Summer is just about over and one of the things I'll really miss is strawberries. What will you miss the most? To download free desktop wallpaper, click on the black "download" button above and the image will open in a new window. Drag the image to your desktop. Open Desktop Screensaver (in system preferences) and add the image. Enjoy! Original artwork and desktop wallpaper pattern designed by Erika Firm. Just a reminder: commercial distribution or sale is not permitted. Continue reading

Later this month I'm traveling to a design conference and these pretty blush pink & gold treasures are on my wish list. There's nothing like a pretty new notebook for scribbling down inspiration, right? And a lovely blush purse is necessary for holding such a pretty new notebook, right? And a little parfum to freshen up after travel is totally necessary, oui? Oui. SOURCES | 1. Blush crossbody bag | 2. Tory Burch Perfume | 3. Gold polka dot notebook Continue reading

I've been on a simplification kick. Last weekend I threw away boxes and boxes and boxes stuff I had been holding onto for years. Love an empty shelf, a clean cabinet, a spotless counter. Probably no coincidence that I'm gravitating toward simple, modern minimal package design lately as well. SOURCES | 1. Beer | 2. Chocolate Bars | 3. Facial Oil | 4. Chocolate | 5. Soy Candle | 6. Perfume Continue reading

Zag when everyone else is zigging. I've always been the outsider. The new kid. I went to at least 10 different schools by the time I graduated from high school (and loved it). Some kids who move around a lot learn how to fit in easily. They adapt and conform. I guess I never did that. I was never a joiner. No Girl Scout troops for me, no after school clubs, no sororities. Instead, my life taught me to be an observer. I quietly go about doing my own thing. I might not talk to everyone at the table, but the conversations I do have with the few people are deep and heartfelt; true connections. I recognize that this can be dangerous. Quiet observation can make it seem like I don't care. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because I invest my whole self into the working relationships I have, it hurts more than it probably should when things don't work out the way I expect them to. I end up feeling used and tossed away more often than I'd like. Still, I wouldn't change it. I choose to be part of a teeny tiny tribe. I'm usually the one sitting alone. Happily. Even when I'm part of a group, I'm on the fringe. I sit at the table, but on the end. I go to the conference, but prefer to watch rather than to try to make a million new friends. Some people see this as being disinterested, but really I'm soaking it all in, internalizing it. I don't participate just to hear myself talk. I observe everything and put my all into the conversations I do have. When I participate in panels, coach businesses and design for clients I'm all in. They become part of my teeny tiny tribe. When I started my business, I challenged the status quo. I zagged when everyone else was zigging: I introduced bold color and crazy overprint patterns into letterpress stationery when everyone else had a tiny icon centered in the middle of plain white paper. I built an online ecommerce business when everyone else was chasing wholesale accounts. I partnered with licensors when everyone else seemed to view it as selling out. Always observing and always internalizing the world around me, I made business decisions based on what I saw and felt, instead of following the predictable path. And it always worked out for me. The few times I didn't follow my instincts I paid dearly. As a graphic designer and branding pro, part of my design process is to guide clients through discovery and teach them how to be observers of their own business. Sometimes this is a tough sell: clients usually come to me when time is tight. They're anxious to launch or rebrand. They want to throw the ball into my court so they can focus on other parts of their business. I get it! But taking the time to ask themselves some tough questions about their business, their audience, their products, their goals and their obstacles not only helps me design something that will work for them, but it often sparks some serious insights into their business plan. And every once in a while I get to see someone else zag. Continue reading

Tribal patterns are classics. Ikat, Kilim & Kantha are just a few of my favorites. Though they've been around for centuries, lately I've noticed modern takes on tribal patterns popping up on everything from home décor to dog collars. Aztec pattern inspired socks and teepee kids stationery?!? Yes, please. Inspired by Revel & Co. founder Melissa Bilyeu's world travels (and her covetable collection of Kilim rugs), we designed the Tribal Collection of gift wrap and party goodies for the launch collection of her line. It will be shipping to stores worldwide soon! Meanwhile you can pick up some fun arrow balloons and feather straws for your next party in the online shop. SOURCES | 1. Modern Kilim Rug | 2. Kilim Boho Bag | 3. Vintage Kantha Quilt | 4. Tribal Pattern Socks | 5. Turquoise Ikat Table Runner | 6. Tribal Pattern Tank Top | 7. Kilim Gift Wrap and TeePee Gift Wrap | 8. Kids Play TeePee | 9. Kids Wigwam Stationery | 10. Navy TeePee Pattern Fabric | 11. Kilim Dog Collar | 13. Feather, Arrow and TeePee Balloons | Revel & Co. Tribal Collection of gift wrap, cocktail napkins, paper straws, confetti and balloons Continue reading

