Time for a REDESIGN

After much thought, I think now is the time for an Elements by Dawn redesign! Given today's economy (I'm really tired of hearing and saying that phrase...but) now is the perfect time to reevaluate my business plan, marketing plan, polish some designs I've had floating in my head, and give Elements a fresh coat of paint, as it were.

For the past few weeks I've been researching web designers / graphic artists and I think I've narrowed my search to three artists (and their respective coders!). I've chosen a new color palette and am working on a fresh logo design and tag line too.

I almost can't wait to begin the redesign! However, knowing myself all too well, I think I'll need to put it off a bit until I revisit my business plan, or like most people....I'll put off the less desirable projects until the last minute. :)

Here's to the FUTURE!

More REBRANDING

While my talented and uber-awesome DH works on my website and Blog, my job and focus has been on the aesthetics and eco-friendliness of the 'new' Elements by Dawn. Like I have mentioned before, the color scheme will remain mostly intact and my logo will not change. (After all, when was the last time Coca-Cola changed their logo and colors?!)

In addition to an updated website and new Blog, my packaging will also change. I currently use white paper boxes, which while very nice looking and gender neutral, are not as environmentally friendly as I would like. As most folks know, in order for paper to become white it is traditionally bleached. The bleaching process releases all sorts of nasty chemicals into the environment. I say, "no thank you!" I will be phasing in non-bleached paper boxes which also happen to be made from 100% recycled boxboard! I've also sourced new ribbon. The new ribbon is made from 70% post consumer waste and 30% post industrial scrap and uses water-based inks. How cool is that?!

My shipping boxes are currently recyclable and contain 30% post consumer waste. I'm satisfied with my shipping box supplier, though if I find a higher percentage of recycled material content with a different supplier, I may switch too.

I'm a little on the fence when it comes to packing peanuts. Yes, I know there are peanuts made from biodegradable cornstarch. I'm not 100% sold on that idea...yet. I have had some experience with the cornstarch peanuts and I'm afraid if one of my packages gets left in the rain or otherwise becomes damp, the recipient will have a gooey mess in their box. That's not the impression I want to make.

I currently use Styrofoam peanuts. I like them because I (and my customers) can reuse them over and over again. I have yet to purchase packing peanuts in the many years I have been in business. I like that! When I receive some peanuts in a box, I save them and reuse them. Sure, I have just about every color and shape of peanut imaginable, but they protect the merchandise just fine. :) What is YOUR take on the Styrofoam vs. cornstarch peanut? Or should I use some other material for padding and protection?

Preparing for a GRAND re-opening

Over the next few months I am aiming to relaunch Elements by Dawn!

We'll have an updated website, packaging, displays, photography, and maybe even some new business cards and promos.

I have worked, studied, and honed my business and jewelry making techniques. I know where I've been and where I want to go! I also know I still have a long road ahead of me too. A very long road.

I'd love to share some of the things I've been working on, but I think it would be best if I left it as a surprise.

Well, OK, just a peek.....

Located above is one of my new product photos (model: Lindsay, photographer: TSHarrington).

Isn't the image just outstanding? Isn't Lindsay just gorgeous?! I love the way the photo shoot went and I hope you like the results too. :)

P.S. Be sure to participate in a little Jewelry Poll on the right. Thanks!

Working on a FRESH start

Where have I been hiding? Well, I wouldn't say I've been hiding! Just elbow deep in creativity.

This past month or so I've been working on an Elements by Dawn make over. I'm doing a ton of research and reading on web design, ecommerce, blogging (well, how to integrate a blog onto my website, anyway!), graphic design, newsletters and so much more. It's all a bit overwhelming for someone who knows so very little about programing and computers.

Luckily my husband is much more tech savvy than I am! We actually make a pretty good team. He does the coding, I do the creative part.

So, this week I've been drawing (yes, on paper with a pencil!!) what I want my website redesign to look like. I've decided to stick with the same color scheme (burgundy, blush, and pink with touches of grey and white) but will be adding some new graphics (because before I didn't have ANY graphics) and a new header.

Of course, I maybe using the wrong terminology here....header, banner, graphic, illustration, wallpaper, background, sidebar, footer, button, etc. It's mostly Greek to me. I just draw it, DH gives it a proper name :)

My goal is to have my redesign completed by Fall. It's going to be tough, but I think with a little (OK...a LOT) of work, we can finish in time.

Off to go do some reading on GIMP and Inkscape.