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Alrighty, so I planned on posting this yesterday with a video…well that did not go as planned, so here is a super long post! Also, as you know I am not the best at grammar….sorry! 1. How did you get into coding and what did you do to learn it, did you have a degree? A: […]

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Twenty Questions Answered

My Life

TwentyQuestionsAnswered

Alrighty, so I planned on posting this yesterday with a video…well that did not go as planned, so here is a super long post! Also, as you know I am not the best at grammar….sorry!

1. How did you get into coding and what did you do to learn it, did you have a degree?

A: I actually began learning it when I first started my marketing job in North Carolina about 3 years ago. I actually learned quite a bit of it from Sara over at Salted Ink when we worked together as well as self-teaching myself through trial and error. It was great being able to do it alongside someone else, because we would end up teaching each other new tricks and tools. I did graduate with a Communication Major and Psych Minor, I would definitely recommend anyone interested in art or design to take design classes or have a degree in it..that’s one thing I regret!

 

2. How long did it take to learn design and development?

A: For design: I actually started playing with InDesign while working with a Wedding Planner while in college. I would stay late after work, go after class, and go into the office on Sundays to teach myself how to design invitations. I then started a blogger blog to practice designing images for my posts. Since it wasn’t consistent practice it took me a couple years to be comfortable working with clients.  For Development: I was able to do a lot of it at my marketing job and practiced doing custom blogs on the side, so probably about a year, maybe less.

 

3. What is your favorite type of individual or business to design for?

A: One that gives me creative freedom! I love being able to work a bit outside of the box and do something challenging or different when it comes to the design or development. Lately I have loved working with event planners and interior designers. I think a lot of it is because I’m really into weddings and homes right now!

 

4. Are there any books/classes/sites you recommend for designers or building websites?

A: Yes definitely, I would recommend Skillshare for just about anything you want to learn, code academy for web development, and for books probably my favorite right now is Modern Calligraphy!

 

5.What is your favorite Calligraphy Nib?

A: It actually varies, but currently it’s the Nikko G and the zebra comic G, I also love using the Tachikawa Holder with Grip

 

6. For custom lettering are you self taught?

A: Yes I actually am. I started at a young age drawing, sketching, and sometimes painting. So, when I wanted to learn calligraphy and lettering I basically just practiced…a lot! I would find a word that I liked and would try to replicate it over and over again until I had it down, then I would move onto a different style or type. After I started I did take the Introduction to Modern Calligraphy which was a great class, but definitely more for beginners than where I was at.

 

7. What is your favorite technology/hardware for creating your calligraphy?

A: I would have to say my Rhodia notepad, my scanner to scan high res, my iphone (takes photos so I can just pen tool the art), I use my Ipad a lot for my quick handwriting (using a drawing app), and also my Micron 08 pen.

 


8. What does your process look like for taking hand-scripted designs into digital work?

A: It really depends on the piece I’m doing. For example, the Twenty Questions was just a sketch that I took a overhead photo of and then pen tool (traced) the lines. (see the sketches I did here). For calligraphy, if I want to keep the natural feel to it (little bumps on edges, not super perfect) I create the word, then scan it at the highest resolution, and then I put it into photoshop to clean it up the best I can. By doing that I remove any smudges and ink marks, as well as fill in any gaps or missing sections. Once that is done I actually take a very large screen shot of it and pop it into my illustrator file. From there I do an image trace, typically PRESET: Black and White Logo, PATHS: 99%, CORNERS: 100%, NOISE: 1%, then I choose ‘IGNORE WHITE’ under options and then hit ‘EXPAND’ under the top tool bar to create a vector. You can go much further into this, check this class out here or here.

 

9. What are some business management tools you cannot live without and how you stay organized?

A: I love dropbox, gmail, calendars, and mostly my own planner. My planner consist of THESE PAGES HERE, as well as a task list for each project, starting with the intial consult, sending a follow up email, to the last thank you card. I’m no where close to being perfect at project management, Im learning everyday and thinking about starting Basecamp, would love input or recommendations too!

 

10. What programs do you use?

A: Mostly just illustrator for design and photoshop for photo editing and website design. I do also use InDesign for booklets or multiple page documents.

 

11. If you could write a little not to the past Angela, who was just starting out, what would today’s Angela say?

A: Awesome question! I would honestly tell her to stop working so damn much! To have a life and don’t dedicate everything to work (although it’s paid off). Also, reach out to others in the industry and ask questions and make connections. Some people view other designers as competition, but really it’s a big enough world out there..they should be your connection and friend.

