DESIGN IS A LIFESTYLE

For me being a graphic designer is not only a job but a way of life. It is something that permeates everything I do - the decisions I make, the products I buy, it's what I do all the time. I have been busy lately with posters and signage but also with chairs and my newest project - my new motorcycle. I am inspired by so many things in my life - music, art, food, restaurants and this inspiration usually leads to new projects. 

With an active imagination you can create some amazing items in your mind but unfortunately these items don't always exist or exist in your price range. I delight in being able to transform something into exactly what I imagined it to be. I was in need of a new desk chair and wanted something sturdy but also bright and cheerful.  I was able to find a solid wood chair at a vintage store and with a little elbow grease, some spray paint and custom painted fabric I was able to transform the dated chair into exactly what I was looking for.

Earlier this summer I did something I've wanted to do for a long time and got my motorcycle license and once I did that I needed to find a bike. The bikes I've dreamt of are out of my league right now so I crafted a plan to get a bike I could afford and customize it. I've always been good at fixing things but since it was my first motorcycle I needed to find something in good working order while I learned some basic motorcycle maintenance. 

I found something in my price range in good working order so this winter I will be keeping you informed of the small changes I plan on doing myself.

I hope that these projects have inspired you to make design a part of your everyday and to take a chance and try something new. If you can't find it - make it!  

BLOG UPDATE

It has been way too long since my last post and I have a lot to update you on. 

First off, the blog looks a little different and that is because my branding has changed. It was time for a fresh look and a bit of change. I hope you like it. 

Second, I'm married. The wedding was fantastic and so was our trip to California. 

It's been a busy summer and I have a lot of ideas and projects to share. It's time for some fresh ideas so look for new posts to start coming shortly and more frequently.

- Cassie

California Dreaming

With the weather back to normal spring temperatures I have been looking forward more and more to our upcoming California Honeymoon Road Trip. And as you know every good road trip is in need of a good playlist and below is the first of what I'm sure will be many. 


     1. The Howlies - Sea Level
     2. Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension
     3. Rancid - Red Hot Moon
     4. The Misfits - Hollywood Babylon
     5. The Rolling Stones - Happy
     6. The Black Hollies - (Baby) I'm Your Fool
     7. The Slackers - The TV Dinner Song
     8. Hacienda - You're My Girl
     9. Jack White - Love Interruption
    10. The Strokes - I'll Try Anything Once


The playlist includes some of my favorite new surf rock tunes, some classic west coast punk, The Rolling Stones (a road trip must), and last but not least The Strokes Demo featured in the beautiful Sofia Coppola movie Somewhere filmed at Chateau Marmont.

Let the day dreaming continue...

Wedding Excitement - Appy Couple

With the wedding getting closer it really is consuming a lot of my thoughts, time and blog surfing.  I am always looking for a few more ideas or ways that people made their day special or stand out and through all of this research I came upon a really new and exciting project - Appy Couple.  

Appy Couple is wedding app for you and your guests and it allows you to do so much.  I have to say that I think the feature I am most excited about is the photo sharing feature. Most people bring a smart phone not a camera to take pictures at weddings and you never have the opportunity to see these photos but with Appy Couple you can take your smart phone photos and share those with the others at the wedding.

I was lucky enough to get an invite to Appy Couple and just in time. I have to tell you it was a dream to use. There are so many options to make it your own and special for you and your guests. There was obviously a lot of time and effort put into all of the design options, and as a graphic designer that means a lot to me. With your Appy Couple app you also have a matching web landing page helping your guests to download the app and in case you're wondering each guest you invite is given a unique code so that they can access your specific wedding and not someone else's.


One of the features that I will not be using but I know will be useful to so many is the option to use the app as an RSVP tool - not only for your wedding but for all of your wedding events and showers. 

This is a truly one of a kind tool and I would recommend it to anyone. It is easy to use, beautiful and I think it can only enhance your guests experience. I have to tell you I am really excited to see what my guests think and will be sure to share it with you. If you want to see more or request an invite make sure to visit www.appycouple.com

Thanks again Appy Couple!

Wedding Invite Sneak Peek

Happy New Year! As soon as 2012 hit it really started to sink in…I'm getting married! And it is fast approaching.  So I have really amped up my planning in the past two months. First on the list invites. I have finished letter-pressing my invites and RSVP cards on my L Letterpress, I found envelopes and beautiful dotted tissue to line them with and I finally decided on a paper stock for an information sheet. The invites are now complete. They have been addressed, stamped and are ready to go. I'm trying to keep some mystery for those who will be receiving one but I'm just too excited to wait any longer to share a couple of photos. Enjoy!

From the photos you can see that they are grey and white with a touch of pink. The letter-pressing is done partly in grey and partly blind, and it is all packaged neatly with some grey and white twine.  I am so happy with how they turned out and must thank the great people at The Paper Place in Toronto for their help in confirming that this beautiful dotted tissue would work as a liner.


I have a few more sneak peeks to come and a couple new projects to share. Thanks for being patient.