Cue the confetti! It's a thrill to let you know that my client Melissa's shop, Revel & Co., is now open! The Analog Creative Co. team and I have been working with Revel & Co. behind the scenes for months, preparing for this day. We helped name the business, developed the branding and corporate identity, consulted on getting the product line ready for wholesale sales and distribution, designed the color palette, helped develop product, designed the packaging and designed all 40 patterns in the launch collection. Products include gift wrap, ribbon, balloons, confetti, paper straws, cocktail napkins, and coasters, all in a signature color palette. The project is truly this paper lover's dream come true. Now, who's up for a party?! Continue reading

Last week I was in New York City for the NY NOW gift show (formerly NYIGF) with a client. NY NOW is where stores go to see and order merchandise for their stores. Buyers place orders at the show, and exhibitors ship products to them after the show. My client is getting ready to exhibit in her first trade show next year, and I thought a visit to one of the biggest wholesale trade shows would help her get a taste of what she's in for. She had never attended a show before, and neither had Lytle, my Analog Creative Co. sidekick, so I briefed them with some tips before we headed to the Javits Center. Here are my TOP 10 TIPS for walking a wholesale trade show when you're not a buyer (though if you are a buyer, these tips still apply): 1. Wear comfy shoes. Seriously. Like your mostest comfortablest cushiest shoes ever. I usually plan my outfit around my shoes! I love espadrilles for the Spring and Summer shows and boots for the winter shows. If you get a blister, blister bandages are a life saver. I always pack a few in my wallet. Sometimes I put them on my heels to help prevent a blister. Take care of your feet, or you'll be miserable. 2. Bring a roomy, but not ginormous bag. A light tote is perfect. You need room for your phone, charger, business cards, wallet, water bottle, and all the line sheets & catalogs you'll pick up along the way. Big bags and backpacks will get in the way and are super annoying to everyone around you. 3. Bring water and snacks. The food is okay at the Javits Center (I recommend the Greek stand in the basement), but the lines are loooooong and the prices are shocking. The last thing you will feel like doing when you're starving is standing in line. Once you stop walking your feet will probably start aching! 4. Ask before taking photos. If a booth has their Instagram handle posted, it's probably okay to take photos (just be sure to tag and properly credit any photos) -- but still ask first. If a booth doesn't have their Instagram handle posted they might not want you taking photos. 5. Bring professionally designed and printed business cards. I really hope I don't have to explain this one. 6. Be respectful. Exhibitors spend a lot of money — not to mention blood, sweat and tears — to get to their little corner of a trade show. Be respectful of their time, their products, and of them as human beings! This means don't hog their time, don't ask for trade secrets (or proprietary information or for samples or freebies), don't steal their products (or catalogs or take anything away from the booth that isn't specifically given to you besides a business card), and be nice. Think about how you'd like to be treated and go out of your way to be nicer than that. 7. Don't block the aisles or the entrance to someone's booth. Have a plan. Most shows are divided into sections. Take a look at the floor plan and pick a starting point. If there are specific booths you want to visit, make a "walking list" and sort them numerically. Your feet will thank you. If you start to feel overwhelmed, check out a snack cart at the end of many aisles (frozen lemonade! Haagen Daz! Crepes! NY hot dogs! Pinkberry! Iced coffee!) and take a break. 8. Don't flip your badge over so people can't see it, and don't judge people by their badges. Your badge holder doubles nicely as a business card holder. Stuff a few behind your name tag for easy access. 9. Freebies are not free. Catalogs, giveaways and candy cost the exhibitor a lot of money, so think before you accept anything. Don't take a catalog if you're not a buyer. You can probably find all the information online anyway. If you're offered something that you don't really want or need (even as small as a business card), politely decline. Better it stays in their booth kit for next show than in a trash can. 10. Have fun. Love something? Tell someone in the booth and you just may make their day. Continue reading

Lately I've been crushing on metallic office supplies for my studio. Specifically copper (and rose gold, when I can find it). Here are some pretty copper office supplies on my wish list right now. SOURCES | 1. Copper tape | 2. Silver, Gold and Copper paper clips | 3. Copper metallic spray paint | 4. Copper French Press | 5. Copper bull clips | 6. Copper office supplies | 7. Copper wire basket | 8. Copper book ends | 9. Copper planter | 10. Copper tape dispenser Continue reading

I've been working on a jungle themed collection for a client and sketched this sweet little tiger as a study. I thought she'd look adorable as a desktop wallpaper pattern for y'all. To download free desktop wallpaper, click on the black “download” button above and the image will open in a new window. Drag the image to your desktop. Open Desktop Screensaver (in system preferences) and add the image. Enjoy! Original artwork and desktop wallpaper pattern designed by Erika Firm. Just a reminder: commercial distribution or sale is not permitted. Continue reading

I went to school for journalism (Go, Dawgs!!!). I had every intention of becoming a magazine editor, and the last thing I EVER thought I'd call myself is "artist." But I suppose this makes it official: my artwork is for sale on Simply To Impress. IMAGE | Simply to Impress Continue reading