ORIGINAL ARTWORK

Sometimes I amaze myself! The back story to this artwork goes something like this... one of my bridal clients first wanted a sketched mason jar incorporated into her invitation to compliment her country setting wedding, which was easy enough, I found one on a stock illustration website. Then she came back to me and asked if we could add sunflowers to the mason jar... well, that wasn't so easy to find as a stock "illustration". In fact none exist. To the sketchbook I went.

I generally sketch for concept, not final artwork, so that's why I'm so amazed with myself today! I pencil sketched this image, scanned it, cleaned it up, imported it into Illustrator, auto traced it and then added color... and here you have it! Very time consuming, but I'm happy to say it's an ORIGINAL and I love it! Cheers.

"N" IS FOR NEGATIVE SPACE

A few weeks ago I posted an article about white space and I'd have to say negative space is pretty much the same thing. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia's definition of negative space: The use of equal negative space, as a balance to positive space, in a composition is considered by many as good design. This basic and often overlooked principle of design gives the eye a "place to rest," increasing the appeal of a composition through subtle means.

Here are a few of invitation designs where I incorporated negative {white} space to enhance the design and direct your eye through the information.

"N" IS FOR NEGATIVE SPACE

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER: This design principle is a must when working with fabulous paper! Take a close look at the top photo, this deluxe paper has an amazing texture worth or showing off!

Happy Friday!

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

Graphics have become an increasingly popular element in wedding invitations. As a professional graphic designer I compare this iconic graphic to an event logo and use it to brand the entire wedding. First we introduce your wedding graphic on the save the date cards, then invitations and onto the wedding day stationery including: programs, place cards, table tents, menus and thank yous.

The graphic below is a stock illustration of tree branches I used for an outdoor fall wedding. It was a booklet style invitation and bound together using a twig. I applied the graphic as a subtle watermark on the inside vellum page, smaller with a quote adjacent to the invitation page, and then as a border on the RSVP and Travel Accommodations cards. Love it!

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

The next graphic was inspired by the destination venue itself, the St. Stanislaus Church in Altos de Chavon, La Romana (Dominican Republic). Pictured below is the church and graphic I designed to match... now that's what I call an original! Your thoughts on my interpretation?

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

Last but not least, a monogram (graphic) inspired by a whimsical stock illustration chosen by the bridal couple. I used a classy font with elegant flourishes and added dots for an original and complimentary monogram!

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS