Book Covers

Here are a few of the latest.

What's up?

Work! Busy! I'm loving it!

The longer I'm in this business, the longer I notice how there are very few graphic designers making a living at this. Most can't find enough work to make a steady living. I think it can really come down to business savvy. Just because you have a great eye for design doesn't mean you have the ability to market yourself and create an income flow. They are 2 very distinct things, I'm coming to see.

I know an interior designer who is very talented, and finding a similar problem. How to get clients? I found myself thinking about her non-stop after hearing her story. I could help her...I know I could. I should get right on that.

I'm glad Halloween is over. Thankfully, our kids' Catholic school doesn't allow costumes, so the only thing to navigate were some Halloween crafts...and Aila asking if she could dress like a vampire. I explained what a vampire was (in short, a mythical creature who murders people and drinks their blood) which was enough to change her mind about it. I wasn't even trying to scare her. I just gave her the facts like I would any other question asked.

I love how my kids simply explain to people about our choice to skip the Halloween thing. "We don't celebrate darkness" they say. It's a simple answer...which is usually followed up by "We are going to the wave pool! And McDonalds.....and..." and their friends usually reply "Ohhhh..you're so lucky!!!"

So yes, as our "Halloween Alternative", we took the girls to the wave pool, out to McDonalds, (along with Ron & Lynne, kiddos, and Oma/Opa) and then bought them a tonne of candy. (only the ones they like!) They were thrilled.

(I'm remembering the last time I posted anything about Halloween. It was like throwing a grenade. People go soooo upset! Well, that's why I'm not allowing comments on this post. This is our choice...you have yours. Enjoy.)

Anyway...not much new. But I thought I'd update!

New Office!

Well, after 5 years of running my own graphic design business, I finally have an office!

We took our guest room (sorry guests!) and made that space my office. (I used to work from a small corner desk in our master bedroom...blech!) So it was high time that I had a suitable work space.

I was able to buy all new furniture for it....and design it as I wished. It was so much fun! I always loved my job, but now I just wanna hang out in my office all the time...so I'm sad when I have no emails! I find myself wandering in, checking email after hours and on weekends on the off chance there is something that would warrant me getting to spend some time in there! Since my job is to be creative...I'm so happy to finally have a space that feeds my creativity.

Pictures:

First Time

I've been making a living at graphic design for a few years now. I've been really blessed to have an awesome job that I LOVE. What could be better?? Most of the time i feel like I'm getting paid to play! Design is so much fun....

But more than that, I've been blessed to never have to look for work. I've almost always been self-employed. I did have to go out and market myself when i taught Music for Young Children (ads, flyers, etc) But for my design work, I've never sent out resumes, and never offered my services. Jobs and contracts have always just come to me. I've never even considered looking for more work.

This week for the first time, I felt like I was supposed to actually put together a resume and send it to a company...offering my services in graphic design. I had seen the company online, and thought "I think I could help them..." It was weird...but I just felt the Lord say "do it". So I did. I made up a PDF of some samples, and typed up an email and hit send.

To my total shock, I got a response from the email in just a couple hours. I spoke to the company, and they want to use me for a project or two! I really seemed to hit it off with the owner, and I'm praying that I can move into a steady work relationship with them in the future.

God is Good!

Sunshine, flowers, and a clean house

Today is a better day.

While my situation hasn't changed, the weather has...and it's like new breath. It makes me feel like I just may make it after all. Perhaps.

The sun is out, it's warm, and flowers are in bloom all up and down our street. I can smell lilacs, and to top it off, I have no emails today. *exhale* Sweet.

This morning Jason and I spent an hour in Starbucks with our Skinny Vanilla Lattes, curled up in a big chair, just talking. It was a nice way to start the day.

I got to come home to a clean house, which is such an amazing feeling! A friend started a cleaning company, and I did all the graphic design. So we've 'traded services'! It's a brilliant idea, and it has taken such a weight off of my shoulders, especially on the weeks that I'm working sun-up to sun-down. Having her come every 2 weeks has been such a blessing...it's like Christmas morning every second Wednesday!

