From the Desk of & Freeform Friday

In The Studio

Hey ya'll. OK. I'm not from the South, but I just have to give ya'll a shout out once in awhile despite that my feet are firmly planted in New Hampshire.

How has your week been? Mine has been hectic.  It seems to be the modus operandi of the last few months and as mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm trying to learn ways of getting a better handle on things.

That said, I'd sure rather it hectic than not. Not would be so utterly boring.

In between the custom branding design projects I'm working on, I'm trying to squeeze in a little time to create premade designs.  Took the dog for a walk this morning after my tea, came back, sat down at the desk and did just that.

Whoops............before I show you, remember the one I showed you on Monday?  It sold withing 24 hours. Hell to the yeah. I love that.  Customized for my customer and off to Wales it went via email.  Easy peasy.  And can I get an amen on awesome feedback? "It really is so perfect, I'm very happy to have found it.  Many thanks. I love it (I think I mentioned that already)". You are more than welcome Sharon.

OK, next up........the latest premade logo design (customizable with business name) in the shop!

 

 Oh my. I'm in love. Is that ok?  (trust me, it doesn't happen often since I'm your typical creative. Remember? I'm my own worst critic ).

The great thing about premade logo designs are they are affordable even on the tightest budgets and allow small business owners an option for branding their business professionally.

I've been working hard on custom designs for clients this week and they have covered the full spectrum business and design wise. This always makes for interesting work.

I'll be pulling together some branding boards for one of my clients today so I can send her the initial logo designs for her business.  Always exciting.

I'll be quite happy if I am able to complete that and check it off the list. 

Freeform Friday

It's Friday and in my book, that's always cause for celebration. It's not that I don't like the rest of the week, but I love knowing I don't have to get up in the morning for anything. I'm not what you would describe as a morning person. I'm a night owl. It's when I'm at my best. And after Friday, comes Friday night when you know I like to have a little craic (no, not that crack! Jeeze people). Craic, the Irish kind-- a mighty fine time with perhaps music and most definitely fun.  So let's get started early.   I'm sure I've shared this before, but it gets me going and puts a smile on my face.  Get up out of that chair and let me see you shake your tail feather like I know you can.  Trust me, I am. Click here if you're reading via email.

This weekend will be a mix of both business and pleasure. I'm going to work on some designs over the weekend, but I am also going to enjoy some much needed downtime. I might throw some organizing into the mix, like putting the rest of my holiday decorations up into the attic. These are the things that fall by the wayside when the studio is busy, busy.  Other than that, the weekend's a blank slate.

What's happening in your corner of the world?

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Clean It Up

Clean Design

There is a lot of good design out there which makes it easy to be inspired by other artists.  

I'm especially inspired when artists can keep things clean, simple and minimal, yet still design something that carries weight, a clear message and has impact {in fact, most often more impact than it would otherwise}.

I'm absolutely blown away by the simple design of this logo and website, by a 20 something UK designer Colin Grist. 

via colin grist

Yes. 20 something.

Colin has a fantastic eye and looks like he's been perfecting his design skills for years. 



I think everything about Cornelia and Company's branding is just right.

 

via mstetson

The simplicity of the logo, the colors, the packaging. Their retail design is something special too.  OK, I admit, I love everything about Cornelia and Company. What's not to love about a 'daily picnic store', that has goods ready to create a well planned or impromptu picnic? Don't we all need more picnics in our lives? I can see a feature for Cornelia and Company in a future 'Let's Shop Here' post. If I could only hop a flight to Barcelona, and give it a personal review.................someday, perhaps.

 My latest logo designs, including the homestead handmade premade logo, fall into the clean category. Simple, straightforward, not so busy that it takes away from the design.

Here's a premade logo I've just designed. As it's pretty new, the exclusivity add on is still available on this one, which means it can be all yours and nobody else's. Making it one of a kind and unique to you and your business. Always what I would suggest to my customers.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

The business card design continues the clean direction of the homestead handmade logo.  

via Bates Mercantile Co.

Design of business cards is also available. 

Now, if I could only get my home and office to match this clean aesthetic......I think I'm about to undertake a major purging of 'stuff'. We all need to do that time to time.

What's inspiring you today?

Much to be done...........and she's off!

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of: Pamela J. Bates

Budget Friendly Professionally Designed Logos

As you probably know by now, one of the things I do is design logos. I really enjoy working closely with my clients, getting to know all about them and their business: their plan, their market, their mission, their product, why they started the business, where they want it to go.  It's exciting to work with someone on establishing a brand that will help them grow their business and bottom line.

I know that a custom designed logo is the absolute best way for you to establish an identity that truly reflects what you and your business is about. And I think that my custom logo design services are very, very reasonable for the amount of work (and heart and soul) I put into them and what you receive in the end.  However, there are a lot of people out there who are trying to get their businesses off the ground on very tight budgets and what are they to do?