 

12. Whats your typical day like?

A: Ha! It unfortunately varies a ton. I typically wake up around 7-7:30 and immediately read all of my emails, then hop out of bed and make coffee. I respond to most of the emails for awhile and check facebook, pinterest, instagram, etc. Sometimes I try to get a blog post out there (rarely) and then start working on my client designs. I try my best to focus on one client a day, but lately I’ve been all over the place trying to launch sites, finish logos, finalize projcets. Around 2-3pm I workout and shower, after that I go back to designing and client projects. Depending on the day I will either keep working or go to watch my fiance’s softball games. As it gets later I (or he) makes dinner and head back to work, either sketching, working on a post, or some clients work (I do get a couple hours in with the fiancé too..currently watching House). Lately I’ve been going to bed around 12am…

 

13. What are some business management tools you cannot live without and how you stay organized?

A: I love dropbox, gmail, calendars, and mostly my own planner. My planner consist of THESE PAGES HERE, as well as a task list for each project, starting with the intial consult, sending a follow up email, to the last thank you card. I’m no where close to being perfect at project management, Im learning everyday and thinking about starting Basecamp, would love input or recommendations too!

 

14. Do you have interns or assistants in your area of expertise?

A: I haven’t yet! Simply because my fiance is helping me out quite a bit. I am actually looking for designers though, so anybody interested shoot me an email! I’m looking for individuals with the same design eye as me that is looking for a growth opportunity!

 

15. Who is your style inspiration.

A: That is tough, because I think it changes a lot for me. When it comes to my work it depends all on my client really, if they are more J.Crew or Kate Spade, West Elm or Crate + Barrel. For style and fashion I absolutely adore Dress Corilynn, Pink Peonies, love The Honeybee, and Hello Framboise!

 

16. How do you find images and artwork?

A: Depends on the project, sometimes I create it myself (like all of my patterns), I go to Creative Market a ton for watercolor and small elements, I’ve used Etsy for botanical prints, and PixEden for mockups.

 

17. What are your favorite instagram accounts?

A: Aubrey Kinch, Sugar and Cloth, iHeart Organizing, Dress Corilynn, Oh So Pretty, and Sara M. Dorsey Designs.

 

18. Best Tips for someone struggling at their day job, how to transition into a creative field?

A: I know that feeling so much, I worked at a live sound and commercial company as their bookeeper and office admin..aka quickbooks and audio equipment. I wan’t getting the creative escape that I needed so I started my simple blogger blog Witty and in Love. It was exactly what a I needed, my creative outlet to speak my mind and design whatever I wanted to. I would recommend it to anybody..especially since you never know if it could just take off!

 

19. Best online printing service that is affordable?

A: Honestly, that is tough since I went through so many different companies through trial and error. (long process) But, I used to love using Digital Lizard because of their quick turn times and awesome customer service. They don’t have as many options with sizes, etc as I need these days but were great for a lot of my past clients!

 

20. Where do you see yourself and Saffron Avenue in 5 years?

A: This is fun! I’m sure I have this written down or sent myself a a future email (HERE). But I personally hope to own a beautiful home (I hate renting), with maybe even a baby on the way (we’ll see), I also hope to be able to travel at least once or twice a year for a vacation. For Saffron Avenue, I plan to have an actual studio where I will have 2-3 designers working with me and possibly even a storefront for some products and paper wholesale. I would love to go on regular outings and conferencing with others in the industry and mostly be able to take on only a couple clients a month so I can really focus on their project and step far out of the box!

 

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  1. The most informative Q+A I’ve ever read! I didn’t know you didn’t major in design.. I didn’t either so I’m always learning something new. I’m really hoping to be able to do it full time like you someday! And thank you so much for including me in your favorite instagram accounts – truly honored!

    • Angela S says:

      Aww, I felt like it just ran on so thank you! And yes, Im sure you can definitely do it full time soon :) Thank you for being an inspiration as well!

  2. Best.Post.EVER! If someone hasn’t told you how incredibly gracious and giving you are, let me be the first. Thank you so much for this!!!

    • Angela S says:

      Oh my goodness, that is so sweet of you to say! I know I get a lot of emails about some of these questions so I figured this would be a great resource! Thank you again!

  3. This is such an incredibly helpful post! So glad I found your blog recently! It’s really inspiring to hear how you transitioned from a non-art major to working in design, and I basically just bookmarked all your resources. Thanks so much!