Meanwhile, weight continues to fall off as I eat well, and move my body. This week I've upped my bike rides to 10k, and try to either run, walk or bike every day. Nice weather helps...that's for sure. Now if I could think of a way to avoid the hills that occur in every direction, 10K would be easier!! (Fun to ride down, a pain to get up!) Seeing as we live at the top of a hill, any direction I go will mean a tough ride back. Its not like biking in a prairie city, that's for sure. But now, I just check the weather channel, and make sure that the wind is at my back on the upward ride home...

Tomorrow we head out of town for the long weekend. We're staying with friends just south of Toronto. I'm looking forward to a road trip with the family...just to get away and have some laughs.

Lately

I feel like I haven't blogged anything of worth in a long time. Truthfully, not much happens around here! I work, play with my girls, eat, and sleep. In that order.

I could tell you about some of the odd clients I have...but that wouldn't be professional. :P Not that designers have client-designer confidentiality..but in a way...we do! I'm doing some....err...interesting (??) books lately. Kinda humorous. It's a really interesting job, I have to say. Oh, and this week, I invoiced my 500th bookcover design. Doesn't that seem like a crazy big number? And I still have 26 books on my 'wall'. (Each book gets a docket sheet, and that sheet gets put up on the wall so at a glance I can see what stage of production the book is in.) This week was tricky, as out of the 26, I had 2 Ron's, 2 Deborahs, and 2 other men with virtually the same first AND last name. I kept hoping I wouldn't send a comic book sample to the family who is doing a memorial book of their mother! :P So far, so good.

I've been working on my new company idea too. I branded my first company this week (Starshine Cleaning). And I also started a website/logo design for my new venture. But today, I noticed that each time I looked at my work regarding the company, I got a knot in my stomach. Something isn't right. Maybe I'm not actually happy with the name? or the logo? or maybe the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me to wait. So I'm gonna put the brakes on, and slow it down. No hurry anyway, right? I'm gonna keep playing with it in my spare time, but try to figure out just what the 'knot' is about. All I know is that I don't feel right. My first impression was to think "Are you scared?" But honestly...no. I'm not scared. I really find new ventures exciting, not scary! But as excited as I am about the whole idea, I still have the knot. A kinda nauseous feeling. That's not good...I know that for sure. So yeah. Time to pause and pray about it.

In other news, Exodus Cry Canada had their launch, and has had 2 prayer meetings since then. I haven't been able to go because of babysitting issues, but hopefully next week I will. Jason is so encouraged by the attendance and the ownership people have begun to take. We also had some really great news last week regarding the freeing of some girls who were being held as sex slaves in a Canadian city...but because of legal investigations and the girls safety, we can't say more then that. Pretty hard for this girl who likes to share her life on her blog!! In this area of our lives, we have to be careful what we say. So you won't hear alot about it on this blog.

On a personal note: Last month I went through a really hard time here in Ottawa. I'd say I was depressed for a couple weeks. I think I scared a couple of my friends too. Just feeling so down...so hopeless...so frustrated. I would work the minimum amount, and crawl back into the saftey of my bed. (My bed is so huge, comfy, and fluffy, that I just love being in it! It's become my 'safe place' when I feel sad.) But I was able to really dig deep and figure some things out about myself, and what I need to do to survive this transition. I didn't expect the transition to take so long...certainly not 2 years. But we're coming up on 2 years in August, and sometimes I feel as lost as ever. Then I hear from people that Ottawa is like that: It takes a few years to feel like home. Crap! Not the news I want to hear!!

I think what I miss the most is just being surrounded by so many amazing friends. Not that I don't know great people here (cuz I know 2 particularly great girls here!)...but when you have years and years of friendship with people...it's so solid feeling. I miss outings with my girlfriends. No one around here does stuff like that really. We did that alllll the time in Wpg...but ....maybe it was ony that way because I was the one who planned many of them! Last week, a friend said "When you left Winnipeg, you took my social life with you!" It seems no one took the "social planning mantel" when I left. :P

I'll have to admit that when I moved here, I really assumed there would be an "Yvonne" type person here that would help jump-start my social life. haha. Jason jokes that the bad news is : I've found out that I have to be my own "Yvonne" here in Ottawa. Do you know how much that sucks!!?? :P I really wanted to rest from being the Yvonne. The social coordinator. I did it not becuase I loved coordinating, but because I was so desperate for the social interaction with groups of girls! And now...I've come to the conclusion that I can't put that hat away here and coast. I have to suck it up and create my own social environment in order to have one that meets my demanding standards!! Heck, I want to love and be loved...so if it means I have to put on my bossy-hat and make it happen...so be it! (okay..well, maybe I never did take off the bossy-hat..but you know what I mean...)

