Bathroom Remodel: Phase 1
Image via Sophie Carpenter
You may have seen bits & pieces of my initial thoughts to remodel our bathroom on Instagram. Since then we’ve solidified our plan a lot more. We’ve talked about remodeling our bathroom for like 3 years! When I found the image above of Sophie Carpenter’s bathroom, I knew immediately the black tile floor was that ish I was looking for. It was also one of the few photos with a small floor plan in the same layout as our bath. It made me feel like, “We can totally turn our ugly bath into something beautiful. It does exist!”
A box of mermaid matches is our inspiration. I found these in Frankfort, Michigan.
Moon Lodge Bathroom Remodel
Deadline
April 2020
Phases
Design plan
Budget & materials
Schedule installs
Final touches
Inspiration
Mermaid matchbox from Northern Michigan
Phase 1: Design Plan
After a few weeks observing how we use our bathroom, taking measurements, & some initial research, the vibe has been set! The Scandinavian trend of clean lines, light elements, & minimalism is my starting point due to our small floor plan. It’s only 35 square feet (7’ L x 5’ W). I want our bath to feel warm & relaxing. It also needs to be durable — our little cottage tracks in a lot of sand, snow, dirt, bonfire smell, you name it. I focused on materials that will handle our messy lifestyle instead of trying to tame our mess.
Capiz Seashell Mirror via Hayneedle
Natural Textures
Textures like walnut, matte glaze, and seashell inspirations will mix to create warm layers. I want a walnut wall-hung cabinet with an under-mount sink. The floor tiles will be hexagon-shaped in a matte black glaze with subtle seashell influences throughout the space. Often a bath is decorated with water motifs but I want to push past that. I won’t be putting literal seashells everywhere but will focus on textural influences.
I’m surprised I’m leaning towards a traditional walnut stain vs. lighter wood tones that are popular right now. We have warmer wood floors throughout the house so the walnut will complement the rest of the house.
The hexagon floor tiles will be the star of the show and that’s the perfect amount with limited square footage.
Image via Pinterest
Shower & Tub
The shower & tub take up 1/3 of the space so it’s important we update this right. We went back & forth on just doing a standing shower to create more storage space or to keep the tub. We ultimately decided to get a new tub, remove cumbersome-to-clean glass panels, and update shower fixtures. Our bigger goal is to rent out the Moon Lodge to vacationers someday. When traveling, I love the little touches of luxury that allow me to unwind & relax. So, there was our answer.
I haven’t selected shower tiles yet. I know that I don’t want white subway tiles. However, I like the simplicity of rectangular tiles placed vertically. Whatever I choose they need to be at a great price point (lot of square footage to cover) and in a warm-toned, imperfect glaze. My dream would be to have zellige tile as we saw everywhere in Morocco but it isn’t in the budget (I’m still searching for a steal!).
Delta Tub & Shower Faucet via Home Depot
Fixtures
I LOVE this champagne bronze faucet from Delta but I’m going to play it safe — & budget-friendly — with the shower & sink faucets in matte black. It also matches other finishes throughout our space. I still want brass or bronze to warm up the space though, especially with the dark floors & one window. I want the vanity light in brass or bronze, which will match our brass-rimmed light in the adjacent hallway. Love when solutions click into place like that!
Walls
We know we’re going to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls but I haven’t decided if I want wainscoting or not. Pros would be: cabin vibes big time, can make a wider ledge the length of the wall for shelf storage, & less maintenance in the long run (?). Cons: Is the space too small to fit another texture layer? At 5’ wide, the width doesn’t have much wiggle room & I wonder if it will feel too cramped. I also really want to do moody, deep green walls but. However, with dark floors, finishes, & cabinet I think it could feel too small. Or it could feel super luxurious & comfy. I’m torn! There’s time to work through this as we go.
Palette
The palette is deep greens, mint, & nude tones. I’m trying to consider how all of these elements will be throughout the seasons. My first mood board for the bath was this Summer. It was an explosion of soft, sandy neutrals. The last time I painted the bathroom was a few winters ago. I chose a light blue because of a Robert Frost book cover I loved. Basically, I change my mind a lot. So I want to make sure my decisions have longevity since this is an overhaul. Paint color is easy to change.
Sarah Sherman Samuel puts monstera plants in the bathroom because they love humidity. I love how large Monstera are & their leaf shape so I plan to squeeze one in near the chimney (yes, our chimney is in the bathroom!) or the toilet.
Next Steps
There might be a few changes from this but I’m set on direction now. We’re 25% of the way there. The floor tiles will be on order early next week. I’m going to participate in Black Friday/Cyber Monday this year to scour deals on the larger items we’ll need.
After chatting with my dad & father-in-law, we’re going to gut the room to the studs & start fresh. We have a lot of updates we’re excited to make like dimmable lights in the shower & a heater for when you step out of the shower.
My Mom & Dad remodeled their bathroom so they’re familiar with the process. My dad & I are similar in our approach to projects. We’ve started planning electrical adds, tile work, & the install schedule. My father-in-law has built houses his entire life. He helps us with a lot of projects, including this one. It’s a family affair!
I didn’t show any Before pictures this time because it’s still so early in planning but maybe I’ll do some overlays to start filling in things we know? I’ll check-in here if you have any questions. Just ask! You can also ask in the comments & I’ll respond.
