DWC Work: Brandy + Tafari Wedding

The days are counting down til my client's wedding on Sunday, May 29th. Invites have been printed, all the vendors have been selected and everything is in development. So far so good. I have a list of things on my plate that I have been working to perfect the details of Brandy + Tafari's wedding and making sure the overall vision gets executed. To learn more about initial thought process to this wedding, click here to this older post for the moodboards.

In order to play up this old-world, Victorian flair in a modern way, I have taken the Cameo portraits of the bride + groom to a whole other level. First, it was incorporated into the customized wedding invite in a nontraditional wedding format, and I am now branding the graphic to the wedding reception environment.

[Brandy + Tafari Custom Wedding Invite]

[Custom Cameo Bride + Groom Chair Signs]

At the sweetheart table, each oval portrait will hang on their individual chairs.

When guests arrive at the wedding, instead of a sign-in book, they will sign-in on a poster that has been framed on an easel for the bride + groom as a keepsake. The graphic art seen below was inspired by the family's interest in genealogy and now this poster will be a tangible historical record of all the family and friends who were present to witness the union of Brandy + Tafari.

[Custom Guest Sign-in Poster]

[Close-up of Sign-in Poster]

At each dinner place setting, there will be a gold charger with a ribbon tied favor box for each guest. In each box is a delectable sugar cookie with the exact same cameo portrait design to be made by Shabby Chic Cakes bakery. If you noticed, the black + white striped ribbon to seal the box is reflective of the striped envelope liner that was part of the wedding invitation set. No detail gets overlooked as you can see. I like to visually bridge all the elements from the printing of the wedding invite all the way down to the tablescape design.

[Favor Boxes]

On the gift card table, it will feature a collection of things and not all of the elements are being shown here. Instead of the standard gift card box with an envelope slot, we are using vintage inspired luggage. There will be 2-3 faux luggage boxes stacked on top of each other, and the top tier luggage case will be open where the cards can be placed. Along the other side of the table, there is going to be a casual set-up composed of a vintage clock, lamp, some books and green chocolate mint candies available in a singular apothecary jar. In addition, there is going to be an eclectic mix of black and gold frames montaged together of old family portraits from the bride + groom's families.

[Chocolate Mint Jar]

[Frame Montage]

DWC Work: CPT Printed Cards!

Chicago Performance Training (CPT) business cards have been printed! Since my old post on this client back in early March, the front face of the card has been slightly modified. Instead of the individual's name in the red bar graphic, it was replaced with a reduced size version of the logo. For better hierarchy, the name + title was separated to the top half of the card while the rest of the contact information remained in the lower half.

If you're going to print business cards, spare a few extra dollars and print on the back panel space with either another messaging point or build on your brand image. You are already paying for the paper so make use of it. For CPT, I filled the most of the space with a larger logo and added the basketball image graphic to help better communicate the company's line of service which is performance training in basketball. Eventually the owner may expand into baseball and football, but as of right now, his main focus and current clients are seeking basketball training expertise.

For the printing and paper choice, we went pretty simple. There was a specific budget that had to be maintained. 2-color offset on uncoated 100# cover paper. Although, we didn't do any raising or debossing techniques to the paper, the end product still stands out, because the design is strong. When it comes down to it, if you have a well-designed product, it will shine no matter what. You don't have to have the million dollar budget to get a good product. Invest where it matters. In this case, the client invested in a logo that they love, and it will grow with them over the years as they build their business. Down the road, when the business is good, they can invest further in the specialty printing nuances that will make the card "pop" even more.

{Logo + Card ©2011 Design With Chon}

News + Recognition

I am always thinking + trying to create new goals, and it's always good to have structure in one's business and communications. Good organization will only help readers and viewers like you understand my business, Design With Chon, with its many design facets.

From now on, I am defining each day of the week to focus on only one topic of design. So everything that I talk about + share through my social networks (DWC Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr) will all relate to either one of these categories: (1) Visual Communications for business (2) Wedding/Private Events or (3) Interiors.

Now you, the reader, will know which specific day to tune into if you really would like to learn more about insights to the world of good design. And if you're looking to find past topics in each category, each post will be "tagged" specifically to the weekday title in my blog archives. Making it hopefully easier for everyone. :)

Featured DWC Weekday Topics:

• Monday "Means Business" – graphic design, visual communications, branding and articles that will help you improve the image of your business
• "Wedding" Wednesday – everything related to wedding + private events from invitations, trends, vendors, photography, hot accessories and cool finds
• "Interiorizing" Thursday – interior design for home interiors + boutique retail shops and will cover good products out there from furniture, wallpaper and decor accessories.
• "Bridging Design" on Friday – ending the week with one idea that summarizes the week by visually connecting and bridging design between business, wedding/private events + interiors

This new found organization of mine will begin next Monday with "Monday Means Business". If there is anything specific that someone wants to learn about, please let me know. I am very open to suggestions.

The Power of Color

It's Spring! It's Friday! And it's Easter Weekend! I hope everyone has a good, eventful and colorful weekend. We all know Easter for it's array of assorted colors, and it communicates to us all as being fun. So if you are looking to bring a playful nature and inviting quality to your special event, the branding of your business, or interiors, be sure to embrace these wonderful hues.

You can never go wrong with a good color combo if you use it right like these visual samples. Love the bold, color blocking in the Anthropologie dress, the painted edges on the business card, and the multicolored Eames chairs in the dining space.

DWC Project: Basement Renovations!

One of my biggest projects this year is finishing the basement to our townhome. We waited over 2 years to do this since we bought the home and got married back in 2009. And now it's crunch time, because June is fast approaching, and we need to get it done this 2011 summer! My husband has been anticipating this process forever, and I have been putting it on the back burner of my to do list. But today, I finally get to share it with you all. These ideas have been brewing in my head for over a year now, and it's at a point where I am quite happy with it while maintaining my eclectic aesthetic and combining old + new elements to make it timeless. I don't like to follow defined trends since they pass on, but I do embrace elements and integrate it into the bigger picture.

For our basement, there are 4 main functional zones that we needed: (1) a living + lounge area to watch tv for 6-8 individuals, (2) office for 3 computer stations + filing storage, (3) my very own art studio for client projects + crafts, and (4) a utility/storage room. I think the layout is decently spacious while accommodating a lot of activity in each area.

The largest room is the open floorplan of the Living/Office space. Technically, my husband would like to claim this whole domain as his, but I wasn't going to let that happen. However, I did design the basement to be very masculine in tone and in the style of furniture.

In selecting the colors + textures of the room, I was inspired by one of his many suits that he wears. His favorite combination is grey, blue and white, and you can see where those exact hues are incorporated into the moodboard. To add levels of interest and elevate the "chic" factor, I mixed up the materials with highly polished silver metals, grasscloth wallpaper, and a mix of textiles. If you notice, one of the throw pillow patterns is the Chevron zig-zag design that reflects the branding pattern that I use in my business. Also, my brand colors include navy blue and grey, too. This Living/Office space is definitely the perfect balance for my husband and I.
 

 Living/Office Space: Option 1 - Grey Sofa

 

 Living/Office Space: Option 2 - Blue Sofa

For furniture, we needed tons of seating for a somewhat confined space. And what's the best sofa to do this — an L-section arrangement. On the opposite side of the sofa, I am including a pair of manly, over-sized, leather club chairs, and a grey poof ottoman that offers another seating choice. The mounted flat panel tv will face the sofa along with two built-in bookshelves. The shelves are white with navy blue painted interior backdrops, and they will flank both sides of the tv. On the shelves, I will showcase art, books and basket units to help with storage, too. Directly behind the sofa is the office area with a built-in L-desk unit in a walnut stained finish. If you look at the floorplan, there is another built-in unit with 2 filing cabinet units below and more shelves for storage directly above. Throughout the space, there will be recessed lighting to light up the room and three contemporary clear glass pendant lights suspended over the office built-in desk.

As you can see above, there are two moodboards — two different sofa colors for the Living/Office space. Either shade can work for this space, and I do love them both. Should I go bold with the Navy Blue sofa or be more subtle with the Grey?? I have already made my decision, but do you think you know which color that I am moving forward with? What would "Chon" do for the "Hip, Moody Blue + Grey" basement? :)

 Art Studio Room

{Interior Moodboards designed by Chon}

And last but not least is my personal Art Studio room in which I am sooo desperately in need of right now. Currently, my dining room is filled with projects for a client wedding. Thank goodness we don't eat in there too often or my husband would have a tiff about it. For this room, I wanted to keep it generally neutral with white and beige tones, but then offset with a pop of color and fun. I loved this area rug from FLOR, because it reminded me of the Missoni brand, and its use of textiles in fashion. Besides having a lot of energy and movement, I liked its playfulness for my art room. To contrast the edginess of the rug and bright red side chair, I wanted a rustic, craft feel since it is a work studio. For the floors, I am going with a white-washed distressed wood finish in a laminate material which will be good for the basement in case there is ever water damage, and it will be highly resilient for my laborious projects. For the main light fixture, it's an over-sized barn-like pendant lamp that suspends over the main work table with two cast-iron stools underneath. I can't wait to work in this space!

Any questions about my designs or where I source my finds, just ask. I love questions. Don't forget to suggest which sofa color that you prefer, and what you think I will end up choosing. Happy Thursday everyone!

Featured Vendor: Pure Dental Spa

A true teeth perfectionist, Rajul Patel, DDS from Pure Dental Spa has donated au gratis cosmetic dental services that will sure make you smile from ear to ear, and it's up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. Anyone can bid, and it's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Pure Dental Spa has donated $1200 worth of Zoom teeth whitening services in two auctions seen below. These services are also packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors.

Auction 1: Be a Celebrity for a Day 

•  2 hour Engagement Shoot, engagement album + images on disc courtesy of  Studio Verite Photography
• Zoom Teeth Whitening (in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• Hair + Make-up Makeover courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon
• Save the Date design, paper + printing is included courtesy of Design With Chon*
  

Starting Bid: $150.00  |  Retail Value: $2000.00
*Restrictions apply.  

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Auction 3: Be Sure to Sparkle on Your Day

• Zoom Teeth Whitening (1 hour in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• 60 min. Elemental Nature Facial + 45 min. Men’s Facial courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $85.00  |  Retail Value: $745.00

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Featured Vendor:  

Pure Dental Spa

Background on Owner:
Rajul Patel, DDS understands that a visit to a dentist is not the most popular choice on one’s agenda; and there are some individuals who will avoid it altogether until a true dental emergency. She recognizes this issue, and her aim is to shift this perception with the opening of her practice — Pure Dental Spa. Rajul and her staff of professionals embrace a more gentle and pampering approach to dentistry. This means she takes the time to better understand patients’ lifestyles, how it affects their teeth, and their overall well-being. And in combination with the spa-influence, she hopes that everyone will look forward to his or her next dental appointment.

Pure Dental Spa is conveniently located in Bloomingdale, Illinois, near the corner of a major intersection – E Lake St and N Bloomingdale Rd. 

{Images ©2011 Pure Dental Spa}

Services:
Pure Dental Spa will provide you with the most comprehensive dentistry in a soothing and enjoyable environment. While you wait, be sure to enjoy some of their comforting luxuries listed below at no additional cost. But truly, their end goal is to give you a beautiful smile that you will want to flaunt in life.

Complimentary during visit:
- Paraffin wax treatment for hands
- Heated, aromatherapeutic neck pillow
- Hot, fresh brewed Tea or Coffee, bottled water + nourishing snacks
- Flat screen televisions
- Eye mask

Whether you are looking to restore your smile with a thorough cleaning, or need care for a dental emergency, Pure Dental Spa is there for you every step of the way. Rajul's dental office has been carefully designed and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art design, technology, and the most sterile equipments to bring you comfort and peace of mind.

Cosmetic Dentistry:
- Zoom
- Veneers
- Bonding
- Invisalign

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa

The all around place to go for quality service for hair, make-up and pampering. Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa cares about their clients' happiness, and they care about the community, too. So it's no surprise they have donated several au gratis salon services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. These are the "Perfect Gifts" for an engaged couple. Featured auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa has donated over $500 worth of valued services. These services are packaged with other fabulous wedding vendors. See Silent Auctions to discover what is all available in each auction package.

• Auction 1 - Be a Celebrity for a Day  |  Hair + Make-up Makeover
• Auction 2 - A Romantic Dinner for Two  |  Blow Dry + Hair Styling
• Auction 3 - Be Sure to Sparkle on Your Day  |  60 min. Elemental Nature Facial and 45 min. Men’s Facial
• Auction 5 - The Best Way to Travel  |  Manicure + Pedicure for a Couple
• Auction 7 - Here Comes the Bride + Groom  |  Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom

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Featured Vendor:  

Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa

Background on Owner:
Christy Christopher, the owner, is an experienced stylist herself and has been in business for over 30 years. She named the salon after her beloved daughter, Morgan, and it is located in Bartlett, Illinois at Rt. 59 & Army Trail Rd. The salon is celebrating its 11 year anniversary this month. Christy and her team pride themselves on great customer service and full knowledge of the wedding, beauty and spa industry. They don't skip a beat when it comes to expanding their knowledge in all their services. Christy makes sure her staff is current with the latest hair trends, cutting techniques and products while also embracing the Aveda philosophy of making "their clients not only look beautiful, but feel beautiful". Morgan Christopher uses Aveda's extensive line of hair, body and make-up products.

Client care isn't their only priority; they go out of their way to care for the environment, too. The Morgan Christopher team practices "greener" methods which makes the salon more efficient while also preserving nature. It's all about harmony and tranquility, and that's how you should feel when you step out of Morgan Christopher Salon + Spa.

Wedding Services:
They can accommodate any size group or wedding party. Their bridal consultant can assist you in planning your event, and she will ensure that your day goes as smooth as possible with you + your bridal party looking and feeling great. For brides-to-be, your chosen stylist can give you advice on updo, hairstyling and make-up that is on trend. And don't forget with Morgan Christopher, your bridal party and family members have access to pre-wedding spa services along with nail care treatment, too. Everyone can relax and enjoy themselves as the bride makes her transformation in the care of the Morgan Christopher team.

Other Services:
Morgan Christopher is a full-service hair salon for cuts, hairstyling, color, highlights, perms and relaxers; and they offer relaxing spa services as well — manicures, pedicures, full body waxing, massages and facials.

A Personal Experience:
Once a former bride back in 2009, I had my firsthand experience with this salon. Morgan Christopher was the first and last consultation for my bridal hair + make-up. Basically, they impressed me so much with their services that I didn't have to go looking for another stylist. Not only do they get my support for wedding services, I have since gone to Morgan Christopher for my everyday hair care needs. Their salon is personable, friendly and ever-so accommodating. As soon as you step into their doors, you are greeted, and will be asked if you want some hot tea or a cold beverage that suits your needs. They even offered getting me a drink from Starbucks since it's conveniently located next door. Now that's a top notch salon in my book.

Also, all of these wonderful images shown in this post are from my actual wedding day preparations, and professionally shot by my wedding photographer, Marcin Harla. The day couldn't have gone any better.

 

{Images ©2011 Marcin Harla Photography}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: My Travelscape

A travel agent and practically a world traveler! Nisha from My Travelscape has donated a high end luggage travel set along with au gratis honeymoon + destination travel services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Shallow Waters, Bora Bora - South Pacific

Auction 5: The Best Way to Travel

• $500 trip credit towards your booking + a customized itinerary tailored to you courtesy of My Travelscape*
•  5-piece Samsonite Luggage travel set courtesy of My Travelscape
  
• Manicure + Pedicure for a couple courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $95.00  |  Retail Value: $1150.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:  

My Travelscape

Background on Owner:
Nisha, a driven career-oriented woman, decided to put her work life on hold so she could start a loving family. With her two children independent and soon to enter school, Nisha felt it was her time to get back on track and pursue her other passion — travel. From her own experiences and many trips planned by her around the world, Nisha felt she had absorbed the best "ins + outs" of travel. Rather than re-entering the workforce, she felt it was time to open a boutique, home-based travel agency. My Travelscape allows her to balance both loves — being a mom/wife and a travel consultant. Nisha's services place emphasis on quality rather than quantity. She will personally take the time to customize your destination and itinerary to reflect your choice of lifestyle in terms of activity, cuisine and sights.