So instead of crying in my bed about all that's lacking here, I have to attack the problem and be my own solution. But I have to admit...that I have alot of fear that even if I do that, I'll have created some great social systems, and still feel a lack of connection with people. Because true....I can be curious and inquisitive about people...ask them questions...but will they ever want to know about me in return? In the last 2 years...I haven't found that here. And I'm afraid I won't. But alas...I'm gonna have to risk it. Love is just that way...

Business?

I have a business idea. I want to start a small company that helps small businesses get started!

The concept is this:

"Helping small business hit the ground running"

So many businesses start, but don't stand a chance against the larger established companies for various reasons. But one reason is that they don't LOOK competent! If you have a poster with tear-off tabs in the grocery store, you don't evoke confidence and stability. I want to help small companies by branding them. Logo, marketing materials, simple website etc.

Then at least, small business has a head start when they begin. They may not have many clients (yet) but they don't have to LOOK that way!!

While I have tonnes of ideas when it comes to company names, I'm finding it really hard to come up with a name for MY company. You have to keep in mind, that the name has to have an available domain name to match. So while Parks Group may be a nice name....the dot-com and dot-ca addresses are taken.

I liked the name Rinna (it means "to run" in Swedish) or the name Rennen (to run, in Dutch) But Rennen is harsh sounding...so I prefer Rinna. But Jason doesn't like it, and either does anyone else....it seems.

So...anyone got an idea?

Now, keep in mind that I don't want to have a name that is too specific. I don't want it to have "Small Business" in the title, because I want to be open to working with larger businesses as well. If your name is too specific, you elliminate the chance of evolving into something larger.

I'm open to ideas....

Whatcha selling?

This week I was stumped on a project.

One of my biggest clients is Actyl Group. In fact, I'm their Creative Director/Director of Communications. Actyl is a recruiting firm, and we needed a campaign to encourage hotel chains to use our recruitment services as a solution to the work shortage problem in Alberta.

It was a real pickle! To come up with an image, and a slogan that quickly, effectively, and cleverly says "Hey, you have no workers...we have them....let's work together"

I wanted to use 'hotel-ish' imagry. But what? A hotel room? Hotel door? "Do not disturb" sign? Then what was our slogan...and how was it supposed to tie into the picture? And at the end of the day...would it be eye catching enough to get the Hotel management to pursue us as a solution?

I laid on the floor of my room, just muttering. "Hotel...do not disturb...Make up Room, Make up your service...We can help you...we'd be pleased to help you?...You need hospitality workers...we have them....hotel hotels....arrrggg!!...." and on and on...waiting for inspiration to strike.

In the end...I did come up with an idea or two...but would they do what we needed them to do? Could they "sell" our service?

We'll see.....

Books I've Done

While in the McNally Bookstore in Wpg one day this summer, Jason started snapping a picture each time we'd see a book that I had designed. Sometimes I really don't have much of a say about the cover, especially when the author is calling the shots. So even tho I've done all of these books...I'm not always thrilled with how they look. Still...it's fun to see your work on the shelves! I've done over 400 books now, so these are just a few we found in a couple minutes of looking around.

This one (Above) I actually like. : )

Actyl Commerical

For those who asked....

excuse the sound quality. You tube tends to distort the file.

New Career Op

We thought that we were moving to Ottawa for Jason's job/career. While that's still true, it appears that God had more in mind for MY career as well!

I've been a book cover designer for 3 years, and have done 370 books. (Most of them in the last 18 months!) I absolutely LOVE it!

However, now I have an additional 'gig'. I'm now "Creative Director of Communications" for Actyl Workforce Solutions

It all began with our friend Adrian (from Winnipeg) Adrian was asked to manage an ad campaign for Regina Health, to recruit nurses. He had seen my design work, and asked me to come up with the "look" for the campaign. It included national newspaper ads, billboards, bus benches, and creating a website. We also began working together, coming up with slogans and strategies. (how DO you get a nurse to move to Regina??? haha) I wasn't just creating the look...I began to come up with the ideas as well. And Adrian and I worked seamlessly together. A couple months later, I found out that our campaign had been the most successful EVER in Saskatchewan, recruiting alot of nurses to the province! We were a hit!

