Chocolate Cactus Designs

And the winner is.....

Congratulations KELLY ELLISON!! You are the big winner! :o) And congrats to Terry McCaig as well as she receives a gift voucher of $100 to use towards any design service I offer, plus a free set of templates!

Thanks to all you for the amazing heartfelt entries - I was touched by every single one of them. If I had a few more brains and about 3 more sets of hands, I would have taken every one of you!

Remember, I am going to try to hold a contest like this once every couple of months, so keep your eyes peeled!

Fly me to the moon

...or not!

Just a reminder that I will be flying out Friday (tomorrow) afternoon for a business trip as mentioned in an earlier post. Because of this, I will be unavailable tomorrow and will not have access to email. All emails will be answered on Monday.

I am working today, so I am trying to get as much done as I can before leaving (files sent, emails, etc.).

Thanks much!

Know someone who's worthy of a logo?

Okay, so something else new created from my worn little brain...

Periodically, I will hold this contest to allow folks to vote for someone to receive a pro bono (read: FREE) logo.

Do you know someone who needs a new logo? Someone who just started their business maybe? Someone who is in desperate need of an identity overhaul? Vote for them, and they may just win, and you could get lucky, too!

How it works:

- Leave a comment stating who you believe is worthy of a logo, and most importantly WHY. Doesn't have to be a sappy story, just tell me why! Let's keep it fairly short.

- Be sure to include YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! Sorry, but those without email addresses will not be included.

- When the winner is chosen by a random drawing (www.random.org), you will be contacted. I need to hear back from you within 2 days, or it will go to someone else using a random drawing.

- The person that nominated the winner will also receive some goods. They will receive one FREE set of templates, as well as a $100 gift voucher to use on any design service I offer (logos, business cards, blog header, splash pages, etc., etc.).

- You may not nominate yourself! Let's keep with the spirit of giving folks. :o)

- A person cannot be nominated more than once - let's keep it fair! Any duplicate entries will be deleted.

Do it fast - this contest will stop accepting entries on Monday, May 12th! Winner will be chosen Tuesday, May 13th.

Rules and all that jazz:

Winner will receive 2 concepts and 3 revisions based off the questionnaire sent to them. They will receive their logo in both layered Photoshop .psd and also the vector (Illustrator) .ai file.

Winner agrees to all terms and policies as stated on my site.

Gift voucher presented to the nominating person does not have to be used, but if used, must be within 30 days of contest end.

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Whew! It has been a crazy busy few weeks for me. As always, you all are keeping me on my toes (which is a good thing!). I am finishing a lot of things up this week, so if you are expecting something from me, you just may have it in your inbox before the weeks end.

Also, I am not going to be in the office Friday due to a business trip I'm taking. Which brings me to...

Some changes will likely take place starting next week. Fewer clients per month mostly, so that I can dedicate more time to each client, and also to other ventures. Chocolate Cactus isn't going anywhere, so don't worry!

Another change is my offering consulting services. Over the years, I have been asked by numerous clients and friends if I would offer these types of services geared towards marketing and branding their photography businesses. The answer (after years of thinking on it) is yes! As most services offered, this will be on a VERY limited basis (2 clients per month). These include (but certainly aren't limited to): helping with business name creation, consulting on branding and identity creation and implementation, marketing that new brand, etc. For more information, feel free to email me.

So there's my quickie update! More later; Illustrator beckons.... :o)

Just a little reminder

Just a quick reminder that as it states on my site, please allow up to 2-3 business days to receive email replies. While I try to reply right away, or even the same day, it's not always possible due to the extremely high volume I receive daily. My email response times have been a little slower than usual (and I appreciate your patience), but know that I WILL reply. Also, my business hours are Monday-Friday, 9-5 (I do not work weekends unless trying to make deadlines).

Thanks for taking note!

Jodi

All templates - buy one, get one FREE

For the next 48 hours, buy any set of templates, get the second set FREE! (Equal or lesser value) Actions ARE included!

So, tell me....

Who are ya? How did you find me?

I've been thinking about this (and the awesome blog following I have) and have often wondered how people heard about me. Besides, I see you over there (you know, to the left and down some) - from all over the world - Canada to Egypt (seriously!).

Just post a comment with a quick "Hi!" and how you got here. It would be great to "meet" you all! Let's see how many people comment. :o)

By the way, the oral surgery went well, I am just very, very sore and look like Mike Tyson and I got into it. Hey, at least I still have my ear. *snork*

The other side of me

Recently, I have had a few clients seem surprised when they discovered that I was a photographer as well. Because of that (and quite a few requests), I decided to share some of my work with you all. My love is macro photography and florals. Such a great outlet! I am not a good "people" photographer at all - totally not pretty - haha.

I'm a Nikon gal, but I won't hold it against you if you're a Canon kind of person. *wink*

Oral surgery (darn those teeth)

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I will be out of the office and unavailable on Thursday, April 17th. I am having oral surgery to remove 2 wisdom teeth (one of which is causing me "this is up there with labor pains" type pain). Does anyone want to trade places with me? I know you're jealous. :o)

Signed,
The Wuss

I am hoping to return to work Friday, but if for any reason I will not be available, I will have an out of office reply on my email, and will post here as well.

Designer's Diner

Sit Tight - A New Community For Designers is Coming Soon - Designer's Diner. Good Food (for thought), Good Design, and Good Fun - all in one place! It will be open to the Novice as well as the Pro and even the Do-It-Yourselfer.

Please email eat@designersdiner.com to apply for Membership. Be aware there will be a pre-screening process and you will be placed in the proper group according to your experience and portfolio. Note: We reserve the right to refuse membership to anyone for any reason.