So busy!

Wow... I've been so busy lately, I just realized that June was the last time this blog has been updated. Summer has been a busy season, I've been working on some new projects including a logo design, logo + website identity package and helping a start up photography businesses in Arkansas with a new website.

I hadn't tried Google AdWords until just a few weeks ago and I've gotten quite a response from the targeted ads running locally. I really prefer to work with local clients, I enjoy meeting each client in person to discuss their design needs.

Hopefully I'll have some time in the near future to update my blog and portfolio with the projects I'm working on!

Portfolio Update: Touch Of Grey

Touch Of Grey is on the web, check out their new website: http://www.touchofgreymusic.com

We created their logo and designed the website, Doc Glatz seems quite happy with both designs. I can't wait to see the t-shirts!

Touch of Grey is a local classic rock and blues band in Springfield, Illinois. Their new website features music (mp3's), video and photos of the band. Take a look and a listen, and I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.

View their performance schedule to see them live!

Portfolio Update: 1 Stop Auto Shop

The new website for 1 Stop Auto Shop & Collision Center in Springfield, Illinois is live! It's been live a while actually, I just haven't had a chance to update this blog. So, without further delay... look at their new website! http://www.1stopautoshopinc.com/

The first thing you'll probably notice is a short commercial video on the homepage. It might be familiar if you've been watching the news lately. Thanks to the crew and video production experts at News Channel 20 for providing the web-ready video.

The site features plenty of info about 1 Stop service departments, including their Body Shop, Quick Lube & Mechanical services and Fleet Maintenance. Because they have five locations throughout the greater Springfield area, 1 Stop is often misinterpreted as a major chain auto repair company, like Midas or Firestone. Instead, they are a family-owned small business, the About Us gives the full story. The site also features in-store coupons so visitors browsing the site can preview big savings on oil change and detailing services.

Portfolio Update: Touch Of Grey Logo

Well here it is! You are looking at the new logo for Touch Of Grey, a local classic rock and blues band in Springfield, Illinois. The guys in the band really like the design and are excited about sporting an official TOG t-shirt sometime in the near future.

Doc really wanted to have the 45 spindle in the design. He figured that any "old hippy" would recognize it immediately, bringing back fond memories of good times and good music from 45 records.

Their website design is my next project and I have a few good ideas for the site. Their site is going to be different, I imagine already that it will be a contrast to the square box mold of more traditional designs. I really like working with other artists, there is a lot of room for creative freedom. Good stuff.

Check it out in the Designs On Fire portfolio: http://www.designsonfire.com/folio/logo/

Portfolio Update: RPM

Here's a new brochure design for RPM - Revelant Practical Ministry for Men. Tom Cheshire contacted us and needed a brochure that he could be proud of. He'll be traveling around the country for conferences and wanted to have some brochures handy.

The idea was to make something simple using darker colors that would appeal to a male audience. The finished product is exactly what he was looking for, Tom is so happy with this brochure. He even sent a very nice thank you note full of compliments. I'm happy when my clients are happy! We both are excited to see the printed version.

Check it out in the Designs On Fire portfolio: http://www.designsonfire.com/folio/print/

New Client: Touch Of Grey

I met with the local band Touch Of Grey this week during their band practice. My father-in-law Gary Halford plays rhythm guitar in the band and I've known the rest of the band members for a couple years now. Great guys, they're like family... making music is their pride and joy. Touch Of Grey recently played a charity benefit at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in downtown Springfield for the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, it was an awesome show for a great cause.

They are a classic rock cover band with an appropriate name, if you didn't already know... Touch Of Grey is a song by the Grateful Dead. They also play the blues, and do a fine job. Seeing them live is always an experience, they put on such a great show.

I can't wait to get started on the new site and logo design. It'll be groovy, baby. Yeah.

New Client: 1 Stop Auto Shop

I had a design consultation last week with Tommy Hollinshead, Jr. to discuss ideas for his company's new website. This project will be a redesign although their current site has been a continual WIP and the pages are not working correctly. It still says "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." So, we brainstormed together and came up with some great ideas.

1 Stop is a family-owned business that has been operating in the Springfield area for over 20 years. They have experienced tremendous success and now with five locations, people often assume the business is a major chain corporation. I think the success is due to their perfectionist attitude and attention to detail. Friends and family have said that the customer service at 1 Stop is hard to beat.

I'm looking forward to the project and already have a few ideas for the site. You can view their current website here: www.1stopautoshopinc.com