Adrian asked me if I'd be interested in staring a company that did this for other provinces and health regions as well. I said "sure"!! As the months went on, the vision for the company began to change, as we saw the need for recruiting nurses increase. There just aren't enough of them in Canada...and as successful as our campaign was, it was merely taking nurses from one part of Canada, and moving them to another. We need MORE nurses!

Adrian and his business partner Linda made an amazing connection with a company in the Philippines that had tonnes of excellently trained Filipino nurses desperate to have a job in Canada. Adrian started Actyl Workforce Solutions, and we were off.

But in mere weeks, it was evident that it wasn't just a nursing shortage that Canada was facing. Western Canada is in crisis. They need Skilled Labour, Healthcare Workers, Manufacturing Labour, and Hospitality Workers (Restaurants, Hotels etc). And the Philippines is brimming with talented people skilled in these areas.

So we set to work. And large companies have been banging down our door. Companies like Brandt Tractor, and most recently *drum roll* McDonald's!! That's right...we were hired to help staff a couple hundred McDonald's locations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In a couple weeks, Linda and Adrian will be pitching to McDonald's National in Toronto.

The last couple weeks have been CRAZY! The team writes the proposals, and then send them to me. And I make them "sexy" (as Adrian likes to say). In fact, I'm now in charge of the "look" of ANYTHING related to the company. Handouts, Ads, Proposals, Printing....it all goes thru me.

I came up with a slogan to sell our company and had Ads placed in business magazines across western Canada.

Obviously, the McDonald's National pitch is a massive opportunity, and I spent the last week creating the look of the proposals, powerpoint presentation, and even producing a short 'commercial type' video about our company. (Adrian had called to ask me if I could do this.....and I had no idea how! But i figured "How hard could it be?" and a few days later, I presented it to him.)

Very exciting stuff!!

I am also working on 2 CD covers right now, a couple ads for some of my authors to promo their books in magazines, some design work for an Member of Parliament, 20 book covers, a 8ft Trade Show display and podium, and a second video for Adrian to show at Trade Shows.

So yeah. That's my life. For my friends out there: I'm sorry if I've been non-existent. Things may calm down in the next couple weeks.

A fresh look...

I thought it was time for a new blogskin!

I heard this phrase recently, and it really struck a chord with me.

"It takes a lot of rain to make grass this green..."

It's speaking of God's process in our lives. The rain isn't always fun...or expected...or wanted. But without it...you'll never have green grass. It really spoke to my heart.

It also speaks to the concept of looking for greener grasses. We can look over at people across the way and think "See? THEY have it made!" or "Look at their marriage! I wish I had a marriage like that..." or "Wow..they really know God...I wish............"

The fact is that only trial, hard work, and a lot of rain produces fruit like that. For marriage? It's hours of talking, (or fighting!), counselling, seeking help when you need it, stubborn commitment, and the choice to love above everything else.

Those you see who have a great walk with God? That comes only from the same type of work! Time with Him, putting Him first, time in the word, worship, saying no to other things that can distract or hinder our walk with Him.

Rain isn't always wanted...but it's needed. And if that's what it takes...then let it rain. I'm thirsty.

Bumblebee Jewellery

I've started making rings again, and I've been having alot of fun making rings for the girls! Today Anneka has a birthday party to go to, so we decided to wrap up a ring for her little friend! We had fun wrapping the gift together!

Funny T-shirts

These are t-shirts I'd love to get...haha


This one for me....

And these ones for Jason!!

More t-shirt fun...

Since there are only a couple girl characters in the movie CARS, I thought I'd invent one of my own!! (a pink one!)

Take that, Disney/Pixar! part 2

Aila almost fainted!

"Oh Mommiee!!! I WUV dem! Can I show my friends???"
"Uh...no. Underwear is private. But you can show Anneka when she gets home."
"Al-wite!!"

Parkinson's Disease

My Dad has Parkinson's.

