Social Media -- Finding a balance

I find the whole aspect of social media networking a bit overwhelming...facebook pages, twitter, linked in just to name a few.  I'm going to date myself here, but when I started in design, we barely worked on the computer, there was no internet much less on a phone, cellphones were the big handheld boxes, and you had car phones installed in you car and they weren't portable (told you I'd date myself) .

So skip ahead a few years (ok, more than a few) years, and I took some time off to have kids and be a work at home mom.  I kept up with technology as much as I could, and upgraded when I needed to, but had no idea of all the social media that is available.  I still don't understand some of the networks and how to use it effectively.  I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and respond to posts from other designers, enter competitions and join and participate in groups.  I like the social networking, and I love researching what other designers are doing, or how to do something.  What I don't like is how much time it takes to go through all my media outlets and wondering if it will pay off at some point.  I do think that it is a good tool, I have really been able to "catch up" on design issues, new techniques, and other designers and their styles. As a startup company I need to get out there as much as I can, let others see what I can do, but my problem is finding a balance. Is there a good way to balance the networking with working?  What are the best social media outlets for designers?  I'd love to hear your opinion!!

Inspiration

Lately I have been less than inspired, and that's not a good place to be.  When I thought of starting a business, I dreamed of immediate success....someone would see my designs, be just as passionate about them as I am and would have to have one immediately.  Then they would tell 2 friends, and they would tell 2 friends and all of a sudden I'm so busy, I can't see straight.  That is so unrealistic!!!  My husband often tells me self induced expectations lead to self induced frustrations.  And I did it....again! Although dreaming big is a good thing and necessary to succeed, false expectations can get us down. I think this is what is called a reality check.   So to get myself out of this place, I am going out to galleries to get some inspiration. Fresh air + fresh perspectives = motivation!!?!  I'd love to hear what you do for motivation and inspiration!

Hope Stout Montage

Well, it's done, framed and ready to go to the gala for the auction.  I'm happy, what do you think?

Almost forgot to ask, can you find these photos in the montage? Sorry no prizes for the winner, just a fun game of Where's the Photo?

Musings for the day & Leave a Trace

A busy day, but not enough design.  I'll be working late tonight as I finish up the Hope Stout Montage, another brochure for church, and paperwork....which is the part I tend to put off until last.  But alas, it has to be done, and I don't have anyone to delegate to  since I'm the only one working for me right now.  I hope that made (or is it makes) sense?!?   

I'm also working on a t-shirt design for Leave a Trace.net. Once it is approved, I'll post it with a link in case you want to order one.  Leave a trace is a Christian Ministry trying to make the world a better place by sharing God's love with others.

It is a “Go Green,” “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint,” “Leave No Trace” world today.  That is wonderful for our physical world.  But, here at Leave a Trace, we realize that Christians are called to do the opposite.  We are supposed to Leave A Trace of Christ with everyone we meet.  We are supposed to leave footprints on the world so that everyone can share in Christ’s love.

At Leave a Trace we want to help you find gentle ways to share your passion for Christ. Here at our website you will find stories of how others have shared.  You will find ideas and tools that you can use to help.  And most importantly, you will find others who want to share Christ and His awesome love.

I started by working on their logo.  They wanted something that would be an icon and easily identifiable to those who see it. After many sketches, this is what I ended up with. My intention for this design is that it is supposed to be an oak leaf, in the shape of a footprint with a cross in it....although some actually see a fish which is really which is really cool, since Jesus tells us we should be fishers of men, and Leave a Trace is a .net company, and fish get caught in nets.  So what do you think?  (I love hearing feedback and it helps me be a better designer even if it hurts my feelings and makes me think I am fooling myself)

March Forth with Hope Montage

You might remember that I am creating a Visual Tapestry Design for the March Forth with Hope Celebration Gala's Silent Auction (www.marchforthwithhope.org).  The design is actually for Stuart and Shelby Stout (Hope's parents), and will be used as a sample of what the recipient will receive. Anyway this one has been a tough one to design. In doing this montage I have had a glimpse into their lives with Hope.  There are quite a few photos of Hope that I look at and think  Katy (my daughter) is just like that, or I have a photo just like that one of Katy.  I just can't even begin to imagine how tough it was and still is for Stuart and Shelby!  They are truly amazing people! That, in addition to the help they provide to families with children who have cancer and other life threatening diseases, is probably why I am so passionate about the March Forth with Hope Foundation!

If you don't know the story of Hope it is a truly amazing, loving, and selfless story of a 12 year old girl who had terminal cancer and was offered a wish by the Make A Wish Foundation.

Hope’s wish was a unique one…it was to help grant the wishes of 155 other children like her.  She was a special young lady whose compassion touched many hearts and inspired hundreds into action to raise $1,000,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina.  Subsequently all the wishes on the waiting list were granted.

Although Hope’s battle with cancer ended on January 4, 2004, her spirit keeps rocking on!

So, back to the montage!  Here are several photos that are included in the Visual Tapestry Design.  In a couple of days, I will post the montage and you will have the chance to search for those photos in the final design.  Hope you enjoy!

As always, feedback and comments are appreciated!  I love hearing your comments!

(OOPS!  It would help if I post the photos!!!)