THE WEEK

It’s overcast and rainy today in Portland (no real surprise there!) and I’m wearing an old pair of floral patterned pants I just rediscovered, hoping Spring shows up soon.

We’re in the office today proofing issue 7 of Rock n Roll Bride Magazine, getting ready to send it off to print. This year has been an interesting one — more print projects are coming my way than ever and I LOVE IT. I’m all about the tangible and whether it’s a magazine, a book or some really special Business cards. It’s so nice that more companies are offering print-on-demand services so we can see our designs outside of the computer at an affordable price.

This week was monumental in a way because it was the first step towards switching up my business. Last summer, I got off the plane from yet another trip, looked at the list of what I wanted to do…and realized I’d barely made a dent. I was busy making my client’s dreams become a reality and in the process, had Completely overlooked mine. I wanted to create digital products and help more people at once. I wanted to share what I’d learned over a decade of designing and make creatives’ lives easier.

Later that month, I contacted Paul Jarvis about joining forces on Project Prescription. I knew it was a good Idea because usually, the best ones are created out of a need you personally have but realize is missing from the marketplace.

We launched on Sunday and I’ve been completely blown away by the response. I never know how these things will go and hundreds have already flown out the (digital) door. Thank you to each and every one of you who bought a copy, joined the list for free samples and cheered us on. As a reminder, our intro offer of $69.00 ends this weekend!

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from this process is that sitting on an idea does nobody any good. If you can’t make it happen on your own, that’s okay. Start scanning friends, school buddies and business acquaintances — there’s someone out there who will be just as excited about your idea as you are.

In other news, The Olivine Atelier Beauty Heart & Soul Cards are finally available! They’re based on the premise of traditional oracle cards but have been completely modernized. Each card is completely different from the next, which adds to the element of surprise. Digging through my travel photos and scanning dozens of flowers was the coolest project ever. More on this one next week!

Do you have any fun weekend plans? I’m thinking about going to a motorcycle show with my dad and brother tonight and then hitting a photo booth and grabbing drinks with Joey for Valentine’s Day. Have a good one! xo

THE LINKS

• What should you do when someone is copying your brand?

• 5 things to do before sending your next email campaign.

• What a cool concept! Buy Me Once focuses on showcasing products that are built so well that they’ll never break — better for the environment and your bank account!

• Looking for a new podcast for your commute? Here are some top picks.

• Getting married in one week can work.

• 5 alternative portfolio sites to make you stand out.

• A husband and wife weigh in on what it’s like working together.

• One of the secrets to being productive is the touch it once mentality, from email to dirty dishes.

• 15 ways to manage stress.