How Low Can You Logo?

Recently, we entered a graphic design contest called "How Low Can Your Logo?"  The object of the contest was to design the worst logo possible for a client called Excellencico - a global e-commerce company.  Normally, Abby is in charge of all design work for our firm, but this particular job she was happy to hand to me.  I could hardly quell my excitement!  I get to design something without the slightest concern that the end product would be liked by a client?  In fact, I want it to be disliked?  What could be better than that?

After hours of planning and dreaming, I created this: a logo that is almost trying to be good, but is really quite awful.

Abby looked at it and shuddered - which was a good sign.  I sent it off to the judges at "How Low Can You Logo?" and wondered what would become of my best attempt at badness.

We received notice tonight that my logo, out of the 1400 entries, has been selected to be one of the 12 finalists in the contest! I couldn't be more pleased to be bad.

Abby claims that you need to know what good is in order to create something that is truly bad.  She insists that this means I have a secret and hidden talent towards visual arts.  Perhaps.  Maybe the pressure to create something good had been cramping my inner muse.  It is possible that this is just the beginning of my creative genius...  or, I should stick to blog writing.  I'll let you know what I decide!

Check out our logo and its competition, and read all about the contest and the fictional client, at www.howlowcanyourlogo.com

Christmas Confessions

I have a confession to make.  I absolutely HATE baking for Christmas.  Baking for any reason, really.  It's too restrictive and controlled for my style; since I can't eat wheat, it is a tremendous amount of work for something I'm not allowed to enjoy.  Christmas baking seems especially laborious to me because it is expected.  I resent walking past the rows and rows of baking supplies in the grocery stores - the ones that shout at me "You aren't part of an awesome holiday tradition!  You are seriously lacking in all things maternal and womanly!"  So, in response to these horrible baking voices, I have devised a plan.  I scour the local bakeries for Christmas goodies and let the professionals do the work for me.

One of my recent trips took me to Putnam Market in Saratoga Springs, NY.  It is among my favorite guilty pleasures.  Just walking through the store and admiring the shelves of fresh baked goods, specialty items, and delicious savories makes my mouth water. 

 

Since my husband was born and raised in the UK, I love that I can bring him some Christmas 'biscuits' and tea from the homeland.  As for me, I stock up on the things that I can eat - cheese, olives, marinades and sauces - to make holiday entertaining that much easier.

On my way out?  I indulge in the purchase of a gift basket for the upcoming holiday party.  And all of this is infinitely more fun than baking.

Just don't tell my kids.  They still think I slaved over those ginger cookies.

A Tale of Two Thanksgivings

A beautiful table with neatly pressed, white linens.  Cream colored dishes and candlelight.  Cranberries floating in crystal vases.  Delicate decanters of ginger syrup.  Conversations and laughter, flickering jewelry and smiles.

Two oddly shaped tables shoved together.  Stained tablecloths and mismatched plates.  Bowls of creamed vegetables, spilling over.  Lasagna as a side dish kept in the kitchen.  Loud laughter and chaotic conversations.

These are the two Thanksgivings of Sharpe Designs.  Abby and her family celebrated with style and class.  As for me and mine?  Well, we celebrated with volume and vigor.  And despite the massive differences between our two days, the similarities were all that mattered.  Lots of love, fantastic friendships, incredible enjoyment, delicious food, and overwhelming thanks.

(Send us photos of your thanksgivings or a description of how your day was different than ours and we may post it.)

Sometimes Work Is Too Fun To Be Called Work

On Friday, we conducted a training seminar for approximately 100 teens at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Our topic was Social Marketing, and the purpose of the training was to encourage teens to use social media pages to help them raise awareness for their cause. That sounds serious and important, right? Actually, it was incredibly fun! It was so much fun that it seemed like a good thing to blog about, even though we usually reserve this blog for things we do 'off the clock'.

The kids that attended the seminars were helpful and enthusiastic.  The venue was perfect.  The day was clean and crisp.  The other speakers were interesting and knowledgeable.  And we had a blast!  Especially during the final event of the day.  We designed a game show style review, complete with challenges inspired by Fear Factor.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to Reality Check of Rockland County for hosting such an awesome training event.

Hello Chocolate, My Old Friend

It is not an exaggeration to say that in this world there are few things I value more than a really good piece of chocolate.  The hunt for it is endless.  There are so many poor quality chocolates masquerading in nice wrappers and pretty boxes.  But when I find a rich, creamy, smooth, velvety chocolate - ah!  The sweet, delicious satisfaction!

Chocolates created at The Chocolate Mill

I am partial to dark chocolate, preferably accompanied by a glass of full-bodied red wine.  During the long, winter evenings, I curl up by the wood stove and read a book with Chocolate and Merlot, my dear friends.  It is enough to make me thankful for short, cold, sunless days.

My favorite chocolate of late is the Caramel with Sea Salt sold at the The Chocolate Mill in Glens Falls, NY - who also brew an incredible cup of coffee.  On my latest trip there, I had sweet potato soup and a house salad.  Both were delicious.  After eating my fill, I purchased chocolates to bring home.  And as soon as this blog is finished, I think I will open the box and uncork the wine.

The little chocolates are the caramels with sea salt

This seems like a good time to wrap up this post, don't you think?  After all, my friends are waiting.