Great Digital Art Event!

Britt is having a great event this weekend! Be sure to check it out and get your FREEBIES!!!

www.brittishdesigns.com

Checking In and Updating

No, I didn't fall off the face of the planet! It's summer and that means school is out and UTSA is quietly getting ready for their new year AND new football season! I just sent some final files to them that will show up at the first official football game Sept. 3 and I will be there! I turned in my paperwork for my seats today, too. I can't wait to go and will be posting pics!

It's also too hot here in TX to be dipping cake balls - but that just slowed me down. I did some for a friend's housewarming party - Pina Colada! Pineapple and coconut (mmmmmmm) they were super yummy! On that front, I am so excited to announce that I am partnering with a store in Salado, TX called Salado Mercantile where they will be selling my cake treats! I can't wait to see the response and we will see how many cake treats I can crank out on a regular basis. :-)
I have updated my photo page with pics of some of my newest creations so check 'em out! Have a great weekend!

Cake Balls - Again!

I've been getting lots of requests about my cake balls so I thought I would post some new pics and info. I am selling them again - this time for Mother's Day - to raise money to go on a mission trip to Tacoma, WA this summer. It will be a return trip for me and I am so excited to be going. If you live in my area and would like to purchase a box (to be delivered the Fri. before Mother's Day) please comment below or email me. The boxes are beautifully packaged in pink and brown with a satin bow and are ready to give to mom - or yourself - or whoever! :-D Each 12 piece box comes with a mix of 10 - 12 varieties and costs just $20! I an posting some pics from my Valentine Boxes and Christmas Boxes to show you what to expect. Flavors include: Red Velvet Cake with Pecans, Swiss Chocolate and Caramel, Fudge Brownie, Death by Chocolate, French Vanilla, and much more!

I will also be delivering to the Temple/Salado area on Saturday before Mom's Day so if you have a mom in that area that you want to recieve them or if you yourself live there you can order, too! Thanks everyone for asking about them.

For those who would like info on making your own - Check out the Archives under December of 2010.

Learning to Paint?!?

Photography by Kelly Hosch Photography

I told you that I am working on a new project and here's a sneak peek! I am learning to paint with my computer! A friend told me that the best way to learn was by taking a photo and painting it. So, that's where I started. Remember that this is rough, but I just had to show you my progress because I am so proud! :-) This is a painstaking process and what you see here is the result of about 3 1/2 hours of work with LOTS to do before it's done. Above you can see the original photo and below is my painting so far. What do you think?!

Still So Much to Learn

After talking with the print company today I discovered that there is still much for me to learn. As you know, I have been working on a camp flyer for UTSA for about 3 months now. It was printed and I took it on campus today for their compliance dept. to review. BUT, there is concern that the color assignment I used (which is default on my software) isn't going to work for professional printing of this level! WHAT?!?!?!?!??! Let's just say I am praying for this to work out. UTSA has another big scrimmage coming up in a couple of weeks and everything I've been working on is going to be everywhere there! Photo signature cards for Coach Coker and "Rowdy" the Roadrunner (mascot), Football Camp Flyers, and the newest (not yet finished!!) Spring Roster and Signature flyer! My stuff is going to be EVERYWHERE..... and I won't be there! There was no way around it, my family comes first and I need to be out of town that weekend to celebrate my son's birthday as I promised him months ago. I am so sad to miss it, but hopefully I will be able to start posting pics of the projects. In other news, I am working to learn some new techniques and I will post some pics soon to show you my progress and see what you think!

The Enemy Within

I have a nemesis - it's name is MERGE. Unfortunately, MERGE is under my control. What does that mean? It means that until I get my trigger finger under control, I will continue to recreate files that I have already completed! Case in point: Last night I wanted to quickly see if a file was too large to send by email. So, I opened the file, merged the layers and did what I needed to do with it. Upon exiting the program, it pops up the screen to say that I have made changes that should be saved and do I want to continue. I click YES and 5 hours of work is now merged together, forever unchangeable. Why didn't I remember the changes it was asking about?! Why didn't I stop and THINK?! To my dismay, I woke up to put the final touches on the project and found them all merged together. :(
Why is merging so bad? Well, the designs are created in layers. This way, if you want to change a single element you can do so without distorting your background or surrounding elements. It allows you to perform a technique to a single element without leaving your design, etc. However, when you have, for example, bright red fold/cut lines on your page and then merge them to everything else that's NOT a good thing!!! So, forgive me if I can't blog for a while, I'm remaking yet another file.....