That's where premade logo designs come in. Premade logo designs are fun for me to create because I have no constraints on what I design. I get to create whatever my heart desires. Of course, always with a focus on how a design will work as a logo. Premade logos are then customized with my client's business name and they get a professional logo design at Blue Light Special prices.  No kidding.

Here are some premade logo designs I have added to my etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co.,  recently.

First, classic black and whites.

 champion metalworks premade logo design

 

paper press co. premade logo design

And now, for something completely different (anybody else a Monty Python fan out there?)..............

Some color.

 

get centered premade logo

 

 trektonic premade logo

[Did I show you that last one already? Couldn't find it in the files, so if I did, pardon the repetition]

I do my best to create a variety of premade logo designs that speak to different business models and styles.  And in case someone likes a design, but wants to make minor changes- to so font, color or alignment..........that's an add on option as well.  It really is a great budget-friendly option.

As you can see, I also design business cards. They're just a natural extension of what I do.

Speaking of what I do........did you know I've been working with small business owners on  advertising, marketing and public relations for 19+ years? In addition to what I mentioned above, I also work on everything from collateral design including letterhead/stationery, point of sale posters/cards, menus, direct mail postcards, marketing kits, press kits, press releases, direct email design as well as creating and implementing adv/marketing/pr campaigns for my clients.

I love working with small business people. That's why I've been at it so long. Put my experience to work for you. I'm just at the other end of your computer screen.


Gorgeous sunny day here.........I welcome it with open arms, but first- work to be done at the desk.
I'm working on revisions on an awesome custom logo design project. I've really enjoyed designing the logo and working with a super nice couple from Los Angeles. He's a wine consultant. Hello? How do I get that job?My guidance counselor never mentioned that was an option.


Make the most of it in your corner of the world and I'll do the same here.

Ciao for now,

A Summer Reminder & From The Desk of Pamela J. Bates

Time

There is never enough. At least in my humble opinion. There's never enough to get done what needs to be done. Not enough to do all we want to do or try all we want to try or go where we want to go or see who we want to see. Not even close to enough to enjoy all the good moments and just relish in them. It's always rushing by and gone before you realize you missed something altogether.

So a gentle reminder in the midst of summer.

Work At Hand

I'm in the midst of several logo/branding projects. I've been working with small business people for 19 years and I truly enjoy helping them create a presence for their business so they can grow. 

Sometimes, when I'm in the midst of a design project I need a break just to clear my head. So I can see things from a fresh perspective. Sometimes I take a walk out back and see what is bloom (check) and sometimes I design something completely different from what I'm working on (check).

To that end, I've added a couple more premade logo designs to the shop. Premade logos are a budget friendly option that is customized with a businesses name. Now, I would much rather work with a client one on one, getting to know about them and their business and where they see it going in the future. Creating a logo that is designed just for them, and really speaks to who they and their business are, is very rewarding.  However, for those entrepreneurs who still want a professionally designed logo but have budget constraints, premade logos are a great route to go.

Now in the shop, premade logos with a little geometry and a nod to Shark Week.

available via Bates Mercantile Co.

 

also available via Bates Mercantile Co.

The sun is shining again here today. It's just been glorious this past week. I admit, some days have had a fallish feel, but they've been sunny, dry and bright.  We enjoyed sitting in the back yard at the end of the day yesterday talking to the neighbors. Today is a bit hotter and I will most definitely be in the pool........yes, the same pool I just saved two cicadas from (eeeewww.....more because I didn't want them in my pool).  

Luckily, the smell of the 'moo juice' the farmer spread this weekend is finally disipating. Now, I usually kind of like the smell of cow manure when it's spread (I know, I'm weird), but this new liquid manure (yes, liquid) has been pretty overwhelming. Obviously, it's more concentrated. Ugh.  They litterally came with about 10 tanker truck loads of the stuff which shot out the back, and sprayed the field over and over again this weekend. 

Yup, it was so nice working the garden weeding for the first time all summer. Hear the sarcasm? 

{The above comments do not in any way detract from my ode to farmers post of last week. It's just that the 'fertilizer' was really, really, really smelly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. That is all.}

Cow poop or not, the day is too beautiful not to enjoy! And I am very grateful that it's not as smelling quite as strong or bad. Much to be happy about.

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

 

Logo Design and Business Branding

 

I've had my own 3D business (that is - off the Internet) helping other small businesses grow for 19 years. Whether it's Public Relations, Marketing or Advertising, I do it. That includes graphic design like logos, business cards, marketing collateral, etc.

 

Since it's something I already do, I've been working to incorporate more of it in my etsy shop Bates Mercantile Co.  It's always rewarding working with small businesses to help them establish a professional presence and brand to set them up for growth and success. Adding my graphic design work to Bates Mercantile Co., has allowed me to reach people across the world. Like knowing my illustration prints are in homes and offices worldwide, knowing I'm helping to brand businesses in every corner of the globe is something that really makes me happy.

