Orange Pool Care Logo

Here are a few other color logos I like that were rejected. My favorite is the third one, plain and simple.

Project: Orange Pool Care Logo (Pool Cleaning)

Inspiration: Vintage service signs and soda labels.

See the works in progress post of this project here.

Need a logo, business card or brochure? Let's chat. Contact virginia [at] theheadstand.com 

Sunflower Wedding Invitations

Project: Harris Wedding Invitations

Inspiration: Sunflowers. An economical all in one mailer piece – saves on paper, no envelope required.

See works in progress mood boards and ideas for this project here.

Have an upcoming celebration? Contact virginia [at] theheadstand.com for quotes and design inquiries.

Chalking It Up at Healthy Junk

Chalk art illustration for Healthy Junk in the Good Food Court at Downtown Center Street Anaheim.

Need signs, menus or chalk art illustrations? Let's chat. Contact virginia [at] theheadstand.com 

Works in Progress: Orange Pool Care

Project: Branding for Orange Pool Care
Inspiration: Vintage signs, soda labels, seals

Need a logo or business system? Contact virginia [at] theheadstand.com for quotes and design inquiries.

Foxy Baby Shower Invitations

Project: Baby Shower Invitations
Inspiration: My baby - the fox! Woodland theme.
Illustration by Lulufroot

Have an upcoming celebration? Contact virginia [at] theheadstand.com for quotes and design inquiries.

Blog Facelift

Check out this quick makeover I did for my friend Beth over at www.coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com.

Freelance Ain't Free

Photo Credit: www.freelanceaintfree.com

Since I left my 9 to 5, I've started to seriously work from home. When I say seriously, I mean no more "free work" for friends and family, no more sloppy record keeping etc. Since I've been on my own, I've started to really work on my business and make it legit. I've been burned in the past by clients ("friends") that don't pay. Although I'd like to crush their slimy, dishonest, no good skulls (karma will get you suckas!) ... There are so many ways to avoid this, but I learned the hard way. In addition to getting invoices paid, there are other things as well that make freelancing easy to do.

• Stay organized: Keep your files (digital and paper) named neatly and of course label them so you can quickly scan/read them when necessary.
• Keep billing simple: Make a template, use an online service, make payments available online. Bill weekly or biweekly, just be consistent.
• Contracts always: A simple Word doc will do, doesn't need to be fancy. Just a written document of a working agreement.
• Get a deposit: I typically collect 50% up front for print jobs.
• Always, always invoice: Even if it's a free job for your grandmother! Send a zero balance invoice detailing your hours, cost and what you did. You have value, show it.

A couple years ago I picked up My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman. I highly recommend it, it's fun, super easy to read and she keeps it real. There are many books on this topic, get one - it could save you hundreds or thousands or dollars in rookie mistakes. 

July Freebie

Free coloring sheet download from Made By Joel.

Happy Fourth of July from The Head Stand. Make it colorful.