Overwater Bungalow Sunset, Bora Bora - South Pacific

Where has Nisha traveled?
Within the North American continent, she has been in at least 25 states and visited over 50 cities, big and small, including the prime tourist areas — Hawaii, California, New York, Florida and Canada. For travels abroad, she has explored Mexico, the Caribbean islands, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. She has experienced some of the hottest honeymoon destinations — Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rome, Bahamas, Hawaii and Mexico. Her travel list is continually expanding, and Maine, Anguilla, Thailand and Bali are soon to be added.

Type of Travel Services:

My Travelscape can be your "one-stop shop" for all your travels. It includes, but not limited to, a personal one-on-one experience, tailored travel + tour packages, last minute travel, deal finders, destination/wedding travel arrangements, honeymoon packages, group packages, and best of all, you get her recommendations to the latest trends in travel destinations + cuisine. Nisha invites you to explore her services and inquire about your next customized escape to the world!

Venice, Italy

Jaipur, India

  

Cabos San Lucas, Mexico

{Images courtesy of World Wide Web}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

Featured Vendor: Studio Verite Photography

Award-winning photojournalistic photographer, Justin Runquist from Studio Verite Photography has donated au gratis wedding services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid wedding event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event and are not available anywhere else.

Auction 1: Be a Celebrity for a Day 

•  2 hour Engagement Shoot, engagement album + images on disc courtesy of  Studio Verite Photography
• Zoom Teeth Whitening (in-office) courtesy of Pure Dental Spa
• Hair + Make-up Makeover courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon
• Save the Date design, paper + printing is included courtesy of Design With Chon*
  

Starting Bid: $150.00  |  Retail Value: $2000.00
*Restrictions apply. 

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Featured Vendor:  

Studio Verite Photography

Why the name Studio Verite?
"Verite" in Studio Verite Photography is of French origin meaning "truth", "candid realism" and is phonetically pronounced "ve-ra-tay". I learned this great piece of knowledge from Justin in my first meeting with him as we were getting to know each other.

Words from Justin on Photography: 
As a photojournalist, I bring my passion for moment-driven candid photography to weddings. Gone are the stiff, contrived photos associated with traditional wedding photography.  I strive to make documentary pictures that are truthful, emotional and authentic. I want to have minimal interference with my subjects on their wedding day. I photograph unobtrusively in a way that lets the moments, emotion, happiness and joy flow without photographer interruption.

Accolades + Awards: 
Justin has received numerous professional awards for his documentary photography and wedding photojournalism, including nine international photography awards on behalf of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA).

He has also been featured in the pages of InStyle Weddings and Brides magazine.

  {Images provided by Studio Verite Photography}

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.

 

Riddle me this? + Get 25% OFF

I love a well-designed business card. However, I feel there aren’t enough individuals + businesses out there who have a great card to represent their brand or industry of service well. Being the designer that I am, my aim is to Fill the World with Good Design, and I am willing to offer 25% off to the first person that can answer this printing technique question.

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Question: In the Painter's business card below, what technique is that called where the word "PAINTER" is applied to the surface of the paper??

Hint: It's two words, and I have mentioned this technique before probably in an older post on my website. ;)

Client: Ovi Prunean  |  Design: James Prunean

You can either comment on this post, message me on Facebook or send me an email to designwithchon[at]gmail.com

The 25% off promo is only valid towards a "Business Card Refresh" design. Includes a free design consultation on how to improve your card and specialty printing techniques that can enhance the overall presentation. It does not include a logo redesign or printing + paper costs. It's transferable, but it will expire within 3 months once it is issued to a winner.

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To get you motivated and to see what your options are in "cool" business cards, take a gander at these fancy cards. Be aware... some of these business cards have multiple techniques used in combination with printing and have some extensive post production budgets. But any of this can be achieved if you are willing to invest a little more. Don't get me wrong you can get a nice "refreshed" biz card with 1 or 2 techniques.

I would mention all the different techniques used below, but I may use one of them as a question for another "Riddle me this?" blog post.

Client: Amelia Lyon  |  Design: Scott Windes, Friend or Foe

Client: Amelia Lyon  |  Design Credit: Scott Windes, Friend or Foe

Client: Student Concept  |  Design: Stacie Paul

Client: Impact Salon  |  Art Direction: Rachel Clemens

Design: Jennifer James Wright

Client + Design: V Communications

Client + Design: Sophie Gallo Design

Featured Vendor: Natural Beauties Floral

Jan + Jillian Yuhas are talented twin sisters from Natural Beauties Floral, and they have donated au gratis wedding services up for bid on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at The Auction 4 Aid event. It's the "Perfect Gift" for an engaged couple. Featured Silent Auctions are exclusive to this event + are not available anywhere else.

