Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

Did I mention Christmas is my favorite time of the year? Check out these festive design projects that put a twinkle in my eye. Whether your looking for party invitations, DIY present wrapping, or that special seasonal drink, its all here for your holiday dose of eye-candy!







Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


be inspired.
erika

TYPE Play

I'm embarking on a new personal project currently that has me all giddy inside! Now begins the research part. I'm excited for the topic of this project and am just starting to examine color swatch options, and typography studies. There is a lot of room for creativity with this one so I DON'T want to hold back.

These font studies below really show how FUN you can get with type and inspire me to really play with different variations of creating the type and letting the subject matter guide me...












Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8


be inspired.
erika

Burrrrr, it's cold out!

As the cold weather starts to roll over Charlottesville, the more and more I start to crave my favorite Fall/Winter hot beverages of choice!

For me, tea is a HUGE must have to stay warm.  Here are some fun and creative tea packaging designs for your Monday morning....








Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


be inspired.
erika

Cover girl....sort of.

Thanks Breathe Magazine for the amazing opportunity to grace your October cover! What a fun night :)


Read the digital addition here --------------> READ BREATHE


be inspired.
erika



Creative Album Covers

I find myself in a musical mood this morning and while my Pandora page flips through its suggestions for me it also flickers eye candy across the screen...








be inspired.
erika

Whats your swatch?

With the holiday's approaching and beautiful floral arrangements gracing the tables of people across the world, I can't help but find inspiration in these beautiful bouquets of color!

Ever in that weird place during the design process when you can't figure out the perfect color scheme for that logo, brochure, or illustration? Maybe that little spark you need can be found right in your very home...






Sources 1, 2, 3


be inspired.
erika

Paper Goods

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far! I'm gearing up for a vacation to Asheville, NC tomorrow morning and I couldn't be MORE excited. I've always wanted to go and experience the arts and culture of the town and I'm sure I will come away from this trip even more inspired (and hopefully with LOTS of fun new goodies!).

To start my work day off today, I've been finding inspiration in paper goods. Whether it be postcards, note cards, envelopes, stationary, vintage coupons; you name it! Check out these fun items I scoped out on my search today...









Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


be inspired.
erika

Stamp It.

I've recently become pretty obsessed with stamps and have been toying with the idea of getting one made for my personal branding (business cards, letterheads, envelopes, etc.) and although it would be more time consuming than simply printing off a million copies at the printer, it would also be more gratifying to put my personal touch on each and every item that I send out to clients.

I believe its the little touches in the end that make the biggest impact...












Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8


be inspired.
erika




Where do YOU get creative?

I'm always curious as to what the workstations of fellow designers looks like! What do you choose to surround yourself with to get that creativity flowing? Do you go with bright, vibrant colors and a mod like simplicity? Or are you more of the vintage and rustic type?

Either way, sometimes the things that we surround ourselves with while creating are just as important as the tools in front of us or the images on our screens...








Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


be inspired.
erika

il • lus • strate

Friday is here and what better way to celebrate the weekend than with some fun illustrations?! Isn't it incredible what people can do on paper? How objects can project off the page into this 3-D form that you swear you can reach out and touch!








Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


be inspired.
erika