graphic design – Laude Design

Show Me The Love <3

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve certainly ramped up on my greeting card inventory this past year, and I have been especially inspired by the mushy gushy romance-injected holiday of love – Valentine’s Day! But I have to say, however, it is not just a day for lovey-dovey couples exchanging flowers and jewelry and googly eyes. It’s actually such a great excuse to warm someone’s heart and make them smile. So this year, I encourage you (no, challenge you!) to take the opportunity to show your friends, family and even your coworkers, some V-Day love.

How do you show them the love, you ask? Just be creative. You could bake some cookies and package them with a cute gift tag or ribbon, cook them some biscuits and grits, send an email to let them know you’re thinking of them, or maybe just give them a call. Think of a simple way to brighten their day. And while you’re brainstorming away, feel free to browse through my printable and made-to-order cards and see if you get any ideas.

Published by Lauren on 02/06/2019 | Permalink

Getting Inspired

There’s no right or wrong way to conjure up a little inspiration for creative projects. The following are my favorite ways to get the ideas flowing.

1. Visiting a museum. Being that I live relatively close to DC and Baltimore, I like to visit the many historic landmarks, museums and parks for inspiration. Each visit can inspire a different style or feeling that turns into a unique idea that can be put to paper. During my most recent visit to DC, the hotel room had an amazing view of a historic public library, roofed with copper patina and ornamented with beautiful sculpture.

2. Gardening. Being able to apply my creativity in a different environment and working with my hands helps expand my perspective. Plus, after the gardening is done, I have a lovely composition for a new sketch!

3. Browsing the web. This may be an obvious one, nonetheless, it is a helpful avenue to incur a desire to create something new. Sites like Behance, Etsy, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. have an amazing amount of images and original designs made by other creative people. It’s a good way to come up with new ideas and finding out what’s trending.

4. Doodling. Sometimes I just have to sit myself down, tell myself I am going to draw something, and then draw it. Usually, I try to start with at least a general concept and narrow it down once I get going. For me, this results in a wider selection of visual themes that I can explore and illustrate, and it makes it easy to break up my broad concept into multiple works. Before I know it, hours go by and I wonder where my day had gone.

5. Asking my friends. I value my friends’ and family’s thoughts on themes for my artwork. They know my skills and personality which helps in suggesting ideas that are compatible with my interests and style. It also helps me get out of my own head and listen to another person’s point of view that is honest and objective.

Published by Lauren on 07/25/2015 | Permalink