I will not save merged files, I will not save merged files, I will not save merged files, I will not save merged files..........

New Stuff

Hey Friends - I added a couple of new links to the right ------>
One is a list of print options I offer and the other is a list of websites I use for FREE design stuff! Hope you like them and don't forget to tell your friends!!!

Oh, I almost forgot - I WON my first design bid! Got word yesterday that I am officially the designer for the UTSA print project for the next football scrimmage in April. One of their sponsors (not the one I have been helping) gave the bid to me to do their poster! This is the project being serviced through the professional Sports Marketing Agency. I'd better do a GREAT job!!!

Calling All Creative Scrappers!

It's a bit surreal, but just over a year ago, one of my favorite digital design stores issued a "CT Call". That's when I decided to start Over the Edge Designs. In the last year I have learned that while I still enjoy that aspect of design it's not my main interest. But, that doesn't mean it's not yours! So, I am so happy to share this email info I got from another of my favorite online stores Peppermint Creative.

If you are unfamiliar with the terminology, a CT is a Creative Team member. You don't create the designs - you play with them! :o) Their designers create the kits but the CT members do projects with them to use as samples in the store.

Hybrid projects are those that are not solely cards and scrapbooks. They usually include other products (like candy!). The candy wrappers I did for my client, for example, is considered a hybrid project.

So, if you are at all inclined - go for it! And Good Luck!

Done, Done, Done! What's Next?.....

Sent in the final logos for the Resurrecting Hearts Conference today! As promised, I will have a link to the webiste as soon as they get it going. I also finished up a project for a friend and sent off some samples for the other big project I've been keeping a secret from you! You're still going to have to wait a little longer. :o)

Also exciting is that tomorrow my first bid goes out for the UTSA job I wrote about last week. Will have details as soon as I get confirmation.
Just wanted to take a minute to say that God is good and I am so very blessed to have all this opportunity fall into my lap.

Opportunity Knocks

Got an email request today from UTSA for a paying job!
I should clarify, in all fairness, that I have been "paid" for the other work, but it has been done on a barter system. Meaning, I do the work and they give me 4 season tickets to the football games and I pick the seats. It's no small matter financially. They are also hooking the kids and me up with some swanky gear and parking passes. So, I am receiving something for my services.
But, the opportunity to pad the wallet a little is always appreciated especially when it comes in the form of an email from the major sports marketing company they use. Um, can you say OPPORTUNITY!!! I am so excited to do this and to keep spreading the word about my work.

Big Project Delivered and Good News!

UTSA has the CD of files and printed copy of the Football Camp Brochure ON THEIR DESK! Woot! I don't know how long it will take for the printers to get them completed, but I can't wait to add one to my portfolio!
I promised to tell you more big news, so here's the first of it:
I have been asked to create the logo for a conference coming in September! The conference is about bringing the family back together and I am honored to be chosen to do this! I have already begun the preliminary process of creating rough designs. The team has selected one of these and I am going to be sending them some variations on that design TODAY! So, it won't be long that I can post the logo on my portfolio page. Once the logo is done, the website for the conference will be created and I will add a link! It's going to be a GREAT event!
Still more awesome design news to come so keep checking back!

Candy Wrappers and the End of a Big Project!

Delivered posters and candy wrappers to another author today. I now want to make candy wrappers for everyone. I LOVED them! Maybe I need to make some OTED wrappers with zebra stripes. Hmmmmm....... I'll think on that one.
Anyway, that is done and........ (drumroll please) ...... UTSA is getting their Football camp brochure delivered by email TODAY! I'm so excited to see this get finished. I cannot wait to see it! Be prepared that I will IMMEDIATELY tear it apart and find EVERY flaw. I can't help myself. But, I am secretly very proud of it. Most importantly, they love it.
I have 2 other big projects to take the place of this one, though and I am really stoked about sharing them with you! That's all I'm going to say for now, so stay tuned!!!

