The Exceptional Creative

Hello! It's been a long while since I've hung out here on the studiom blog, but it's for good reason. I've been pushing through a few new rhino-sized projects as referenced earlier. I'm thrilled to announce that one of them has launched. It's a website for entrepreneurial graphic designers looking to take their business to the next level. You can read all about it below.

It's official. We've launched.

The Exceptional Creative is built on the principle that success comes from being the exception to the rule. As creatives (designers, copywriters, art directors, photographers, etc), we are the subject of some less-than-savory stereotypes. Let’s face it. We have a reputation for being pretentious, flighty, fragile, stubborn, bitter, bohemian and totally self-absorbed. Insulted yet?

On the other side of those stereotypes lies limitless success. Exceptional Creatives make the most money, get the most interesting jobs, have a never ending stream of referrals and experience the most satisfaction in their work.

A revolution is underway, led by a new generation of creatives who are exceptions to the rule. If you’re serious about getting, doing and keeping exceptional work, please join us. Get on our website, check out the toolkit, and start thinking about what it means to rise above the status quo.

While you're there, be sure to grab our free download and start keeping your clients happy and organized today. If you decide you'd like to purchase the kit, move fast: the first 50 purchasers will get $20 off (use the code HELLOWORLD).

We're happy to have you!

Join us on facebook too: www.facebook.com/theexceptionalcreative

Oh, and Twitter of course: @ExceptionalC

"The Exceptional Creative’s debut project is a downloadable kit, packed with business templates created specifically for graphic designers. With years of experience in exceeding her clients’ expectations when it comes to communication and professionalism, Clark’s toolkit provides designers with the same strong, effective communication and organizational tools she uses every day. Whether you’re a longtime freelancer or newly self-employed, you’ll find all the documents you need to implement a step-by-step professional workflow in A Toolkit for Designers, including contracts, questionnaires, invoices and and even a Client Contract, drafted by a business attorney. The all-in-one kit also includes a PDF guide with instructions, tips and tricks."

If you have any questions, suggestions or just plain 'ol thoughts about the new endeavor, please holler. I'd love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Megan

StudioM | Featured Designer on INKD

I popped onto inkd.com this afternoon to see what was new and exciting...and apparently it's me! How funny - of all the design they've featured my work on their home page for the time being. Thanks, INKD! I love you, too. (If you haven't checked them out yet, you really should. You can find out more here.)

Cleaning it up on INKD.

I told you to stay tuned for more custom design work from StudioM on inkd.com. You didn't have to wait long! The fabulous staff of Inkd just uploaded an additional 200 designs to 'The World's First Market for Original Print Design". A few of those 200 comprise a set I created for a cleaning company. Take a peek at my studio profile if you'd like.

If you know me at all, you know I love everything tidy, clean and pristine: my house, my dog, my office, my design. So this project felt like a personal campaign to get those who are not as obsessive compulsive as me to leave it to the experts. The fictitious client is Charm Cleaning Company. The logo, headlines and tag line were contrived by yours truly. Hopefully another entrepreneurial/compulsive individual can find this set and put it to work for them. 

Design can make the world a cleaner place. Happy Earth Day, by the way!

See more about the set here.

All photos from inkd.com

Get Inkd.

Inkd | The World's First Market for Original Print Design.

The brand new Inkd website launched this week! I received a e-notice in my inbox and was flabbergasted to see my design work in the featured pieces. (I'll give you one hint which is mine - Woof!)

I'm usually very wary of designing templates. I sort of categorize it with the idea of doing spec work: it's not the 'proper' way to go about designing things and in most cases, it's not what's best for the client either.

Buuuuut....when I got involved with Inkd in January, I decided to give it a shot. They are technically in the business of facilitating the creation, marketing and purchasing of design templates; but they do it a little differently. They actually care for good design. They don't accept sub-par work. They also allow each designer to have full credit and a presence on their website. Every contributer has a profile which includes their contact information. This is key. Once someone purchases a file, they have full freedom to contact the designer in order to make the piece their own. Don't get me wrong, this absolutely does not take the place of all the research and time it takes for a designer to really get to know their client and do quality work that helps them accomplish their goals and objectives. But it does give those who need design help some good options...and a long list of designers who are willing to freelance. I'm all about that. You can see some of the work I've done below...

A set for an antique store. See more here.

A set for a hardware store. See more here.

A set for a pet adoption agency. See more here.

And there will be more to come. Stay tuned....

P.S. All photos from inkd.com