I’m excited to take you with us through this process as we go – I learn so much from following renovators; all the good, bad, & ugly! Hopefully this can help or inspire you if you’re planning a small bath reno soon.
A Studio Refresh for Spring
Some of you already know about my studio refresh if you follow me here. But that part of the story doesn't do the space justice. I stepped away from my studio for a few months during the Holidays out of frustration and impatience; a clear sign that I was exhausted and needed a break. I'm not so good at knowing when I need to step away (as I sit here watching my favorite golden hour set behind me) but I'm getting better.
Since I spend so much time in my studio, it was time to give it some TLC and bring in some comforts and coziness. The quickest way to both: pillows! I read somewhere pillows are the adult's version of stuffed animals. I love pillows to bring in texture while sticking with the same color palette and just changing up the sizes with subtle patterns to blend in with solid colors.
Lately, I start my morning writing amidst all the pillows. Then I get ready for the day, check my project tracker for what to work on first, and get started on each task. Easing into the morning has been a game-changer for me – it was something never "allowed" in past office jobs so I'm grateful for the freedom to choose my schedule. Knowing your rhythm is what makes you more productive, not having a required time to start your day. I also get up a bit earlier to have more time for myself.
With each space in our cottage, I like to feel things out before committing. It drives Joel mad sometimes (like how we still don't have many pictures or prints framed on our walls after 4 years of being here) but you have to listen to what a room is telling you it needs, right? One thing was obvious, I needed a large desk. Joel installed a large butcher block slab of wood that runs the length of one wall held up by sturdy piping. Leaving it open underneath feels airier with a shelf above for storage. There's also an anti-fatigue mat hidden under the rug because I switch between standing and sitting on my captain chair (Joel's term). A little footstool adds more coziness and reminds me of the Beauty and the Beast footstool that acts like a dog.
A few baskets for loose ends and washi tape to moodboard my wall per project helps keep it organized but flexible. I used to think to be a graphic designer meant working in a blank space with cool tones, hard lines, and strictly black and white everything. But those spaces never led me to creativity. It felt impersonal, cold, and the furthest away from being able to focus. I'm happy I've finally dropped these ideas that being a graphic designer can only be done one kind of way.
I love the warm, bright, feminine tones that are in my studio now. Little butterfly placemats, a moon poster from my sister-in-law and touches of seashell-toned picture frames with photos that remind me why I do this. I think my studio will always be a work in progress, the way that an artist is always discovering new layers of the world or the world within them. See more studio inspiration and my studio wish list for spring!
Pin for later:
20 on the Rise Nominee by Honeybook
Last year I was nominated as a 20 On The Rise Designer by Honeybook. It's an extreme honor to be nominated as an individual who is making waves and raising the tide by rocking my respective industry through hard work and creativity. Honeybook and its other three brands (Gusto, Rising Tide, and Peer Space) united to recognize individuals making an impact in the creative economy and freelance industry.
What I love about this achievement is that it’s peer-nominated. It is the support of the community and the encouragement of mentors and friends that make this nomination such an honor. 20OTR isn’t a popularity contest nor is it a ‘most liked’ list. It is a curated list of 20 rising stars in 5 categories nominated by everyone and selected based on empowerment, impact, purpose, and passion.
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Emily Bode, designer & writer | Photo by Sincerely Ashley | Emily Bode blog
Thank you. If it weren't for this platform and having connected with you in one way or another over the years, this wouldn't have been possible. On days when I feel like a narcissist or selfish for pursuing my creativity full-time, I try to remember that sharing my story expands and makes room for others to share theirs.
Here are 5 creatives I nominated for the 20 On The Rise award:
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Ginger Herman, owner of Ginger Bakes | Emily Bode blog
Ginger Herman – Owner of Ginger Bakes
Ginger is an extremely talented baker. She does wedding cakes and celebratory desserts with a modern and minimal style without skimping on the sweets! She also offers gluten and dairy-free options. Ginger herself is a sweetheart and so humble with her mission. We had a mini collaboration for 2019 in time for wedding season that I'm excited to share soon.
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Leigh Ann Cobb, photographer | Emily Bode blog
Leigh Ann Cobb – Photographer
Leigh Ann is as badass as she looks. She's a natural light photographer with an artistic approach to documenting intimate and genuine moments. Most of the photography you see on my blog was captured by Leigh Ann. Not only is her photography stunning but the energy, acceptance, and encouragement behind the lens make all the difference to the experience of being photographed by her.
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Kherington McFarland, content strategist | Emily Bode blog
Kherington McFarland – Content Strategist
Kherington is my co-work confidante! She is a lifestyle blogger, content strategist, and most recently started a YouTube channel. A smart strategy is her name of the game. Planning ahead, organizing, and most especially her vibrant spirit get her to her goals faster than any freelance creative I've met, and always in style. I admire Kherington for her tenacity and how she's always getting after her goals.
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Krystle Waivio, hair & beauty stylist | Emily Bode blog
Krystle Waivio – Hair & Beauty Stylist
Krystle is every bohemian bride's dream stylist. She was mine in 2016 for our wedding and continues to create natural whimsical styles while changing the wedding industry's definition of tradition as the hair & beauty stylist for The Elopement Company. The experience in her chair feels like a mini-meditation. Krystle creates a zen moment graciously welcomed before a nerve-wracking walk down the aisle.
20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Becky VanDenbout, web developer & founder of Joon + Co. | Emily Bode blog
Becky VanDenbout – Web Developer & Founder of Joon + Co.
