Back In The Game

It's been a while since I've posted, which I apologize for, but I have been both busy as heck and suffering from a case of writer's block.

The good stuff is still happening! I've been singing plenty with The One and Only Bill Davis; he is finishing the cleaning up of his Omnichord X-mas album, and sending it out to be mastered within the next day or two. I was lucky enough to be asked to sing on one of the tracks AND do the layout of the album cover. It's coming along well so far - it definitely helps to work with a person who knows what he wants.

Screen shot of the work in progress

Bill is not only a great singer/composer/arranger, but he's been flexing his design muscles on his last two albums. The Up To Something! artwork was entirely his concept - I just did the layout design. He created the drawings for the Omnichord record ages ago in a Paint program on an old PC laptop, and, again, I'm just laying it out. I love that I married a man who likes to cross creative genres!

Front and back covers-do you see the faint drawing of Bill in the background of the back cover?

I recently reconnected with a client I had worked with in late 2012/early 2013, and she gave me a copy of a postcard/pamphlet cover that I had laid out months ago. She just sent it out to 200 people, so I'm pleased it came out so well.

My next project with these wonderfully creative folks is designing Rob's website

Here are another couple of ads I've contributed to this year:

I did the photography, post-production, and layout for this Frames By U ad, featured in the
Nashville Arts Magazine Gift Guide

I took the photograph used in the ad for Bennett Galleries, also found in the
Nashville Arts Holiday Gift Guide

Even with writer's block, I'm so grateful to have all of these great opportunities to work on so many creative projects!

Modern Southern Style

Though this post isn't music or photo-related, I am all about supporting local and unique businesses. I am currently loving Flourish Floral Designs by Leah Teague. Based out of Knoxville, her creations range from feminine with an edge to fairy tale whimsical. We met a while ago at a bar on the East side of town, and she is totally adorable and a powerhouse of talent and motivation. Here are a few of the pieces I have my eye on:

Red leather studded cuff with white lace and white satin ribbon.

A custom top hat for a carnival-themed wedding. I want three in different colors.

This headband is not my day-to-day style, but I'd love to wear it while gardening.  The cuff, however, would absolutely make it into my regular jewelry rotation.

You can find Flourish Floral Designs on Etsy, follow her on Pinterest and facebook, and see her creations on her website. 

The Midwest

I was lucky enough to go on tour with The One and Only Bill Davis in Brookfield, IL, Manitowoc, WI, and Milwaukee, WI. I didn't get too many photos (road life is BUSY!), but here are a few snapshots. Enjoy!

Somewhere in Indiana...

I never thought I'd find beauty in the flatlands, but it's undeniably picturesque at times.

I've heard mixed reviews about the effectiveness and efficiency of the windmills.

Coming in from the south on I94.

Traveling along Lake Street, heading West.

A little brother and a little practice. It was the first time my brother (Justin Collins, a.k.a. The Egg) and I performed together. It was a total blast!

Burgers and beer at Billy Goat's. A classic!

The Manitowoc, WI courthouse.

It was an amazingly fun, whirlwind trip, and it recharged my batteries! I'm glad to be home and in the saddle again!

Motorcycle Pics for The Grandparents

This morning's photo shoot was with Katie Merth of Nashville, TN. Her Grandpa, Roy Bork, a resident of Southwest Wisconsin, thinks it's pretty bitchin' that Katie rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I tend to agree. Katie is the proud rider of a Softail Deluxe. It's a huge bike, but it's detailing is classic. It's style works well for Katie, who favors an understated look with fun, yet subtle accessories. These are some shots from our session.

Katie, looking fly on her big ol' bike next to the Party House.

Semi-symmetry (say that ten times fast)

It's not a session with KT without a thumbs up!

Ready to roll

Keeping My Inner Dialogue Positive

I've been having a week of fits and starts. I'm currently waffling between angry and hyper-motivated, and discouraged and ready to crawl into bed. Everyone goes through this, both personally and in our jobs, whether we're scientists, artists, or full-time parents.

In the midst of this self-doubt, I am trying to keep several positive thoughts in mind:

1. I have a great life and a fun job. I even have my design work published on a regular basis.

A small ad I designed for one of my clients, Frames By U, as seen in the September 2013 issue of Nashville Arts Magazine.

2. Nashville has a wonderful network of people. I sat for portraits by Deone Jahnke a few days ago. She works with countless local artists, and is making a good name for herself in Nashville. She also happens to be a total sweetheart and one of my neighbors. Occasionally, she needs someone to feed and smoosh her kitties when she's out of town, so we have a trade of photos for pet care going on. Here's one of the photos from the first session:

I am totally willing to believe I really look like this.

3. A week from today, I'll be packing to go on the road for a small tour with The One and Only Bill Davis. We'll be playing in Brookfield, IL, Manitowoc, WI, and Milwaukee, WI. My brother's band will be backing us, and we're going to (hopefully) get paid to play music! While we travel! It's another important step in both Bill's and my music career, and it's really exciting!

4. I actually have everything I need. I am fed, clothed, and have a cozy house to call my own. My husband is talented, smart, loving, and supportive. My family, though they aren't very close geographically, is totally awesome, as are my in-laws. I am healthy and continue to make improvements in my life that keep me that way. All-natural soaps, anyone?

Made On Acorn Hill soaps

The little things often make the biggest differences, and I have to keep that in mind when I feel the weight of the responsibility of making the "right" choices. In the end, even "wrong" choices teach us something.

Now, on to conquering the world, one happy client at a time!!!

Tell me, what do you do turn things around when you start to feel low?

Some Photos of Cleveland, OH

I took my first trip to Cleveland at the end of July and got some shots of the city and the coast of Lake Erie. It's been a while since I've seen a body of water that large, and it did my soul good to stretch my eyes to the horizon.

I love this view. The bridge, the hills of gravel, the buildings, and the clouds make for a dynamic view of the city.

On the pier overlooking Lake Erie.

Looking back onto the city from the coast. The asymmetrical white building is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Watching the clouds move over the lake is awesome.

A beautiful day to sail.