Shooting From the Couch: Elena

This is my friend Elena.

Everything good that is here,
began with her.
The varmints must sense that, because they adore her.

Her superpower is martial arts.
She also enjoys the NY Mets & Latin Dance.

(I shot these with my cell phone.)

I Want to Design Your Book Cover for Free.

Why?

Because lately, I've been waxing poetic about print.

I like the smell of new books and old books.
I love how magazines sound when I flip through them.
I still read the Sunday New York Times ON PAPER.

Although I have
designed at least 200 magazines, and many brochures,
logos and promotional materials,





I have only designed one Book Cover:

Take a chance.
Save your budget.
Help a friend round out her portfolio.
Get something for FREE.
Enter now...

Giveaway Rules:
Leave me a comment below, describing the book you need a cover for.
If only one person responds, YOU WIN.
If more than one person responds,
Jean will help me choose the winner.
(THANKS, JEAN.)

The *winner will receive no less than 3 original sketches,
and upon approval, one final print-ready, book cover file.

*The winner will need to have to have the authority from a
legitimate publisher to hire me, of course.

A Clue! A Clue!

My Laughing Manhole

New Year's Day

Happy Old Year

As I closed out my books for the year, I started thinking:
What a Happy Old Year it was!
For so many reasons...

My varmints are flourishing.
We've been lucky, and I really appreciate that.

My business is doing better than ever.


I got to enjoy good food, good friends and family...
Including all the new friends and family I have
made through blogging and twitter.
(You know who you are.)

Walking almost every day has made me healthier.

I take some of my best pics during my walks.

And by my side, as always, supporting my work, my art,
my blogging, my tweeting... is THIS guy.
I couldn't do it without him.
Plus, look at those arms.

I wish you folks out there the happiest of New Years.
May this next year be filled with more joy than the last.
xoh

Graphic Design Advice in Tough Times

Every once in awhile, I like to post
about Graphic Design.
This blog is supposed to be about Graphic Design.

I realize that these are hard times for designers
(and anyone freelancing, writing, etc.)
Here's some advice.

If you are working on NOTHING, for no one,
work for FREE for SOMEONE.

Two summers ago, I had a slow work week,
and decided to host a "Win a FREE Logo Giveaway."
Katherine won.
This is how it came out.
Katherine took her logo and ran with it.
The work we did together, has now grown into
paid business for both of us.

Try it once, for someone worthy of your talent.
It's good karma.

Recent email from Katherine:

Hello Dear Heidi!
Happy Holidays!
I had a great time at the craft fair
and it was really exciting to get me and my stuff out there as an herbalist.
I NEVER would have done it without your
gorgeous graphics AND your inspirational generous support.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you!

Even the products I sold were created
because you requested a price list
Editor's Note: (I couldn't help it... crows were following me everywhere.
When I shot them, I imagined them on a price list, so I designed one.)
so I had to make up what I would sell.
And now I made it and people seem to like it.
So fun!
I sent along a little package of stuff to you yesterday with no time for a note.
I hope you like the crow lady products you helped create!

The tinctures are tasty and fun to take.
They are safe for kids and the kids really seem to like them!
Hope they work some magic in your house.
The vanilla needs a few more weeks of soaking,
shake it up and it will be great for baking in the new year!
Blessings,
Katherine