Becky is a multi-talented creative with range. She is a freelance web developer mentoring young girls to learn how to code and the founder of Joon + Co, an online sustainable eco-conscious clothing company. She has mixed her passion for style, empowering women, personal growth, and her strong intellect into a package that this world so badly needs.
My Winter Studio
I shut down the studio for the month of December and in true Emily fashion have spent more time in it now than I have in the last 3 months! This time of year is always a good time to tie up loose ends, brainstorm, reflect, and set goals for the upcoming year.
My studio corner with new shelf, metal cart, and rug
It's been tempting during this little sabbatical to feel like I should be doing something more than resting and going at my own pace. Turning off Instagram has helped with this greatly. It was making me sick to be bombarded with "discounts" and everyone trying to sell something so I shut that down for the season too. The clarity I've felt, woowee! I might not go back. Instagram has become such a rat race and it hinders my focus I need to create the custom design work I do and to feel present in my life. I was losing sight of what I wanted to put out in the world so this break has been rejuvenating. I feel like I'm getting myself back.
Give me all the plaid, ball caps, and duck boots.
I've mentioned before I didn't start blogging to get free products and advertise brands. There are many I love and use but I'm not trying to influence anyone despite that being the direction the blogging world seems to be going in at lightning speed. I started this space because I love to write and share the mountains and valleys of my journey as an artist.
Writing is how I make sense of the world so the terms have always been loose here. That's how life actually happens. It's messy, heavy, imperfect, scary. There are arguments and misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and trying to make it all better. There are missteps and luck and unexpected gems while you're looking at something else. All heartbeats, flesh, and bones.
I'm definitely not the place to come when looking for the latest fashion trend or interior DIY or top places to buy, well, anything. I've loved reading blogs long before starting one of my own. There are many helpful ones, especially travel blogs lately! I'm just not one of them.
I don't make money from this blog and while I've battled with wanting it to be profitable at times, it somehow never pans out that way. Whether by my own choice or others. Some days this makes me think I'm not good at what I do. Other times it makes me proud that I've kept this space free from the influence of brands and other people's agendas. Oh, a sponsored post is something I might try every once in a while, see how I feel about it, but ultimately it's a journal, first and foremost.
I wonder how big-time bloggers handle the pressure of keeping their followers engaged and happy for profits' sake. That seems like such a burden to carry and how long do you carry it? What does the business model look like for that? When I try to do similar things, I always stop. It just doesn't feel right for me.
I'm not sure why I'm telling you all of this. It sounds defensive, even to me. To you, it might seem like it's coming out of the blue but it's been on my mind lately. Maybe I am needing to hear it myself. The realigning with my values and personal goals that I tend to do at the turn of each season. It's quite tiring, I don't advise it.
All this time in my closed studio has been enlightening though. Exactly what I was hoping for when I tuned out all the noise at the beginning of December to hear my own voice again. It is a constant work in progress. I think the idea that is being sold often — that there is this easy fix for anything you want, that others have found it and you haven't — is really debilitating to our humanity, and Mother Earth.
Because nothing is a quick fix. Relationships, physical/mental/spiritual health, culture, traditions, ancestry, bathroom remodels, connection to self and others. And even when you do find a fix for something in your life, the world becomes a kaleidoscope and shifts your view or circumstance and your back to where you started sometimes.
I admit I come on here and often want everything to be perfect. The photos, the message, the SEO, a call to action as you finish reading. I love the design and curating beautiful things, after all. But other times, like today, I just want to write what's on my heart and nothing more.
Not all the other bullshit.
It's how I know this break is deeply needed. My crankiness and bitterness are giving me away. But I think it's important for us to acknowledge this part of our story too. The one that is more shadow-side than sunny dispositions.
“There has never been a time when you showed mercy toward yourself, Walks Tall Woman. You have enjoyed being active and have masked your Shadow well. The Shadow has shown you no mercy by driving you beyond all that is humanly possible. You have made promises that have actually forced you in the Shadow’s keeping. You have not abused your leadership ability by hurting others, but you have abused the trust other women placed in you as a role model. You have set an example that would break the back of any beast of burden. Donkey carries his Medicine of shouldering his load of responsibility, but he also knows how to refuse and become stubborn when the burden is too much. There is great inner strength to be found in showing mercy to yourself and in allowing yourself to be an example to other women by showing them that all humans are worthy of rest and pleasure. The example you set through making time for your needs will liberate you and every other woman who looks to you for guidance. The excuse that you do not have the time or the space to be nurtured will harm more people than yourself, giving the Shadow the upper hand.”
May you find rest and give yourself mercy too. xo, Em
Thank You
It's been a week since the launch of my new online space, emilybode.com. Thank you for all of your kind words on the design and your support, encouragement, and questions over the 4-week process of getting this space all set up.
As is common with any project you put your heart into, it's been a whirlwind of tasks and deadlines to have this space align with the vision I saw for it in my head. I'm happy, proud, and grateful that it's turned out better than my original vision. I couldn't have done it alone. Asking for help will bring it to you 10 times stronger if you're open to receiving it.
Thank you to:
Photo via Poppy Rose Co.
Jess of Poppy Rose Creative
Jess is my right-hand woman. She tackled tasks like a boss while listening to my weekly emotional breakdowns and encouraging me to finish what I started. "The idea is good Em, now you just need to execute it". I'm in awe of how she juggles my endless stream of ideas and keeps me on track while navigating her way through Motherhood and starting her freelance writing business. Thanks, Jess!
