In preparation for starting a business, I’ve read books and blogs, listened to solicited (and unsolicited advice), and sometimes just followed my gut. Of course, there are tons of decisions to make and one of them that I deliberated over for quite a while (mostly due to a very minimal budget) was whether or not to hire a graphic designer.
I have skills and talents in many things but graphic design is not one of them. Matt and I tried designing Home Made’s logo ourselves and quickly realized we were in over our heads – particularly considering your logo is the foundation of a business’ brand and it should be designed to last. Thankfully, once I made the big decision to hire a designer, my friend Stephanie made selecting which graphic designer the easy part.
About four years ago, Stephanie and I had dreamed of opening a business together–I guess this was my first phase of business planning. At the time, we imagined opening a business in Philadelphia and spent the entire summer researching and brainstorming together. Then, we decided that neither one of us was ready to take the plunge and I went back to giving social work (my chosen career path) another try. Stephanie ended up with a marketing strategy gig at BAJ Design, which turned out to be quite serendipitous. While we were no longer starting a business together, she could still be part of the process and instrumental in making sure Home Made started off right.
Working with Stephanie Singer and BAJ Design’s principal designer, Brian Jacobson, has been a wonderful experience and I wanted to give them both an official shout out. To complement their immense talent, they are patient, professional and really listen to their clients. And, with my print orders complete, I am finally seeing all of their contributions come together!
Upon seeing and touching these business cards and flyers, I couldn’t help but jump up and down with excitement (it must’ve been the ink used). I had to remind myself that I did not have them printed to hoard them.
Hand modeling by yours truly.
I am so happy with the flyer (and could have used a little moisturizer on those hands before modeling!). BAJ captured the simplicity of design that I wanted for my marketing materials and carried that over to my business card as well.
They’re square, too!
Home Made’s sign even went up this weekend. Yes, we seem to have a knack for selecting the coldest possible days (ie, roofing, installing the front entrance railing) to do outside jobs. Once the sign was hung, I hung around just long enough for Mom to snap a photo before scooting inside.
Brian and I decided to keep the sign design clean and utilize the structure that already existed on the property. When it warms up, I’ll paint the sign posts gray to make the sign stand out even more. Looking good!
Thank you so much, Brian and Stephanie!
If you would like to contact BAJ Design, you can check out their website at www.bajdesign.com or email Stephanie at stephanie.singer(at)bajdesign(dot)com.
Hey Julie! The branding is fabulous! I cant tell you how extremely excited I am for you. I wishi I could be in NJ to be at your grand opening Saturday! I am very jealous of all the crafting space you have. Everything looking wonderful. I love following your blog do you think will post projects here? I’m always looking for something new to try out. Scrapping and card making are one of my favorites and as soon as I have the space a sewing machine is going to be purchased. Especially with a little girl now to sew things for! Enjoy Saturday! Hopefully it will warm up a little. Can’t wait to see the place next time I am in NJ!
Thank you so much, Megan! It’s so fun that you are following Home Made’s progress across the country. I hope you’ll stop in when you’re back on this coast. I plan to post projects once all this painting is finished
. In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out their blogs already, you may want to scope out Anna Maria Horner and Heather Bailey. I have their fabrics in Home Made’s shop and know that they often post some free patterns online. How old is your baby girl? And, did I see your sister on “Say Yes to the Dress”?!
You did see Katie on Say Yes! Thank you I will definitely check out those blogs! Always looking for new ones to follow!
I have a little boy who will be 2 next week and my daughter is 2 months!
I love fabric! Just don’t always know exactly what to do with it! Will you sell stuff online?
awesome sign…awesome business card…awesome you! we can’t wait to see it all this weekend!! you go, fairy godmother!!
Love the old door shelving may have to steal the idea myself.Wish you much success!
Thanks, Maria! They do look quite good, don’t they?
Kudos to my Dad for putting them all together. Let us know if you need any pointers if you try to replicate!
Congratulations on your grand opening. Your father and I are so proud of you and wish you the best. It was a great team effort from alot of great friends and family. Thanks to all! Now, let’s get crafting!!!
I keep looking at website to see when there are going to be classes listed. When do you think that will happen? Bunch of friends are interested but no idea what you offer.
Hi Dana! I just posted the first installment of classes on the website so you can check them out – under “Studio.” I’ll be updating class offerings on a regular basis so if you don’t see any of interest, check back soon or feel free to suggest a class idea. Thanks for your interest!
Hi Julie-
Just found out about this!! I am so excited for you, you are going to be great! You had always had a gift, and I am glad that you are now doing what you love to do! From the pictures that I have since, it looks incredible! I can’t wait to stop by to see it in person!