 

Here's some of what I've been working on lately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....and my very latest design.....

Are you a small business owner? Do you know small business owners? If you are or if you do, and are in need of help branding a business you can get in touch with me via Bates Mercantile Co. or email.  Whether it's a premade logo or custom logo design, business card design, marketing collateral like post cards, or even etsy shop headers or facebook timelines, I'd love to work with you.

Currently, on my plate I am working with a wonderful photographer from Long Island, Steph Massey. We are updating her logo. If you're in that area, her family portrait and pet portrait work is fantastic.  Also customizing a premade logo design for a lovely French woman now living in the UK, and just shipped a customized logo to Australia. See what I mean about all corners of the globe?

What are you working on today?

Hey, how was your weekend? Ours was great. We did get a campfire in on Friday night with some of the neighborhoodlums.  It was a gorgeous night. Saturday we enjoyed a high school graduation party for our dear friends Ralph and Cathryn's youngest. We also watched the Bruins beat Chicago. Hell to the yeah. Yesterday I made rhubarb bread and rhubarb jelly for my Dad and spent some time with him and my Mom for Father's Day. All in all, a pretty full weekend.

The sun is out and shining today and I plan on heading out later this afternoon to do some work in the garden, if I get the work on my desk done. So, I must be on my way.

Ciao for now,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Desk Of

 

Pamela J. Bates

 

Here I sit at my desk. I know, who'd a thunk it? Me? At my desk? Craziness I say. Just craziness.

 

Needless to say, it's pretty much where I spend most of my time....on the other end of that computer screen you're looking at, designing and typing away like a mad woman. OK, happy woman. Not mad. When I'm designing and busy, I am happy.

 

Here's new stuff hot off the press.

 

I think I've told you that I design logos and business branding. If I haven't, I did now. If I have, pardon mois for repeating myself.

 

That includes premade logos that are available in the Bates Mercantile Co. shop.  Obviously, the name is changed to protect the innocent........I mean, the name is changed to the correct business name of the buyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've created a few custom logos recently as well, including this one for Shamsi Acupunture in San Francisco. If you're in that area, Shamsi Pourfatemi Creps, M.S., L.Ac.​​ cares for the whole person, body and soul, and incorporates acupunture, electro acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, and cupping. Besides, she was lovely to work with on her branding project.

 

 

 

This is one I created years ago, but it's still a favorite.  I'm using for my custom design listing on etsy.

 

Simple and sweet. 

 

 

 

I also added a new photograph listing today. One of my many beautiful sunsets here at Sunset Meadows.  It has geometric embellishments and I'm ready to print a large print for myself. Is that ok to say?

 

 

 

It's a beautiful day here today. I need to make a point of getting away from this desk for a few minutes to take it all in.

 

How about you? What's happening in your corner of the world? 

 

Make it a good one. 

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

Art That Makes A Difference

 

Healing

 

"Art is a universal language by which we can create a voice, heal a heart and form a network of women survivors who can help empower other women who are victims of abuse or similar situations."

{ from Pearls Foundation}

 

I was contacted by an amazing photographer this week regarding logo design. She was interested in customizing one of my premade logo designs. I assumed that it was for her photography business Hip Chick Photography. I was wrong. Sandra, was looking for a logo for Pearls Foundation in Charlotte, an organization dedicated to using art to help survivors of domestic violence heal and move forward.

 

What a fantastic idea. Art can be powerful in so many ways, and certainly at times transformative as I'm sure those associate with Pearls Foundation can attest.

 

So my premade logo that looked like this..............

 

 

......now looks like this.

 

 

It's already being used to brand the organization.

 

 

 

This project, which involved a quick customization, made me immensely happy. First, I love the idea that art can transform and that Sandra is putting this belief into practice for some of the most vulnerable survivors. Secondly, that in some eency weency, teeny tiny way, I was able to fill a need that this organization had, just makes me feel good.

 

I hope that the new logo helps Pearls Foundation grow even further while making a difference in many more lives.

 

Here's to Sandra, the rest of the volunteers at Pearls Foundation and the survivors, who are likely had suffered more than I can almost bear to fathom at the hands of another human being who was supposed to love them.  The courage it must take to say 'no more'.  When they do, the darkness they step out of turns into brightest of lights.

 

I sincerely hope they all continue to shine.

 

Be sure to check out Sandra's moving photographs of some of the survivors who are healing through art.

 

 

 

Freeform Friday

 

Let's change up the mood a little, shall we. Let's all dance a little in celebration of courage and strength. Because where the woman of Pearls Foundation are today, compared to where they were, is something worth celebrating. Now get up and get down.  Click here if you're reading via email.

 

 

 

 

 

There. Now didn't that feel good?

 

The Blue Brothers always gives me a laugh and causes me to get up and shake a tailfeather. Just ask Gman. 

 

Celebrate life a little today. 

Ciao for now,