Justin, web developer
Justin came to my rescue halfway through migrating all of my content from Brave Girl to this new space. Basically, I F'ed it up trying to do behind-the-scenes web development work to save some money and was facing spending a lot more money for someone to fix my mistake. The day before the 4th of July break Justin solved it with an ease and calm that I've admired in him since our design school days. Thank you, Justin.
Station Seven, Wordpress templates
Mike & Brittni of Station Seven are to thank for the structure of this site and isn't it lovely? It's all their genius. Not only do they have a keen eye for website design (see their Wordpress and Squarespace templates) but their customer service is TOP NOTCH. They did the install and set-up for me which was a huge stress reliever. I highly recommend paying a bit more for this service if anyone is looking to refresh their blog template. Can't recommend them enough to do the heavy-lifting seamlessly.
Seriously I've learned so much with this rebrand by simply Google'ing stuff. There are things I couldn't have been prepared for, like finding the special code of a blog post to get it to show up on the "popular posts" sidebar, that was quickly answered with a Google search. DIY is so much easier this way.
Photo via Leigh Ann Cobb Photo
Kherington of Currently Kherington
Kherington is a fellow blogger and business owner who I often co-work with. She's also the lady hanging with me in most of my new brand photos around here! She was so encouraging to me during this process to keep going and reminded me this was a good thing to do even though it felt messy at the moment. She rebranded her blog a year ago and wrote great insights she learned when pivoting. I highly recommend reading it if looking to rebrand! Thank you Kherington for always being there to share blog tips, vent, and inspire me.
Leigh Ann Cobb Photography
Leigh Ann is to thank for all the new brand photos you see on each of my site pages like the About, Newsletter, and Contact sections. Kherington and I came to her with a vision early in the summer to do a shoot of women working in a coffee shop. I wanted a very imperfect, raw, and warm vibe to the photos and she knocked it out of the park.
Mom
I reference my mom a lot around here and on my Instagram not only as my mother but as an artist. She deeply understands what it means to be one and be in a constant state of self-discovery. She's taught me so much and is open with me about her experiences and her artwork. She's listened patiently and intently for the last 2 years when I first started considering rebranding. I feel lucky to have her to turn to with things like this. Thank you always, Mom.
Jake
My brother Jake has also been a patient sounding board to me through this process. He has a great eye for design and is honest with me if things in my writing aren't making sense (I mean he is flicking me off in this picture). He challenges me and pushes me to be more inclusive. A lot of discussions we've had played a big role in changing my blog name. I was only acknowledging female creatives and he continued to remind me it isn't "us against them". There are plenty of men questioning the very same challenges in our society who want to support and uplift women. Sometimes we women don't let them. I know this is a layered topic right now but in my inner circle, in particular, I agree with him often. Thank you Jake, for inspiring me to back my shit up and challenge my perspective.
Joel
Saving the best for last for my husband Joel, the one who is with me day in and day out. He encouraged me 5 years ago to publish my first post on Brave Girl. From the very beginning, he's challenged me to follow my urges and be completely myself. He knows tough love is what I need to stop talking and start doing and he's tirelessly listened to every idea, project, and passion I've ever had and treats each with unwavering support. He is my rock, the man behind the scenes looking for no thanks or applause yet showing up anyway. I will always embarrassingly give you the credit you deserve, my Love. Thank you for this and so much more.
“We all begin the process before we are ready, before we are strong enough, before we know enough; we begin a dialogue with thoughts and feelings that both tickle and thunder within us. We respond before we know how to speak the language, before we know all the answers, and before we know exactly to whom we’re speaking.”
You!
And finally thank you to you, for reading my writing. For the wonderful chats we have in person about creativity and life and equally the ones we have via email and social channels. I've learned a lot. Most importantly, I've learned to begin before you have the answers. Before you know if anyone is listening. I hope this space encourages you to explore this for yourself.
Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.
xo, Em
Living & Loving By the Lake
Homwork #3: Living & Loving by the Lake
This week's Homwork prompt was to put a spin on the overused phrase "Live. Laugh. Love." and make it your own.
I've loved playing with watercolor and lettering since working with it for a client project (more to share on that soon!). Not only how it looks but how it feels. It's made me realize loosening up my hand is what's been missing for me in my lettering. This watercolor approach is helping me discover other styles of lettering I enjoy. I don't have to maintain the same one all the time. An eye-opening statement for me.
When I get really wound up about a full client & project schedule, everything about me tenses up from my neck to my hands to my mind & heart. Not good. Not healthy. Then the water comes along. Softly. Unassuming. Always there. Reminding me what I'm made of.
How do you feel about the water? What does it do for you? xo, Em
Find each week's lettering on my Instagram. Or join the creative challenge anytime and receive emails from Lauren with the next week's prompt. Sign-up here.
Now is the time for rose-colored glasses
Homwork #2 Now is the time for rose-colored glasses
This week's Homwork prompt was to redo a piece you created in the past to see how far you've come in your skill. I recreated my rose-colored glasses girl from 2014.
Rose-colored glasses girls (2014 and 2018), watercolor + ink | Brave Girl Design + Blog | lettering challenge by Hom Sweet Hom, #homwork week 2
Improvements made:
1. I like the materials I used more this time around – watercolor paper (thanks Mom!) and paint, my favorite ink pen, and colored pencil for the letters.
