Happy 2012 (:  I know I’m a little late to the game on that one, but better late than never, right?  This year has already gotten off to a cray-zay start (the good kind), and I’m just now starting to feel like I’ve arrived in 2012.  So, here’s a little rundown of news and updates and other random stuff, just to get this little blog going again:

1.  I’M HAVING A BABY.  That’s right. Might as well just get it out there.  And can I just say that being pregnant is super fun (now that I’m past the first trimester zombie stage, that is).  So, coming in August – lots of newborn photography (:

2.  As a result of #1, I will only be taking on a limited number of photography sessions this spring and early summer.  If you’ve ever had a session with me, you know I like to climb on things, lay on the ground, and rearrange furniture (or whatever else happens to be in my way). As we get into June, July, and August, I don’t think I’ll be able to do these things quite so easily and I don’t want to not be able to give my clients my absolute best.  So, if you want a spring or summer session, please let me know asap by clicking HERE.

4.  I’m definitely still taking on graphic design projects, so keep ‘em coming!  Business cards, logos, brochures, wedding invites, save-the-dates, baby announcements, or anything else graphic design related.  I’m working on a new site for my graphic design portfolio, so be on the look out for that soon.

5.  I’ve started writing for Constant Chatter. A fun site with lots of great content and a group of fabulous writers. Check it out sometime!  I’m really enjoying getting back into writing (most of you probably didn’t know I was a newspaper reporter and photographer back in the day).

6.  Even before finding out about our little doodlebug, one of my goals for 2012 was to do more photography just for the fun of it, outside of portrait sessions or client projects.  I’m going to stick with that goal, and hopefully be posting more of those images here – something I usually shy away from, so be kind!!  Thus begins Photo Walk Wednesday, wherein I’ll post photos from a walk I’ve been on during the previous week.  This particular one is from a hike to Baskins Creek that J and I did over the weekend.  I love the Smoky Mountains.  Even this time of year, when everything is so gray and empty.  The evergreens and moss provided beautiful color amidst the gray and rain.  And I have to say, hiking in the rain is pretty invigorating, but it makes it hard to take a lot of photos.  Hopefully this week’s walk will be more fruitful (:

~A

Yes, I’m still here (:  Just swinging by to let you know that, and to share one of the many graphic design projects I’ve been working on over the last few weeks.  This one is for CU Studio Share, a fabulous new space in Champaign, IL, that will be available to artists of all kinds.  We don’t always need a studio space, but when we do it’s really nice to have a good one available to rent.  Allyson and Holly are both photographers, so they understand what it’s all about and I’m pretty certain they will do it up right (:

In other news, October is apparently coming early this year (as in this weekend!!). Don’t say I didn’t warn you.  That means that it is REALLY time to start thinking about those holiday pictures. I know I’m already feeling behind getting the word out.  So, if you need family photos for holiday gifts or cards, let me know – like, right now – by clicking here.  In early November, I’ll be having a day of mini sessions in Columbia, S.C. so if you’re in that area, keep an eye out for details here and on my Facebook page.  It will be a great way to get those holiday pictures at special pricing!!

~Anna

I designed this logo for the Association of Title IX Administrators, which is an emerging organization in the world of higher ed administration. The client knew they wanted the colors red and black, and it was obvious that the IX Roman numerals would play a prominent role in the design.  Then it was just a matter of putting everything else in place.   There were a few other drafts before we got to this conclusion, this was obviously ‘the one.’  I love it when that happens (:

This summer has been my busiest so far for photography sessions, but in between those and the chaos of moving 800 miles away, I’ve been working on several graphic design projects.  This one was a logo for an up-and-coming brewery in the city, 4 Paws Brewing. {I’ve sampled the Hefeweizen and can vouch for its greatness.}  They’re in the process of redesigning their website, but in the meantime you can keep up with the latest on their Facebook page.  Support your local brewers!!  Below are a couple of draft logos that were eventually reworked to come up with the final product.

~ Anna

I know, I know.  This blog is supposed to be about things other than photography. With spring in full swing I’d much rather be outside with a camera than sitting at my desk, but there are graphic design projects in the works.  To prove it I thought I’d share the my most recent completed design project – a simple logo for a new organization.  I’ve worked with the folks behind SCOPE before, so I had an idea of the aesthetic they like – professional and clean, livened up through color.  For me, choosing color palettes is the funnest {and most challenging} part of the process.  I mean, when someone says they want “orange, pink, and red” – well, that could go horribly astray!!  For SCOPE, we decided to use circles to illustrate encompassing the entire scope of the issue.  From there it was just a matter of deciding where and how the circles would be incorporated.  We all agreed that using it as the “O” was the most compelling. So placement and color palettes were all that remained.  The final product is above {there are also a few other versions for different uses}, and a few drafts that didn’t make the cut are below.

If your business, organization, blog, or event needs some personalized graphic design attention, I would love to work with you!  Feel free to contact me to set up a consultation.

~Anna

Isn’t that an old proverb?  If not, it should be.

As I’ve been hinting for several weeks now, there are a lot (a LOT) of changes happening here! The most obvious being the new identity for my freelance photography business.  The old city|view photography is no more!  Consider yourself officially welcomed to my new blog.  Much prettier, don’t you think? (Thanks to the amazingly talented, and patient, Andy O’Keefe!)

My new website and blog are being redesigned to reflect my clear, simple style and encompass both my photography and graphic design work. In addition to sharing my latest client projects and photo sessions here, I’ll also be posting about my life, travels, and anything else that interests me (and hopefully you).

The new website, found at www.ai-creative.com, will be ready very soon, and I am so excited.  Make sure you stay tuned to this blog, though – there are more announcements coming, and to kick off the new site I’ll be giving away a free portrait session through a blog contest.

So, welcome! Sit back, enjoy, and leave a comment if you like.

~ Anna