Pick the Blackbird (TwitterBrew) label design (follow @OdellBrewing for details)

I'd love your help! My entry is "i".

Pick the Blackbird (TwitterBrew) label design (follow @OdellBrewing for details)

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Crowdspring and 99Designs

So, one of my newest attempts at making money while sitting on my couch is to try out these freelance farms.  Crowdspring and 99Designs are both websites that allow companies to post projects and then designers do the work, submit their designs and compete to win.  The company picks the winning design and then that designer gets paid.  

Technically speaking, it is most definitely a way for companies to take advantage of designers by not paying them for their time unless they deem them worthy of the pay.  However, in a down economy setup, it is also a way for designers who might be a little down on their luck (i.e. me) to get some work and money that may have otherwise been just out of their reach.  Not only is this a way to keep yourself active and working, but to build your portfolio as well.  

But, what do you think?  evil corporate idea? or fun new way to create design?

Adventures in Freelancing

So, I've moved to Fort Collins and am hellbent on finding a job in the creative industry as I refuse to 'settle' for another job that I will end up hating within a short time.  I would love to get a job as a junior designer or a marketing coordinator, but am not too picky as long as it will allow me to flex my creative muscle.  I have a lead on a marketing job and a photographer's assistant job right now.

However, they are still just leads... so, I have been delving into the world of freelance.  It's not too bad, although it feels like a lot of work for not that much pay off.  (i.e. applying for a new job everyday)  I totally understand why some designers charge so much per hour now, because it's not about the actual work done sometimes, but the follow up and all the technicalities leading up to the actual work.  Some people are super easy to work with... they know exactly what they want and it makes it so easy for me to deliver exactly that.  Others, not so much as convenient.

Sample Travel Article

Article I wrote about Sonora Bed & Breakfasts for Valley Direct Media:

Sonora Bed and Breakfasts - A World of Options
Sonora Bed and Breakfasts are a lesser-known secret that is quickly becoming well known in the world of private retreats. Located in the Central Sierra Nevada foothill region of California known as Gold Country, their location is nothing less than a golden opportunity. You can handpick from dozens of varied activities to dictate what type of vacation you would like to have in this quaint gold rush town.
Activities offered in the area include: panning for gold, hiking past glistening streams to sunset overlooks, mountain biking with trail offerings from beginner to expert, white water rafting, horseback riding, golf, fishing, boating on one of many lakes, live theater, spelunking, and mining. Positioned evenly between Yosemite National Park and the Dodge Ridge Ski Area, Sonora is surrounded by multi-seasonal options for exploration that are close enough for a day trip. The prime location of Sonora Bed and Breakfasts grants you access to all the wonders of the outdoors.
The town of Sonora is layered thick with history, and the Sonora Bed and Breakfasts play their part in upholding this ideal. Spend a day remembering the golden years from dawn till dusk. Wake in the morning to experience a handmade breakfast custom made for each guest every morning. Although each bed and breakfast is unique, each offers a breakfast that has been answered by rave reviews. During the day, you can visit one of the many museums in downtown Sonora and then shop for antiques in the historic area. In the evening, you can take a stagecoach ride to a live theater reenactment of the gold rush era. A few of the homes are placed in town amidst the subtle action of Sonora, whereas some prefer their outer skirts location. Depending on what you would like out of your vacation, you should choose wisely before picking a final destination.
With all the Victorian nostalgia wrapped up into the restored locations that Sonora Bed and Breakfasts have made their home; you may find yourself in more of the mind for relaxation. Many of the homes showcase private gardens and others are nestled amidst beautifully calming trees. However, the trees and gardens aren't the only way to relax in Tuolumne County. The Gold Country also hosts California's quieter wine country with over 20 wineries in the surrounding areas, boasting exquisite wines to help you sit back, relax, and enjoy the seclusion that is Sonora.

Beanies for Akinz!

So, in an effort to try to diversify my product line for Akinz, I have taught myself how to crochet and knit and created beanies! :) Of course, now the problem has been that I can't keep up with the orders! I guess that's not exactly a bad problem, but I'm tired of crocheting all the time.

Anway, here are a couple of the beanies I've put up on the Akinz website. Feel free to check out the rest and add your name to the list of orders. :)

Moving to Fort Collins

So, Andrew got the job as a web designer for Otter Box (a company that creates protective covers and waterproof cases) and he is moving to Fort Collins in a couple weeks. That means I'll be hanging out here in Steamboat without him for a little bit, but I'm headed there mid-April to join him. We went and looked at places to live yesterday and I think we did really well. We found a 2 br+ office house to rent with a backyard... and we found a 1BR + study super nice new condo to buy right in Old Town. We're looking into the loan finances, but honestly, I would be happy with either one.

Now I just have to find a job! Anyone out there in Fort Collins??

Climbing woes

So, we don't have a climbing gym here in Steamboat. Therefore, every chance we get to go to Denver, we hit up the Rock 'n and Jam 'n gym in Thornton. This past Sunday I think we might have gotten a little out of control... staying there for almost 5 hours of straight climbing. I have ripped skin on my fingers, blisters that are just waiting to inflict pain later and my back and arms are so sore that it is difficult to be typing this right now.

But it was so worth it. I climbed my first 5.10, sending the first one I tried and then finishing a grueling overhung 5.10 that I definitely didn't send, but I finished it! Now I am so excited to go back whenever I get a chance. Oh, if we could just open up that climbing gym here in town that we've been dreaming about...