going swimming
I kept thinking that I haven’t done much lately to post about… what? It’s really been like a tidal wave. I’ve been working on several design jobs simultaneously - it’s keeping me quite busy (but I’m not complaining! It’s work!). I also made some centerpieces for our ward Derby Party (The KY Derby is a HUGE deal out here). Maybe I’ll post something about those later. But, for now, here are some of the design projects I’ve been working on…
The outside and inside of a folded business card I just finished for an interior designer. I also designed the logo. This was a referral job - love that!
A baby announcement for friends and their twin boys. I took the photos for this also. Fun! I did this as a gift for them.
A postcard design for an orthodontic practice (owned by friends). I also designed the logo and a business card for them. The funny thing is, they chose the logo design that I thought they’d like the least… in fact, I almost didn’t include it on the sample page. You just never know what a client might like.. BTW, who knew it would pay off (literally) to know so many dental students? I’m glad they remembered me when they set up their practice.
A Christening invitation and variation with back (I generally design for both front & back). This was another referral job. I feel truly blessed.
So, that’s what I’ve been working on lately. As a designer, you kind of have to be part chameleon to be able to design to the tastes of the people who have hired you. It’s fun for me to be able to branch out into different styles like that, but me being an artist, I sometimes get a little frustrated with designing FOR other people. I guess that’s why I’m starting my own company - so I can design what I want. Well, that, and because I would love to have some money to fund the art habit. Oh yeah, and after forking out all that cash for the classes, I should at least do something with the skill set. Heheh.
CREATIVITY QUESTION: How do you keep your motivation to complete your projects?
This is a tough one for me, and I have to admit I’m not very good at it. Sometimes I get tired or bored and sometimes distracted and other times I just plain don’t have or don’t make time. I call myself the queen of unfinished projects - now, that is NOT to say I’m proud of the title. I don’t mind having a few projects going on at once, but I wish I would finish up some of the major ones so I can move forward a few steps. Ahhh, life. 
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:53 am
Sad thing I’ve learned about myself since I’ve been in grad school: I am rarely self-motivated enough to finish a project on my own. I’ll finish grading student papers because the university sets a deadline for me to turn in their grades. I’ll do the reading, homework, and writing for my classes because I want a good grade. And I won’t work on my thesis at all unless I set deadlines with my advisor - then I’ll meet the deadlines because I’m too embarrassed not to. You would think that at my age I’d have enough self-discipline to do those things because I know I should, rather than because I fear the penalties if I don’t.
May 5th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Amy,
LOVE this site and cannot wait to see what you do each time you post. Just so you know, we will have work for you to do in approximately 4-6 years designing and printing business cards, etc. for Lyle’s dental office. No matter where we are we will be in touch!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Exactly what “major” projects are you thinking of, Amy? (Maybe not so good when two queens of unfinished projects collaborate?)
These design projects are very fun (love the twins — great photos, too!). Thanks for posting them.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
You are SO talented…all of those design jobs look great! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has big unfinished projects too…seems to be a constant theme in my life. Sometimes it just takes recognizing a project as unfinished and giving it enough thought (and prayer) to finally get the inspiration I need to get to it and get it done. And it feels SO good to finish things at long last!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Jennifer - mostly, the major projects are the two bathrooms that I started and haven’t finished, the light fixture in the kitchen that has been sitting there half done for over a year (maybe two!), the duvet cover I started for Hana but haven’t really even gotten far into… that kind of stuff… the three faucets I’ve purchased but haven’t put in yet, the hole in the wall that I covered up with the piano (heh heh) instead of fixing…. the list really is QUITE long.
But, I DID hang up some drapes in the living room (only took me 5 years of living here to finally hang some drapes!).
May 7th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Thanks for your post on my blog. I have seen your blog once in a while when I browsed through beckbot’s fave sites and have wanted to post here. You are so amazingly talented! And I am impressed you make the time with kids to still cultivate your talents, which I think is especially important to overworked moms….
May 8th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Really beautiful work, Amy!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Yes, who knew that knowing so many dental students. would pay off…
Your designs are excellent!
May 9th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Wow I love your work! That old camera is pretty neat too! I miss you!
May 11th, 2008 at 1:46 am
You are amazingly talented Amy. I love the pictures taken with the old camera! I’m not at all surprised that you’re busy or that you’re getting referrals, you do amazing work!
May 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Amy, your talent amazes me. I love your blog so much. How do you find the time to work on your art and have an amazing family? You inspire me.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Bethany, I didn’t have as much time when my children were smaller, but now I have a little more time. Also, my house suffers due to my creative pursuits… so, I have to put up with the mess sometimes. Oh well, I figure the mess can wait for me. It will still be there. Trying to find the balance can be challenging, and I’m not the best at balancing it all out, but I also realize the house doesn’t have to be perfect all the time.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Amy!! I had no idea you were keeping in touch with the Burtons! Do they have a blog? I really miss them and would love to get in touch with them. I love their business logo you designed. I love all your work. You are so talented.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Amy, you are so talented. I’m glad that you have a creative outlet that you enjoy.