It's not a fun disease to have, but then again, what disease IS fun? It started out as a little tremor in his hand...and now his hand shakes almost continuously (Except when he's uber relaxed, or sleeping)

Anyways, because it's a neurological disorder, there are many other factors to the disease than just the shaking. When you mess with the brain, all kinds of things happen. If there is anything worse than seeing your parents age...it's to see them age in discomfort. As a child, you wish you could find the cure yourself. Rescue, heal, take it away for a day. Anything.

But I digress...

My Dad has started a blog that is a support group for people dealing with Parkinson's. It will serve as a news feed on the latest breaking Parkinson's research and news... and a place to find support.

As you may recognize, I designed this blog for him. It's my way of supporting him in his battle with the disease. A disease and life that I can't possibly imagine or relate to. But this...I can do.

So, I know the demographic that reads my blog is most likely not suffering with the disease, but if you or someone you know has Parkinson's, and wants to connect with others who have it....check out my Dad's Parkinson's Support Group Blog.

My Bench

Hey Winnipeggers....have you seen these bus benches around town?


They are located beside every hospital and/or university.

This is an ad that I designed for a client http://www.healthycareers.ca

This is a client of the new Advertising/Marketing Group I'm involved in starting with my Winnipeg-friend, Adrian. (I did the website, and I'm doing all the print ads and any Graphic work etc.)

We have also designed ads for the Globe and Mail, as well as US University Newspapers.

Alright Already!

"Good Grief, Yvonne.....update your blog!"

-Jason

---

Yeah yeah...I know it's been a while! I honestly haven't had a moment to just sit down and update. But here's the scoop.

Last weekend we spend a lovely time in Toronto. We were there for our good friend Colette's wedding. It was so nice to see 2 other people from the "old days" (Come to the Cross). I hadn't seen Julia Pirani forEVER. I thought there would be more people there from those days...but the couple of us had a blast anyway! Colette looked like Royalty. The wedding was completely lovely.

I got to spend an evening with my favorite cousin, Monica. She is so sweet, and always takes such good care of me when I visit! She's the sister I never had. (or at least one that didn't marry one of my brothers!!)

We were also able to spend time with Jon and Katherine (Jason's bro and his wife) and I even did some shopping at my favorite clothing store, H&M. (then I found out that they are bringing H&M to Ottawa next summer, and my bliss was complete!)

Work has been crazy. I average 17-20 books at any given time. When one project ends, another comes in....so there is always something to do. I've had some great comments on my new website overhaul, and have gotten some new contracts because of it. Yay God!

MY EXCITING WORK NEWS......

I've also been working with a "new business partner" from Winnipeg on some marketing work. I did a website, and am now working on Ads. One is going in the career section of the Globe and Mail, and others are going into US University papers. (it's a recruitment campaign) This is a new business venture that I'm very excited about!

I've always looked at advertisement and marketing from afar and thought "that looks like so much fun!" I remember watching the movie "What Women Want", and being fascinated with the creative aspect of advertising. I just never fathomed that I'd have the opportunity to be a part of any aspect of it. (Never mind doing graphic work in that area!) I'll write more about this new venture as it develops. My associate is flying to Ottawa in 2 weeks so we can have a meeting to talk about future projects.

OTHER EXCITING STUFF

My Mom and Dad are here visiting. My Mom came in September, but now my Dad is here for a short visit. It's been so much fun to have him here. He's made a great sacrifice in coming, since his health is not great at times. Even with all the ailments he's dealing with, he still took this trip, and I'm so thankful to have him in my home. Seeing him reminds me of how lucky I am to have had such an amazing Daddy. He's always so quick to tell me how much he loves me, and how proud he is of us. (Jason, me...the girls...) It was amazing to show my Mom our new home and city, but something feels so settling about showing my Dad. I'm making sure that he has everything he needs to be comfortable, and as much time as he needs to rest and relax.

Monday is thanksgiving, and my brother Paul and his family are on their way to Ottawa as I type this! They should be arriving tomorrow morning (they are driving thru the night). They have planned their trip to overlap my parent's trip, so that Paul can see my Mom and Dad too. My parents leave on Tuesday, and Paul and Jen will stay a day or two longer. Did I mention that Monica and her boyfriend are going to surprise us all by showing up for Sunday lunch? Good heavens...where ARE all these people going to sit in my livingroom? hahaha.

That's all for now.

Wallpaper!

A NEW fun wall paper for you:


HERE

As well as these older ones

Banana
Slacker
Healing
How Hard?