November 24, 2009 • 7:24 pm 0
I’ve heard too many peeps talk ish on Lady Gaga’s AMA perfomance. I don’t know why. She’s creative, fun and quite the entertainer. Every performance is put together well, and themed right for her songs. She rawks live too.
Enjoy! And stop hating!
Filed under: Uncategorized
• 12:37 am 0
Strengthen your business, solve the “candle problem”. Dan Pink speaks on the surprising science of motivation. Watch it here:
or HERE!
Filed under: motivation
November 11, 2009 • 2:36 am 0
Well, for some of us… in Colorado at least. Skiers and snowboarders alike are ready for the snow to fall and cover our mountain terrains with fresh powder. For those of you ready to hit the trails sooner than later, here is a list of resorts and their time lines for open season. I gotta tell ya though, you’re gonna have to hit up Colorado for early skiing/boarding. Check it:
In New Mexico:
Angel Fire: December 12, 2009
Enchanted Forest xCountry: November 29, 2009
Sandia Ski Resort: December 19, 2009
Ski Apache: November 26, 2009
Ski Santa Fe: November 26, 2009
Sipapu Ski: November 21, 2009
Pajarito: Open weekends starting in December, 2009
Red River: November 25, 2009
Taos: November 26, 2009
Valles Caldera Nordic *: December 26, 2009
In Colorado:
Arapahoe Basin: *Now Open
Aspen Mt: November 26, 2009
Beavercreek: November 25, 2009
Breckenridge: *Now Open
Buttermilk: December 12, 2009
Copper Mt: *Now Open (Love this site!)
Crested Butte: November 25, 2009
Echo Mtn: December 2, 2009
Eldora: November 20, 2009
Heavenly: November 20, 2009
Howelsen: December 2009
Keystone: *Now Open
Loveland: *Now Open
Purgatory: November 27, 2009
Silverton: December 5, 2009
Ski Cooper: November 26, 2009
Snowmass: November 26, 2009
Solvista: December 2009
Steamboat: November 25, 2009
Sunlight: December 4, 2009
Telluride: November 26, 2009
Vail: November 20, 2009
Winter Park: November 18, 2009
Wolf Creek: *Now Open
Some dates are subject to change based on changing snow conditions. I’ll do my best to keep this updated. Otherwise, hit up the resources above for the most accurate info.
Happy Trails!!!
November 5, 2009 • 9:55 pm 0
I’m including this article source in my blog, as it relates to a previous post I made most recently. From A List Apart in regards to your client relationships and how important it is that there is a healthy partnership…
Take a look at “Getting a No” by Greg Hoy.
November 3, 2009 • 2:04 am 0
Freelancers, designers, developers, anyone who ever takes on a client for side work, or full time freelance. I have yet another post, as if we haven’t read enough about how to avoid a “headache” of a client.
Personally, my freelance work comes second place to my full time job as a web/graphic designer. With that, I always opt to have a semi-stress free relationship with my clients. Stresses you cannot avoid are deadlines, assuring your client is happy and any thing else you may come across. Now, when I am working with a client, they are my number one person, outside of my full time gig. It’s my job to make sure they are happy. On that note, I want to just stress that I never subject myself to a toxic client. And by toxic I mean, a client that has a negative impact. After all, I do spend 40hrs a week, at minimum for my full time gig, which I love. I’m not going to spend my evening frustrated over a bad client. No thanks. I value my time and my clients.
I have been in two situations where rejecting a project was necessary because the person made a bad impact and I had to follow my gut instinct. One guy wanted to keep haggling me lower and lower in cost. The next guy must’ve thought I was acrobatic and could jump through flaming hoops. I mean, I can do a lot. Flaming hoops, not so much. One occasion involved the client making appointments for us to meet, without letting me know. Then get mad when I wasn’t available. Huge communication barrier.
We know what to look out for when scoping out our next clients. If you don’t, take note. Things to strive for, as well as avoid to maintain a healthy freelance/client relationship:
• Great Clients! You’re going to come across “THAT” client, that you just know is going to be a bit brutal. Characteristics may include rude, never happy, negative, critical, not sure what they want but want it right away… so on so forth. If you feel this is stepping off on the wrong foot, back out. Dodge that bullet. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for an unhealthy situation. Immerse yourself with positive clients. Yes, they’re out there! People you can see yourself having a good business relationship with.
• Lay your cards out on the table. Make it a routine to get all of your questions answered and assure that they are clear as well. These things should include you rate, deadlines, specifics, payment terms. Ask as many questions in the get-go to avoid confusion later.
• Communicate!. Communication is key. From beginning to end, through any confusion and throughout the entire project, keep your client in tune with what you are doing. Ask for feedback as you go along. Lack of communication, on either part can result in a failed relationship.
• Designate the time. If this is not your full time gig, set this time aside, specific to the design or project. This time should not interfere with family time, emails, rss or anything else that will distract you from completing the project at hand.
• Set deadlines. Deadlines keep you organized and on track. Enforce these things with your client as well.
• Follow up. Back to communication. Assure that after completion, your clients are happy. Ask for feedback. What’s working for them, how could you do better in the future. How to avoid future mistakes if they were to arise.
• Keep track. Track your work, invoices and hours.
Create a fun and fulfilling atmosphere for yourself. Strive for healthy relationships with your clients. Those are the ones you’ll want to hold on to. And they will give you great references. Your clients will be happy, which in turn satisfies your designer soul.
{wink}
Filed under: design, freelance, inspirational, work
October 28, 2009 • 10:42 pm 0
Advertisements are popping up, decorations are consuming the aisles in your favorite department stores… what’s going on here? Halloween is a couple days away and we’re already seeing Christmas lights?!
