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!