2. I didn't push so heavy on my pen this time or maybe I got the ink to paper mix right. Last time I remember thinking the ink bled too much but wasn't sure what to do about it.
3. Placement feels more thoughtful now. I wanted the glasses to demand attention and have smaller circles balance out the image with her earring, cheek rouge, and little side-knot.
“There’s a subtle—and crucial—difference between letting your dreams guide you & letting them put on pressure that hinders you reaching for them.”
I remember drawing her after yoga one night in 2014. I was completely frustrated with my career and feeling very impatient so I drew the woman I hoped to be. Some elements feel the same between them but 2018 Rose Colored Glasses girl looks grown to me;
Confident but not cocky.
Awake without demanding attention.
Playful yet passionate.
May you put on your own rose-colored glasses this week and see the glow in the ordinary. Or be the glow yourself and let it inspire those around you.
How are you brightening your days lately? What's one of your favorite projects you've created so far? xo, Em
Find each week's lettering on my Instagram. Or join the creative challenge anytime and receive emails from Lauren with the next week's prompt. Sign-up here.
Remember why you started
Homwork #1 Remembering why you started
Amidst the trillion other things I thought would be a good idea to sign-up for all at once as the clock struck 2018, was a weekly lettering challenge by Lauren Hom. She's a badass letterist and illustrator whose work I've admired since her Daily Dishonesty days.
This week's prompt was to write your name surrounded by your favorite things. And it really came at perfect timing because when you're working for yourself, it's very easy to forget the reason you started in the first place. You want it to work SO BAD that sometimes the hustle takes over the heart. Or you're drowning in tracking hours, invoices, emails so you can keep working on the things you feel is most important to give back to this world.
So, this was a good one to work on today. Because I kind of forgot that I LOVE listening to my blues records and why not play those more? Oh and a slow Saturday in Joel's flannel with coffee and a good book. All the more reason to finish up my work today and enjoy a relaxing weekend home.
You can also find each week's lettering on my Instagram. If you're interested, join the creative challenge anytime and you'll receive a weekly email from Lauren with the next week's prompt. Sign-up here.
Why did you start? What's on your mind to start that you haven't yet? xo, Em
Design Quarterly: Fall 2017 New Design Work
Fall 2017 New Design Work
Gah! How is it already going to be December this week?! Thought I'd share some recent of my design work before the snow flies (again). It includes handlettering more 8x10 prints, dream clients, and my work popping up in unexpected places. Scroll through to see my Fall 2017 new design work:
Fall 2017 New Design Work | Joon+Co handlettered art print | Brave Girl Design
Fall 2017 New Design Work | Joon+Co handlettered art print | Brave Girl Design
Joon+Co Seasonal Prints
You've heard me talk about Joon+Co. quite a bit (here and here) if you've been reading BG for a while. Joon + Co is an online ethical fashion shop for the conscious fashionista and part of my Fall 2017 new design work. I created a few hand lettered prints for their Fall and Holiday collections. The cheeky and sweet quotes that owner Becky came up with were so fun to letter.
Extra sweet: Your print purchase will be donated to the Bay Area Women's Center in my hometown of Bay City, MI as part of the Artists Giving Back series!
Shop the prints: Joon+Co Prints / Joon+Co x West Elm Pop-up this Saturday, Dec. 2
Fall 2017 New Design Work | The Lipstick Lens Girl Boss Photography Brand Package | Brave Girl Design
The Lipstick Lens Brand Design
Can you really go wrong with gold foil and Millennial pink vibes?! Of course, the answer is NO. Especially when it's for The Lipstick Lens, a new girl boss photography brand in Grand Rapids. Colette, TLL founder, and photographer offers empowering photo sessions for fempreneurs and women needing a brand refresh (headshots for your website and profile photos, anyone?!) Her mom's life motto was definitely my inspiration while creating the logo and graphic elements. Keep an eye out for her website coming soon!
Brand Packages Available: Contact me for a custom brand package. The starter package includes a logo, moodboard, color palette, and graphic icons.
Fall 2017 New Design Work | Has Heart Illustration at Starbucks Roastery Pop-up shop | Brave Girl Design
No Man Left Behind apparel at Seattle Starbucks Roastery
The No Man Left Behind illustration I created for Has Heart was part of the Starbucks x Has Heart pop-up shop in Seattle this September–November. I've been not-so-patiently waiting to tell you guys and shared more about it here. I couldn't have guessed how far this design would travel when I first illustrated John's Vietnam story 3 years ago. Seattle is probably the furthest my physical work has reached so far and it's all thanks to the Has Heart team who is spreading an even deeper message about our nation's veterans. Read their mission.
Fall 2017 New Design Work | Shut Down Line 5 donated handlettered art print | Brave Girl Design
Shut Down Line 5 Print Donation
I donated a handlettered Lake print to my friend’s effort to raise money to Shut Down Line 5. Line 5 is an old pipeline spanning the bottom of Lake Michigan west of the Mackinac Bridge into Canada. It’s owned by a Canadian oil company that has a bad rap in oil spills and who delivers 23 million gallons of oil EVERY DAY through these old pipelines. There’s serious concern an oil spill can happen the issue isn’t acknowledged properly. As a Michigander who relies on & loves our Lakes, you can bet I’m doing what I can!
Brand refresh for the new year?
