June 3, 2011

Color inspiration: how to find it

Filed under: Uncategorized — lidia @ 1:49 pm

Snippets from my "color inspiration" bulletin board and sketchbook

As a graphic designer and fine artist, I have a passion for color and work with it on a daily basis.

But even if you’re not in a creative career, you may be faced with color decisions: what color to paint this room? What color cushions for the couch? What color dress to buy?

So, how do you get color inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite techniques:

Finding color inspiration

  • Pull pages from magazines & catalogs: my favorite ones are gardening, home décor & interior design
  • Keep a notebook handy: sketch or jot down interesting color combos you come across—see my example at right
  • Post your color inspirations: hang the pages you pull from magazines on a bulletin board in your office—see my example at right
  • Make a color scrapbook: pull paint color swatches from a local home improvement store and arrange them in pleasing patterns on paper

Color is everywhere. Stop and look around today and you may see an unexpected color combination right in front on you.

How do you find color inspiration? Share your ideas and resources!

 

Coming soon: our new greeting card shop!

Filed under: Featured Projects,From our greeting card shop — lidia @ 10:00 am

 

Stationery from our limited-edition collection in our Etsy shop

What have I been up to lately? Among other things, revamping my online greeting card shop!

The new shop will be easily-accessible from my website, with easy ordering and stationery personalization—as well as lots of new designs. Watch for the official launch this summer.

In the meantime, get sneak peek in my new Etsy shop (lsvgreetings) , which currently features my limited-edition stationery collection. Printed in small batches in our Chicago studio, this stationery collection features stylish typography, handcrafted illustrations and unique papers. Get them while they last!

Get the latest news on the greeting card shop launch and special deals:

June 2, 2011

Be more productive: take an outdoor lunch break

Filed under: Health & Wellness,Time Management — lidia @ 1:47 pm

Hubby enjoys a pastrami sandwich while Essie enjoys the park (and eyes the sandwich!)

One of my favorite things about warm, summer days is taking a lunch break in the park.

On days when my husband works from home and we both have free lunchtime schedules, we make an effort to dine al fresco in the neighborhood park with our dog in tow.

Today’s lunch menu included a Pastrami on Rye from Manny’s Deli (for him) and a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich from Morgan Street Cafe (for me).

As much as I love my office, getting out into the fresh air not only improves my mood, but recharges and inspires me for my afternoon workload—which means I get more done.

And Essie doesn’t complain about getting an extra walk and park time!

Make the most of your lunch break

  • Enjoy the fresh air and nature: head to a park or other outdoor space
  • Shop local: visit a local cafe or restaurant
  • Dining solo? Bring a book to read or notebook to jot down ideas
  • Dine on wheels: Seek out a local food truck and discover a new cuisine
  • Eating healthy? Brown bag it!
  • Get in a workout: power walk back to your office or walk an extra block or two
  • Work from home? Bring your four-legged friend along—they’ll appreciate the extra walk!

Now, back to work…

Anyone else sneak out of the office for an outdoor lunch today? Where did you go?

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