Talented Tuesday – Creative Montage

I just got off the phone with Aimee O’Boyle, the owner and graphic designer, from Creative Montage.  We were discussing some of the next steps I needed to take with the beautiful new logo she created for the rebranding of my interior design firm.  I was reminded of how fun it is to work with someone who not only shares an artistic vision, but she also has a wonderful system in place to make the work process go smoother.  People tend to forget great design is not all about the “pretty” things.  There is a lot of work to providing these services, no matter what that area of specialty might be.

Of course, we do hire designers in order to make all of the “behind-the-scenes” efforts transfer from concept to creation.  In my instance, I take it from pen and paper to a room.  In Aimee’s case, she puts it all on paper – literally!

Without further adieu . . . I give you . . .  Creative Montage!

First, I’m so impressed with Aimee’s offerings on her Etsy site.  From her save-the-date cards to invitations to monograms.  So many choices!

For those of us who appreciate even more custom choices, Aimee knows one size doesn’t fit all.  I think what surprised me the most is how reasonable her custom work is.  It all depends on how many options you need for her to create.  She’s happy to hear about your inspirations, but I can tell you from personal experience, when you give creative people some space to “do their thing”, you’ll be so happy with the results!

What a gorgeous vignette of her custom work:

Aside from her talents for couture bridal and life event papeterie, Aimee designs beautiful business pieces:

And then there is the Letterpress work.  Swoon worthy!

As an interesting aside . . . I’ve never met Aimee in person!  I was in the process of thinking about creating new business cards, about a year ago, and I happened upon her work on a Flickr site.  I did a little Googling and then found her website.  The rest just fell into place.  There was not only something about her work, which drew me in, I could somehow read her spirit through the screen. When she answered my call, I knew I had landed in the right place!

Today’s post isn’t just about talent, as you may have already concluded.  It’s also about doing business with people you know, like and trust.  Sometimes you can’t always put your finger on it, so let your intuition give you the nudge.  It’s usually right!

Thank you, Aimee.  You’re helping me to put my best foot forward! ~ Wanda

Interior Design – On A Wing and A Prayer

I found this beautiful little fellow floating around, near my garden. 

(The photo is a little blurred.  This happy fellow just couldn’t stay still!)

While stopping to admire how Mother Nature so carefully anointed his wings, and with such a beautiful pattern of design and color, it reminded me about the beginnings of my design business.  This month, my little interior design company will be celebrating its 14th anniversary!  I remember being so proud of myself, the day I decided to spread my wings to take that flight.  My part-time venture had become a full-time profession . . . no more time for the other “day job”.  I had some wonderfully supportive clients, who thankfully, are still with me today.

(Sometimes, we need a little shelter from the storms.)

Since that time, the world of design has seen many changes – not unlike other industries.  I’ve steered my business through some interesting times.  I’ll never forget being in the car when a friend called me, on September 11th, to tell me about the attacks on the United States.  I was on my way to a client meeting.  We all wondered what would happen next.  For my generation, it was our Pearl Harbor.  Now, we’ve been in an economic period, where only our parents or grandparents might have a remembrance of such a time of challenge for so many.  We are probably still wondering, “What’s next?”

(We always get along better, in life, having a partner.  Thank you to my dear husband, Roger, for always being there for me.)

So . . . on the days when I’m asking myself that question, while planning for the future of my business, I have to think back to when it first began.  I remember the folks who have been my cheerleaders, the wonderful experiences I’ve had along the way, and this beautiful butterfly reminded me of something important . . .  There’s something to be said for moving forward on a wing and a prayer.

Thank you for helping me to soar!