Logo Flashback | Design Process for Shutter Sam Photography

Here is a little flashback to show the design process and inspiration behind the logo I designed for Shutter Sam Photography last summer.

CLIENT: Sam Vanderlist, of Shutter Sam Photography, is a charismatic, bright person with tons of energy. She describes herself as someone who "doesn't take herself too seriously and loves to have fun." I couldn't agree more! When she explained her business goals to me in a preliminary meeting, it was ever apparent that this life-loving woman wanted to infuse nothing less into her brand...

GOAL: Sam described her photography style as "sweet," with a touch of "vintage-glam; like an old, antique dresser you just can't ignore."  Her ideal image would be fun and outgoing, sweet and flirty, and match her vintage-style of photo processing.

INSPIRATION: I was immediately drawn to a camera shutter because of it's motion and relationship to Sam's business name. However, as we journeyed through the design process, Sam felt less attached to shutter imagery and more drawn to flowers! So there we went! Crafty yarn and retro patterns, still invigorated with tons of motion and energy...

After trillions of font considerations, illustrations and variations of them... I presented Sam with a few options, of which only one could prevail...

OPTIONS: Below are a few proposed logos that came close, but no cigar! (above image just for fun: vintage cigar poster) Isn't it fun to see an idea evolve into a real logo?!

THE FINAL CALL... A flirty-retro typeface with a lot of energy and a flower mark that is bright and layered. It's curvy and vivacious, unique and clearly fun.

STATIONARY was next! Letterhead and mailing labels were designed to compliment the rebrand. Sam has found many ways to incorporate patterns and colors into her brand, truly making it her own. Fun project with an amazing photographer! We started meeting as clients in coffee shops and now we have lunch as friends!! Gotta love that! Thanks Sam!

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Decoding Book Cover Design | Buckle Your Chin Strap

Recently released, Buckle Your Chin Strap is a father's story about "playing the next play" no matter what challenges you face. Author, Richard Williams, asked me to read the story in it's infancy stages and design a cover to suit. I want to share some of reasons and themes that inspired the design of this cover...

Decoding the Cover 

Here is a little insight behind the design choices made for Buckle Your Chin Strap cover art.
(Click image to enlarge)

Buy it Online

Buckle Your Chin Strap is available at Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com.
All proceeds support Michael's Wings Foundation. 
Michaels' Wings is a nonprofit foundation named after the author's infant son who passed away 22 years ago. The Foundation was created to lend support to teenage pregnant girls. The support will come in three general areas; financial, educational and in faith.

 

Author's Inspiration: (Left) Linda, Dick, Mollie, Brayden, Amber and Steven Williams. (Right) Mollie Williams with her son, Brayden. 

I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to work with friend and author, Richard Williams, on his book. I received this awfully generous letter from him, dated 3/14/10:

"Dear Mrs. Schertzing,

This letter serves to thank you for your awesome design of my book titled "Buckle Your Chin Strap" cover. I have received phenomenal compliments from my publisher Bezalel Books and countless readers.

You took the time to read the book while in concept stage and created a cover which was absolutely perfect for what the message and story portrays. You are truly a talented and creative artist. I was especially appreciative and impressed with the patience and professionalism you displayed in the submission of the cover and revisions that were necessary to the publisher.  

Thank you for your creative masterpiece. I would recommend you and your talents for any potential authors who want an awesome cover to showcase their books. Please let my signature to this letter affirm in any of your potential customer's minds that I highly recommend you and Ten4 Design Studio. Thanks again!"

Richard J. Williams

-Author and Co-Founder of Michael's Wings

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Under Construction!

Hello friends,
I "unplugged" last week and went to Florida with my family. On the unfortunate rainy days, I spent some time doing a little construction on my blog. (You may have noticed some blank posts...) Through the these continuous improvements, I'm hoping for a better stage to share thoughts and work with you!  Thanks for bearing with me as I work out the kinks :)

By the way, who's out there anyway?! Leave a comment about where you vacationed last.... Love to know who I'm reaching out to!

Siesta Key, Florida.  Pictured: Dad, Me, Ash (sister), Mom, Jeffery (brother), Jeanna (sister-in-law), Eric (brother). Missing (and we really missed him too!): Brad (hubby)

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