You Think?

Hmmm... I wonder if all the looking at maps to find my way around NYC better is having an effect on the patterns I'm working on. I just was playing around with this one...and I think it is!

Getting Closer!

I have been one busy bee. So...I'm working away on the real SJ website...here it is so far. I'm liking it a lot, but I'm still undecided on the background....which I want to be a photo of some sort, but blurry. It's really important to me that I somehow communicate that the designs are made in a real place, by a real person...and I think that photography is an important part of that. But, it's also important that I present the items in a clean and crisp way...so that people know that I am really committed to the brand, and to the experience.

In all my years as a designer, this was a fundamental part of building anyone's brand...to communicate in the way that they felt most comfortable with, and that best reached their audience. It's really exciting to be doing it for myself, now. There are no rules, and no standards...and I have to be careful not to be too much of a perfectionist! But, luckily, I tend to be a *little* impatient, so my rule is that I throw things out there when I think they are 'good enough' and then correct as I go...with what customers tell me, or with what I find out myself.

I feel like I've been out of touch for so long...My last entry was the 16th! Truth is, things have been hectic, and I'm just starting to come up for air. Orders have all made it out on time, though, and I'm hanging in! I hope all of you are doing well, and to those of you who I've had the pleasure of meeting via etsy or this blog, you will hear more from me soon!

xo
Susy

In Bloom

Some exciting news today...literally...and I can't say too much because I haven't *seen* it yet..but somewhere, in the Washington Post, is a picture of SusyJack studio clips! So exciting. I'm going out to get the issue today...I can't wait to see it!

An update on the move to NYC...it's complete, so my address has changd from an 021 to an 100...oooh! I'll have more NY news into the fall. It's been interesting trying to manage all of this transition-- from starting a new company, to leaving one city for another, to starting work on a new set of designs while promoting the first collection...I'm looking forward to having a home-base to work from. It will make a big difference!

Bookish

Here are a couple of new books, soon to be added to the store line-up. I am planning on offering some new colors, like a hot pink and a green, as well. So far, I have the orange and blue all made and ready to go. These are not that big...only 5.25" x 5.625...about the size of a cd case. I'm trying out new designs on smaller-scale books, to save materials, for now. Ones I think work especially well might get bigger!

Sketchfest

I did manage to do a little doodling while away...I just brought these in to refine this morning....still working on it...but happy with the vibe of these little explorations, so far. I sort of think the hope idea might be better in blue...but yellow is just so pretty!

Skipping Town

I'll be away at fabulous Lake George with my family and my sweetie this weekend.... August 3 to August 7. Orders that were placed before today (Friday) will be shipped before I leave, today. All other orders will ship when I get back. I'll be able to re-stock the store, and also to email now and then, but I won't be able to make or send products!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend. I know I can't wait to jump into the water!

xo Susy

Studio Clips Demo

Not that I think people can't figure out how to do this themselves...but...I thought I would share these photos. The cord was made just by braiding string. I decided to make the original studio clips set for myself, because i was totally unenthused about getting a big, heavy bulletin board. This is much nicer, and, I think, helps me switch up what's hanging around much more frequently. And CHANGE IS GOOD!

Touch of Gold

Working on collection for the fall...Here's a little taste. I like the black and gold combination, and the ornate-meets-basic vibe of this Turkish Journal. it will be interesting to see how the colors change, into a colder season! So far, this is the only little hint of thngs to come in my etsy shop. But, I cannot wait to add more. Lots of orders are going out today, so I have to run and complete them, plus start packing for my move to NYC (which happens on the 15th! Yaaay!) Enjoy your day, all!

IT'S GROWING!

Ok, it isn't a full-fledged e-commerce wonder of the world yet, but it is a lovely under construction page!
So....I guess I could say it's "official"...SusyJack.com is up and...well, running. Ok, walking...Ok, standing there looking cute.

JUST FOR FUN

Wooo! Wow! Whoa.

Hello Everyone.

Gotta say, when I started SusyJack, I really wasn't sure how it would be received...actually, for several months, I played around with patterns and designs...and I tried so HARD to make them look 'right'. I tried to make them look like other patterns I had seen looked....and yes, it was fun, but it was so exhausting. I felt like the work didn't come from me.

This week, I feel so blessed to have had feedback from individuals who took the time to be supportive of my work, and also to mention what they liked about it... and who would have thought, all the things that they liked are the things that I like!

It's amazing to feel affirmed. And I'm honored that people have begun to order the journals, and some of the other products to have for their own. I almost can't believe it....well, *almost*. I believe in the designs, too....and in their happy shapes, and I try to keep them simple so that people can find their own meaning in them. Now off to fill some orders. It's all so exciting.

Above is a recently listed item...with custom spine patterns. This journal is a little sturdier than the others-- it's pretty thick, with white paper instead of newsprint. We'll see!

STUDIO CLIPS

So...I'm starting to think of display options for the newest addition...and I really like the tin can! I am thinking that it might be nice to add some sort of fun label, with a price/each so that retailers could order a can and a bunch of clips. That is definitely something to think about.

I've been working on a few new orders (very exciting!) and I haven't had much time to start any new designs...but hopefully today, that will happen.

Choose Your Own Adventure!

Soon, soon, I will begin doing business in a *slightly* different way, which centers more on 'pick your pattern' than 'here is the pattern'. I am hoping that this is more fun and flexible for buyers. Of course, designs will still be the same fun and fresh patterns they are now, but there will be more to choose from, and an element of DIY to the orders.

I have several ideas of what I would like to start applying patterns to, so I will probably get to work in the next few days making some of that happen. As I am finding my target audience, it's really interesting to be forming the business plan somewhat at the same time...I'm really enjoying it!

Above is just a little taste of one of the applications....clothespins.

Freeform Journals

Here's the first of a series of journals I'm working on with more improvisational covers...I really wanted to create something with light colors and thin line. So far, so good. It feels great to experiment.

Big Order

Well, I just wrapped up a big order for a store in Colorado....my first wholesale order, wooo! I hate to say goodbye to these journals....but I know they are on their way to a good home. I would love to keep them around so I could snap a few more pictures of the group of them!

Adios, little friends....have fun in the big bad world. haha

Going Dotty

Ok, so I have all these dots from making large-hole gift tags...
now what should I do with them?
Maybe I could practice taking more pictures. The patterns are so pretty that they inspire me to try and learn how to better use my camera!

In other news, I bought some clothespins today, so I hope to be able to try out applying some patterns to them. I would love to have some really cool studio clips to use around here.

Experiments

I've been thinking that I might post some work that is more experimental on etsy, along with the products that are in the collection. Sort of a ones of a kind thing.... Above is a pattern sketch I was working on today. I love the way that the grain looks under the pattern, when you knock the shapes out of it.

Welcome to my Blog!

Here it is....the SusyJack blog. This is where I hope to post photos and musings about current projects and items that I have cooking in the studio. Up there is a photo of some new gift tags that I recently posted in my shop on Etsy. Coming later this week, if all goes as planned, is SusyJack.com, the official website and webstore. So, fingers crossed, there will be more news and more to share.