Blog Signature!!!

I have a new blog signature!

Changes!

I have the final files ready for UTSA on the big football camp brochure I've been working on for several months!!! I just received the printed posters and candy wrappers for a client from the Christian Writers Group of San Antonio, I completed a quick flyer for another client from the CWG last week, and I am well on my way to the next 2 major projects that have come my way! Whew! I can't wait to start posting some of these projects on the blog. I have asked UTSA for permission to post some of my work for them and am waiting to hear back from their compliance dept. for approval.

Next step MUST be updating my blog graphics. I posted a query for suggestions on a theme on my Facebook page. Any suggestions from the bloggers? So far I have thought of: Sticking with the Swirls and Stars, Going back to the grunge, Zebra print mania, Peace, Love, and Happiness...What do you think?

I played with some setting already. Please let me know what you like/don't like. Clients come to my blog to see my portfolio and this is their first impression! I want it to be GREAT! Thanks!

Computer Problems

My computer has decided to give me fits! When I try to design, the large files won't work because it says there's not enough memory! YIKES! It's being worked on, but it has put some larger projects on hold.
One of those is an exciting opportunity to create large banner. So fun to see my artwork taking displayed in so many different ways.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I am super busy these days. This morning I was homeschooling the kiddos while my cell phone email was ding, ding, dinging! UTSA is excited and fired up about their big camp flyer (which I hope to get posted here soon - I have to get permission from them first), I have 2 jobs which I received at the conference Saturday, I had someone from the conference contact me to do some work this next week, and my hubby has asked me to do some work for a friend. Whew! :o) Good Times!
All of this and the marketing lady from the conference says that as a designer, my blog should look AMAZING. AMAZING?! I'm not a WEB designer, but I think she has a point. Long ago I had a rubber stamping business. I had a website. I learned HTML code. That site had photos, graphics, blinking things, colors, multiple fonts, scrolling text, you name it! That was a LOOONNNGG time ago when I had 1 kid and she basically laid around all day! So, be watching for changes to come to the blog as I relearn how to do this. Tell me what you like and don't like to help me out. And, if for some reason the whole thing disappears for while, say a prayer for me - it means I'm not having a good day!!! :o)

UTSA Meeting

Today I had my first Formal meeting with UTSA. Thus far I have done project for them through email, but today was a big one. I discovered in this meeting that this particular project I have been working on is their largest budgeted project for the YEAR!!! So, with files, notes, post-its, and freshly printed full-size samples in tow I went.
With Sharpie Pen in hand they cirlced, line marked, and added text and photos. We measured, cross-reference NCAA guidelines, debated verbage and font size, and even discussed a photo I had included which showed the broad-side of a player's underwear! Ooops! At least you know what I WASN'T looking at! :o)
Bottom line: they LOVED it! They loved the work and they recognized that the text was only wrong because they gave me bad information. So, I have a few more hours work to do for this one and then thousands (yes, thousands) of these little babies (by little I mean 11"x22" 2-sided monsters!) will be distributed to the masses. They will be passed out to high schools all around Texas and distributed by coaches who hit the road (I'm learning so much terminology here - hee hee) looking for recruits in April. Yes, these brochures are seeking UTSA's next crew and I will have a hand in it. Yea Me! :o)
I will say that I am really proud of the work I have done on this project and I am so glad they liked it. The man I am working with comes from Texas A&M so he's accustomed to quality work. I was relieved to hear his kind words and look forward to doing more work for them in the future.
As for pics, I will have to ask permission to post any final graphics on here just to make sure I am not crossing any NCAA rules. Hopefully I can put a panel up, though.

Oh, and by the way, the athletes that I met this morning were top-notch. Super polite guys, well dressed and gentlemanly. Well Done UTSA - you've picked some great people to represent you!

