Magdalena M Photogapher

So, it’s been a while since I have made an entry, but I was on vacation!

But I am now back and want to share a treasure i have been holding on to for a while now….(drumroll)…Magdalena M, an amazingly talented freelance fashion photographer based in Toronto.

I love the colours and the detail in her images. Her work almost always make me want to jump up and dance (lol). She’s also a talented make-up artist, and set designer, when needed. She even creates her own clothing designs (background in fashion).

Anyways I don’t have to say much, I think her images say it all. Also check out her website www.dizma.com (I helped out with it, absolute pleasure!)

More Shoes! Personalized Shoe Note Cards

Two more shoe Note Cards. More of this available at my Etsy store.

Zebra Peep Toe

Red Rainy Boot

____****UPDATE DECEMBER 1st 2008****_____
The final outcome. A nice glossy finish, a set of 10 with white envelopes in a box! Available for purchase here

6 sites with really interesting header graphics!

Some really cool motion going on in the image. Excellent graphics.

I really like this toaster idea, especially the ornamental design. Love it!!!

Extremely different, needle in a teddybear. Neat background.

Very nice side bar. Inspirational.

The wood texture has been done quite a bit, but not quite like this...

Fantastic use of graphics. A little too much even...maybe, but still really good!

Vintage Posters(Ka-Boom!)

Lo0o0o0ve this collection I found here. Great Inspirations, indeedy

There’s more where this came from…

Projects starting to smell? Get that Contract signed next time!!!

Its been a few days since I have posted anything up, yes I know. I’ve been busy trying to get projects done and out. Through the course of this time, I’ve noticed a recurring trend in our creative filed. A trend that seems to have been embraced by us designers as the norm, when in fact it isn’t. A paragraph I came across regarding this point,

“Working without the benefit of having a signed contract can result not only in the designer not being paid but also possible litigation after things have gone wrong. Of course, graphic designers are blessed with a number of wonderful skills and talents but unfortunately business savvy is not always one of them. Too many times, graphic designers fear that asking a client to sign a contract will sabotage the air of trust and goodwill between them and the client and result in a losing the project. This fear is sometimes reinforced by actual experiences with reluctant clients who seem perfectly willing to give a graphic designer a project but openly balk at signing a contract.”

As a designer, I can attest to that statement, especially in my beginning years. Then one day it dawned on me (as I was signing a contract that stated I would be paying $30/month to Rogers for a span of 2 years)…how is this any different from the contracts designers present? Atleast designers present contracts that cover both the client and designer, but these phone contracts just make sure the company gets their money. So why do we designers feel uncomfortable presenting the client with a ‘contract’ a.k.a working guidelines and standards? After all its their means of bread and butter, paying bills etc.

Few things to consider before committing to a project.

- What happens if, for some reasons beyond both parties’ control, the project is abruptly terminated? Designer might’ve spent hours on the project, with nothing to show for in the end, all because they didn’t secure themselves, by stating guidelines from the beginning.

- Keep the relationship strictly business. Getting into personal details might make things complicated, should things go wrong with the project. If a friend requires services similar to what I offer, I graciously point them in the direction of a fellow designer, if I feel it could jeopardize our relationship.

- Treat all clients with the same professionalism. Introduce the contract. Don’t differentiate because John is the son of the lil old lady next door to you who bakes you cookies every Sunday. Do the best you can, maintain your professional boundaries. You’ll get more respect.

“Contracts are not there to be set in stone. Your contract is not written in a tablet of stone, it’s meant to be a meeting of the minds and a point at which both parties agree and feel comfortable going forward to do business. Don’t make the mistake of working without a contract. If a client is completely against the idea of signing/using ANY contract, you are not missing anything by walking away from the project. Chances are they have no intention of paying you anyway!

Be smart, be reasonable and remember “only one thing matters in this life … get them to sign on the line that is dotted.”

Use your judgement and decide if it’s worth taking on that project, without a contract.

Wayyy Cool Photoshop Backgrounds

Hey hey hey, it’s been over a week. Am I slacking? I recently downloaded the new Mozilla and now I can’t have my del.icio.us on the top bar anymore So I must resort to writing myself notes here and posting links here too…..geeez.

COOL PHOTOSHOP BACKGROUNDS!!!

One Exam Done & Some Cool Findings

So one exam is done! I feel sort of free. Writing code on a piece of paper so much harder than typing it out on a computer screen…takes serious coding skill!

So, during one of my many adventures on the web, I came across these everyday items designed in a unique and intriguing way.

A strange canapé designed by Lila Jang

USB Buddies

Mus2, designed by Artemy Lebedev

Dell’s New Hybrid! *So Sleek So Fine*

Woot Woot! Dell’s doing it niceee. I am so very impressed with these designs. Makes me want to go out and buy one of those. Just look at those features!

Dell’s most unique, stylish, and conscientious desktop PC. Designed to fit into your environment while protecting the environment.

Personalize with 6 interchangeable color sleeves or bamboo Ultra-compact design with Intel mobile technology performance Features include slot-load DVD, HDMI, and optional Blu-rayTM Dell’s greenest, most power-efficient consumer desktop

To Pick a Logo

I had to do a few logo concepts for a valve company. Which one makes more sense? The one with the valve you think? Hmmm…

valve logo by claricegomes.com

I be Fonting. Free font resource blog-a-ma-jig

Hello again, on this ‘i’m-bored-in-my-four-walled-cubicle-with-no-windows-to-the-outside-sunshine’ friday afternoon. Just thought I would sign off for this week with a link to a font blog that has links for free fonts, suggested by the blog readers. What a great blog!