Process // 01

I recently wrapped up the final touches on a freelance project for Wolf Floral, a flower shop located in Washington, IA. The flower shop, established in 1913, is celebrating its centennial later this fall and the current owner thought it would be a great time to revamp their logo.

I had a lot of fun working on this identity project so I thought I'd share some of the options I presented. As you can see, I was very in to the maroon color, and I paired it out with tan and a deep burgundy. Overall, the client was happy with what I presented so it only took a few additional tweaks to come to a solution we were both pleased with. 

The end result is similar to that of no. 4. I'll be sure to post it to my portfolio, but in the meantime check out Wolf Floral on Facebook. Or if you're feeling extra generous, visit their website and surprise someone you love with one of their gorgeous bouquets.

Invoices, Contracts + Freelance, Oh My

Invoices? Contracts? Aren't these business terms you learn in business school?

Yes, but they're also important terms for freelance designers, too. 

I sent out my first official invoice this weekend which got me thinking about the importance of file keeping. I did a little Internet digging and created a template for invoices and project agreements ( contracts ) that I feel are simply stated, easily understood, and pretty to look at ( duh! ).

Believe it or not, freelance designers are actually like small business owners. They may work from home and not adhere to a strict schedule, but that doesn't make their business/service any less worthy. In fact, the term "freelance design" sometimes makes peoples' eyes glaze over, but "small business owner" is a bit more receptive to the common folks' ears.

Anyway, all of my research had me determined to operate as a small business would. Not only for my own record-keeping, but to ensure my client's understand that this is just like any other business deal. There are terms and legal issues that need to be stated and understood by both parties. 

Even though most of my freelance experience thus far has been pretty low-key, I hope to start implementing contracts and invoices into my business practice.

I aimed to keep the design and layout of the invoice + contract similar to that of my other identity materials ( resume, reference list, letter head, business card, blog, etc. ), and I was happy with how each of the documents turned out. 

Here's to good business practices!