Cute & Crochet Logo

So, even though I haven't been blogging much lately, it doesn't mean I haven't been working on fun projects! A few months back, Karen from Clare Bear Hats asked me to design a logo and etsy banner for her growing business. It was a great project to work on because all my inspiration was so darn cute. Check out her etsy shop for adorable children's hats and headbands. They're perfect for baby shower or birthday gifts! My favorites are the Chicago Bears and Owl hats.

Arabella On West: Business Cards

I also designed business cards for Emma and her husband from Arabella On West. They wanted a clean, modern design that provided all of the functional aspects of a traditional business card. We landed on a two-sided option that utilized part of the Australian map to pinpoint the hotel's exact location in Adelaide. Emma had the cards printed herself in Dubai. Love them!

South Australia

Australia has always been on my "wish list" of places to visit. I don't know a ton about the "outback", but I do know that it's a long flight from Chicago. I hope to get there one day! Arabella On West (I just designed their logo) is located in Adelaide, SA and is within a block from the beach. The boutique hotel is conveniently located 10-15 minutes from the Adelaide International Airport and city centre. Sounds like Adelaide is great for dining, outdoor markets, museums, parks, beaches, shopping and even golf. Here are a few snapshots from the hotel's grand opening - check out that pool! The hotel opened in 2011 and is currently taking reservations...

©2012 Photos courtesy of Arabella On West

Arabella On West: Logo Design

Almost two years ago now, Emma contacted me about a unique branding project for a boutique hotel she was opening in South Australia. She found Keg Design through a search on the web - I was thrilled and a bit amazed since she lived half way across the world! I jumped at the opportunity to work on the project and have really enjoyed the journey. Emma and her husband renovated the hotel property all the while living in Dubai. That takes some serious dedication and organization! It's funny, I'm just realizing that I've never actually spoken to Emma on the phone, but I do feel like I've gotten to know her over the last two years. She's a great client to work for and is a very talented & ambitious entrepreneur. It's been a privilege to be a part of the Arabella On West project. The final logo design (below), is being utilized in a number of ways, including on the hotel's website and property signage.

The theme Emma challenged me with was "contemporary middle eastern." I took inspiration from Arabic and Moroccan designs, while keeping a "South Beach" modern twist to everything. The hotel offers long term and short term accommodations. More details on the decor and ammenities soon. Here are a few of the "runner-up" designs that I explored for Arabella On West:

Eating Soup with a Fork

As designers, we often go to bed at night hoping for some totally awesome assignment to come our way. So when Chris Rathje contacted me last year about designing the cover of his first book, Don't Be Afraid to Eat Soup with a Fork, I was thrilled. Chris and I went to high school together, and, as with most people these days, reconnected via Facebook. His book, composed of a collection of short stories, is very well written. It's about his journey to realize that any dream is possible, and touches on many inspirational moments. Below, are a few of the early cover explorations I designed for Chris. To see the final book design and learn more about the publication, go here.

EcoKnowledge Nexus

Logo development I did for a company that hosts and produces webinars for other companies. A webinar is an online seminar used for sharing knowledge and making connections with industry experts and peers. The color palette for this business logo is one of my favorites... lime and charcoal. The contrast between the two different fonts keeps the logo feeling balanced, while the circular mark has a futuristic edge. For more information on EcoKnowledge Nexus check out their website.

Green Works

Recent branding development I did for a Chicago based contracting company specializing in the installation and maintenance of vegetated green roofs. I think it's amazing that you can construct and grow gardens on the top of city buildings...I wish I had one above me! Check out Rooftop Green Works for more information and some really amazing photographs.

Meaningful Moss

These are SO cool! I love moss - I think it's beautiful! I came across these installations on Pillar Box Post - a super cool blog about design and living across the pond (aka. in England). These beauties were created by Curb, a natural media company based in the UK. Curb creates unique media and advertising solutions using only natural earth elements. Check out more of their cool work here. What wonderful inspiration for an outdoor wedding!

Brand Development: Molly Meyer LLC

Logo development for a "green roof" solutions and consulting company located in Chicago. Molly Meyer LLC advises design professionals and contractors on technical issues for building vegetated green roofs, offers installers a one-stop shop for green roof products, and guides do-it-yourself-ers through design, installation and maintenance. Molly, the founder and owner of Molly Meyer LLC, chose the top logo design as her final brand mark. For more on her company, go here.

My Business Cards

I wanted to share some photos of my "Keg Design" business cards. I had them printed a few months ago, using 1-color letterpress on heavy weight Crane's paper. I'm very happy with how they turned out! 

Go Team!

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Logo exploration for an Atlanta, GA Lacrosse team. Go Lax Dawgs!

Business Cards: Midwest Creative

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Full color, 2-sided business cards w/ rounded corners

Brand Development: Midwest Creative

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Logo exploration for a private real estate company

Brand Development: Insite Brokerage Inc.

Logo

Full-color, 2-sided business cards w/ rounded corners

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Brand Development: Slimpressions

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I've had an amazing experience working with Amy and Jennifer at Slimpressions on their brand development over the past few years. I've helped them create a logo, visual identity system, product hang-tag and numerous marketing & trade show pieces. I would highly recommend Slimpressions to anyone who is looking for a shapewear product to slim their arms, back and midriff. Slimpressions create an amazing illusion of weight reduction (see the "before" and "after" shots of the model's arm above!). The "Haves" and "Have Nots" are great for mother-of-the-brides or grandmothers who are hoping to slim down for the big day! The "Skinny Minis" are great for warmer weather, as they have adjustable spaghetti straps (no sleeves). Slimpressions has been featured in Redbook magazine and is available online and at boutiques across the country. Go here to find a store near you.

What's in a name?

It all started back in high school...someone realized that my initials spelled KEG. How cool!

KEG quickly became my nickname, and a common occurrence on the back of t-shirts, beer mugs and name tags. When it came time to create my senior portfolio in college, I needed a unique way to "brand" myself to the rest of the world. I thought, why not use KEG? While everyone else was using his or her full name (or something equally as boring), I decided to go the "cool" route and, alas, KEG DESIGN was born. It has been a small, growing freelance business ever since. 

Coincidentally, the rest of my family has pretty "cool" initials too. My mom is MEG, my dad TEG, and, well, somehow my little brother got the short end of the stick with CTG. (Haha- it explains a lot!)

I have a bit of a dilemma regarding the future status of the "G" in my initials. I'm marrying the love of my life this summer, and his last name starts with "D." KED isn't bad, but it's nowhere near as cool as KEG. I'll just have to see what happens...

Cheers,

KEG, aka "Kelly"