WTF Now? I set out to see if Playing Dress Up would Prevent Creative Block?

Sometimes when I start a new project I experience a design stage fright. For instance, I’m starting a business card design for a Coffee Shop and Cafe today. Simple enough,right?

Naah uhh. As I sit in front of my 24″, glowing, blank, screen, it painfully sucks away whatever glimmer of inspiration I once had with hoover like speed and efficiency.

What I need is for Belinda the Good Witch to come along and sprinkle wind chime-infused fairy dust over my head while unicorns sing melodies of sweet inspiration onto my mind. But that rarely happens…

So, I’m going to try out this game called “Day in the Life” from Creatingminds.org

For this, I’ll need to do some roleplaying. My client has two major customer groups:

1. The Local: Because I’m in San Diego I’ll be heading for the Golden Hill/ South Park area coffee shops.  I’m wearing a scarf, t-shirt and tennis shoes. Not too unusual, just trying to blend in and feel “local”.

2. The Tourist: For this I’m wearing a ridiculously giant sun hat and  flip flops. I’ll fit right in on the streets of Old Town.

My impressions as a “Local”:

• The cashier looked at me funny (suspiciously) when I took a card.
• One place didn’t even have cards – menus only
• Two places had “frequent customer” cards that were held not by the customer but on the counter in a card catalog. Not really functioning as a business card, just shaped like one.
• I wondered “WHY” would a local spot need a card? Why would I call/need the address?

My Impressions as a “Tourist”:

• Cards were available. To go menus too.
• I was really in the mood to buy something… a souvenir perhaps?
• I brought cards home, I’ll probably throw them away. If they had been souvenier-like (postcard/cool art) I might keep them.
• A Menu might be nice to have while I’m in town?

Did it work? Sure, it got me thinking about what I’d like/need/want as a customer. Not exactly an exercise for design dilemmas though. I’d say it’s a great way to START or re-inspire a project…

Side note: My tourist disguise worked! A family in photo-taking, vacation-mode offered to exchanged this photo opportunity. It’s a good souvenir I might add!  I thought it was cool that the two girls wanted to pose with me on the covered wagon…

Creative Tools Source:

“How to Invent (Almost) Anything” by David Straker and Graham Rawlinson.  “CreatingMinds.org”

Sign-O-Licious…. it’s Retrotacular!

Please allow me to introduce
the Retrotacular, the Illustrious, the shiny new…

Sign-O-Licious!

If you’ve always wanted your name in lights or
to run away with the circus now you can!
With the easy to use, no assembly required…
SIGN-O-LICIOUS Instamatic.
With this product you can be on your way in no time.
You too can be a star!*

Pharmacy Icon in Lights. Fresh, Alive and Hand Painted

Cactus & Succulents. Fresh, Alive and Hand Painted

Garden Cashier. Fresh, Alive and Hand Painted

Bakery Parking. Fresh, Alive and Hand Painted

Elizabethan Desserts Pies & GOodies. Fresh, Alive and Hand Painted

Hot Sweet Buttered Corn. Fresh, Alive and Digitally Illustrated

 

Choose from:

• Your Name** in Lights
• Personalized Neon Nostalgia Mode… Motel, Diner, Pharmacy or Casino style
• Sideshow Banner featuring YOU**
• and many more uniquely hand-created curiosities…

** YOUR NAME and/or YOUR LIKENESS can be substituted for:

1. PRODUCT NAME or ICON

2. PET NAME or PORTRAIT

3. STAGE NAME or LIKENESS

4. BUSINESS NAME or LOGO

*Some restrictions apply of course. Over use may cause signitosis syndrome and other exhilarating effects. Addictive ingredients have been added. Not FDA , USDA, IRA, WKRP, NRA, or MSG approved.

Website and other fine products coming soon.

You’ve seen the NEON JESUS…

Now feast your eyes on some other working examples of the Sign-O-Licious Instamatic!

FRESH, ALIVE and HAND PAINTED

Safe City… Tee Shirt Design on Threadless

A new submission for Threadless. My illustration called “Safe City” is a hybrid version of a city built with guns. Is it safer now? You be the judge.

Thanks for looking and voting!

What do Dinosaurs and Smoking have in Common?

Oh damn, I’m not a comedian… but, uhm… they are both in the running for Tees on Threadless.  Check them out… Let me know what you think.

Octorilla and Frog Hare Tee’s – Check them out and Vote!

Hey Everyone!I’ve been working on Threadless.com submissions using some of my drawings to create Tee’s. I have more in the works… Titles like:”Smoking is Cool””Fly Spy””Clowns are my Friends””Circus Freak” “Hi-Fiveosaurs” Keep posted – Shirts for sale (hopefully) coming soon!Check them out and VOTE NOW!    

www.jeanettevieira.com is LIVE

The NEW website is live.

Since 1997 I’ve been doing graphic design, illustration and then in 1999 I added web design to my skill set. Currently I’m freelancing in San Diego, check out my portfolio and if you need any graphic design, drop me an email.

I’m interested in illustration, painting and print design.

http://www.jeanettevieira.com