2008: The Year in Graphic Design
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
Highlighting 12 projects from the past year
Back in January 2008, I made the big decision to stop searching for a job and start my own business! Unofficially, for one year now, Viddyworks been providing Grey/Bruce with a source of Eco-Friendly Graphic Design! Join me on a retelling of the year in Graphic Design Projects.
January - The Piano Man
Viddyworks opened up for business on April 1st 2008. However, during the months prior, I had to get my chops up, and build a portfolio! Justin’s Parents were planning on closing the retail branch of their business, The Piano Man, and moving shop to their home. Mary also wanted to showcase her antique business, Her Mother’s Daughter. They needed a website, and I needed to learn a thing or two about web design.
February - The Business Plan
At this point I was well on my way through the SEB (Self Employment Benefit Program), during which I worked diligently on Viddywork’s business plan. It’s not really a design project, but it is crucial to the projects that followed! The whole document was also printed on 100% recycled paper.
March - Branding My Business
There were a LOT of things to do to get ready for Viddyworks’ opening day, and branding was a big priority!
April - Gems Records
Huzzah! My first month as a real, live business! One of my favorite first projects was a business card design for my brother James’ recording studio in BC, Gems Records.
May - Just B
Still needing to build my portfolio, and practice my web coding skills, I decided to re-do my partner, Justin’s website.
June - Don’t Die Early
An ex-coworker, Lynn Brown, approached me about helping her husband spruce up the packaging and branding for his product, “Don’t Die Early”, pH strips to measure your body’s acidity. Their hopes were to get the product on the shelves of Sobey’s and Loblaws.
July - Shards
Artists are some of my favorite people to work with. I was especially pleased to design this business card for Jenni-Lynn, owner of Shards Jewelery. She makes jewelery out of recycled items, selling them at craft shows and farmer’s markets. The business card doubles as an earring card.
August - Infanti Custom/Wishes ‘n Wants
I designed this pair of business cards for a husband and wife, each starting their own businesses in Squamish, BC. I saw this as my opportunity to try out a great environmentally friendly printing company in Vancouver. The result was fantastic!
September - Words Aloud
I was delighted to take part in creating the artwork for the Words Aloud festival, held in Durham. My concept was featured on the cover of Mosaic Magazine, and distributed in posters and brochures all over Grey/Bruce.Click Here to read the press release for the festival.
October - The Colour Jar
Did I mention that I love working with artists? Timothy Dyck, owner of The Colour Jar, needed a design for an advertisement, and rack card to promote the diversity of art supplies available in his store. This also lead to a one-page brochure website, which can be seen here
November - Girlz Garage
The Girlz Garage, another west coast client, needed new gift certificates and “menus”. Hannah was thrilled with the idea of having eco-friendly printed products!
December - Hastie Stables
James Hastie is elevating his passion for training standardbred racehorses to a small business. He uses scientifically proven methods to train yearlings in harness racing. I had the pleasure of creating his website!
In conclusion
It’s been a really great year, full of great design projects for great clients. I hope you can all see the progress I’ve made in my design skills through this little post! I’m looking forward to another year of creating even more eco-friendly designs for Grey/Bruce and beyond!
Happy new year folks!