  4. BrandiMarie88 says:

    Thank you so much for sharing! So happy you answered one of my questions! I’m a designer starting out so it is nice to see a designer who is so open and kind as you, who is willing to give tips. I really appreciate it! Can’t wait for more!

  5. Love this post and your design and lettering work! Thank you for the mention, too–so sweet of you!

  6. Thank you for sharing. I love to visit your blog and website because we have a parallel design aesthetic. Oh, how I wish we could work together, but I live in Houston. :-(

  7. Kate Rudder says:

    I admire your work so much! Thanks for sharing about your favorite nibs and holder. I have been on the hunt for a calligraphy pen that I like! I was wondering what kind of ink you like? Ones I’ve chosen in the past always seem to bleed, but I suppose that could also be the kind of paper I’m using?

  8. Holly says:

    Thank you so much for writing this! I am working a regular job but have been drawn to design and trying to figure out the best way to get into the field. I’m thinking I may try for a degree since I’m computer illiterate when it comes to design programs but I would love to be able to do the kind of work you do. Bookmarking all these sites so I can start trying these out. Hopefully when I learn what I’m doing you’ll be ready to expand ;)

    I also will say, the people I know in life that are the most successful are the ones who take time out to help or teach others. I foresee a bright future for you :)

    • Angela S says:

      Hi Holly,
      Not a problem, and yes I would definitely recommend trying some classes out, I can only imagine how helpful they are ;) And thank you so much for your kind words, that means a lot to me!

  9. Emily Blevins says:

    Hello! I just want to start off by saying I just think you are great! so awesome! I happened up on your site a few months ago and I frequently visit just to see what is new. I love your style and everything!. I am curious, I see that you use wordpress. That is also what I use. I am a graphic designer/web developer (in the making sort of) haha I graduated 4 years ago with a Graphic Design degree and I was freelancing and doing well when I first graduated but then a lot of life things got thrown at me and I have been out of it for a couple years. Because everyone I talk to needs website design I am trying to focus on sharpening my skills. Anyways, that was a bunny tail, back to the question. Do you use a framework? If so, which one do you use? I have tried a lot of them and I haven’t found anything that I like. An issue I have is I see exactly the design i want and sketch it out but then to go from the wireframe to actually implementation my design is completely altered. I would love to find a way to be able to have the site I imagine come to life a lot easier. I know HTML and CSS and I can read or dabble in PHP. But i was curious if you found a framework that you liked? Or what you have found that works best to be able to customize the way you want?

    • Angela S says:

      Hi Emily,
      Thank you for being a frequent visitor! And congrats on jumping back into the design world, I’m sure you are ahead of the game anyway (graduating with a design degree). As for my sites, I use to use the Pagelines Framework..but quickly got out of it when the moved to the new DMS structure (basically screwing all of us previous designers using the original framework). So, with that I decided to bring on a developer to my team to make custom sites from the ground up. So, I guess I really do not know of too many, but you could check out http://pixelpress.co/ they take your designs and code them (I think using a very customizable framework). I’ve realized over the years that I would rather focus on design than development and am so glad I did so!

  10. iheartorganizing says:

    Really enjoyed reading about your background and tips! Such a great post! And thanks so much for mentioning my Instagram; I may be a little in love with that app :)

  11. Jennifer Ashley says:

    Thanks so much for responding to my question! I’ve been playing with calligraphy and trying to figure out the best way to digitize it. Great post :)

    Jennifer Ashley
    http://www.prettylittledetails.ca

  12. Catching up on your blog posts, and this was a great read! Love hearing more about you and your work process. I’m a designer by trade (I design cards in my 9-5) but am itching to get into the web/branding world that you do so well! I soak up every brand board you post whenever they show up on Pinterest. I absolutely LOVE them and keep thinking “oh, how I would love to design stuff like this!”. I would love to chat about helping you out since you mentioned you need designer help. I’ll shoot you an email so we can chat :)

  13. OMG!! This is like everything! Thanks for sharing Angela!

  14. It’s so great to hear how other designers work! I hope we can collaborate on a project soon! I love your style!

  15. Kaye says:

    I really loved how informative this post was. I look forward to seeing you evolve over the next 5 years!

  16. This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing so authentically. I know it’s an older post for you but wanted to share with you how much I love it! I especially am drawn to your comment about fellow creative designers being connections and friends – I feel the same. So, my fellow designer and creative friend, wonderful to connect with you. :)