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)