I’ve been prepping myself, or getting myself into the season. More so due to the fact that I have design projects for the season. It helps to get in that mode when you listen to some holiday tunes, but it’s all so premature.
There’s plenty of strategy in all the early placement to drown us in Christmas cheer and such. A lot of this has plenty to do with the brutal economy we’ve been forced to push through. Businesses are hoping to get some bang for their buck, I’m sure as are consumers. Predictions that sales will decline this year during the holidays encourages retailers to hit it early with intentions to profit. With that, as a consumer, you’ve probably seen or are going to see plenty campaigns starting… NOW.
JCPenney has a print campaign “Give like Santa, Save like Scrooge”, 
as well as a cute television ad geared towards low prices for quality gifts, you can watch at the WSJ here.
With every holiday season, we’re starting to see our celebrities out there on our airwaves, in our print mags and online as well. We’ll be seeing Queen Latifah in advertising campaigns for Macy’s, set to begin in early November. Jennifer Hudson is showing face this season with GAP, rawking a Gap Wintersoft Turtleneck. 
With many other faces in the line-up, I’m sure, another celebrity to look out for will be Kate Moss, as she shows up in Topshop Holiday ad campaign. Apparently in a voluptuous body. Fellas, keep your eyes out for this one.
While I try to prepare myself for this early push on the holiday, I’ll be watching the campaigns roll through. Hopefully there’s plenty of fresh campaigns to keep the season fresh. Let’s not burn out before it gets here.
I feel like I should wish you all happy holidays already… Not yet! I’m waiting till December. However, I will be preparing for project sake.
Filed under: Holidays, advertising
October 26, 2009 • 10:57 pm 0
I’ve come through a huge transition over the recent weeks. Between packing up my jeep to max capacity, driving across the nation and starting a new design gig in my homeland.
So, here I am world, in my partially decorated apartment, as I plot on what to do with this place. I’ve made a dramatic change. As everything flowed into place and the one thing I can never forget is to be grateful for what I have. This adjustment took a lot of stress compression and strength to pick up everything and “bounce”, to begin the next stage of my life, no telling where it leads, and in the end, or beginning rather, I stand by these words…
Don’t hold back. Don’t settle. Find what makes you happy and the rest will follow.
… and I came home just in time for ski season to begin.
Filed under: do it to it!
October 7, 2009 • 8:49 pm 5
Okay, so I’m sure you’ve seen them before…
This isn’t fashion news. These shoes have existed for quite a while. I recall the first time I saw them and I wasn’t interested enough in trying out a pair for myself. So, I forgot about it completely. Up until today. Turns out, a fellow coworker of mine wears them…
“That kinda weirds me out”, I said, hoping I didn’t offend his choice of shoe. I just don’t see how separating your toes like that could possibly be comfy. Apparently they’re amazing. Not sure if it’s enough to get me running to the store for a pair. I’ll just take his word for it.
Thanks to Zerek for letting me utilize your feet!
Filed under: random
September 29, 2009 • 10:17 pm 0
I’ve been quite a busy girl these days. I’ve picked up and left the east coast and am on my way to the southwest. Operation New Mexico has been the name of the game. I am excited to be back with my family, a new job to start my operation off right while adjusting a new home for the Dude [dog] and I.
I’ve enjoyed being in Virginia, for the most part. I’ve made a lot of great friends there and am grateful for each and everyone of ya.
Meanwhile, in the process of getting settled in to a new life in my homeland, I’ll keep you all posted on my ventures. Much updating to be had here.
Filed under: Uncategorized
September 15, 2009 • 6:47 pm 0
as does our color palette.
Fall brings new colors to fashion, as it does to our visual happiness.
Scoping out the new colors for the season, broadens ideas and thoughts for future designs compositions, what I’ll wear this season and a fresh transition out of the summer. Oh, how I appreciate the seasons.
Pantone presents the color collection for Fall 2009. Something I hope you appreciate as much as I do, is the not so typical approach to the “normal” subdued hues of fall. These hues are unique, distinct and a great transition into fall from the bright summer days.
American Beauty :: a feel good color, this true red displays a great balance that is ideal for every skintone. Red being one of my favorite colors that I do not wear enough, unless it’s on my nails. American Beauty displays it’s romanticism and strength.
Purple Heart :: Meeting sensuality and refinement, Purple Heart adds to an air of creativity, while being very refreshing. This color meshes well with Subdued Honey for a great contrast. Also a compliment to American Beauty.
Honey Yellow :: A warm tone to get you through the fall and winter seasons, this golden tone matches well with Purple Heart, Burnt Sienna and Iron.
Iron :: A “grounding color” that coordinates well with all colors on this palette, is referred to as the “new black”.
Burnt Sienna :: A seasonal favorite for many, Burnt Sienna is a beautiful earth shade of orange. Personally, reminds me of the “painted deserts” in the southwest/western parts of the US, at sunset. Not sure this is a color I would brave, however I feel it would be beautiful within interior decor.
Nomad :: Bringing together a light gray and beige, Nomad is a classic neutral that works as a stand alone or and anchor to another color.
Rapture Rose :: Merging fuchsia and a soft pink, Rapture Rose is one of my new favorites in the pink family that brings new life the traditional fall selection.
Warm Olive :: Bringing sophistication and vibrance to the ‘09 fall hues, Warm Olive pops in a selection of warm colors while maintaining elegance.
Majolica Blue :: Another favorite of mine, Majolica Blue is in a world of it’s own as it’s deep tones create mystery and takes you away from the usual navy.
Crème Brûlée :: Additional neutral to add to the color selection this fall. Crème Brûlée is a grayed-down beige that is a safe and timeless tone for the season.
There you have it crew. Fall ‘09, here we come. Do it up with style. {wink}