Contact me for a STARTER BRAND PACKAGE to give your side gig or passion project a visual facelift. See brand examples here.
Coming soon in Winter ‘18
I'm really excited for upcoming work in the new year; more handlettered prints for a Grand Rapids-based shop, event materials and brand theme for a national event, and a little sumthin' sumthin' for my very first freelance client who's been with me since 2014 (hint: it involves Artprize 2018!)
I'll also be continuing personal work for Full Moon Monthly and new Creative Business Chats for more behind the scenes. Be sure to join in if you're interested in freelancing!
Moodboard: Becoming the Bodes
Let's acknowledge Joel & I are 26 days away from Becoming the Bodes by sharing our wedding moodboard! Now's not the time to admit I stewed over this longer than I did my dress because the challenge today is only having 20-min. to talk about the moldboard.
This is a good limit to discuss wedding details at this point. I can only do it in 20-minute increments and with a glass of wine in my right hand. I think I'll put this on the weekend schedule. Something like, "if questions, bring wine for the answer".
Anyways, we'll be having an outdoor wedding on a bluff near a lake (rain or shine) so I wanted the overall mood to be very light, natural, and complimenting to our surroundings (trees, lake, sand).
Nude / blush / blues / lavender / fog / a bit of mint
It felt right for us, for the location, and for what I'm interested in right now – a lot of soft tones and textures. I'm really enjoying this season of soft I'm in.
It's ok to let your guard down.
It's ok to trust the good.
It's ok to be happy with a calm life.
All nestled in, Emily
Moodboard: The Mountains Are Calling
Aghh, the hardest part about this challenge is the 20-minute limit. The poking & prodding urge to change placement or image or or or... after time's up is like a nervous tick to me. Perfectionists dissolve! It is a trick.
I will look back on this next week & think wow, this is really something & completely forget all the internal struggle of the uneven spaces between the 3 thin tree-filled boxes.
I was listening to my Bachelorette Beach Day playlist while doing this one so was really anticipating flamingos and tropical hues and bright energy. But it seems my mood is somewhere else – feeling her way to the honeymoon in the mountains (we redirected course from our original plan to Northern Michigan) where we discover new heights and relax into the mist and coziness at the beginning of fall and our first steps together in marriage.
Xo moody ones, Em
Moodboard: Namaslay
I gave myself 20 minutes to create this moodboard. I love the challenge of racing against the clock with inspiration pieces like this because it removes the temptation to second-guess. There is literally no time for it.
I also like seeing what bubbles up when you remove your sense of control. I originally started out with images of illustrated moss, a rustic toolbox, and brown medicine bottles. But apparently, my soul was feeling a little softer, delicate, feminine with a protective cactus barrier than I even realized. It just showed up.
Which is really a life lesson for another time because this was just a simple challenge to compliment my coffee this morning. I'm happy with the results.
All the vibes, hard & soft. – Em
My 1 Year Workaversary!
That's "one year anniversary at work" for those of you who don't like making up words.
When LinkedIn notified me earlier this month that I've been at my current job for one year, I realized this was a milestone. I've never stayed at one job longer than a year (the closest I got was 11 months)!
Most people would have the decency not to share this with their boss at their 90-day review, but I happen to have a boss who encourages transparency so I told her one of my goals was to be part of her team for longer than a year. I have others but I'm really proud of myself for having met the first one!
I started my career treating corporate environments like the plague, which led me to experiences that helped me grow as a designer in both studio and freelance settings. As I started to define what I like and what I don't, the corporate environment I'm in now has surprisingly been my favorite so far. I enjoy the structure, defining goals & expectations, and that there's an end date to every day. My absolute favorite part is the team I'm on – environment and culture are everything to me.
Over the last year, I've played a key role in redefining our brand standards which involves a lot of brainstorming, conceptualizing, and strategizing (this is seriously equivalent to frosting on cupcakes for me). I've learned about the myriad of details that goes into manufacturing even one tiny piece of a product and the ebb & flow of product cycles. Oh, and my email game's pretty tight now too.
What I love most about where I work is how it's broadening my horizons to what design means. In the furniture industry, there's a slew of interior designers, industrial designers, product designers, colorists, textile gurus, the list goes on & on. It's a daily inspiration to be surrounded by so many creative people.
I'm still in a cubicle with reminders telling me to get up and walk, in case you were thinking I have my shit together.
So to commemorate this time in my career, my top 2 projects I can share so far:
2015 Holiday Party
Art direction / Photographer / Designer
I foraged behind our house on the trail, styled my finds on our kitchen table, and turned them into fun posters and invites for our annual holiday party at The Cheney Place. I wish I had a picture of the drink menus held up by little pinecones as the centerpieces, so cute!
NeoCon Showroom Stylist
Concept / Execution / Print Materials
This was my biggest styling event so far! I spent a week in Chicago prepping for the largest national tradeshow event in the furniture industry. We chose dramatic silhouettes of greenery in clear glass vases to complement our sleek, high-end products. Oh, and here's how I looked most of the week running around the city gathering last-minute items & stuffing Whole Foods anything into my mouth. Top knots + coffee will forever make me smile.
The biggest takeaway I've had in my career so far is, don't knock it 'til you try it. I was so caught up with what I thought I wouldn't like about an office environment that I closed myself off to a lot of opportunities at first. Obviously, the Universe knew better so I wound up here anyway.
