Suz Design

After years of telling myself that I would remake my portfolio website, I finally sat down and did it. It was one of those projects that got made...and then remade...and then abandoned...and than frantically remade. It's sufficient to say that overall the process was not pretty. The funny thing is, after months of brainstorming and planning, I really did just sit down one Saturday afternoon and make it from start to finish. I suppose that just goes to show that when you get fed up enough with your own procrastination, anything can be accomplished.

As you can already see, this blog has not been getting tons of action as of late. With the conception of my new site, that's probably going to be even more the case than ever. (One thing they probably teach bloggers in blog school is not to out right tell people to stop reading their blog. But, I'm pretty much doing that, now...so back to it...) Eventually, I will be blogging over at SuzDesign.com. That's a very TBA type of eventually. Don't hold me to a timeline. If I come back six months from now and this is still the only design blog of mine that exists, well, I must have been too busy lying on tropical beaches sipping slushy drinks...ahhhh....only in dreams. In reality, I was probably sitting in a dark room hunched over a glowing computer screen causing my glasses prescription to jump from -4.5 to -5.0....the agony!! When will my eyes stop getting worse? I want lasik so badly!

Realizing that was a tangent.

Anyway, stop by my site. Check out my stuff. If you send me a message, I'll draw you a little cartoon and email it back to you. Tootles!

A Penny Shaved

My entrepreneurial (definitely didn't spell that correctly the first three attempts) friend, Perrin, has started a new adventure into the world of shaving products. An odd venture, one might think, but I'm willing to bet that in a few months, A Penny Shaved will be your #1 shaving resource website :)

Below is the logo I designed for him. Good luck, P!

Suzy Quilts! Check it out!

Hey Hey! It's been a loooong time. I'm writing this post to let you know that concerning all things quilting I will be using my blog through suzyquilts.com. You can check it out at suzyquilts.com/blog.

But, because this started out as a blog to promote my graphic design, I thought that I would post here the Suzy Quilts logo that did not make the cut.

Tootles!

Sparketing

About a month ago my husband, John, took the huge (and maybe a bit scary) leap into becoming his own boss. He quit his job and along with an old co-worker he started his own research firm. For those of you who know John it's hard to believe that statistics and research would become two defining adjective. However, he continues to surprise us all - including myself.

Well, with a graphic designer for a wife, I told him that before they made a single spread sheet or pie chart or whatever database they're rigging up, they needed a logo. Here's my contribution to Sparketing - Ignite You're Marketing!

pssst..the last one is the final.

People's Produce Logo

Taking produce grown by local Amish communities to the inner city. Or as you should know it, the most exciting new non-profit in Columbia, MO. Logos #1 and #2 were the runner ups and logo #3 will be what you see on trucks around town.

In2Action Logo

In2Action is a not-for-profit lawn care company working to help ex-offenders reenter society. All proceeds are re-invested back into the community to address issues such as unemployment, poverty, and public safety.

Extra Mile Logo

When Love INC of Columbia, Missouri emerged a few years ago, few people imagined how far it would reach and how many people it would help. It's still growing and changing, but today there are three main divisions - The Love Seat, First Impressions (and the newest edition) Extra Mile. 

The Love Seat is a furniture bank. First Impressions is a professional clothing closet, and Extra Mile is a one-on-one adult mentoring program. All of these services are available to those in need.

For me as a designer, what this means is a little family of logos. The first couple are drafts and the third is the final Extra Mile logo.

Below are the existing Love Seat and First Impressions logos.

Katie Day Photography Rebranded

This past month I had the pleasure of working with the fabulous Katie Day and rebranding Katie Day Photography. Here are a few logos we sifted through before finding the perfect fit. Take a look at her website to see the final result.

Boone Clinic Logo

About a year ago I redesigned the identity for the Boone Clinic Pediatrics department. The first four logos are the rejects and the last one is the winner!

Back when I was frequenting my pediatrician I used to love those wooden beads that you would slide through the wire loops. Remember what I'm talking about? Anyway, that was my inspiration for the first logo. Hey what do you know! I found it on Amazon!

Which one...which one...to pick...

My good friend Pam (you know the crazy one who is training for Race Across America) is having a tough time deciding which logo she wants to use for her RAAM Campaign. I thought I would throw this up on the 'ol blog and see if anyone has an opinion. Once the logo is picked she'll be ready for a blog of her very own!

Baby Beginnings

I thought that would be a funny post title following my last wedding post. Ha! Don't worry, I'm not pregnant. One of my friends is starting a little shop for her new line of baby products. Don't be fooled by the name - you have to buy everything.

Sew Sisters Logo

A logo I designed for a wonderful new group of sewers. Mainly quilters, but all thread-lovers are welcome. Along with their logo design I created a badge/patch - which also doubles as a lovely pattern for all printed materials.

Bright Beginnings!

One snow day yesterday was amazing, but now two? I have gotten so much done with TWO whole days of planning, crafting, designing (and sleeping) that I have a new lease on life. ahhhh....

For those of you who know me, you already have heard that I will be happily wed this summer. And with those forever vows I will be moving back to Chicago - thus giving me that needed boost into the great unknown of full-time freelance design. I have mulled this decision over quite a while and come to the conclusion, why not?

So, rather than pushing forward with Suzanne Williams Design, I will be rebranding myself and (hopefully) getting better acquainted with the world of self-promotion. (so hire me hire me!)

In a few months I will be launching my new site, however, until then, this is my new name - Jack & Suz. (forever :) (and when did I get so cheesy?)

I won't be in the full swing of things until after all of the wedding shenanigans have calmed down, but I'm too excited about it to not post my NEW LOGO.

Love Seat :: Move'n On Up

How exciting to see one of my favorite logo creations, blown up and slapped on a huge moving truck! The Love Seat is growing and helping more people every day. They are continually looking for volunteers to help in their furniture warehouse, so don't be shy! Volunteer!

BAM!

I redesigned the identity for the NEW and IMPROVED Bambinos Italian Cafe. Logo, menu, T-shirts, cups, the works! I finally got in there today for lunch so I could snap this shot of the menu and scare a waitress into posing for me.

MO logo

A couple drafts for a new decorative concrete business in town.

D & D Cafe Window

A few months ago I designed the logo for a local cafe. However, I didn't realize the window display was up until I road my bike past it a couple days ago. After some Sunday brunch I was able to snap a few shots.

Simply Inspired

A wise graphic design sage once told me that a designer can only be as good as the client allows. I see myself lucky, then, to have such talented and inspiring clients. Simply Inspired Event Design is an emerging event planning business started by Jennifer Woodward and Ashley Gross. Two fearless entrepreneurs ready to take on what most people would consider daunting - weddings.

I am currently in the process of designing their website, but here is their corporate identity I just finished.