Auction 7: Here Comes the Bride + Groom

• Bridal Party Bouquet(s) + Boutonniere(s) flowers courtesy of Natural Beauties Floral* 
• Make-up + Hair Styling for Bride and Haircut + Styling for Groom courtesy of Morgan Christopher Salon

Starting Bid: $100.00  |  Retail Value: $1200.00
*Restrictions apply.

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Featured Vendor:  

Natural Beauties Floral

Natural Beauties Floral is located in the heart of Chicago IL’s West Loop & Fulton Market district, and they pride themselves on exceptional service and an unwavering dedication to their clients.  Whether you’re seeking wedding flowers, corporate flowers, birthday gift bouquets or floral decor for a private party/event, Natural Beauties’ experience and commitment to creativity is sure to enhance any room or celebration. They will make your space as beautiful as it can naturally be.

Background of Owners:
Jan + Jillian are a talented duo. Their passion for flowers first emerged at the tender age of eight when these identical twins were tasked by their grandmother, a Master Gardener and Designer, to design floral arrangements for her friends. It didn’t take long for the two to develop their natural talents at design. The sisters spent their high-school years working within local flower shops in order to learn different aspects of the floral business as well as broaden their knowledge and fine tune their mastery of floral design. After several years, the twins enrolled at the Chicago School of Floral Design. Upon graduation, Jan + Jillian decided that the only way to explore their uninhibited sense of artistic freedom and creativity was to open their very own flower boutique for those in search of a more unique and exceptional floral experience. They founded Natural Beauties Floral, Inc. in 2007 and opened their design studio within Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Through their years of experience as artists and designers, they have developed a keen eye for detail. This can be seen throughout their designs with their diverse use of color palettes, textures, and styles.

Why They Love What They Do:
Jan + Jillian’s passion for designing flowers was something they were naturally born to do. They love having the ability to express their artistic talents through the use of beautiful flowers, and details. The twins are always up for a good challenge, and they aspire to create one-of-a-kind designs for every gathering.

Reception @ The Trump Hotel

Type of Work + Personal Style:
The twins enjoy designing weddings, galas, and festive fetes. They truly love transforming any space with floral decor, bringing the room to life. All events are designed to reflect each client’s style and personality.

The style that they gravitate towards more are chic and vintage. Chic bouquets are created using a monochromatic color scheme. A chic bouquet is visually striking through the use of one particular flower, or a variety of blooms in the same color palette. This style provides a classic and luxe atmosphere. Vintage arrangements are created using an abundance of blooms. This style is arranged using lots of petite flowers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to create an eclectic appeal. Vintage arrangements give a romantic-boho ambiance to the room.

Accolades + Awards: 
Best of 2010 and 2011 weddings on theKnot.com, Bride’s Choice Award for 2011 on WeddingWire.com, DailyCandy Chicago’s 2011 Spring Wedding Guide and Chicago Social Brides The Luxe List

{Images provided by Natural Beauties Floral}

Natural Beauties Floral is also featured in Auction #6 Host your Own Event which is still in development. Don't miss out on your opportunity to bid on their top notch floral services. Any questions about The Auction 4 Aid event, email me at designwithchon[at]gmail.com

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The Auction 4 Aid – a luxury wedding event for newly + soon-to-be engaged couples. Thousand dollar wedding packages starting around $100. It’s not a wedding expo; it is an intimate and casual gathering. Come after work, mingle with our wedding vendors, enjoy complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails + live music to be performed by our featured song vocalist, Robinlee. First 15 attendees get gift bags filled with exclusive vendor promotions up to 50% off services.

TheAuction4Aid.com  |  Thursday, June 2, 2011  |  6:00 to 8:00pm 

at Orchid in Bloomingdale, IL  |  Silent Auctions 

Guest(s) must RSVP to attend. 100% of net proceeds raised goes to the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief to those in need around the globe.

» Donations are welcomed!
Donate the minimum and receive your copy of The Auction 4 Aid typographic poster.