Cheers to one year!...and many more, Em
Slo' Bones Identity
Remember when I talked about the importance of a meaningful brand sentence? It was for this project & I'm finally sharing the full identity with you today! Slo' Bones BBQ Smokehaus is a barbecue restaurant in Frankenmuth, MI. They've got a little thing for the blues & a lot of talent in the kitchen. Seriously, I had a dream about their brisket and mac & cheese last night. The restaurant is really unique because they have a passion for both mouthwatering food & hearty music. It starts with Big Jim, the owner of Slo' Bones, who I worked with to put visuals to his vision.
Logo Suite
I did a suite of logos for Slo' Bones so we could show the brand consistently on a myriad of materials. For example, their outdoor sign in front of the restaurant needed to say something different than their Facebook profile photo did. A distinct & rustic typeface set the tone of the atmosphere we were after, best described by the brand sentence; New Orleans French Quarters hosts a down-home meal to the tune of soul-lickin' blues rifts. When you're at the restaurant sitting at a round barrel table, being served the best 'cue in the region, you feel all warm & bluesy. I wanted the logo to reflect that.
Menu & Gift Cards
We focused on a dinner menu, lunch menu & gift cards to start. The menus needed to be flexible enough to change out meals throughout the year & organized enough to easily read meal options. I used subtle dividers with bold headlines to keep it airy & to-the-point.
Staff Work shirts
Jim wanted his crew to don black work shirts with the logo on the pocket & the team mascot, "Pork Chop", on the back. I loved the idea because they fit perfectly with the moody lighting, industrial feel & brass touches throughout the space. Details like this really make dinner at Slo' Bones an experience.
Website
The final touch was the Slo' Bones website with the current menu, upcoming events & a shop. It's also the place people make reservations & schedule parties for the holidays, work events, etc. I used a Squarespace template & then customized colors, photography & fonts. See it live.
I recently went to Slo' Bones to watch Larry McCray's acoustic show & get some brisket with mac & cheese (the meal I was telling you about!). I was overwhelmed with happiness when Larry played Soulshine, a song that means a lot to me for many reasons.
One reason is that I grew up listening to my parents & their bandmates sing this song at outdoor concerts & late into the night in our basement. At first, they weren't very good. My brother and I can say that. We were the ones trying to sleep at night when they practiced. But then they got really, really good.
The 5 of them taught me what it means to dream, what it means to keep showing up for that dream & what it means to have a damn good time with a few strings & a drum beat. Watching Larry sing "Soul shine, it's better than sunshine, better than moonshine, damn sure better than the rain", well, it melted me. I'm so honored to have been a part of Big Jim's vision & see his dream of Slo' Bones come to life. Keep following your dreams. Make them a reality. Let your soul shine, Em
Looking to launch a dream of your own? Let's chat.
Cover photo: Blues artist, Larry McCray. Photo courtesy of Gui Benck
Savor the Season Brand
Savor the Season is Katie Den Ouden's holiday guide to enjoying complete presence during a month that's particularly challenging to do so. I've worked on the design in partnership with Fresh Paige Creative, a studio founded by my hilarious & crazy talented friend, Meghan, to equip women entrepreneurs with unique brands to reflect their own powerful message. Katie is a health coach based out of Denver with a zeal for living fully. Working on materials for her holiday guide has been the anchor to my slower pace lately & the sole reason for listening to Christmas music pre-Thanksgiving.
If you ever meet Katie, you'll quickly discover a powerhouse woman with a bright personality & an amazing message to share. She listens intently, truly cares about your concerns & doesn't want you in that rut any more than you do!
I wanted the handwritten logo to reflect how personal this program is with a touch of whimsy for the magic we feel during the holidays. Photography was thoughtfully collected to embrace the coziness & warmth bringing us indoors this time of year with a palette of soft vanilla & mint hues. Oh, & a sparkle of gold for good measure!
A 1-pager explaining why Katie created this guide, what you can look forward to & where to sign-up. The web page is the beginning of a gift of seasonal recipes, desire-seeking exercises & essential oil know-how (my favorite part!) that keeps giving throughout December. I designed the layout to highlight key points & neatly organize the contents of the holiday guide.
We kept promotional pieces simple since it's difficult to savor the moment if you keep being told to do it. A newsletter announcement & minimal social media badges gently prompt you to sign-up for free if it fits your fancy.
The holiday guide just launched on Monday with the 1st topic: Self-care.
I can tell Katie's message has made a difference in how I'm viewing this holiday season than those in the past. I took a bath in an aroma of balsam fir, had a bonfire because I craved the smoky smell & have gotten coffee at the local bakery every morning this week because it's always buzzing with a great atmosphere.
What are some ways you're savoring this holiday season? Cheers! Em
Hep & Cask Identity
Hep & Cask is a lifestyle blog crafted to uplift people through photography, positive writing, local hangout reviews & a classic drink recipe or two. When Christopher first introduced his swanky vision for a blog to me, I was instantly hooked. It was a bonus that we met at one of my favorite coffee shops to discuss his intent for the blog. Hep is a 1940's spin on the word hip (Bing Crosby was known as a hepster back in the day, ha!). It was the era of jazz, Jack Kerouac & fedoras.
Christopher mixed his admiration for this rebellious time in history with his vast knowledge of bourbon to encapsulate the spirit of his blog. He wants his readers to feel sanguine & relaxed as they read on, leaving the space with a bit of optimism & swagger as they go about their day. I wanted his logo suite to capture this essence so a geometric sans-serif typeface, Neutraface, is used for a classic yet modern feel. Soft-shaped drink icons take the ampersand's place in a palette of boozy colors with the option to rotate seasonally. Could anybody else use an Old-Fashioned right about now?!