Touch Pad and Pen

Got to spend some time designing today and I just needed to say that I LOVE my new touch pad and pen that I got for Christmas! I tried working without it yesterday and was so frustrated.
I needed to create some new business cards to take with me to a Marketing Conference this weekend and came up with this cute zebra pattern! I LOVE THEM!!! :o) The pen made this project so much easier! Yeah for new technology and for mom's that buy it for you.... thanks mom! :o)

Cake Ball Buzz

I recently decided to sell my cake balls for Valentine's Day and they were a BIG HIT!!! I am having so much fun hearing back from people how much they loved them and how much they loved GIVING them!

Here's What People Are Saying:

Thanks to you I am the BEST MOM EVER!!!! - KM

These Are Exquisit! Absolutely Beautiful. You should open your own little cake store. I opened them and showed them to people around the office. I can't wait to give these away! - TS

My wife LOVED her gift...She took pictures of it and sent it to ALL her family telling them that I did it again! - SH

My In-laws loved the cake balls. My mother-in-law said my father-in-law was having them for dinner last night! Great job. Thank You! - MG

My brother thinks you are the BEST! He's gonna LOVE these! - RC

WOW! Can you believe it?! I am so blessed to be able to share these with people. Though many people have been asking if I will do them for Easter I have decided to refocus on schooling my kiddos and trying to get UTSA back on track. I am also attending a marketing conference this weekend with the San Antonio Christian Writers Group (for whom I redesigned their logo - see projects link). But never fear, I will be back in the kitchen in May creating designs for Mother's Day. I am working on a cost effective way to do cake ball bouquets that I think are going to rock!

Be sure to get in on all the Goodies from Britt-Ish Designs! I LOVE her work!!!

Networking is NOT my strong suit.

Last night I attended the 2nd annual signing day for UTSA Football. As I was freezing cold and walking back to my car after the event I analyzed myself. I realized that I had talked to people about my business, my affiliation with UTSA and DOCUmation (a sponsor at the event), but I NEVER ONCE mentioned my company name!!! Yikes! What a missed opportunity!
Part of running a successful business is learning to sell yourself (or at least your product)face to face. I have to work on that. I was more comfortable at this event than I have been at others, but I still have work to do.

Oh - and Happy Anniversary to Over the Edge Designs!

One year down and LOTS to go! :o)

Where've I Been?!

Hey Friends! I know it's been a while since I posted so I thought I would let you know that I haven't abandoned my post! I'm waiting on UTSA to get some photos to me so I can finish their projects and in the meantime and I up to my ears in cakeballs!!! I have decided to sell my cakeballs for Valentine's Day and so far the response is OUTSTANDING!!! I am currently at 25 boxes (1 doz. per box)! So, I've been baking away and getting ready to decorate them all. I can't wait! I'll post pics after the even to show you my kitchen during this process!!! :o)

New Client!

So excited to announce that I have a new client... or clients! Over the Edge Designs has been brought on board as the design vendor for DOCUmation of San Antonio! So, whenever they have a client in their print shop that requests a designer I will be offered a paying job! Yeah! I get to set my fees and reserve the right to accept/reject any job I choose! They have even offered to help market their print shop to include my services as being available to help drum up business! This is such an awesome opportunity to get some work done for companies all over San Antonio and beyond! The only downfall is that I can't put my logo on it, but hey - I'm still getting started here and will take a paying job when I can get it!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! It is hard to believe, but almost 1 year ago I began this adventure of learning to design my own artwork. I have learned a lot! Over the Edge has grown from a blog to a blog and a facebook page and we have taken on the likes of UTSA athletics! I am so excited to tell you that there are more announcements on the way!!! I have to solidify some details before I let the cat (or cats!) out of the bag, but keep checking in!
I have been stocking up on new design items and was so fortunate to receive new design hardware and software for Christmas!!! I now have a pen and touch pad system for designing and I am having a BLAST trying them out. Expect to see doodle art collections coming soon! :oP

Wishing you all an incredibly blessed 2011!

Lisa