Digifolio

I didn't work (much) on any prints or designs or anything really this weekend. I was a little preoccupied with running my first 10K and all of the post-10K activity, in addition to getting not one, not two, not three, NOT EVEN FOUR, but FIVE (5!) lights installed at my house. My world is literally brighter and better-looking, thanks to the wonder team of Keith and Greg (my father-in-law).

Nevertheless, while they were busy hooking up wires, crawling through the attic, and cutting holes in wall and ceilings, I spent some time using the light box/macro studio I made (out of a cardboard box, packing tape and tissue paper) to photograph some of my previous invitation/announcement/greeting design work. I'm working on developing a Web site digifolio for myself, but in the meantime you can enjoy looking at what Oomphasis is all about.

This was my wedding invitation -- the first invitation I designed. As always, when I look back on a project, there are a few things I might change, especially having learned a lot about good design and good invitation design in the last 4 years. Plus, I think I have a better sense of our personal styles. Maybe I'll do a redesign when I have time or need some creative exercise.

That said, overall I think it's still a good reflection of the philosophy that governs the mail I create (invitations in particular) and the unifying element of my design work, where a cohesive visual style is lacking: opening a letter, a card, an invitation, is a total experience -- interactive, intimate -- that should be a tactile treat, a visual respite, enveloping its recipient in visual-kinesthetic delight.

This was the invitation for my sister-in-law's wedding. The floral design element (lower left photo) is used on each piece and is actually the embroidery pattern on her wedding gown.

I think this invitation for Christmas dinner at our house is my favorite so far. I only had to send out 5, so I was willing to do something a little more labor-intensive (and costly!). There's just a single card, wrapped in a piece of lovely red paper -- each had a different pattern or texture -- and tied with a gold and red ribbon. They were mailed inside boxes made of the most beautiful red, red paper I have ever seen (from Paper Source). I especially like that the text sort of makes a Christmas tree shape. And because everyone inevitably calls to ask, "What can I bring?!" I included the line at the bottom ("Please bring your famous [blank]") for both practicality and flattery.

You guessed it! This was for a poker party hosted by my friend, Jen A. Every now and then, she throws a little design challenge my way, and this was one of them. Each invitation set (invite and directions) was hand-delivered, so there was no need for envelopes, and -- again -- the quantity was small so tying the twine around the cards and the chips to the ends of the twine was no big deal (plus I had help from the production ace, Jen!).

Finally, here's just a small group of three different items: a "feel better" greeting (another design challenge from Jen), the invitation to Kelly's bridal shower, and the postcard I designed for my undergrad senior graphic design group show.

Ahh, and now I think I'm finally ready to start rewriting my artist statement. We're moving right along.