direct quote. Honestly, one of the most valuable parts of the entire experience. Take criticism constructively. It's not personal. It will help you improve. Use it and move on.) In addition to all of that, my Graphic Design program was tucked into my school's Creative Advertising major. So I also learned a lot about the advertising industry: crafting campaign strategies for big brands. Advertising ethics. How to measure and buy media. How advertising changes internationally. Experiential media. So there you have it! That's what my education entailed: a constant stream of design inspiration, plenty of late nights in the design studio, and far too many cups of coffee. I wouldn't have had it any other way! -- Just a note to say: there are tons of incredibly talented self-taught creatives in my field. A formal education in Graphic Design was an ideal fit for me, but it's certainly not the only path! I'm forever impressed by the truly outstanding self-taught designers out there.
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On #internationalwomensday, I can't help but think of Mary, our Blessed Mother. In a perfect picture of discipleship and strength and grace and bravery, her powerful fiat changes the course of history and alters our lives for all eternity. She unites all women in femininity and strength. Kecharitomene; Blessed are you among women. 🌕 Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus. Today and every day, may we honor each other – and all women – in a manner that reflects Christ's reverence and admiration for his own mother. Helen Pashkevich, SSMI: Woman is a call to Beauty. To be a woman is a calling, a task to be fulfilled, not just a fact to declare. Being a woman is a vocation to be beautiful, not the kind of attractiveness that is exposed and exploited in today's advertisements that use the body of woman as a Thing, as a tool to sell their products. A woman's beauty is one of mystery, of hidden interiority, of withinness. It is a kind of beauty which comes from Goodness: . in the heart that is open to kindness... in a mind which seeks after wisdom... in a heart that is faithful through suffering... in a whole presence that is full of graciousness and a strength that comes from within.
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Cheers to the weekend! 🥂 Red or white? 😉 This custom icon illustration was the perfect finishing element for a recent brand design. I love adding these personal touches to a website: it's the little details like these that really bring connection and cohesion to your entire brand. I've always been a pen-and-paper kinda girl, but lately my iPad has given me so much creative freedom! I'm able to create custom illustrations much more quickly—making it possible to sketch artwork more often... thus making it possible to provide more illustrations to each of my custom website design clients! Can we create a custom sketch as part of your brand? I'd love to hear about your ideas! Until then... enjoy your Friday! Best wishes for a relaxing weekend. You know where to find me! 🍷📚
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Styling reminds me why stationery and branding walk hand-in-hand: Connection. Cohesion. Composition. Storytelling. It's all about creating an impression (whether it's an impression to wedding guests, or an impression to potential clients). How can we tell your story? How can we visually convey a nuanced message? How can we connect with your audience, and then provide a cohesive experience to them every step of the way? It's such a joy to partner with each of you in visualizing and conveying your own stories. This is where thoughtful intention meets creativity: the gray area where I am forever happiest. Thank you @graydoorphotography for always capturing so many images I love and adore! These behind-the-scenes photos make my heart happy. Featured // @ruffledblog Stationery // @sarahann_design Photography // @graydoorphotography Planning // @kariellenevents Floral // @olivegrovedesign Venue // @emersonvenue Dress Designer // @elizabethleesebridal Rentals // @beautiful_event_rentals MUAH // @anastasia_stylist Bride // @milanpaige