Using the Squarespace template, Aviator, the Hep & Cask home page invites readers to join a weekly newsletter to receive original photography from Christopher & positive quotes for their week (with a little prompt to go do that thing you can't get out of your head). I loved working with Christopher on his identity & can't wait for it to go live (I jumped the gun a bit early to give you a sneak peek)!
Working with people like Christopher has opened me up to new perspectives, experiences & interests. I would've never known the origin of the word "hipster", wouldn't be able to tell you the history of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail & sure as hell wouldn't be able to tell the difference between an Old-Fashioned & a Bufala Negra if it weren't for this opportunity. Cheers to having a vision & seeing it through.
Looking to launch a dream of your own? Let's chat.
Photos courtesy of Death to the Stock Photo & Nothing But Delicious
Sweet Sugar Beet x Brave Girl Spirit Collab
Remember the Bloom Workshop I went to back in June? Not only did I learn a ton of ways to improve this little space of mine, but I also met some amazingly talented women. One of them being Haley Baur, the owner of Sweet Sugar Beet, who I connected with immediately over a lack of sleep & sugar beets. Long story short, Haley grew up on a sugar beet farm & I grew up next to the factory that turns them into sugar. We ate lunch together & chatted about the direction we'd like to take our businesses in with renewed energy.
Then I discovered quickly how absolutely talented—& modest!—Haley is. The craftsmanship & style of her handmade bags & accessories is impeccable. I haven't stopped using my ColorBlock Clutch since the workshop.
Together, we've designed & crafted an original Brave Girl Clutch in the name of chasing your dreams while remembering your roots. There's nothing wrong with a gentle reminder every once in a while, right?
Haley really thinks through what women will be using her bags for so she includes options to use one bag multiple ways with just about every piece. We did the same with our clutch so I've styled it in two ways to give you an idea of its flexibility.
The dog days of summer are upon us (at least, they're trying to be here in Michigan!) making the color block side of the clutch great for bright & sandy beach days. The neutral tones of the canvas & gold fabric compliment intricate textures like a summer straw hat while the coral pattern aptly named "Optical in Watermelon" pops warmly against soft fabric from a bathing suit cover-up or towel. Plus, we all need a place to keep our phone sand-free in anticipation of those ideal Instagram beach pictures.
For when the conditions aren't ideal, say, on a Monday morning when you're back to the grind again (womp, womp) let the "Folk Birds in Summer" pattern remind you to step to your own tune. And seriously, you should step because sitting for as long as most of us do in our studios & cubicles these days is bad for our health. Guilty. So guilty.
I use my ColorBlock Clutch this way for coffee chats & farmer's market runs when I do get to steppin'. It's good on the go! It's for these reasons Haley & I want to share this clutch with you. We all need a little pick-me-up once in a while & we've noticed it's easier to do so when you're carrying it right with you. We're snail-mailing a Brave Girl ColorBlock Clutch to one of you fearless readers who answer this question in the comments section: My courage comes from…sitting on the shore & looking out at the water in silence.
I get called to courage when I listen for the gentle nudge to "keep going". Where does your courage come from? We want to hear from you! Speak your truth in the comment section & I'll announce one lucky reader as the new owner of the Brave Girl Clutch this Friday, August 1 at 6pm.
Eeek, I can't wait to see your courage unfold! xo brave ones, Em.
Brand Sentence
It's been about 1 month since I became a full-time freelance designer & let me tell you, I've been learning faster than the lake can bring a storm to shore. Which is to say, terrifyingly fast. I mean, this summer in Michigan, you guys! Crazy fast.
I've practiced design for 7 years now & with every project have discovered the most effective pieces to my process while keeping an open mind to tweaks that will make it better. It's why I'm bringing the Design Diaries series to Brave Girl in hopes sharing my process will start a conversation we can all benefit from. Feel free to share nuggets of your creative process below or email me with any questions. I could talk your ear off about design all day & love hearing new perspectives on age-old ideas.
With brand design, in particular, I've found establishing the designer-to-client relationship at the beginning of the creative journey is crucial to both parties reaching an ultimate state of brand euphoria. I may have just made that term up but it's the feeling you get when you see a space/website/apparel/etc. that feels right & effortless. Of course, the journey is not effortless if you do it right & there are a lot of twists & turns along the way we can't predict but exuding the brand spirit is the end goal of every brand design for my clients.
A meaningful sentence is crafted to refer to throughout the journey because it's inevitable I'll get knee-deep & carried away with the nitty-gritty details of making brand elements. I enjoy having a good milestone like this as a reference during these making moments.
I'm working with a client right now who's bringing his passion for mouthwatering eats, travel experiences, & blues music to the table at his new restaurant. Expressing these interests is key to his brand-in-the-making. Not only is crafting a meaningful message important, so are the vibes the brand gives off. We curated a rdio playlist to listen to for this very reason. It's been on repeat quite a bit lately as we prepare for the big opening.
Rdio is an amazing interface to interact with for anyone who appreciates a wonderful—and free—music experience. Come jam with us! There's just something about this song on a stormy summer day in the studio, I tell ya.
Hope you're making the most of your storms, my friends. xo, Em