It would not be an exaggeration to say designing business cards for my blog has been on my to-do list for years! *Years!* When I'm out around town or traveling across the country (or world!) I often find shops, restaurants and other cool places that I want to photograph. I almost always ask permission first, always mentioning my blog and how I will be using the photos, but I never have a business card to back things up! I'm sure they would like the benefit of checking me out before they say "yes". It's just the professional thing to do.
And sometimes people will ask me what I do and having a business card would be a much easier way of explaining things quickly (not to mention it helps me avoid the awkward explanation of what it is to be a blogger. ha.) It's also a great way to connect with people and introduce them to my other work (design, crafts, etc.)
It's a no brainer having business cards!
I knew I wanted some sort of illustration of myself. The last illustration I commissioned was by the fabulous Danny Brito, but I had longer hair back then so I needed one to reflect my new 'do.
I stumbled onto Rachele's work randomly a while ago and was instantly smitten! I loved the watercolor-y look she utilized and apparently all created digitally - which is awesome. (She has secretly inspired me to one day get more familiar with drawing digitally myself.) I knew I wanted to commission her to do the illustration. I fiiiinally took the time to take some new photos of myself so she'd have something to work from and this is what she came up with!
(front of the card on the right, back of the card on the left)
I of course created the card design, but her illustration just totally makes it. I'm so thrilled with it and really enjoyed working with her. For the back, I wanted to share a couple of photos that would be a good representation of what I share on my blog. I had them printed at OvernightPrints.com (I always use them). They came out great.
Here's some of Rachele's fabulous work:
I love Bea! And you must check out Rachele's gorgeous tattoos! Her chest piece is stunning. Be sure to check out her shop and follow her on Twitter. And her blog is pure eye candy! Here are some adorable illustrations she created for some posts:
Amazing right?! GAH. the cute.
Since I've been a print designer most of my adulthood, I truly miss designing things for print. These business cards scratched that itch for me in a small way. Sometimes I try to find things I can have printed, just because. Most of my design these days is for the web, but here are some print products that I'd love to make some designs for one day:
- Pinhole Press (very cute products, although mostly photography based)
- Moo stickers (!!!)
- Although this doesn't end up in print, the layout is essentially publication design. I would love to create an Issuu book one day.
What other print products do you love?
P.S. Here's the original illustration so you can see it better. I adore how she created the plaid pattern on my shirt!
