New website published

I have just completed the design for my personal wedding website. View it here.

Please let me know if you have any problems viewing it. I'm am still working out some kinks in IE6 (sigh).

classic modern designs is now on Etsy

Right now I'm just listing jewelry. If I find that works, I will add items from the graphic design realm (probably after Thanksgiving). Wish me luck!

http://www.ClassicModernDesigns.etsy.com

What's in a name? avd designs is changing to classic modern designs

Classic: \ˈkla-sik\ adjective - serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

Modern: \ˈmä-dərn, ÷ˈmä-d(ə-)rən\ adjective - of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time; involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas

Why the name change? "avd designs" is simply my initials with the word "designs" slapped on the end. I coined the name 5 years ago when I started my jewelry design business and needed a name and logo in a relatively short time, and I wanted to concentrate on making a great (to my completely untrained eye) logo, so the name was short-changed a bit.

Original Logo, circa 2003:


Redesigned Logo, circa 2006:


When I was coming to the end of my graphic design certificate, I was in need of a business name and logo once again, and I thought I would expand avd designs into a graphic design "division" and again concentrated on making a smashing logo for the external identity of the business, rather than fining a better name for the core identity of the business.

Graphic Design "Division" Logo, circa 2008:


There was also the issue of the website. I built the avd designs jewelry website in 2006, using iWeb application on my then-new MacBook. It was deceivingly easy to use, which is great for someone who doesn't want to do anything "complicated" like insert external html code, such as to add shopping cart and check-out functionalities. I must note that I had this trouble using the older version of iWeb, and iWeb Enhancer was a nice work-around. I hear the newest version of iWeb in iLife is more flexible, so that's something, but I've moved on to bigger and better things. Since I've started a web design program and am learning to write XHTML and CSS for myself, I am envisioning an integrated jewelry/graphic/web design website to sell/show off my work in all three areas.

So, as I am currently in the process of designing my new website, I believe now is the perfect opportunity to reinvent, and in some regards refine, all aspects of my business, from the name to the logo to the style and philosophy of my design. That's where "classic modern designs" comes into the picture.

I was trying to think of a name that captures my design style, which is modern and timely in a way, but also classic and timeless in another. I design jewelry and graphics that are relevant now, but will endure for the long haul. In continuance with this theme, the logo needed to be simple, clean, and elegant, to further reflect what (all) my designs are about.

My favorite colors are blue and green, specifically the combination of navy and chartreuse, so that naturally became the color theme. I also ADORE unique typefaces, but again wanted to use fonts that would not be kitschy, and would not go out of vogue in a few years. This is what I have developed:


(Classic Modern Logo, circa 2008)

I believe design is a process, and I even though I meet a deadline or clear a deliverable, I am never done with my work, so I welcome your thoughts and comments for consideration for modifications. In that vein, not only will I be developing the new classic modern designs website, but this blog will grow and improve as I learn new code (my latest favorite obsession), so stay tuned to the content as well as the background!

welcome

Welcome to the avddesigns portfolio. I am a graphic designer currently seeking freelance print design projects. I hope to be taking on web design projects soon. Feel free to view my work, leave comments, and contact me to design something special for you.

Thanks for visiting,
~a