gettin’ it done diy style

As Danielle & Dena, our store managers & the rest of their elves are busy turning catching fireflies into a winter wonderland, I’m spending all my time at the studio playing photographer & graphic designer for a.i paper design.

Now… real photographers – don’t laugh at me until you’ve tried to shoot 4 to 6 frames with plexi-glass in one setting without getting obvious glares.  I even asked one of our Yellow Door gals who has a degree in photography & she shook her head when I asked her for any tips.

So armed with a stack full of old suitcases, painted doors, numerous painted wall patches around the studio (thanks Steve) and a dozen old books ~ off I go to create my little vignettes showcasing all my paper designs.

Just a small sampling of my amateur efforts (taking a professional photography class is on my to-do list)

Next comes this year’s wholesale catalog layout.  We design & print a new catalog every year so stores across the states can order our paper wares with ease.  The first 6 pages are very close to being done… just 20 or so more to go.

I do really love the graphic design part of my job but it does suck up many of my days (and evenings). This time of the year I always struggle with the desire to be in the middle of creating Christmasville at catching fireflies yet knowing my paper design business needs my attention too. Lucky for me, I have two very talented chief elves that are making all things merry & bright in Rochester & Berkley.

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